The Desert Fox

[lightmender]

(This rp takes place immediately following El’s letter and his leaving the Horde.)

El groaned as Kayni and X had both landed on him. He rolled quickly and as X jumped off El pushed Kayni, gently off of him so he could stand. The aged knight stood up and dusted himself off. His eyes focused on her...

[nahjibah-blog]

Kayni stood and stared at him blankly. "Trust? You speak of TRUST? Where was your trust when the idea of going to the Alliance came to your head? Where was your trust when instead of speaking to ME you wrote a note for all to read... for all to know you were walking away from me?" She clenched her fists at her side, ignoring their surroundings and all other things but the golden knight. "What did you think Doc? That you could write me a few lines on a piece of paper and I would stop loving you? Stop caring what happened to you? How was I supposed to know that any of this honestly came from you? You could have been bewitched for all I knew... " She sighs and drops her shoulders her hands unclenching. "You want me to trust you... but the truth is... you do not trust me either..." She turned away from  him for a moment, trying to collect herself. She'd done her crying,  and now that she had her quarry in front of her,  finally, she did not wish to break down again. "You could have come to me... you could have told me. I may not have liked it... but at least I could have had some answers... not... a note..." She puts a hand on the closest wall to her and leans against it, suddenly tired. "I love you... and I want you to be happy... to be at peace... you should have trusted me as you wish me to trust you."

[kaynidevanti-blog]

Kayni leveled her gaze at him. “You’re a real bitch you know that?” She turned her head toward X. “Nothing? Really? I thought you were supposed to be keeping watch over me? You and me, versus what… six? That’s what I call a good time.” She looked back at those waiting to haul her in. “I am getting…

[xavearblack]

X watched the entire ordeal for a a few long moments, appearing to obey these people. Arms crossed on his chest he shrugged at Kayni, but she’d see a certain gleam in the the young elf’s eye. As she moved to Vod and grabbed up her swords. He laughed aloud, very very loud, almost to the point of annoyance, drawing the attention of everyone, especially the one taunting the young woman. When he stopped his gaze was leveled at Kayni.

Reaching up he lifted his face mask up over his nose concealing the bottom half of his face from her. “I would recommend you give the woman her paper, now.” The voice was dark, cold and far stronger than it should have been from such a seemingly young elf. He had uncrossed his arms and they rested intentionally on the hilts of his weapons. “We are not leaving until you give her what belongs to her. And if you want to push me, then do so, but be warned….” His white hair was trimmed short but as an unseen wind picked up around the group it rustled the short locks a bit. “You choose, now!” He demanded as he moved expertly, his foot work was flawless, he was not a novice and from the glare in his eye he was not foreign to this field, this kind of thing was familiar ground for him and the Spymaster was ready.

[the-devanti-deactivated20141226]

A arrow was shot at the ground in front of X, warning and reminding him very simply what would happen if he made another move or word. That was the warning shot and likely the only one that would be given. A soft and muffled voice which seethed with what could best be classed as personal anger spoke.

"You speak like a fool. Like an Orc. Do you wish to die like one? This is neither your concern, nor your charge. Shut your mouth and be still. Durend, take her home. Ignore the outsider’s demand."

Strangely enough, the “leader” bowed to the simply girt Spirit Hunter who with three others remained behind to watch X. He motioned to Kayni to follow and then slipped out of sight into the underbrush. This of course would cast into question who the leader of this expedition was, but no further dialogue was offered or granted.

If Kayni wanted a bloodbath over a scrap of paper that was on her. What X wanted or demanded was as close to irrelevant as it came. The other four men’s eyes narrowed, the speaker’s most of all.

There was no way in hell that he was going to be taunted by the servant of a defector.  The second elf was was calm and relaxed, but his eyes seemed.. unfocused. No, different than the normal Blood Elf. 

The four remaining Devanti Warriors tensed, but were clearly at their ease. The speaking warrior had a sword wrapped in gauzy cloth and after a moment, he returned his bow to the case it belonged in and drew out the concealed and carefully wrapped blade. He continued to speak.

   ”She will receive the item upon her return home as pledge of her conduct. Much like she promised to not travel this way, she must now be forced uphold her word as talk is for the fools, and the wind.

You are not in a position to make demands, and if you are wise you will keep out of this affair. It no longer concerns you. If you want to start a problem, believe me when I say this junshin. We have absolutely no issue telling my brothers to the north that an Alliance sympathizer and his servant attacked us and had to be dealt with.”

No more words were needed for men of action. Kayni could either watch a fight unfold, or she could do as she had been commanded to and walk home.  If in fact someone did perish then the blood would be on her hands. Strange however that the word Junshin had been used. It was a word that defined X as “pure of heart”. She had heard this sort of dialect before..

[lightmender]

Listening closely to the man’s words. He thought long and hard before responding. "I  am Xavear Black, leader of the SI, I am sure your master will recognize that name. And if they really want to pick a fight…"  The elf trailed off. X was not intimidated in the least. He didn’t flinch or even back down as the threats were made. When they moved to block him he laughed again.   “This is real simple. I am going with Kayni whether you like it or not and you will give her back her items.” With that, the wind picked up again a breeze blew through the clearing, this time not only rustling X’s hair, but others as well, it was chilly, like an arctic breeze. “Care to test me, lap dogs.” X was calm and collected, if they sought to draw his anger or temper out with insults and empty threats, they failed, the young Spymaster was not shaken.

[nahjibah-blog]

The Deal

[nahjibah-blog]

Kayni paused a moment, and looked at the man speaking. “You decided to show up after all.” She sheathed her swords and walked over to him, looking up at him as she neared. “I was coming home.” She was no less angry at the situation, but his presence had certainly mellowed her tone. “I was angry, and I made a poor choice. But I was coming home. X… helped me see where I was going wrong.” She looked back at X for a moment before looking forward again. “Don’t punish him because I was hurt and angry and being foolish. However it happened and whoever gave the orders, he was trying to protect me.”

Kayni lowered her gaze, waiting for words or punishment, she did not know which. She was still, and accepting of her mistake and the consequences it would have. She was an adult, barely, but this particular man had the ability to make her feel like a child, whether good or ill.

"I’m sorry."

[kaynidevanti-blog]

Kayni leveled her gaze at him. “You’re a real bitch you know that?” She turned her head toward X. “Nothing? Really? I thought you were supposed to be keeping watch over me? You and me, versus what… six? That’s what I call a good time.” She looked back at those waiting to haul her in. “I am getting…

[xavearblack]

X watched the entire ordeal for a a few long moments, appearing to obey these people. Arms crossed on his chest he shrugged at Kayni, but she’d see a certain gleam in the the young elf’s eye. As she moved to Vod and grabbed up her swords. He laughed aloud, very very loud, almost to the point of annoyance, drawing the attention of everyone, especially the one taunting the young woman. When he stopped his gaze was leveled at Kayni.

Reaching up he lifted his face mask up over his nose concealing the bottom half of his face from her. “I would recommend you give the woman her paper, now.” The voice was dark, cold and far stronger than it should have been from such a seemingly young elf. He had uncrossed his arms and they rested intentionally on the hilts of his weapons. “We are not leaving until you give her what belongs to her. And if you want to push me, then do so, but be warned….” His white hair was trimmed short but as an unseen wind picked up around the group it rustled the short locks a bit. “You choose, now!” He demanded as he moved expertly, his foot work was flawless, he was not a novice and from the glare in his eye he was not foreign to this field, this kind of thing was familiar ground for him and the Spymaster was ready.

[the-devanti-deactivated20141226]

A arrow was shot at the ground in front of X, warning and reminding him very simply what would happen if he made another move or word. That was the warning shot and likely the only one that would be given. A soft and muffled voice which seethed with what could best be classed as personal anger spoke.

"You speak like a fool. Like an Orc. Do you wish to die like one? This is neither your concern, nor your charge. Shut your mouth and be still. Durend, take her home. Ignore the outsider’s demand."

Strangely enough, the “leader” bowed to the simply girt Spirit Hunter who with three others remained behind to watch X. He motioned to Kayni to follow and then slipped out of sight into the underbrush. This of course would cast into question who the leader of this expedition was, but no further dialogue was offered or granted.

If Kayni wanted a bloodbath over a scrap of paper that was on her. What X wanted or demanded was as close to irrelevant as it came. The other four men’s eyes narrowed, the speaker’s most of all.

There was no way in hell that he was going to be taunted by the servant of a defector.  The second elf was was calm and relaxed, but his eyes seemed.. unfocused. No, different than the normal Blood Elf. 

The four remaining Devanti Warriors tensed, but were clearly at their ease. The speaking warrior had a sword wrapped in gauzy cloth and after a moment, he returned his bow to the case it belonged in and drew out the concealed and carefully wrapped blade. He continued to speak.

   ”She will receive the item upon her return home as pledge of her conduct. Much like she promised to not travel this way, she must now be forced uphold her word as talk is for the fools, and the wind.

You are not in a position to make demands, and if you are wise you will keep out of this affair. It no longer concerns you. If you want to start a problem, believe me when I say this junshin. We have absolutely no issue telling my brothers to the north that an Alliance sympathizer and his servant attacked us and had to be dealt with.”

No more words were needed for men of action. Kayni could either watch a fight unfold, or she could do as she had been commanded to and walk home.  If in fact someone did perish then the blood would be on her hands. Strange however that the word Junshin had been used. It was a word that defined X as “pure of heart”. She had heard this sort of dialect before..

[lightmender]

Listening closely to the man’s words. He thought long and hard before responding. "I  am Xavear Black, leader of the SI, I am sure your master will recognize that name. And if they really want to pick a fight…"  The elf trailed off. X was not intimidated in the least. He didn’t flinch or even back down as the threats were made. When they moved to block him he laughed again.   “This is real simple. I am going with Kayni whether you like it or not and you will give her back her items.” With that, the wind picked up again a breeze blew through the clearing, this time not only rustling X’s hair, but others as well, it was chilly, like an arctic breeze. “Care to test me, lap dogs.” X was calm and collected, if they sought to draw his anger or temper out with insults and empty threats, they failed, the young Spymaster was not shaken.

[nahjibah-blog]

Entry Twenty Two

 That bastard stole my horse... he stole my Jas'im.

He appeared at the camp the other day. This horrible, wretched, foul mouthed son of camel spawn! He said he had seen me bathing, and that he was intrigued and followed me. He was horrible to Lahk'me very rude. When we finally drove him away he used his whip and snatched my father's sword right from my side. I have never been disarmed before. Lahk'me told me not to follow. I did not listen. I tracked him. I found his hole in the ground and I confronted him. We argued, we fought, I cut him deeply and it was satisfying, but in the end to my shame, he overpowered me. Scorpion venom. Gods but I thought I was dying. I was dying. He tied me to a damned tree and was going to leave me there. I could feel the venom burning through my veins and the wretch told me I had maybe a day or two to suffer before death.

And then he surprised me. He had a vial. Medicine he said, against the scorpions sting. He poured the contents into my mouth, and he kissed me, making certain I swallowed this antidote. It was, strange. I hated the man, but in that one breath, he was changing what he had done, he was saving my life when he could have simply let me die.

It matters little. He stole my horse when he left me there. I finally manage to free my hands enough to take the dagger he'd plunged into the tree above my head, and drag myself back to camp.

This isn't over. He stole my horse..

[nahjibah-blog]

Entry Eighteen

I woke this morning in the forests of the stone city, Elwynn Forest as the Easterners call it. I traveled for a short while and found a beautiful lake. As I swam to the shore after a long bath, I saw feet in the water. I stood, and found myself looking at a guarded woman. She was eastern, but not eastern, as though she had spent time in the area, much time, but was not born here. She seemed very surprised to see me.

I apologized for trespassing, and started putting my clothing back on so that I could leave. She stopped me, asked me to stay. My better judgment told me to move on, but there was something... she seemed, lonely and if I had thought very hard on the matter, I would have realized that I felt loneliness as well.

Her name is Lakh'me, and she led me to her camp. She told me of the Prince of Sands, the man that ran the arat in the east. I stayed, and she fed me, and spoke to me, seeming desperate for company. And so, I will stay longer.

[nahjibah-blog]

Nahjibah and Zahra

[nahjibah-blog]

Entry Twelve: The Stars

 I was offered a room over stables by a friendly couple that I helped. The thought of being trapped within these walls... it unnerved me. I declined and now I lay under the stars, strange stars, not the stars that used to light my way through the desert night. As I lay here, I am thinking of my people.

The banishment, it hurt more the running the gauntlet. This baffled me. We are taught from a very young age that to feel, is to be weak, is to hinder yourself from the job at hand. The Desert Fox are one. One unit, one mind. The stories tell us that many generations ago, two members from each clan, one man, one woman, saw the need for justice among the people. The eight came together and began their work, forming the council of justice dealers. From the eight were born the four, and from those four, four more, continuing on until the blood of the tribes were one. Sha'haani, Kiyat, Hyab'arani, Atil... these names were forgotten, and the people became one; Tanari. All the desert children are Tanari, but they do not live as one. They separate themselves by clan titles.

What does this make me now? Am I still Tanari? The banished one. No home, no tribe, no people.

[nahjibah-blog]

Entry One: The Crossing

    The crossing was unbearable. The seas were stormy, and I was tossed to and fro, each wave sending daggers of pain through my wounds. It was many weeks of sailing, the thoughts of my banishment, foremost in my mind. I broke our law, and I was forced out, forced to pass the gauntlet on my way...

All because I would not kill.

The eastern travelers that had found me, cared well for me. Kindness that I had not expected, but in my torment, easily accepted. By the time we reached the eastern shores, the port to the stone city, I was nearly completely healed.

When I stepped from the ship, I looked upon the stone city for the first time, and it struck me, to the core. Such splendor in one city. Buildings larger than many mountains near my home, the gleaming white stone, smooth, and well structured. And the people... multitudes of people, traders, soldiers, nobles.

This is my new home.