[ FEMALE / SHE-HER / DICHEN LACHMAN / 34 ] — darkness calls to ( NAKANA “KANA” TEKEN’VAL ) of ( WHELDRAKE ). the ( SHADOW KNIGHT ) has been in welkin for ( 3 MONTHS ) and still works towards their goal of ( WAR ). the watchers see ( wet sand and black ink; comfortable silences in the dark of early mornings; bruised and bloody knuckles; the memory of a shadow like something from a nightmare ) when ( SHE ) is mentioned, and their ability to ( CONJURING-SHADOW SPELLS ) may be of interest to the council. ( KANA ) has been said to be ( GRACEFUL, SCRUPULOUS ) and also ( CRUEL ). will power consume or control? only time will tell. —
info:
name: nakana teken’val.
nickname: kana.
birthday: october 24th.
age: 34.
star sign: scorpio.
gender: cis female.
pronouns: she/her.
orientation: bisexual.
occupation: shadow knight of wheldrake.
height: 5′7".
about:
Kana grew up an only child, constantly trying to figure out who she wanted to be, it was only when she was in her teens that she saw some of Wheldrakes Shadow Knights returning from battle and if something like love was possible for someone like her, then it was love at first sight. From then she had dedicated herself to her education and craft so that she could rise through the ranks and become the one thing that she wanted more than anything.
She’d never been particularly big or on the muscular side of things, so she’d stuck with what she knew, speed and agility, her magic manifesting later than others at the age of 17. Thankfully this meant that she’d begun training without it, her speed and agility were only enhanced by her magic. She was able to shadow step. The ability to step from one place of shadow to another (within a certain distance), as though she were one with the shadows. It had taken her a while to master, only able to go short distances to begin with, somewhere within sight, but now as long as she had seen it at least once before, or had a good enough description, she could manipulate the shadows and step through to the shadow realm, walking freely and unburdened before finding her way out where she needed to be.
Her area of expertise as she grew up became more stealth, infiltration and assassination. Simply stepping through the shadows of the enemies war camps and taking out the guards to allow Wheldrakian forces to enter. Now that did not mean she couldn’t handle herself in a fight, in fact she often found herself wishing for a fight, that chaos that came with it. There was one drawback to her particular magic, and that was the requirement of darkness and shadows. A room that was well lit didn’t have enough dark corners for her to simply walk out of the shadows. Some enemies were prepared for this, and that was when she got to use her blades.
It was very rare to see Kana over emotional in any form, anger, happiness, jealousy. She was always so collected, except for her cruelty, that usually wasn’t restrained in any form. Not at those she considered an ally, but someone from another kingdom, gods help them. She liked to toy with them for her own entertainment.
The two blades that she wore almost everywhere were twins, two halves of a whole, made from black steel the short swords hung from each hip, their weight often gave her comfort, even when battle wasn’t imminent. Where she went, they went. Until Welkin, she wasn’t allowed to wear them most of the time, because peace didn’t need weapons. It put her on edge, she felt off balance, exposed, it had her short tempered and snappy. Kana hated these talks, peace didn’t suit her, it was boring and a waste of time, it was what losing kingdoms wanted to avoid obliteration.
hela laughed to herself. seems she and kana were two sides of the same coin. she wondered if she’d shared halius’s bed as well; probably– the man was voracious when it came to bedsport and she doubted she was the only one he took between the sheets.
“you fuck him too, then?” hela said with a dash of humor. why not ask? she thought. they were both fucked anyway. “i won’t say the things i’m thinking, lest someone’s wandering ears reports them to the king again, but you’re in good company, kana.”
She’d heard from loose lips around the castle what had happened, but gossip was so rife with untruths that she never listened to them anyway, she’d much rather hear from the source herself. A small chuckle shook her shoulders as she nodded, “Indeed, but only when the mood struck me.” She was far too stubborn to let a pretty face and a bit of authority talk her into doing something she didn’t want.
“As are you Hela.” While she’d rather not have her previous words reported to their King, she wasn’t sure he could afford to banish anyone at the moment, what with all the heightened security and his new wife.
calliope had been so adjusted to the see that land had begun to felt unfamiliar, not that she minded the change of scenery. it had simply left her with much free time during the way, hence how she took to wandering around and accidentally startling the other. “ sorry i did not mean to interrupt. i was looking for a friend of mine, that is quite impressive though. “ the girl nods towards the dummies behind the other before eyeing the sword. “ i’m much more of a bow person myself. “
She could see the youth on the young womans face, while she wasn’t one to shy away from terrorising children as much as adults with her short temper, she was more wary of it, mainly due to hearing the never end displeasing commentary from their parents. “I was finished anyway.” Running a rag along the length of her blades before putting them away at her hips she turned with mild surprise.
“You know how to use a bow and arrow? Impressive. And what nation do you call home little archer?”
she cocked a brow as a playful smirk rolled over her features. “Oh yeah? against who? Now that’s the question.” though she’d had to fight her fair share of battles, nina was in no way a woman that willingly walked into getting a black eye or a busted lip. she relied on her looks too much to be able to risk it, but she was more than willing to play along. “Welkin isn’t so bad once you get used to it. I’ve been all over and this is just fine.”
“well, i’m yet to be proven otherwise.” she chuckled. “though I did admire your work at the wedding. both effective and you seemed to be enjoying yourself so… there’s always that. Frey looked at though he were a child, he was having so much fun.”
“Against anyone. I think you are the kind of person that people see as a pretty flower and nothing more, but I’d wager you have your thorns.” Kana was used to seeing women underestimated, it was one of the fundamental reasons she didn’t repeat that mistake. Drinking from the large tankard, there was almost a whine of disappointment as she reached the end of her supply. “Perhaps I’ve been kept busy in the wrong parts of Welkin then.” It was true she didn’t much like the place, but she had only seen a small percentage of it.
Placing a hand over her chest somewhat mockingly, she bowed slightly, “Why thank you, its always nice when ones work is appreciated.” A small chuckle and a shake of her head had her feeling like the room was spinning a little. “He certainly did, but then so did most of the Shadow Knights.”
“Gullivere,” Rhea replied, walking a bit around the training rounds, hand on the hilt of her sword. “You are a shadow knight, yes?” She’d all but admitted being from Wheldrake and given that she was there, training, Rhea assumed she was a soldier of some sort and knight seemed most likely. Especially given her disposition. They weren’t universally known to be a friendly bunch. Well, most weren’t. She’d already encountered a small handful who were surprisingly eager to make new acquaintances, regardless of country.
“Do you not train with your fellow knights? Or perhaps you spend too much time with them as well.” Rhea was of the belief that it was equally beneficial to train independently as well as together. One should be able to rely on their fellow knights to work together in any battle or altercation but one shouldn’t always count on help being so close either. Not with fate so unpredictable, especially of late.
Kana was surprised at first when she’d begun her studies of other kingdoms and their fighters. Why would a place like Gullivere, someone that remained truly neutral somewhere that no one even considered a threat, why would they have knights and how did they have skilled warriors. But her maturity over the years had taught her that everyone needed to be prepared. “I am.” There was caution in her voice, for as much as she was assessing the woman across from her, the other was doing the same. “It’s not everyday you see someone from Gullivere with a sword, my guess you are one of their Knights.” It was remarkable how many women she’d run into actually knew how to handle a weapon.
“Not always otherwise we’d grow bored of one another.” There was a small grin as she practically said the same thing. So the other woman was most certainly a Knight of some sort if she knew of that feeling. “So tell me Gullivere, what does a Knight of peace do?” There was no malice for once. Just genuine curiosity.
“i’m afraid so…i took my eyes off of the sweetling for less than a second and there she was. crying out for her mother on the ground as the blood left her body in a pool, luckily we have managed to stem the bleeding.” her voice was hoarse and it was evident the brothel madam was exhausted - she had barely slept and had been on constant care duty even if she did not have to be. “i see you are well though, kana. your skills in fighting must have protected you greatly.”
There was a small sigh that left her, that sort of thing for a warrior was plenty to deal with, but for a girl and even Branwynn to have to deal with, it is not how one wants to spend their time. “Myself and others I’m just sorry I couldn’t have been there.” She leaned over to her companions and whispered something before parting with them. Grabbing some of the things that were balanced a top Branwynns arms. “Come on. We best not keep your patient waiting.”
the words alone came from her lips a little more harsh than he’d like , but from her he’d expect nothing less . he understood her worry for him but halius knew he could handle himself and he hoped that she’d understand . ‘ if i live my life in fear of what may come where will i get , kana ? ’ he asked , question a rather serious one . he didn’t mind the company of another , but halius also knew the attack wasn’t motivated with ill will against him . ‘ i think we both know your company of much appreciated and desired , but i needed this morning alone . ’
There was a slight roll of her eyes, “Fear no, but being cautious never hurt.” Standing with the grace of a feline on such an uneven surface she dropped to the ground. She was stubborn about all else, everyone that knew her to some capacity knew it. “Very well, you can stay alone over there, and I will stay over here.” Turning her back on him she spoke over her shoulder, “If it is modesty you are concerned with, I will even be so polite as to not look.” She wasn’t foolish enough to let her guard down entirely, but she did keep a keen focus on what she could hear.
hela rolled her eyes. she felt if she rehashed her exact intentions behind her banishment, she’d likely be banished again just for speaking ill of the precious queen again. as much as she tried to trust kana, she could never truly trust anyone in their ranks anymore.
“i had some… thought about the one chosen to be our newest queen, and halius with all of his love for me, decided i would be better as far away from her as possible.” she shrugged. “now your turn. what would get you banished?”
Glancing around at the people that were staring to stir, those walking around the city in the early hours, no one that mattered was close enough, had heard enough of their conversation. Yet it was them that she watched closely as she spoke, “You are not the only one to share in that sentiment.” There was a small sneer of annoyance.
“I could be banished for a number of things. The open dislike of the new queen, my lack of restraint when it comes to calling out the idiocy of our king.” There was a shrug, she had the utmost respect for him and her fellow knights, but she had no self restraint to hold her tongue. It would get her in trouble eventually and she had already made peace with that.
“Well when the usual medic I go see is actually a petite blonde sorceress with lots cats and a constant mood for murder, yes, I am not afraid to say I am completely terrified of her.” Among other things. Kana was another he was also terrified of, if he was honest, but it was completely different. Kana could murder him with just a few quick moves from her blade, he was sure, but he still liked bothering her all the same.
He smirked at her words. Your first blood. They both knew how this would go. And not because he would try and take it easier on her or anything like that. Kana was easily one of the better swords handlers he had ever seen in his life and anyone who went against her in battle basically never really stood a chance. He did a small bow and got into position as he watched her watch him like a predator stalking it’s pray before going to eat it.
“How long do you think this will last?” he asked honestly. It was a question that had been bothering him and while this was not question time, he wanted an honest opinion on it. “I’m tired of playing nice here and babysitting princesses.” He didn’t want war per say but he wanted to do something useful instead of sit around waiting for another attack to happen.
“I think that makes you a smarter man than I gave you credit for bran. It is wise to fear a smart woman. Pacing around the outskirts of the small arena she was reminded of growing up in Wheldrake, training from a young age, her mentors had often likened her to a prowling cat, always watching and ready to strike at any given moment. This was no different.
Spinning the blades about once again, something that was often to used to lure those into a false sense of security of unpreparedness. She was going to mock him for wanting to be rid of her so quickly, but upon hearing why he was so eager to draw this out she couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you bore of pretty princesses? How offended they’ll be.”
Holding her sword out to the side, leaving her somewhat vulnerable she pointed at him before beckoning him closer. “Come along Bran, I’ll not simply stand here all day. I have great important things to do.” Lies, but she was interested how long this could be drawn out so neither had to return to the monotony of pretending to care about foreign rulers.
“ Some things, please. Kana don’t be ridiculous, “ Marion scoffs threading the needle through the fabric but lacked the steadiness in her hands to do it smoothly without risking another prick. “ Focus on the cat in your lap, “ The blonde shakes her head not knowing where to even start with that. Bran was something she couldn’t explain, a lifelong friendship that she did not think needed explanation but here they were pretending like it wasn’t the topic of conversation.
“ Are you saying you don’t like my other cats? They can hear you. “ She insists, stopping the stitching to scratch Val between the ears. The cat purrs in content and crawls back into her lap and gradually, Marion is accepting that she is getting nothing done tonight. Kana had a point, there was no point in fixing the dress but Marion was too stubborn to wave off the idea so quickly. It was almost like she enjoyed making things difficult for herself. “ Of course not, silly me…. It looks like one my mother had, I was quite fond of it. Besides I hate shopping, “
“Ridiculous no, just observant.” Scratching the ears on the cat that remained curled in her lap she had grown rather fond of it over these last months, Kana was in no sense sentimental, but these cats were some small part of home that Marion had manged to bring with her. “I’m saying your other cats don’t like me and I am perfectly comfortable with that. I couldn’t care one way or another. You on the other hand, you care far too much.”
A curiosity, that many from Wheldrake disliked the chore of shopping, perhaps it was because they were the kind of people that only wanted what they needed, those that she knew at least were not the kind to throw around such lavishments that other kingdoms did. “Do you miss her, your mother?” Kana wasn’t the kind to watch her words, the things that came to mind she spoke freely. It was a blessing to her, to not worry about such things, others often called it a curse.
Marion pricks her finger again after catching Kana’s swords, her concentration on the garment breaking quickly. “ Shit ! “ The blonde curses again, holding her finger over the prick to stop the blood from rising to the surface. “ What is that supposed to mean? Hmm? “ She doesn’t want to know, doesn’t even know why she asked but it slips out before she can stop it. Shaking her hand, Marion goes back to dealing with the fabric in hand ignoring Val when he tries to cling back onto the dark lace again.
“ Not in the slightest but you also told me that you are not a cat person, look at you now. “ She nods, the ghost of a smile upon her lips while she threads the dress in hopes to salvage it. “ I could not say the say as of lately but recently? Because I thought you were … preoccupied? “ It might not be the word but it was all that had come to mind.
Raising a brow she just stared at Marion, Kana severely doubted the other woman wished her to continue with what she meant, but it was far too amusing to not tease. She’d been around the two of them long enough to pick up on the pair of them, no matter how much they seemed oblivious to one another. “Oh you know, just some things that I’ve noticed.” She would never tease Marion with the intent of malice, but she figured her friend could use a smile, possibly even a laugh given the severity of the last few days.
“Liking one single cat is very different from being a cat person, and different again from fixing dresses. I don’t have the patience.” It wasn’t just patience she lacked, it was the finesse and lack of care about pretty shiny things. Finesse on a battle field and finesse for the sake of sewing tiny beads and lace onto a dress were two very different things. Kana was much more likely to get frustrated with the garment and throw it into a fire in a fit of annoyance. She couldn’t help but stiffen at the choice of word, her eyes narrowing slightly before she willed herself play dumb. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean. Besides ... why are you bothering to fix this dress when we can just get you a new one?” Wasn’t that what ladies did anyway, went through clothes like they were nothing to them? She knew it was a poor change of subject, but she’d rather talk about anything else.
Rhea resisted the urge to smile at the other woman’s hostility, assuming it would serve to incite her ire. Though, having met knights from all over at this point in her stay, she was ever aware of how easily one could reach for a weapon and wield it in the same breath. She could appreciate that - could appreciate the fact that this woman, knight presumably, was ready for combat, verbal or otherwise.
Still, she simply shrugged, lip twitching ever so slightly. “I’m not a school teacher looking to test or lecture.” Rhea gestured around, “I was just stating the obvious, wasn’t I?” The space was open enough that she didn’t see a problem with sharing it. “As for who, Rhea Laidon,” she offered her name by way of introduction.
There was something about the other woman that seemed to hold a confidence that few rarely possessed, as well as a certain calmness around the training ground that suggested she wasn’t new to this kind of place. Narrowing her eyes she did not do so out of malice or anger, no this was out of assessment, that name wasn’t familiar to her. Kana was mentally running through the list of Princes, Princesses, Queens and Kings that had come from the other kingdoms, primarily so she could avoid them, or even so she’d know who to go after if there was an attack.
“Well you aren’t from Wheldrake, so may I enquire as to where you are from?” Forced politeness was part of being a Knight, not so much in Wheldrake, she could be left alone quite happily, but here, it had been a constant game of false honey and pretty words.
