Re: Kylie (Courage Wolf)
Kylie had listened to what Hazel had to say about her essence, and thought some of the other applications were pretty amusing, but it was the fact that the substance affected her ability to think or reason that had set her hair on edge in the first place and had upset her. So although she did admit to thinking about it, she would not allow it on herself quite at this moment, though she couldn't deny some very kinky ideas forming, and the promise on how to play with the rope like she had was VERY interesting. Thankfully, Kylie had her thoughts pulled away by the perverse by a sudden bolt of pain up her spine, and she waited out the rest of the journey to Reina's for the treatment that was about to happen.
...
When her back was free of the splinter, which seemed to be fairly large all things considered, it was no wonder really why she had failed that last attack, there were probably several muscle groups around it that simply weren't working, made her slower, less agile, and had gotten her caught and almost strangled. It was these thoughts, these considerations of tactics, analysis of ability, and basic intuitive strategy that bolted through her mind so she didn't have to think about how sad and pathetic she must look right now, panting in pain as she had to be moved by two other people into a bed for rest. It was so embarrassing, and there was a part of her that would drive her to train until she was certain that the idea of this happening again was almost a non consideration, a freedom from personal weakness unless it ended with her death. And that was how life would always end for mortals, with death, the sweet embrace of the ferryman and freedom from the mortal coil... People like her.... they just sped the process up a bit... for all parties involved.
Holding the pearls in her hand like some kind of Talisman against the evil, Kylie wrapped her arms around her friend and lover Giselle, and slipped into a sleep as dark and as all consuming as the reflective shadow of the pearls she held onto so dearly, and it was as her eyes closed, that one of the pearls faded into a soft, black smoke, that wafted up into her slightly open mouth, slipping passed her lips like a snake to burrow into her mind and pierce the veil like one of her own arrows... And the depths of what it unlocked shook Kylie to her absolute core...
As if she was simply waking from a daydream, Kylie was standing in the entrance hall to what was simply known as Parliament, the people in their finery milling around the servant girl as if she wasn't even there, taking fine white wine from a solid silver tray she was carrying and talking about the business of the realm, a place she remembered as the Land of Garellia. It was a fabulous and wealthy, although small realm in and of itself, one of the few countries on her continent to boast a direct port of entry for the sea, and understandably it had a large and busy port, infact, the entire southern cost of the country was one massive harbor that handled the import trade business of most of the southern half of the continent. Being bordered on the east and west by tall mountain ranges, and populated by a diverse mix of people, it was also a nightmare to invade, and therefore enjoyed peaceful prosperity, because Garellia controlled the arms trade. Years ago, long before Kylie had been born, one of the few natives of this small country, Garellia had discovered that the mountains that were their borders contained huge amounts of Iron and Coal, and it became an industrial center, and coupled with it's booming import export business, became an independently wealthy capitol overnight.
Under threat of invasion, the neighboring kingdom to the north had found that now, with payment in supplies and steady business, the mercenaries that populated the seas were fearsom enemies on land as well, and it was with a balance of power, both industrialized and natural, that Garellia maintained it's prosperous position. It was said commonly among the people, that no one went to war without the Grace of Garellia. And it was true, with the nod of the Queen of this country, arms and armour were not traded, and mercenaries didn't dare anger the Queen. So if you went to war without her sanction, you did it alone. It was this proposition that gave birth to the order of assassins to which Kylie belonged. And they were unique in that only orphans were trained, with no ties to others by blood, they were perfect. No one had heard of them or by them, and so in this day of nobility and merchant princes, they were like white noise against the backdrop of busy trade, and powerful in their positions against the walls of the kingdom, their ears always to the ground. Kylie, starting to move along and among the people, was just another serving girl, practically faceless and without a mind as far as the people around her were concerned, so it was without any notice at all, that she was able to poison not 1, but 4 guests within 2 minutes of eachother through a mix of sleight of hand, and natural ability, making sure the right glass got into the right hand with the right dose. And it was to the mourning cries of 4 families, that Kylie completed her mission that night. These men were guilty of the Sin of Greed, which although surprising in this town, meant quite simply that they had started dealing in human slavery from other countries. There was only one kind of Slave in Garellia, and it was one indentured by crime, so these men of power, these slavers had been marked for death, and it was Kylie's hand tonight that delivered a silent and lethal blow, stealing their souls away into the night for the betterment of everyone. Which was what she had been taught, and fervently believed.
It was this waif of a girl, this slip not older then 14 summers, that drifted through the streets like a fish within the ocean and soon came back to her home, a sprawling underground affair, that existed beneath even the sewers themselves, the only entrance being directly under the center of the city, and only accessible by the outskirts through the port drains. In this way, their safety was assured, because only themselves, and the thieves above who would never dare anger them, knew the labyrinthian tunnels like they did. The Thieves' Guild was even respected for sending their more promising prospects to her master for special training, and a peace was achieved within the underworld of her home of Garellia. Through Dank sewage and seeping salt water, concrete mazes and tunnels built for no man or woman to walk, Kylie made her way home, and it smelled of home, felt of home. It was dark and sweet and cramped and perfect for a servent of her calling, and she revelled in it, having known nothing else for herself since her brother had brought her here. In face, Reginald was here tonight, finishing a job much like her own. 5 summers her senior, it was with a wide smile that he welcomed her back into the brightly lit, and well kept underground sanctuary, hugging his sister fiercly, and when you looked at them together, there was no doubt they were blood, the same green eyes, and mousy brown hair that resisted all attempts at staying wellkempt for long, laughing and smiling and drinking together in the shadows.
They didn't speak, they didn't need to, and this marked them as peculiar among the others within the order, this sanctuary was known as the Steel Rose, named after the large ornamental statue above them in the city's square, a mammoth and shining steel sculpture of the flower, the jewel of Garellia. This had led to some confusion of course, how could a flower be a jewel, and it was the simple fact that Garellia had roses Everywhere, without exception. Growing along the buidling walls and doorways, along the streets, even down here underground, said to be magical flowers of unusual hardiness. And they were the deepest scarlet the world had ever known, not even freshly spilled blood.... or perhaps... Only freshly spilled blood rivaled the splendor of that red. But no... Reginald and Kylie never spoke, they always knew what the other was thinking, living in an odd, but loving silence since Kylie was little, and it was because she had been mute, mute for so very long, even well into her training. She was almost 12 when she had said her first words, and they had been "I love you Regi" in the softest whisper that had ever been heard.
Now, within their home, surrounded by brothers and sisters, Kylie was caught off guard when the look her brother bore carried news, and she cocked her head to one side in way of asking for an explanation. His reply was a short rattling of his longsword, which meant training, There was extra training to day, but what kind? The sword mean combat, but Regi's eyes seemed to be confused as well, and holding out his hand, he offered to lead her there. Reaching out her own hand, Kylie closed his gently, a polite refusal, before heading to the training room, which was a huge oval, with gold and silver concentric circles set into the floor, each marking a position and a pose, a way to reinforce order and discipline within the art they practiced, and in it's heart was Gestalt. Gestalt, a hawk nosed man with piercing grey eyes and a tall, lean build, was the finest weaponsmaster Garellia had ever known, and he stood their now with an array of weapons behind him, and two doors, normally closed, wide open... Ahhh, today was initiation day. Today was the day she came into her own as a full assassin like her brother and her family around her.
Kylie was the youngest assassin to ever be trained within the Steel Rose, and although her ability with most weapons was passable, her skill with the bow, and her ability to plan ahead, were true marvels to behold, such so that Gestalt had pushed to have her status risen early, and it seemed that the demanding figure before her had succeeded. Today was her day, now all that was left was to pass whatever test was set before her, whatever it could possibly be....
"Are you Ready Kylie? If so then step forward, for today is the day of your initiation and your acceptance of both right and responsibility to shape the world by guiding the reaper's hand. We do this so that others may enjoy their lives within the light, because we are one and all uniquely gifted, as you and your brother are in your own ways to allow the happiness of others to flourish as you've been taught. Those born into this world, as orphans, are never destined for love beyond those they find along the journeys called their lives, and the wanderings of their souls. Instead you will only find love and happiness as you bring the possibility of life to others and it is for this reason that we take up a blade and sing the song of the culling to our enemies. We do this not for Garellia, but for all the world and neither religion, nor economy, nor fear of reprisal will stand within the way of the future we carve for those above us. Remember, as you walk through these sacred shadows, to be as one yourself, for tonight you will spill the blood of one you know, and you must not hesitate or falter for we have judged him to be evil, and have demanded his head so that peace may reign in the hearts of all men. If you accept, Stand forward, and take your weapon in hand...
"
Such chilling words from a man that had taught her to wield bow, and sword, and dagger, and all manner of weapons with impunity and rigid discipline, and she was still nowhere near his equal, instead outthinking him whenever possible, and showing a versatility that others lacked. But it was bother her ability, and her resolve that was being tested tonight. And she would need to make up her mind now without reserve.
Striding forward, her hand alighting on her bow, her bringer of retribution from afar, it's gliding steel frame and reinforcing bars, and the twisted arrows she had designed herself to much resemble the closed bloom of a rose all shining to her, this weapon... this glorious and powerful weapon had never failed her, and years of practiced use showed in the muscles of her arms and back and neck. Sliding these into place, she turned and looked at Gestalt, and gave her answer as was the way of all initiates before a senior.
"As a shadow I accept the task of those before me to better the lives of those that come after, so that the sun may shine and life may be sought in equal measure for all men women and children, in the hopes that one day, I may let my blade and my heart rest in a time of peace and true prosperity, where one man does not fear or covet the wealth of another, and where the reaper's touch no longer needs the guidance of one such as I. I accept this task of you, WeaponsMaster Gestalt, and I stand ready to lead the world into Dawn."
Her recital was flawless, and true rememberance of her creed and the purpose she had been bred for. Although her order did take contracts for money, they also needed to know and investigate the motive before a blow had been struck, and in this way they were reknowned among the underworld as skilled assassins who set their own terms, and they were not to be crossed. And it was this order now, that Kylie stood before, ready to prove herself as true family within the Steel Rose, her bow in hand, her brown hair wild around her frame....
......
Stirring within her sleep, Kylie cried out softly, and anyone carefully watching, would see the blue dye in her hair beginning to fade at the roots, and it was dye, part of the disguise she had needed to board the ship for her last job, and as she stirred, she pulled closer to Giselle and a single tear rolled down her cheek, something painful ahead within those two dark tunnels that haunted her dreams even know as her memories, part of her fractured mind, began to return, and the two remaining pearls remained solid. And still she dreamed, something more about this scenario playing out in her mind having not yet unfolded before her sleeping eyes, and it was a terrible knowledge it carried....
