killah do

wareless knight | amber magic

[ream-toalk]

Open Up My Mind | OPEN & Ream

Ream needed to check where she was entering. Seriously. Especially while she was at Alcart. It felt like she was running from one trap into the another. The whole city was a big trap. Her nerves were wracked by the time, she wanted to scream and cry, but could do none.

Why did she even have the stupid idea to go up to the clock tower? None of her ideas proved to be helpful of right today, she should have just given up by now. But giving up was not the way Ream dealt with things. Giving up was not her style.

“Great, no windows, no exit, just a damn riddle.”

[killah-do-blog]

Killah had come to Alcart along with the other Knights, but when the time came, guess who was left on her own? She had sort of hoped that Bane would have gotten over his little snit by now--- after all, what would have been better than a city for the taking, full of mysteries and, well. In this case, traps designed to kill them or just make them feel like a bunch of morons.

It had appeared on the walls at intervals, when she ventured up to the clock tower, in glittering letters that vanished. A voice echoed around, too, reciting in Common: Where does the snake coil up at dawn?

“Under a godsdamned rock, in a boot, in your mother’s--- oh, for fuck’s sake, just let me out!” She shouted for the thousandth time. It was then that she heard a voice from another part of the tower, and ducked behind a fallen beam to hide herself.

@darqacastcar

[killah-do-blog]

behind steel bars || killah & maia

[maia-fortuin]

Maia felt the cold splash of water followed by what felt like a soft kick to her leg. Still dazed for a moment from her faint, she had a few moments of blissful ignorance till reality came charging in like an angry bull. Reflexively, Maia’s hands and feet scrambled her back and up onto her bed where she curled her knees into her chest and raised her arm out defensively. When no immediate blows came upon her, Maia un-clenched somewhat and lowered her arm. Then, like a folded paper bird she started to unravel further, lowering her knees, then her arm, till she was just sitting cross legged on the bed with both her hands held in her lap – the figure of a mediating ancestor. Her shoulders were still tense and she was still trembling somewhat, but she felt a natural grace about the situation – after all it was only fitting that after meeting a spirit of hope, a spirit of judgment would follow so quickly. “You have come to kill me.” Her voice still held a slight tremble, but this was not a question, it was a statement of a highly probable fact. “It is your due.” Though in the most secret parts of Maia’s heart, it was not only a statement, but a wish as well – rather than to engage in the conversation she was sure was to follow.

[killah-do-blog]

The Mancer was up like a shot once she regained consciousness, and took on a pose like a frightened animal. Then she lowered herself to her bed in a pose that reminded Killah somewhat of an Elder at a Tribe meet. At the small woman’s words, Killah twisted her lips in a half-smile. 

“Right. And I decided to come in and wake you up before I kill you, just so there’s a decent chance I can die while I’m at my revenging.” She sighed. “That’s not my game, so you can take off all that honour and retribution nonsense.” 

She leaned against the wall, arms folded, and looked at Maia critically. “How’d you get yourself in here? Last time we met, you put up a better fight than I’d expected. Granted, didn’t last too long, did it, not with the place coming down around us.” Her words were flat, observational. She didn’t feel the anger she’d expected to---not that she’d ever expected she’d meet her again. But she didn’t feel much of anything, just looking at her, small and trapped. She knew what being kept in a room like this felt like, from when she’d been ‘under observation’ back at Jewantes. 

[ser-bealish]

At the mention of her own bath, she smirked to herself at the thought of it. “…I may have cracked it a little. I’m a bit clumsy,” she replied. “I assume you don’t have your own.”

[killah-do-blog]

“Not a chance. It’s ruled over by a strict system Elezar devised, and I don’t like following a schedule when I’m tryin’ to relax,” she said, which was true. But it also wasn’t why she was there---she’d known going back to their Compan quarters would involve passing by people, with problems, and dealing with that would try her very limited supply of patience. She’d be drinking before the sun had fully set, if she left like this.

[killah-do-blog]

behind steel bars || killah & maia

[maia-fortuin]

The floor was cold and rough, but Maia didn’t mind. Since her visit with Miss Hetrix, Maia had experienced a brief burst of energy and she was putting it to good use by engaging in some simple workout routines well simple for Maia. Even though it was a small gesture, the delivery of her letters to her friends gave something Maia had thought lost to her – hope. If nothing else, she felt sure she had said enough that her friends would no longer seek to rescue her. The comfort of this had encouraged her to do something besides wait and felt more a blessing than even a message from the Gods. Still, there was the riddle to ponder – but besides hope, Maia also now felt like she had a future.

Suddenly Maia heard a noise in the hall. She lowered herself from her handstand and creeped cautiously to the cell door’s window though somewhat less so considering the caliber of her most recent guests. A face appeared in the window so terrifying, it struck Maia as still as if she had been preserved in amber – and by the time the figure the Knight had said “You?” Maia had fainted and fallen to the ground.

[killah-do-blog]

Before Killah could say or do much of anything, the prisoner had collapsed on the floor, and Killah was left on the other side of the door looking at her small form. The Magician from Atiqra. The one who’d brought the temple down on Hay. She dug in her pocket for the scrap she’d written on earlier. Maia Anthousa Fortuin, Star Magician. Wow. Things not to let Bane find out if we want to keep her alive.

If.

Killah slowly reached for the lock on the door, and began spooling out fine amber threads. They flowed in, solidifying where they could push, and tumblers were one by one pushed into position. The lock opened, and she entered the cell. Killah sat on the edge of the bed, and just looked at the unconscious Magician. She could easily kill her, right here. The simplest vengeance, and once they knew that Maia had personally caused the death of one of their own, there might not even be severe charges...

But killing a defenseless person? Who was already being kept in a cage? Killah swallowed. She stood and went over to a food tray that was there, and found a water glass. There wasn’t much in it, but she threw it on the girl’s face anyway, nudging her with a foot---not terribly gently. She wasn’t a cold blooded murderer, but she wasn’t a saint either.

[killah-do-blog]

behind steel bars || killah & maia

It felt natural, really, for her to go speak to the Mancer in the dungeons. She was probably the closest to a Mancer that the Knights had---well, up until they’d started seeing her as a hero. Now, with her new and all-too-bizarre good reputation amoung the troops, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to visit in order to get information for her King, or just to get a taste of the more familiar scorn that she was missing from her compatriots these days. 

Getting to the cell, she knocked, and peered in. “Oy. Captive. Hiya. How’s the gruel?” Her smirk faded as the prisoner stirred and the light caught her features. “Holy stars---” Her eyes grew wide as saucers, and her stomach turned to knots. “You?”

[ser-bealish]

She ignored the apology and instead responded to her previous comment. “We’re in a war, I don’t think that offending a person is the worst thing you could do.” Bealish saw that spark of recognition. It was a look many people had once they saw her, and while someone tiring, she sort of liked that nearly everyone straightened up at the sight of her. Bealish found it amusing when the taller and bigger men did that since she was always a good foot shorter than them. “I’m sure you’ve got clothes somewhere, I suggest dressing before talking to any more walls.”

[killah-do-blog]

“Good advice. That must be why they pay you the big bucks,” she said, smiling slightly. She went to grab her clothes and was pulling them on when she thought of something, suddenly. “Uh, Ser? I hope you don’t mind my asking,” she said, tugging out her wet hair from where it had gotten caught beneath the neck of her shirt. “But don’t you have a bath at home?”

[ser-bealish]

Bealish had planned on taking a quick bath to clear her mind. In the midst of all that was going on, taking a time out might bee good for her. It took a while for her to get herself to do this for herself though- there was so much work that she could’ve done. On second thought, this wasn’t a good idea. Turning around, she heard someone curse towards the showers, instinctively looking over there to see what was happening. Raising a brow, she looked at the girl. “…I advise you not having cursing fights with the walls, it can’t be good for a person.”

[killah-do-blog]

“Better a wall than someone I can hit or offend, though, right?” She turned and looked at the other woman, recognition sparking in her mind a moment too late. “Oh, uh, sorry Ser. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” They’d never spoken, but she’d heard a bit about her from people, and she knew she wasn’t someone to take lightly. Despite being close with Karadas, Killah had to respect someone that badass without even having magic, if even half the stories were true.

[killah-do-blog]

Killah held onto the wall in the castle baths, letting the water flow over her until she stopped shaking. Slowly she slid down to sit on the floor, her arms wrapped around her knees. She’d come this close to drinking this afternoon, and it was only by escaping to someplace semi-public that she’d restrained herself. “Shit...” Her head shot up as she heard someone enter the room, and tried to pull herself back up. She failed, and slipped a little on the wet tiles, swearing louder. “SHIT.” She wrapped a towel around her and turned off the tap.

[killah-do-blog]

L is for the way you Look

[absarc-lott-blog]

Some days I just call them by what they’re wearing, honestly. Makes it a whole lot easier. I do, yea. Solid group. Solid fighters. Sort of with them? How are you sort of with them? 

[killah-do-blog]

Well, I took a short trip, did... some stuff while Deas was busy getting himself crowned... as part of my return I sort of negotiated that I would haven’t to necessarily be part of the Compan? Not that I don’t like them, exactly, just that I’m probably more useful to everyone if I’m not spending time and energy pretending to be a team player. Frees me up to do other things, not just fighting and training.

[maythegodsbewithyou]

We’re in Different Cities || Killah & Kelt

[maythegodsbewithyou]

‘And there are enough subjects to ramble about, say… climate change, heard the extremes in the weather are acting up, before you know it, the next Storm of the North is hitting. I saw these amazing blankets the other day, they had images of puppies knitted on them. Truly amazing!’ He went on, before taking on her more serious questions. ‘I think they’re doing fine. Last I heard Ser Bealish doesn’t really mind Deas, she’s just sad about Karadas’ death, but aren’t we all. And Tyr is his good old self. Things can always be better, but for now I guess we’re good. I think as Commanders we’re trying extra hard to keep the Compagnis together.’ 

Kelt walked along without question, he enjoyed a bit of company, Ser Tyr wasn’t much for appointments, so he could probably drop by whenever he liked. Or maybe he couldn’t, but he would. ‘yes, just in case,’ he said and grinned. ‘So, how have you been? Heard you made a name for yourself at Landon. I think you saved a lot of people when he took out the Mancer.’ He rubbed his nose. He didn’t like killing much, but he saw what good it did in this case. ‘Thank you.’ 

@killah-do

[killah-do-blog]

She didn’t say anything one way or the other about Karadas’ death, and Kelt just barrelled on through anyway so it didn’t seem like he was expecting to hear her personal lamentations on the old king’s death. Which was definitely for the best, as there probably wasn’t going to be much she could say that wasn’t speaking ill of the dead. It was good to hear the whole operation wasn’t falling to pieces though, it’d make Deas’ job a fair bit easier if his army could stay operational. If she’d stopped to think about it, Killah would have been amazed that she’d actually supported the Knights staying functional, for the sake of a ruler and his fellow leaders. Things had certainly changed in unexpected ways for her.

She scoffed at Kelt’s assertion about Landon. “Oh, gods. I didn’t take him out so much as manage to not die while my magic did the rest, and of course it wasn’t enjoyable. The way people talk about it, you’d think I went up against the guy with the intention of being a badass--- really, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough, and nearly didn’t. If Bane hadn’t come by at the right time and decided to save my sorry hide, Greenie’s buddy would have sliced me up right there.” She shrugged. “I mean, I’m glad the beast is out of the picture now, but I really...” she shook her head. “Well, you’re welcome, for what it’s worth.”

[killah-do-blog]

L is for the way you Look

[absarc-lott-blog]

I’m in Reemus Chief’s Compan, actually. There are fourteen of us Lotts but only four of us are with the Knights. I think. Honestly we have so many I never really can keep track of which one is doing what since some of them change their minds so often. I’m Absarc. The eldest Lott, if that helps you remember at all. If not, that’s fine though too.

[killah-do-blog]

Sweet stars and suns. Fourteen? Fourteen. I mean, even you spread them out over a few centuries or whatever, that’s a handful to keep track of. Well, eldest does help, in that case. And you’re in Reemus’s Compan? So you know Amean and Lareasa and all them, of course? I’m with, well, sort of with Zea Mortinior’s lot.

[z-saldana]

[maythegodsbewithyou]

We’re in Different Cities || Killah & Kelt

[maythegodsbewithyou]

Kelt was glad to have run into someone who he could talk with, and who knew him for the active ball of sunshine, which he was. ‘I think they do. It’s very different from deserts, you can say. Less… heaty, if I can recall. But maybe people enjoy the same climate they have grown adjusted to as they grew up. Like someone who has been used to rain all their lives, might feel less great about a climate where rain is less frequent. Or I am just rambling about these things.’ 

He smiled at her. ‘I think I was here to talk to Ser Tyr, or maybe I’ve forgotten. Not important now, I have two days before I get to take a Dragon back. But maybe, I did see someone frowning, but I think I helped her already, she lost her dog,’ he admitted, his nose in the air as he thought. ‘No, I got here alone. I am sorry, wished I could take the rest along, they would’ve loved an adventure to the city, but I had something important to do here. Still think it was something that had to do with Tyr.’ 

@killah-do

[killah-do-blog]

She shrugged in response, and smirked. “We all need a good ramble now and then. Unless you’re, like, Deas.” That sparked a genuine question that she could ask the Commander, and she felt at ease enough with him that she did. “How’re things going, with all that? The Commanders and Sers and so on, they all doing okay with the change in management?”

They began to walk along the pier, where they could see the boats in the water and the gulls circling overhead. Killah just shook her head and laughed at his story about the dog, then bit her lip to keep a straight face when he mentioned Tyr. “Probably good idea to check in with him just in case, then,” she ventured with some amusement. He must have been quite strange to work with, from a military standpoint, if he couldn’t remember a meeting with the Ser. 

[killah-do-blog]

Now that drinking is out, what do you do when you've got an evening without anything to do?

A Teccup. Hang out, train more, go running. Been playing cards pretty frequently. Turns out my Compan is way more tolerable when I’m not totally sloshed, so that’s been a weird discovery.

[nightmares-of-niela]

Listening Ear || OPEN

[nightmares-of-niela]

Niela couldn’t help following her eyes to what was left of the tree. She felt bad for the tree, but this was Killah. “You don’t look fine at all, maybe… maybe you should sit down. Here. Seeing as you’ve already made yourself a chair.” She smiled sadly, the surge of battle was still racing through her mind. “I’m good, thank you for asking, just… just like normal, always, a bit ragged, a bit dented. Have the Blue Magicians taken a look at you?” She didn’t want to mention the blood, it could be blood of those killed, and she didn’t want to send anyone into a nervous fit.

[killah-do-blog]

Killah snorted. “I don’t need splinters in my ass, I already took an arrow to the arm today---” She gestured at where her sleeve was bloodied, the new tissue where the wound had healed shiny and scar-like. “Already got poked and prodded, just haven’t bothered cleaning up yet.” She tilted her chin, resting her axe head-down on the ground as she grinned. “Ragged and dented isn’t so bad. I saw worse today---Elezar looked like hell when she got back, apparently she and Nehea ran into a whole squad when they were out on patrol?” Killah didn’t care all that much, but she knew that Niela would, so it was something to talk about at least. Being more sociable with her Compan was one of the things on her new stuff-to-try-out-instead-of-mocking list.

[nightmares-of-niela]

Listening Ear || OPEN

[nightmares-of-niela]

Niela examined the wound fairly quickly, not wanting to come off as too concerned, she wasn’t sure Killah would enjoy it. So she gazed back at the Wareless after a few seconds and nodded. “Battle hasn’t been that long ago,” she said eyeing her own bloodied outfit, less of a mess. “Really, do you know if they are alright? I haven’t seen them since this morning. When I got back at Camp only Marroc was there, and he wasn’t talking. I figured everyone else was at the nursing tent, or maybe still heading back. And then i saw you, so I got here.” She rambled on. Her gut clenching. She needed to know if her friends were alright. She wanted to know if Elezar was alright. 

[killah-do-blog]

Seems she’d overshot on her topic of conversation and now Niela was visibly worried about their companions. Killah quickly back-pedalled, attempting to sound reassuring. “Oh yeah, no, they’re all fine, I think--- great, probably. A bit rattled, that’s all.” She nodded assuredly, and questioned if she should get something to eat. It seemed the adrenaline of the day’s fight was beginning to wear off. She didn’t get many drugs these days, so that rush was something she’d learned to appreciate. “Say, do you want to grab something from the mess tent?” she offered, then grinned. “I’ll even wash off the blood before we go.”

[nightmares-of-niela]

Listening Ear || OPEN

“Hey, hey, are you alright? If you need someone to talk to, after that… this… I mean, today. Battle and all, I know it gets hard, but if you want to talk. I’m here.” 

[killah-do-blog]

“Oh. Um. Thanks, Niela. I mean, I’m okay and all. I was just feeling like takin’ out some energy---” She looked at the remains of the small tree. “I know I’m not supposed to use my axe on this shit but damn does it feel good. But seriously, I’m fine, ignore the damage. How’ve you been?”