***** The night of the bandit raid ****
As Sheva made her way back toward the encampment, Su Lin steps back over the deceased bandit. Crouching down next to him, she softly rests her hand over his face whispering
“Look over and guide this soul in your care, provide his rebirth into a more useful and prosperous life, allow his new life have meaning.”
Her thoughts momentary drift to the master elders words that it is the Gods which bring life and control destiny. Be it these Gods or Nature herself, the life which was departed the shell before her was at her hands therefore she would offer words to be it the Gods or Nature for a merciful rebirth.
Su Lin then stands bringing her thoughts back to the here and now. This woman whom spoke of Ky, no matter if he is employed under her care or she associating with him for whatever reason, this was troubling. If it were her first meeting Morinth, she would not simply vanish into the night, she would take care to observe the woman. She could not sense others or did not have the feeling of being watched yet if this woman were with Ky, he would not be with one easily detected. More out of a hunch, Su Lin stands with her hand at the ready to draw her sword if needed and speaks in a direct and calm tone
“You may come out from where you watch from, I believe a conversation is in order, was the name your sister spoke - Morinth?”
Su Lin stands in a relaxed posture yet ready for any sudden attack which might transpire. If she was wrong and Shiva’s sister was not observing her from a concealed place,she would seek Morinth out. Their lives will cross again if she was with her brother, now will be just as good a time as several moons later to have this initial conversation.
“Be at ease, warrior of the afterlife… If I wanted I would have shoot an arrow long ago… Alas, why bother me now?”, the elven lady gracefully jumped down from one the tree’s branches and fixed her hair around her shoulder. While Sheva kept her black hair tidy and braided most of the time, Morinth seemed to care less for such neatly style. Still once again the imagination was almost uncanny. However while Sheva felt like a cold breeze, Mornith appeared somewhat ‘warm’.
“Speak”, Morinth barked as her eyes narrowed and her eyebrows showed hint of annoyance.
Su Lin does not react to the Morinth’s appearance, one thing confirmed, this woman was indeed a force to be cautious of. She remains in a casual posture, her facial expression remains neutral. Raising her hand to her chest slightly nodding ever watchful of Morinth, she calmly offers
“I do trust we both are aware of the child my brother seeks. By what reason does he seek such a nothing child for? Does he come on your gold or does he accept gold from another?”
Such a casual question, one she really does not expect a full response from, this is more focusing upon the woman for any change in expression, to gauge any increased agitation displayed when speaking of the child. That alone would be tell tale of what the woman and her brother know of the story of the child and if she herself should grow weary of young Jamon.
“Frankly… I don’t know”, was all the elf woman said, looking straight into Su Lin’s eyes, “I really didn’t mind asking about the cur either… Your brother came to me when I was most broken. Lost without a cause. I was at the brink of death but he decided to to let me leave and in turn promised me the bloods of many men. I agreed. If you want more information you should probably talk to him”.
As Morinth makes mention of the promise of the blood of many men, the first betrayal of her stoic appearance gives way as a flash of anger washes over her features, her lips curl back for the briefest of seconds as her thought drifts to the pain and suffering her brother needlessly causes for shiny stones and gold. Without thought, she hisses out
“Ky has NO honor, needless blood as with excessive rains damage, not create, why does he not know this already!”
Su Lin lets out a sigh having not wanted to diminish the conversation with Sheva’s sister, Ky’s reckless ways still bring out her bad side. Regaining her demeanor, a token seemed to have been provided by this woman. Mayhaps something which could be of use to her, her tone back to a calm soothing voice
“You mentioned being on the brink of death which he let you live, do you owe him then a life debt in following him? If so, it is not one he would ever honor nor does he deserve that form of loyalty.” was all she could think of to distract from her outburst.
“I owe him nothing”, Mornith shook her head, “But I find his company amusing… I am not looking for worthy cause, if that is what you’re asking, but a place to finally recognize as my own… be it my grave, let it be so”.
Su Lin watches carefully while listening to Mornith’s words. Fully aware that she could have attacked earlier, Su Lin relaxes her posture, her tone remaining flat
“His company amuses you? Interesting indeed. For a place to recognise as your own … I will not put on a pretence of knowing all that lead up to your being at this place at this time … truly though, claiming a grave early I would guess is not your end game. Would I be correct that you know nothing of the child my brother seeks?”
The elf raised her eyebrows, “I am not sure… But it will explain why he takes interest in your group… Unless that is more to it… but who can tell for sure?”
After a momentary pause, Su Lin moves her hand to her chest, hand fully open showing no intent of any hostile moves, if the Elf were aware of Ky, then this action would be evident. Her tone monotone and matter of factish
“Please speak these words to my brother when you next see him. I have no desire to give him a new birth however should he continue on what he does for mere gold or gems, one of us will see a new life and I shall pray to nature for a more honorable life in his next birth.”
“It is always sad when family turn to use blade against one another… but it seems to be a fate one cannot avoid… I will give your words to your brother and you will give the words back to my sister in return… Farwell”, and with that she was gone, using the shadows to disappear into the wood.
Su Lin steps back watching Mornith disappear into the dark of the night. She looks back toward the deceased bandit before stepping into the darkness of the night herself heading back to camp.
**** Morning ***
Having spent the remainder of the night just outside camp sleeping lightly, she did not stir yet aware of when young Jamon returned to camp with another female. Su Lin also paid no attention to the prisoner which Adam seemed to acquire.
As the sun rose, she was already in camp as the other Rogues were preparing to break camp. Jamon was still outside Mynx’ tent yet safe within the confines of the camp. The youth approaches Su Lin and in a disheartened tone speaks in a direct tone
“Miss Mok, I have let you down and failed in what you have tried to teach me. I was taken by a being far stronger and faster than I because I was being stupid. I did not have my steel with me and my dagger was of no use. If it were not for another, I would surely have lost my life last night. I do not believe I am worthy of you trying to teach me.” Jamon’s head hung in obvious disappointment in himself.
As Su Lin stepped in front of the young man, he tensed up awaiting the slap along the face, the palm in his chest or other punishment. There is no boastfulness present, no seeking a servant to intervene on his behalf, the youth was not the same as when she first saw him more than a week past. Su Lin simply rests her hand softly to the side of his face, a rare smile on her lips as she simply offers in a soft tone he had never heard her use
“Your eyes are finally open, your mind is ready to be filled with knowledge. You were not worthy before, you have just learned something that can not be spoken. Now you are ready to actually learn young Sire. Keep becoming one with your steel, we shall speak further when we finish our next ride.”
Su Lin takes one step back raising her hand, rather than the typical slap along his face he was growing accustomed to, she rests her hand on her chest and nods her head, the same Jamon has seen her do to Adam, Tris and others. Before he has the chance to speak, she has turned and stepped back to the others busy readying for travel.
********** Alegast **********
The ride was quiet, Su Lin keeping a mindful eye toward the darkness they rode into keeping several arrows close on the side of her saddle as well as her sword sheathed across her back. Jamon rode close to Mynx and Su Lin, his own sword across his back as he had started carrying it feeling a new sense of worth.
As a new day was beginning to come to life with the sun rays starting to reach out across the land, Su Lin rode away from the traveling group. In a short span, she rejoined the group as they rode toward the gates of Alegast. She had removed her armor and now wears a fine silken purple outfit, her sword stowed along her saddle and her hair brushed, a fine purple silken ribbon in back of her hair holding the ponytail. This generates a gasp from young Jamon who has seen her for the first time as a woman, not a murderess or tormentor.
It has been several years since she last set foot in Alegast, as the Rogues enter and make way past the statue of the town’s founder, she dismounts and steps toward the statue touching her hand to her chest bowing with respect. She then removes a single flower from her silk belt laying to at the foot of the statue. She steps softly back to her mount and walks with it toward the annex buildings.
As the Rogues gained the attention of some within town, so did Su Lin. As Balder pointed to the Annex buildings and the group proceeded to tend to the wagons as well as the animals, she brought her gear to a small room. While others might choose to sleep as young Jamon did, she steps outside to see how Alegast might have changed since last she set foot within the streets.
Su Lin exited the Annex Building into the courtyard wearing her fine silk clothing, wristband and boot dagger. Equally useful was the fine silk ribbon holding her ponytail which had fibers woven inside which could withstand a blade strike and still strangle someone should the need arise.
She softly walks along, her own steps near silent as the warmth of the midday sun surrounds her. A voice behind her stops her mid step
“Gentle day Nerium…”
She need not turn nor even listen to the voice. Near no one refers to her as Nerium, a nickname given for the Nerium oleander, a beautiful flower so deadly even the scent given could kill. Her tone unusually pleasant
“Gentle day to you dear brother…” as she turns to look upon Ky, having expected to have seen Mornith along Ky, she inquires “...dear brother, where is your pet, or are you her pet?”
Ky offers her a grin “Dear sister, your words are as sharp as your blades. My companion is about to see her sister. I see you travel with more than just Myst. Is Myst in the stable? It is just strange seeing you with traveling companions.”
She looks upon Ky for a moment, her tone still friendly “Yes dear brother, my Myst is resting comfortably in the stable. Your concern is touching. It is nice that you have come all this way to see on the well being of my horse. Now that you have confirmed Myst’s well being, you will be returning to where ever you journeyed from?”
Ky lets out a smirk “Dear sister, you know why I am here. Still trying to protect those who need see a new birth I see. My companion mentioned that you still say the prayer for those you send for their new life. Than is so you Nerium. Tell me sister, does the child that sniffs the cat you ride with know that you destroy Royals? Not that it should matter to the boy…” a smirk forms on Ky’s lips “...you really don’t know the child, do you my sister?”
Su Lin keeps a neutral expression on her face, her tone direct with a hint of irritation
“I do not destroy Royals, I keep order and balance. What I do is for the benefit of the natural order, give new life to those whom do harm and cause needless bloodshed. I do not rebirth life for mere trinkets and gold as you do dear brother.”
Ky has a trace of amusement in his tone
“Those whom cause needless bloodshed … how quaint … know it or not Nerium, you described the cat’s play toy, the child you oddly protect. Yes Su, I do take coin to come see this child…” Ky lets out a light hearted laugh “... if only you knew who paid me these coins and stones.” with a slight pause, Ky’s tone grows flat “As with the flower’s name which describes you, beautiful yet incurably deadly, so is the boy. Do not bother asking the child anything, he but a Sloth, quite dense and stupid, by now I trust you have seen the child is wide eyed and innocent, too trusting on … well … everything. He is nothing but a token for others, his usefulness is over to those who created him, now it is time he is removed. You may say the prayer that he is born into something smarter in his next life. While he breathes, he is a danger to those who created him, when this puppet strings are severed, those who created him have plans.”
Ky offers a genuine smile “That is the precious part dear sister, rather the child continues to breathe in his current form or is reborn, there will be death and destruction which you can not prevent.”
There is obvious aggravation on Su Lin’s features yet she offers in a calm tone
“Dear brother, weave your words on others. With any play, there are only words written by quil for those to follow. Change one of the thespians and the outcome changes. Know this my brother, I know not what the play had in store for young Jamon, I do not intend on him being used by those not worthy of life.”
A knowing grin forms across Ky’s lips, in a pleasant tone
“You named the pet, how cute. We both have ridden quite a bit, this was a good first meet dear Nerium. We both should rest before we set the next scene in motion. Pleasant day dear sister.” as Ky raises his hand touching his chest nodding slightly.
Su Lin raises her hand to her chest touching it nodding to her brother
“Gentle day my brother, I will keep you in my thoughts with hopes that you would abandon whatever reckless quest for trinkets you are on.”
As Ky turns and moves down a small alley, he speaks a parting thought
“It will do you well dear sister to wear your steel when we next meet. Your dreams are just those, dreams of a world you will never live in. Morals will not buy shelter in the night dear sister. Open your eyes and grasp these trinkets too. End the child and I assure you that you will never need to want for again.”
As she watches Ky disappear, she whispers more to herself “How could we be of the same blood…” while she proceeds on her own way.
Bookmarks