A New Lord (Lyanna/Edward/Leonard/ Callidora/Devin/Adeline 6/13 9sm)

[Lyanna Winter]

Lyanna paced the Green Parlor Room that she and Edward had requested in order to meet with House Althalos and House Lennox. The invitations had been sent from House Winter with no specifics on the identities of the senders. Lyanna had been the one to pen the original greeting, which had been copied by the house steward and delivered to each of the affected houses.

House Winter requests your presence for tea in the Green Parlor Room to discuss important matters regarding the future of our House. Tea will be served on the hour of nine, on the morning of June thirteenth.

Short and simple, but Edward wanted nothing to indicate the news he planned to share. Lyanna could understand; hearing about the death of a relative was difficult enough, harder, she thought, than seeing the death first hand. She'd watched her father perish firsthand. Such an experience was difficult, but she found accepting that he was gone easier than when Benjamin had been happy and healthy when he left and dead when he returned. Already tears threatened to fall again at the thought of his death, but she blinked them away, determined to remain stoic when they informed his family of the loss.

"I assume you will do the talking?" she finally asked Edward. She did not want to be the one to have to tell two women they had lost a family member, nor did she believe Lena or Kamilla, who were seated on the sofa, wanted that burden either. And Sebastian was so ill when they left that he hardly even open his eyes when they'd left. Lyanna wasn't sure he'd still be alive when the family returned to Blasa, but she was glad that Edward had still wanted to attend the wedding.

"As Lord of the House, Edward should share the news," Lena voiced. Her comment was only half true. Until Sebastian actually died, he would remain Lord of House Winter, but all decisions were being made by Edward anyway. Lyanna finally settled herself enough to sit in one of the chairs that surrounded the eagle carved low table in the center of the room. She couldn't agree with Lena more.

[Edward Winter]

Edward glanced sidelong at Lena when she referred to him as the Lord of the House. While he might currently be in all but name, he still wasn't officially the Lord, and while his father was currently quite unwell this wasn't the first time he'd battled an illness. Edward hadn't seriously considered that Sebastien might succumb before they returned. Perhaps he had been too busy to entertain that notion. Hearing his mother say that sent a chill down his spine, as he wondered if perhaps this illness would be more serious than the others. If she had given up hope...

"I will be the one to tell them." Edward nodded slowly as he spoke, latching onto the conversation to avoid thinking about things he'd rather not dwell on. "The burden should not be in any of your shoulders. If I am to, one day, be worthy to be Lord of House Winter, then I must be able to handle things like this."

Despite his inner turmoil as he thought of his father's health, Edward masked those feelings behind a steely countenance. It would not do to betray any weakness, even among family. As he looked back to the door, awaiting the arrival of the others, he let out a long breath he wasn't aware he was holding. This would take considerable mental effort now, to avoid thinking about his father's well-being during these important meetings. Hopefully he would be up to the task.

[Devin Lennox]

Devin had received the invitation for tea and he was curious to know what his wife’s family wanted. He had no inkling about what this might be about, there had been nothing within the note to even give him a hint of what was to come.

He hadn’t been entirely certain he wanted to accept the invitation, but he was curious to hear what this ‘important matters regarding the future of House Winter’ was. Besides, Devin was not one to keep his wife from her family if she wanted to speak with them. At any rate, it would have been rude to decline unless he had a good reason to do so which he didn’t, which was why he was here with Adeline on his arm.

Devin paused outside the Green Parlor Room, a few minutes before nine, and glanced over at Adeline, patting her hand gently. “Are you ready dear?”

[Adeline Lennox]

Adeline walked, alongside Devin, to the Green Parlor Room. She had a sinking feeling in her chest when she received the message, complete with the seal of her birth house. But, when she opened it, her view softened a little. Sebastian was ill - chances were he wouldn't be able to make the long journey. Perhaps it was Benjamin that requested her presence. Plus, if she were invited, surely Callidora would have been invited to tea also?

She looked to her husband and smiled. She knew he knew of her reluctance, whatever of it still remained. "Yes, I'm ready. It will be nice to see them."

She led Devin inside the parlor, and over to where her family sat. She had been correct, Sebastian wasn't there, and if he had been well enough to make the journey he certainly would be here. Edward, rather than Benjamin, was here. It may be that Benjamin had chosen to stay with his father, but she still found it odd. "Hello. I trust the morning finds you well?"

[Lyanna Winter]

Lyanna looked up from her seat as two people entered the room. She could only assume that they were Lord and Lady Lennox, as Lyanna had met Callidora and Leonard many times in the past. At first glance, they seemed like nice enough people, but Adeline was House Winter by birth and Lyanna would hold her judgement until she truly met the woman.

She watched as Lena rose from the sofa. "Adeline, it has been far too long. Last I saw you, we had watched you wed. How the years just seem to fly by." Lena moved to embrace Adeline, her sister-in-law as though they were old friends. Lyanna had never heard Lena speak about Adeline, or any of Sebastian's sisters. She felt herself shudder slightly even thinking of the now ill man. Lyanna sent a silent prayer to Amalthia that the man would be dead before they returned, then rose from her own seated position to greet the part of her family she'd never met. "Welcome. I am Lyanna Darsling Winter, Edward's wife. Please, come and sit down and have a cup a tea."

She would play the hostess for the day, hoping that her role would show Amalthia she was serious about her plea for Sebastian's death.

[Leonard Althalos Lorterra]

The invitation had stirred his curiosity. How could it not? The future of house Winter was obviously something of great import to him, and definitely to Callidora. Of all of the things that were going on this day, this was one that kept returning to his thoughts. The missive was vague, surprising.

Leonard didn't always like to be surprised, but hopefully this meant good news. Callidora could use some good news, they both could. Things in Alska seemed to be alright. Things between them were less warm.

Still, he entered with her at the appropriate time, glad to see that there were plenty already in attendance. That meant less waiting.

He stopped short and gave a short bow in respect to Edward and Lyanna, and then to Lord and Lady Lennox. This was Callidora's family, though they were related through marriage, it was best to act on the safe side.

"Good afternoon," he greeted them, and then stepped aside in order to allow Callidora to greet her family. As always in their presence he would defer to her expertise.

[Callidora Althalos]

Callidora stepped into the room, her heart sinking slightly when she realized Benjamin wasn't there. The stranger thing was that Lyanna, his wife, was present. Why would Lyanna be here without Benjamin? She almost asked, but then her mother was crossing the room after disengaging from Adeline, approaching her so fast that Callidora thought the woman was afraid she would flee before her mother could arrive. She remained in place as Lena threw her arms around Callidora, and then Callidora returned the hug. She'd missed her mother and she had to admit the woman was different when Sebastian wasn't around.

She gave Adeline a smile, then crossed to embrace her as well. Then Kamilla came over to see her, a bright smile on her face. The girl looked nearly the same as Callidora had when she was seventeen years of age. Callidora had been long gone from the Winter house when her younger sister was born, but seeing the girl who looked so much like she had, Callidora couldn't help but love her instantly. She embraced Kamilla as well, then finally turned to where her brother stood.

"Edward," she said softly. Her relationship with Edward was nearly as non-existent as the one with Kamilla. Edward had been so young when she'd left, and he and Benji had both been her father's strapping sons, leaving the little girl awash in jealousy and spite. Only when she'd been away from Sebastian had she repaired the rift between herself and Benji. That opportunity had never presented itself with Edward. Even so, he was her brother. "It's good to see you again." She paused. "Lyanna, you as well." Callidora had always enjoyed the company of the young Darsling woman. "Where is Benjamin?"

[Devin Lennox]

Devin relaxed entirely. If Adeline was ok with this and even saying that it would be nice to see her family then he had no more reason to be reluctant. He followed her into the parlor, bowing politely to her family.

When Leonard and Callidora arrived, Devin bowed politely toward them as well before turning back to Lyanna. “Thank you for the welcome Lady Lyanna. I’m Devin Lennox ... Adeline’s husband.”

He moved over to sit down as Adeline continued to greet her family.

[Adeline Lennox]

Adeline embraced Lena, thankful to see the woman again as they both got so much older. She was a new woman since the last time Adeline had seen her, and that was a good thing. She looked to the girl seated to Lena's left, and made an educated guess. She was a spitting image of Callidora. "You must be Kamilla. I'm sorry to have not met you sooner."

Adeline turned to Lyanna. "It's lovely to meet you as well, Lyanna." She remembered House Darsling from her time in Blasa, and she still got the news from the Province.

She embraced Callidora back, and paused when she mentioned Benjamin. Of course, Calli was expecting to see her brother, just as Adeline had been. So Adeline wasn't wrong to find it strange that Benjamin hadn't come to the tea.

[Edward Winter]

Edward forced a smile as everyone arrives, though he couldn't help but notice the distance most of them showed to him. Of course, he barely knew his older sister Callidora. He couldn't expect people to fall all over themselves to please him, particularly when they might not have expected his presence at all. His news wouldn't be the type to engender good moods, so the bridge-building might have to come at a different time.

"Greetings, everyone. Lord and Lady Lennox, Lord and Lady Althalos." His gaze lingered briefly on Callidora as he addressed her by title, inwardly wishing he could just call her by name. Formalities would be important in settings like this, however.

"I know some of you likely have some questions. Unfortunately, the reason that we've summoned you here isn't good." Edward took care to note 'we', not wanting to cause undue concern. The way events had transpired was going to cause enough problems without him making a big deal of himself. "I know that you've heard of Lord Sebastian's poor health. I wish that that was the only concern I would be raising, but we are not so fortunate. There was..."

He trailed off, not sure how to continue with the revelation. Should he try to explain in detail? Build up to it gently? He shook his head slowly, obviously conflicted by it all, before finally speaking bluntly.

"Benjamin was in an accident while on a hunt. He... He didn't make it."

Edward let out a long sigh as he said that, his gaze dropping briefly into his lap, before he looked back up to everyone else to see their reactions. While he was making sure to try to remain composed, seeing his aunt or sister break into tears might challenge his ability to do so.

[Callidora Althalos]

He didn't make it.

The words echoed in her mind over and over as she lowered herself slowly to the sofa in shock. Her hands went to cover her mouth, a feeble attempt to keep her emotions from spilling out her vocal chords. Benjamin had been the one person in her family she'd truly and deeply loved, their relationship cemented during their years together in Kyla. To hear that he was gone was a harsh blow. Death might have been common in Forsilvra, but suddenly losing a brother was never easy.

Lena sat down beside her and offered an arm, a fresh set of tears wetting her eyes. Callidora leaned against the woman for the first time in years, knowing she and her mother had shared the same pains in the past. This was no different. She lifted her eyes to glance at Lyanna. The woman was straight-faced, keeping her emotions in check. Callidora could almost sense a waiver in her expression when their eyes met, but then it was gone and Lyanna was approaching with a handkerchief.

"It was only an accident," Lyanna said softly, "But House Winter grieved his death." Callidora took the offered cloth and pressed it against her eyes. She knew her emotions were far more wild and unpredictable than normal, and her tears began to flow like a rushing river.

"Edward, what happened? How? Benji was such a good hunter..." Callidora sobbed, unable to accept so soon that her brother was no longer among the living. She watched through blurry eyes as Lyanna retreated to the back of the room, Kamilla had retired to another chair, trying to avoid the unhappy scene by appearing aloof and uninvolved. "I want to know."

[Leonard Althalos Lorterra]

Leonard bowed to Devin in return, drawing silent as the family greeted each other. Perhaps because his own family was smaller, he always felt like a spectator at these events. Edward seemed quiet, his smile rather fixed, but one thing he appreciated about the man as he began to speak was that he didn't tarry.

Before he could properly even consider what this 'not good' news was, it came spilling out. Leonard stared on with shock. Death was common. Senseless, even. But it seemed so meaningless when it was so close. Watching the news strike his wife, he reached for her, even as she sat down. She was quickly helped by family, while others seemed to retreat. As they stepped forward, he stepped back. He wanted nothing than to have her alone and hold her for awhile. But that could come later. She needed her own flesh and blood now.

Benjamin. Of all the things he could have possibly guessed at, this was not one of them. He wasn't even sure how he felt. Except that it was all so skewed, and wrong.

"You mentioned Lord Sebastian's health," he found his voice. "Has he...?" Leonard didn't dare finish the sentence. Had there been two deaths in the family? Or was that simply another part, that Sebastian was weakening?

[Adeline Lennox]

Adeline took a sharp intake of breath, it only took a half a second for a million memories to flash through her head, the day he was born, holding him as a baby, helping Lena change him, the day he and Calli left House Winter, only months before she herself left. But she snapped back into the present, knowing now that she would have to keep it together and that the others would need her support.

Callidora had already begun to sob, and Adeline went to her first, much like Lena had already done. While trying to comfort her, Adeline made sure to keep a sharp eye on Lena. While no mother can bear to lose a child, with Lena's history she was more apt than most to fall in a depression over it.

She listened to Calli's question, curious herself, and then Leonard's. She didn't even think to ask about Sebastian, their relationship so strained and the realities of the future of her birthhouse now so different. Nothing she could say right now could change anything, so she sat back and waited for the questions to be answered.

[Edward Winter]

"Something in the brush spooked his horse while he was lining up a shot. It reared, threw him off. He wasn't ready for it at all, and hit his head on a tree. It was... It was messy. There was nothing I could do, there was nothing any of us could do. I... I don't think he suffered, at least."

Edward lowered his head after telling the brief story, wiping some tears from his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, before looking to Leonard.

"Lord Sebastian is ill, but he is still alive. He has been sick several times over the last few years, so I am sure he will pull through this. The timing is unfortunate, as I'm sure he would have liked to deliver the news himself, but he has trusted me in his stead."

Edward looked back towards Callidora, seeming as if he wanted to offer consolation, but no words come to mind. He simply fell silent instead.

[Lyanna Winter]

Hearing the story again nearly brought tears to Lyanna's eyes, but the last thing she wanted to do was break down again in front of Edward and his family. She'd forced herself in the open, helping Callidora with her own grief as a way to hide her own, but watching Benjamin's sister nearly fall to pieces was too much. Lyanna stepped to the back of the room, trying to get away from everyone.

If only the whole family would die... Then she could raise Collin to be the proper heir of House Winter. She'd left her son in the care of a handmaiden for this meeting, but now she wished she'd brought the boy so that Callidora and her husband could meet the future Lord of Psyna. So that Callidora and Leonard would know that Edward was not and never would be Lord.

She almost spoke, then held her tongue. Now wasn't the right time to bring Collin up. Not with the death so fresh.

[Callidora Althalos]

Callidora's lips curled into a grimace at the mention of her father. While she and Edward had never been close, her hatred for the Lord of House Winter did not extend to any other members of the family. Her lack of a relationship with Edward was an outcome of her parents sending her away at such at young age. Something I should remedy in the near future Edward and Kamilla were not to blame for her parents treatment of Callidora in her youth.

"Hearing the news from you, Edward, is far preferred than even seeing father again." Callidora replied darkly, unafraid to voice her true feelings for the man. Nearly under her breath, she whispered softly, "His death will not come soon enough." Callidora didn't doubt that anyone close heard her words. She felt Lena stiffen slightly, and wondered if her mother still harbored guilt for Callidora's youth. But Lena had little to no backbone, and Callidora knew that she'd never speak out against the men who ruled House Winter.

She watched Lyanna drift to the back of the room. Certainly it was hard for Callidora to lose a brother, but for Lyanna to lose her husband? Callidora glanced at Leonard and felt her stomach sinking again. Losing him would be unbearable. She pushed the thought aside - there was no sense in dealing with more than one issue at a time - and turned her thoughts back to her House.

Lyanna turned around and her eyes met Callidora's, and Callidora realized all she could see was deep sadness. "Benjamin left an heir at least," Callidora said softly, trying to gently remind her sister-in-law that there were still important people in her life to live for.

[Devin Lennox]

Devin was startled by the news when he heard it. He hadn’t really been expecting the death of Benjamin. He glanced toward his wife to see how she was taking the news, wanting to be there for her if she needed him. He could see that she had been taken by surprise, but she seemed more interested in helping the rest of her family, such as Callidora, handle the news.

He waited until she had sat down before taking a seat next to her and reaching for her hand. Squeezing it gently to let her know he was there if she needed him, Devin turned to listen to Edward talk. The talk of a hunting accident left him feeling more uncomfortable then he cared to admit, after all his own father had died while hunting. Those were memories that he always tried to bury away. He didn’t want to think of them now, especially not when Adeline might need him.

Devin nodded when Edward said answered Leonard’s question by saying that Lord Sebastian was merely ill. That was a blessing at least. It would have been far worse if there were two deaths in the family.

[Leonard Althalos Lorterra]

Leonard nodded in response to Edward. He wanted to say that maybe Sebastion's illness was a blessing in disguise, he thought that the only thing worse for his wife than hearing the news of her brother's death, would be to hear it from her father. A moment later, Callidora pretty much said the same thing herself. He saw her glance at him and he smiled at her, not because he was happy, but out of concern. As if to say: 'I am here for you.' But he didn't want to smother her in front of her family.

"Where do you go from here, then?" Leonard asked, after another respectful pause. "What can House Althalos do to make this terrible event easier for you?"

[Adeline Lennox]

As Adeline pieced together Lyanna's role in the house, she began to worry about the girl. She couldn't imagine losing your husband so young, and to remain in House Winter with her child.

She heard Calli's statement on Adeline's brother, and chose not to comment on it. She agreed, of course, but there was no need to wish death on him. From what Sebastian's letters said to Adeline, he was not so optimistic as Edward seemed to be, and rather than wish death upon her brother, Adeline trusted Amalthia to give him his due, in due time.

She wished she could offer something, as Leonard had, but she knew that this was a Blasa only situation. What could she and Devin offer, half a continent away from them? She rarely regretted feeling distant from her family, but right now she felt it more severely than usual. She held Devin's hand a little tighter.

[Edward Winter]

Edward fidgited as the others discussed the news, seeming particularly uncomfortable as Callidora mentioned their father. He knew of her dislike for Sebastian, but didn't know why she held such a grudge against him. He'd never really had the chance to ask her about it, and this certainly wasn't the place. Still, while he wanted very much to leave and have some time to himself, there was one other piece of news he would have to pass on.

"With the accident, to ensure the proper succession, I offered to Lyanna to take her as my wife and she graciously accepted. She will still have someone to care for her, and Colin will have a father to look up to." Edward glanced to Lyanna as he finished, his gaze seeming sad, as if he felt her pain.

[Callidora Althalos]

Callidora's eyes shot to Lyanna. The woman was huddled in the back of the room, her expression blank, eyes staring straight ahead. No matter which pieces of Callidora's heart were breaking off, she doubted they compared to the ones Lyanna had buried in Benjamin's grave. Callidora had seen the couple together; they were obviously in love. She reached instinctively for Leonard's hand, but her husband was still standing. Instead she grasped Lena's instead, wondering how he mother had handled the loss of her son.

She looked to Edward again. Her younger brother was making the responsible choices, sacrificing any thoughts of taking his own choice of bride to wed his brother's widow and care for his future Lord. Edward had been raised by Sebastian, but she could hardly picture of father being self-sacrificing.

"Edward," Callidora said softly, feeling another pang of regret that she had never taken much time to know her brother. Jealousy and anger had ruled most of her life, and she'd purposefully shunned everyone who held the surname of Winter in an attempt for revenge on her parents. But Edward wasn't Sebastian, and he wasn't to blame for the things her father did. "Congratulations," she finally told him. "You didn't announce this. Perhaps we need to celebrate somehow?"

[Leonard Althalos Lorterra]

Leonard was surprised by Edward's announcement, though perhaps he shouldn't be. The man seemed to act responsibly, though sometimes he didn't know what to make of his wife's family, either through her own views on them or the interesting politics that seemed to arise from having them as a bannerhouse.

But that was neither here nor there now. "Congratulations," he echoed Callidora, though he wasn't sure if that was the most appropriate word for it. "When is the wedding to take place? If it has not already."

[Lyanna Winter]

Lyanna's head snapped up at Leonard's question, but she remained silent in the background. Let her husband explain the details to his liege lord rather than her. She could not hide the sadness in her voice, while Edward's would likely beam with pleasure at discussing their recent marriage. He did not grieve for his brother the same way she grieved for her lost husband.

She suddenly wished Collin was with her, so she could hug him tightly against him. He was the piece of her husband she had left to love and cherish, and while Edward was close in blood and ties to Benjamin, Lyanna couldn't seem to compare them in the same way.

She pushed a smile on her face; Edward would not be pleased if she allowed too much of her grieve to flow. Of course, her sadness was expected, but shouldn't she be happy as well? He was caring for her and her son, the responsible path. At least, that was what she could see etched on Leonard's face.

[Edward Winter]

"The wedding has already happened. We felt it would be best to take care of it as quickly as possible. Not as much pomp and circumstance as usual, I know, but none of us were in the mood for celebration, given what's happened." Edward glanced to Lyanna, noticing her attempt to seem cheerful, and he tried to match her spirit, though it seemed forced.

"As for celebration, I don't think this is the time or place for anything beyond a simple toast. We cannot hope to compete with the wedding here, nor would I wish to try to upstage our hosts. We could arrange for something more extravagant later, of course, perhaps after Father's health improves." Edward flashed a wan smile at his sister Callidora, knowing she meant well by suggesting some form of celebration. Indeed, with the importance of weddings in the land, the hurried marriage of Edward and Lyanna was quite abnormal. Though most weddings don't have such a tragic backstory.

[Callidora Althalos]

Callidora found herself nodding along with Edward's words. She couldn't imagine the grief she'd feel if she lost Leonard so quickly, but with four children and a fifth on the way, she would certainly need help and support. Leonard had no brothers, or uncles, or anyone else; she'd have to look to his banner lords. One look at her brother and she knew she needed to mend their relationship.

"In Kyla then, once the King and his party have left Blasa. We can always keep it small, but i'm sure Lyanna's family would love to attend." Lyanna had a twin sister and other siblings from House Darsling; Callidora knew them all well enough. House Darsling was close to House Althalos and only age separated Callidora from Amelia and the others. She left out mention of her own father. Despite Edward's obvious approval of the man, Callidora could barely stomach the revulsion that bubbled from her stomach at just thought of him.

She glanced at Leonard, but she couldn't imagine why he wouldn't approve. Edward was his brother-in-law though Callidora and by marriage they were family. And Collin should get to know his cousins. Perhaps the Althalos family could offer to ward him when he was older.

[Leonard Althalos Lorterra]

Leonard smiled approvingly and nodded to his wife as she glanced at him. "I think Callidora has a capital idea. I certainly understand your grief, but a new marriage does deserve celebration in it's own right. Despite the circumstances, I do hope the two of you can find happiness together."

He also left out mention of Callidora's father-- that was a hornet's nest he had no desire to go around stirring up. He rather thought she had enough going on right now that she need not deal with that. It was one more thing that didn't need to be present in her life.

[Lyanna Winter]

"We thank you for your kind words," Lyanna called softly from where she stood. A celebration was the last thing she wanted, but she would not turn down a trip to Kyla if that is what Callidora intended. Kyla held happy memories, and she would likely see her family yet again. She was already looking forward to seeing her sisters again now that everyone had gathered here in Alska for the events.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to be excused to check on Collin," she whispered softly to Edward. Lena, overheard, gave her the most glaring of looks. Lyanna stepped back bruised, wondered if anyone else in the room had picked up on the face that the Lady of House Winter had no love for her daughter-in-law. "But I can wait..." she muttered, and reseated herself in one of the chairs by the window, hoping the conversation would end sooner rather than later.

"Well, I think the idea is fabulous, dear!" Lena gushed to her daughter. "We see so little of you these days; any opportunity to spend time with my daughter is an occasion to celebrate." Lyanna resisted rolling her eyes and forced herself to maintain proper posture. Lena's subtle comment was obviously directed at her, but Lyanna would not give her mother-in-law, who had never truly accepted her even as Benjamin's wife, the satisfaction of knowing that the comment had even registered. Lena was only attempting to inflict more painful wounds, as if the Winter family needed any more of that.

[Edward Winter]

"We should be able to set something up in Kyla later. Once... a bit of time has passed." Edward glanced to Lyanna, not having missed his mother's reaction to her request. Feeling sympathy for her, not particularly wanting to continue the conversation at the moment, he decided to side with Lyanna despite his mother's apparent annoyance.

"I have some matters I need to attend to before lunch. I thank you all for coming to hear the sad news. We'll work out a time to visit Kyla sometime over the summer." Edward stood up and offered Lyanna his hand, flashing a weak smile to his sister as he does so.

[Callidora Althalos]

"Thank you for telling me this," Callidora told her brother as she rose from the sofa, unaware of the strange exchange between the members of House Winter. Turning to Leonard, she indicated she felt they should leave as well. After quick, and perhaps still, goodbyes to each of her family members, she headed from the room.