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Realms of Terrafynn - The Red Wars (Skeith Takahata II & MessedUpRP)

Skeith Takahata II

Skeith Takahata II

Lesbian Anarchist
Joined
Feb 26, 2009
Location
Elsewhere
Far to the east, beyond the Great Central Continent of Romeria, lies the Desert Nation of Glytipt. A small but formidable empire that none dared to challenge. At least, not until recently. Far to the south, a man, calling himself The Red King, raised an army and set out to conquer the Realms from the Continent of Rolendahl. The Red Army had conquered their own home with ease, and were beginning to sale to other lands. The first of which, was Glytipt. The southern reaches of the Empire were holding the line, but they would never last against these numbers. They needed help.

The war had arrived on their shores at an awful time as well. The Pharaoh Marasett had recently passed on, joining the Gods beyond. His body was only just entombed, his daughter, Asara, only just ascending to throne, before war arrived. She was young. Too young to be an orphan and too young to be a queen. Yet here she was, war had come and her lands needed a leader. She stood, covered in elegant body paint, protecting her from being touched against her wishes and needing to prove it. The ink would smudge and the criminal caught baring the ink on their flesh would be slain. Her body only barely clothed. Garb assembled of fine stones and gold beads concealed her breasts, and dangled between her legs. Bangles hung from her wrists and ankles. Her bare feet padded quietly as she stepped up to her throne.

A tall, black furred covered man with a jackal's head leaned in to speak to her. A feather covered woman with an owl's head standing on her other side. The two shared a whispered conversation before the doors opened. One of her generals entered the room, prompting her to stand slowly. "I trust you have good news for me." She said seriously. Despite her frail and small form, when she was upset, she became quite imposing.

"Your majesty, our line is holding, but our numbers are dwindling. We need help." He said, looking to the jackal headed man beside her as he snarled.

"You would ask that your queen send more to the lines? We have no soldiers. What would you have her do? Send farmers, potters, fishermen?"

"It's fine, Malaketh." She said, gently. "We will send word across the sea to Spartanians asking for assistance. In the mean time, perhaps the prisoners. In return for a lighter sentence or perhaps freedom, I'm sure they can be persuaded to take up arms."

"Who would lead such a rabble?" Asked the Owl-headed woman.

"Organize a tournament. Non-lethal arms. The ranking victors will be assigned positions of authority within the new division. The winner will serve as my fifth general." The room in agreement, she rose from her throne. "Now, I wish to rest. Organize the tournament, and send for me when festivities are underway." She dismissed those in the room, returning to her chambers.


In time, Malaketh was walking through the prison with the feather covered Owl-headed woman Taris. "Those of you who have been found guilty of crimes beneath Marasett have been given a unique opportunity. Your new queen, Asara, has seen fit to offer you your freedom in exchange for your military service. Those who are interested in such an opportunity will be allowed to sign for a tournament to decide ranking officers within the division. The queen thanks each of you who join, for their sacrifice and willingness to serve. The tournament will be in one week's time. Prepare yourselves accordingly."
 
Skeith Takahata II said:
Far to the east, beyond the Great Central Continent of Romeria, lies the Desert Nation of Glytipt. A small but formidable empire that none dared to challenge. At least, not until recently. Far to the south, a man, calling himself The Red King, raised an army and set out to conquer the Realms from the Continent of Rolendahl. The Red Army had conquered their own home with ease, and were beginning to sale to other lands. The first of which, was Glytipt. The southern reaches of the Empire were holding the line, but they would never last against these numbers. They needed help.

The war had arrived on their shores at an awful time as well. The Pharaoh Marasett had recently passed on, joining the Gods beyond. His body was only just entombed, his daughter, Asara, only just ascending to throne, before war arrived. She was young. Too young to be an orphan and too young to be a queen. Yet here she was, war had come and her lands needed a leader. She stood, covered in elegant body paint, protecting her from being touched against her wishes and needing to prove it. The ink would smudge and the criminal caught baring the ink on their flesh would be slain. Her body only barely clothed. Garb assembled of fine stones and gold beads concealed her breasts, and dangled between her legs. Bangles hung from her wrists and ankles. Her bare feet padded quietly as she stepped up to her throne.

A tall, black furred covered man with a jackal's head leaned in to speak to her. A feather covered woman with an owl's head standing on her other side. The two shared a whispered conversation before the doors opened. One of her generals entered the room, prompting her to stand slowly. "I trust you have good news for me." She said seriously. Despite her frail and small form, when she was upset, she became quite imposing.

"Your majesty, our line is holding, but our numbers are dwindling. We need help." He said, looking to the jackal headed man beside her as he snarled.

"You would ask that your queen send more to the lines? We have no soldiers. What would you have her do? Send farmers, potters, fishermen?"

"It's fine, Malaketh." She said, gently. "We will send word across the sea to Spartanians asking for assistance. In the mean time, perhaps the prisoners. In return for a lighter sentence or perhaps freedom, I'm sure they can be persuaded to take up arms."

"Who would lead such a rabble?" Asked the Owl-headed woman.

"Organize a tournament. Non-lethal arms. The ranking victors will be assigned positions of authority within the new division. The winner will serve as my fifth general." The room in agreement, she rose from her throne. "Now, I wish to rest. Organize the tournament, and send for me when festivities are underway." She dismissed those in the room, returning to her chambers.


In time, Malaketh was walking through the prison with the feather covered Owl-headed woman Taris. "Those of you who have been found guilty of crimes beneath Marasett have been given a unique opportunity. Your new queen, Asara, has seen fit to offer you your freedom in exchange for your military service. Those who are interested in such an opportunity will be allowed to sign for a tournament to decide ranking officers within the division. The queen thanks each of you who join, for their sacrifice and willingness to serve. The tournament will be in one week's time. Prepare yourselves accordingly."
Click to expand...


((I had kind of meant the queen specifically picked MC from hearing about her reputation to compete in the tournament .))
Nialla looked up from her shackles... She had significantly more than most. Her spirits had remained unborken and the guards knew it. Probably fromnt bseven times she had attempted escape abndnthentwenty three days ad guards she had left. She scored at the people. "Yes exwcroynwhat every prisoner wants! A chance to serve their dirty queen sitting on some lousy throne! Long live the queen, may the goes so it on her corpse when the conquerors stomp through here and destroy her little "'tournament.'" She fell silent again. Who would want to be free getting shot st again by anyone for anything. She was safer in this cell. The young whitish-blonde needle master would sit here and contemplate her own tattoos, she had no need for silly tournaments or queens.

She had been the greatest berserker and druid of her nation. But she had been betrayed by someone she called a friend. The tribe laser himself had knocked her out and sold her in the Iron Auction. She was being taken across the sea when she was captured by these people and now she was stuck god knows where.
 
Asara walked from her chambers to where her father once slept. She looked about the room sadly. She was not unaware of her father's short comings as a ruler, but he was still her father. She approached his documents sifting through them. She had begun handling the affairs he couldn't finish before his death, but it had been too hard to occupy this room. But her responsibilities had to come before her grief. Her eyes settled on a prisoner transfer form. A slaver ship had been attacked and then the people on board were brought here? Why? What was the point?

She left her the room in a frustrated huff, returning to the throne room. "Malaketh! Taris!" She shouted, the two turning to face her. "My father had a woman from Teryndahl locked in our prisons, why?"

"I was not aware of any prisoner transfers from Teryndahl. Your father was a very private man, my queen." Malaketh spoke.

"Was she the one shouting? She's been giving the guards a bit of a hard time since she arrived." Taris spoke, looking back to Malaketh.

"She and any who arrived with her are to be freed immediately. Is that understood? We are many things, but slavers we are not. I will not let that abysmal practice taint this kingdom again. Not so long as I rule." She looked frustratingly from one to the other. "Have the one you spoke of brought before me, immediately. No shackles. I wish to speak with her personally. Those from Teryndahl are powerful warriors. If she sees that I am not my father, perhaps I can gain her cooperation. Invite her to join me for supper."

An hour or so later, Malaketh and Taris returned to the prison approaching Nialla's cell. A human guard unlocked the cell and pulled it open allowing Malaketh and Taris to enter. "Queen Asara has requested your presence. She wishes to meet you personally." Malketh spoke.

Taris nodded to the guard who entered and began unlocking her shackles. "Allow her an opportunity to bathe if she sees fit before meeting the queen." She said, looking to the guard. "Proper clothes as well, if you would. She will be dining with the queen after all."

The guard nodded, leaving to collect what was necessary. In time, both a basin and clothing was brought back to the cell. Malaketh and Taris stepped out of the cell, waiting. In a few moments a tapestry was hung in front of the bars to give her privacy.
 
Nialla was slightly shocked to hear that the queen wanted to see her. The daughter of the man who had unjustly imprisoned her. She looked down at her shackles. The shackles that had kept her imprisoned for years on end. She looked back up st the tapestry and sighed, she didn't seem to have a choice.

She climbed into the basin and slowly washed herself, the water quickly becoming brown with the dirt of her body and hair. She stood up and looked down at the clothes. A plain white tunic that only went over her one shoulder, a brown leather belt and leather sandals. It was certainly foreign to what she was used to.

She dries her body and slowly put the clothes on, her joints stiff and her wrists, ankles and neck chafed and wounded by the iron shackles. Every move she made hurt as she put the clothes on and the sandals especially hurt. Soon she stood up on shaky feet and looked over her two liberators, the dog would be the easiest to fight of the two, the owl might cause trouble.

She shook her head and stood up, gritting her teeth. "Alright then... Take me before my beloved queen." Her voice dripped sarcasm. If she had the chance she would have slain every one of these people and opened the gates to let whatever forces were attacking in to finish the job.
 
Both Malaketh and Taris nodded as they escorted Nialla to where the queen was located. The guided her up from the prison, and onto the streets of the impressive capital. Massive stone structures and statues erected to the Gods decorated everything. Colorful gems inlaid into stone to make it even more beautiful. The people, tanned in skin tone, with raven black hair, bustled about their busy lives. Occasionally one or two stopping to look at the clearly foreign woman.

Up the steps of the palace, she was led, through the great hall, beyond the throne room, and finally to a dining hall. The room had a ceiling, supported by columns, but only the side of the room with the door had a wall. The rest of the space was open to the world. Allowing any breeze to enter, and for the Royal Family to watch the sun set each night as they ate. Seated on one end of the large stone table, was the queen. Markedly younger than any ruler the nation had previously. Whether she was even truly prepared to rule at such an age was a point of frequent debate among the people.

She stood as the doors opened, turning to face the party as they entered. Her breath caught for only a moment. She had never seen individuals from beyond Glytipt before. Nialla was truly beautiful in a way that Asara found exotic. Still, she concealed that initial attraction. As queen she was expected to wed a man and bare a child to continue her father's dynasty. Her more taboo interests had no bearing in her current career.

"Nialla, I presume." She greeted professionally with a soft and inviting voice. "My name is Asara. Recently appointed Queen of Glytipt." She looked beyond Nialla to both Malaketh and Taris. "Thank you both, but I'm quite safe. You can leave us alone." Though not enthusiastic about the idea, the two obediently left, closing the doors behind them. From the corner a faint growl could be heard, but the beast that made it did not move. A griffin lay curled in the corner, it's predatory eyes never leaving Nialla as she was left alone near the queen. "Please, join me. Wine?" She asked, waving her hand to the table. The table was covered in various local dishes, including crocodile. One of Asara's personal favorites.
 
Nialla glanced at the griffon and smirked. At least she could feel less insulted about being called safe. But if she was going to die, death by griffon would be honorable. She stood on the floor, frowning at the queen before her.

"Most would refuse to supp with the queen who kept her prisoner for no crimes... Most would take the chance, kill you and then probably commit suicide by griffon, I can't say that I wouldn't do that... But not right now."

She sat down at the table and filled her plate with food, eating with no etiquette to speak of. But when the queen had been living in a cell for a year with only a thin piece of bread and any rats she could catch to feed herself, she would probably forget her table manners as well.

Soon as she finished eating enough that she was sure she wouldn't vomit. –She would need to accustom herself to this much food again.– she looked up at the queen. "So then... Your highness" she spoke with sarcasm dripping from her voice. "Why have you brought me before you exactly... I was so fond of the accommodations I had been left in."
 
Asara was certainly taken aback by Nialla's words and lack of table manners, but she didn't mention them or question her behavior. She ate quietly and politely, allowing her guest to eat however she wished. She looked up at her again when she heard her speak. She sighed softly, her gaze falling as guilt tied her stomach into knots. "I ask no forgiveness for your treatment, Nialla. I only wish you to understand that your imprisonment was under my father. My father is no more. The practices he once exercised in this kingdom have been discontinued. I only learned of your existence earlier today, reading through his documents."

She rose to her feet, walking towards the columns that lead outside, looking out at the sunset, and the kingdom before her. "My people are dying Nialla. In droves. An army greater, many times over, than the very population of my nation, with weapons and technology I've never seen, attacks our borders. Our warriors are strong and proud, but few in number." She turned to face her. "I am not here to order you to serve in my military, nor am I here to bargain for your service. So far as I am concerned, you are a free woman. You have served a sentence that wasn't yours to bear, and on behalf of my nation and the rulers who allowed for your capture, I offer only my sincerest apologies. I will bear the hate due my father if that is necessary."

She walked over to where Nialla was sitting, looking down at the woman. Once more the thoughts of how beautiful the exotic foreign woman looked invaded her mind but only for a moment. "If you choose to leave now, than I will not stop you. I will order no pursuit. I will even provide transport to your home. As I said, you are not here for me to command to serve. I am here to beg." She bowed her head low, as if greeting someone of higher station. "Not for me nor my people. Not for my nation. But for all the free lands of Terrafynn that will fall to this force if we can not hold them here. Already they prepare to move on the Central Continent. Unprepared and unalerted, Romeria will fall, and all the nations she carries. In time, your home of Teryndahl will collapse before their might as well. I beg you to help us stem the tide of this foe before our world falls to this empire."
 
Nialla set down the piece of bread she had been eating and wiped her mouth with a napkin, "your father was a dishonorable man and a horrendous ruler. He deserves whatever he received in the afterlife. I reserve no love or sympathy for him... However you are not your father, and to blame an innocent for the sins of their parent is wrong."

She pushed herself away from the table and stood, brushing her hair from her face. "That is one of the many ways you and I are different queen... I have no home. I was betrayed and left to be a slave, I was a champion abandoned by her people. I have nowhere to return to, but I will aid you... Not because I want to return to a home that does not exist, but because I never want another to know what it feels like to have no place to call a home."

She looked away, tears brimming in her eyes. She brushed them away quickly before looking back. "I will need access to your forges, your best blacksmiths, your best leather tanners and access to your libraries as well. I will also require a place to rest my head." She spoke frankly to the queen, ignoring her rank completely. She was no queen of hers so she felt no need to be formal.
 
Asara's façade finally cracked as a relieved smile came over her face. "Thank you, Nialla. Very much." She nodded quickly. "You'll have everything you require." She actually found herself relieved that Nialla wasn't referring to her as her queen and speaking to her as an equal. Asara owed her that much. Besides that, she had been a princess and a queen her whole life. It was nice to finally just be a person. "Three divisions of my military are already on the front lines. The fourth returned to request reinforcements, which is why I offered freedom to any prisoners wishing to serve. We require a fifth division." She looked down at the floor for a few moments. "Does the rank of General suit you well? You sound well informed in the ways of war. Your voice would be welcome at my war council among my four other Generals."

"We need only hold the line until aid can come from Spartania to the west." She looked to the door as if hearing something that none other could before the sounds of steps approaching the door filled the room. The door opened, a single guard entering the room, clearly out of breath.

"My queen! I'm sorry for the intrusion!" The guard blurted out quickly.

"What is the problem?" She asked, looking at him concerned.

"An insurgent force of the Red Army has flanked around to the capital. Very few but their weapons..." A thunderous crack rang out and the guard slumped, behind him, soldiers clad in red were making their way to the door.

Asara jumped in fear as the guard fell forward. "N-no!" She shrieked wanting to step towards him. She saw the guards lining up with muskets in hand, looking back to Nialla. "Quickly, through the curtains! It's a hidden route for my security!" She said quickly to her.

The griffin was on its feet quickly turning towards the door, snarling angrily. "N-no, Marna!" She moved forward to try to prevent the griffin from fighting.
 
Nialla grabbed the queen by her clothes, the ink smearing her hand. "You go and keep yourself safe. I'll handle this." She quite unceremoniously pushed Asara back into the curtain. Atriddinf out toward the door. She looked down at the red army and smirked.

"Hm... Black powder weapons... Only twenty... Timento start. She shouted to the guards. "All of you! Use anything you can to make cover for yourselves. No need to stand like targets. Get behind cover and shoot when you know you won't miss!"

She ran her hand along the wall, feeling it slowly for some type of hand or foothold. Finding none she sighed and grabbed hold of the curtains. Using them to climb to the ledge of the windows like a spider.

She slid outside to watch the army from above. They were few. A small strike force, sent to take the capital easily... Or so they thought.

Nialla closes her eyes and placed a fist in her hand, breathing our slowly and evenly. Balancing her chi and emptying her mind as she was taught long ago, loosening the chains of the beast she called rage.

She opened her eyes and jumped off the ledge, her arms swinging in circles before she landed amidst the Red force. She looked around her and began attacking.

She slammed her fist into the first soldier. Taking his rife and punching the butt into his throat. She grabbed it by the barrel and used it as a club. Beating back the other soldiers.Some broke away and aimed at her, planning to shoot. She jumped up and over, letting the bullets knock harmlessly into stone or in some cases into other red soldiers.Soon between her attacks and the palace guards the way to the door was drenched in blood and bodies. Her skin and clothing reddened with the blood of her enemies.
 
Asara's world came to a halt when she felt Nialla take hold of her. Even as she was pushed back into the curtain, she could hardly take her eyes off the woman. Once hidden in the secret passage, her eyes fell to the places she had been touched, the smudged ink denoting where contact was made. It was a truly shocking experience for her. She knew that there was no way that Nialla could know the gravity of the action, or that she would care.

In the hidden chamber, Asara found both Malaketh and Taris arriving from another passage. "My queen!" Malaketh announced when he saw her.

"I... I'm fine... Malaketh." She insisted breathlessly, glancing back the way she came.

Taris narrowed her eyes as she saw the smudged ink on Asara's flesh. "It was that woman, wasn't it."

"Nialla was protecting me! She didn't know!" Asara countered quickly.

"Ignorance is no excuse." Taris turned to leave the chamber, headed back the way she had come from.

"Taris do not..." Asara found her path blocked by Malaketh.

"Until we know the enemy agents have been dealt with you are to remain here." He instructed.

"But Taris..." She began.

"Won't hurt Nialla. I promise you." Malaketh turned, leaving the chamber after her.

Taris swooped in upon the aftermath of the battle, seeing red army agents strewn about, among many of their own. At the middle of the brutal scene was the woman her queen had freed. Taris stood up straight, her wings, settling beside her. "Your hand, warrior. Let me see it." She insisted harshly.
 
Nialla looked up at Taris. "Oh you again. How nice to see you. Bit of an odd request but very well" she held up her hands for Taris to see, one hand covered in the ink. She however did not realize it had been inked. "Is Asara safe?" She was worried about the queen. Even if she had been imprisoned, the woman was moderately kind to her.
 
Taris' gaze narrowed as she saw the ink on her hand. As she spoke, using the queen's name so informally, her beak clicked shut. "Yes. Queen Asara is safe. Though perhaps now sullied by your hand. You should be more worried about your own safety." She hissed lowly.

"Taris, stand down!" Malaketh shouted as he walked down the steps.

"She's marked by the Queen's ink. You know what that means." She countered. "Her life is forfeit."

"The queen has already pardoned her for the action, if you recall. To act now would be treason." He folded his arms, standing beside Nialla

"The queen is far too liberal with tradition." She saw the look in Malaketh's eye and his hand resting on his sword. She sighed irritably. "Best to watch your back, foreigner. Others might not be so understanding." She turned, taking off into the sky.

Malaketh sighed audibly, turning to face Nialla. "Well, that could have gone better. You have my thanks for saving Queen Asara and thwarting the invasion force. My queen was clearly wise when she selected you personally. Might I show you to where she is hidden? Once she has the all clear, she can resume her duties. I'm certain, as well, that she wishes to thank you personally."
 
Nialla nodded slowly, she had decided that she likes the dog headed man much more than the owl woman. She followed him inside, attemtpig to wipe the ink off on anything she could. She. She finally came face to face with the queen she smiled, "ah I see... A fear of someone so much as laying a ahdn on their precious queen... No wonder you're losing the war." She said the last line much lower than the others before.

Looking around, her eyes landing on Malaketh, she pointed to him. "You!... Um... You... Sure, go out to the strike force and take their weapons. I want their bodies sent back, mutilated and impaled to the enemy army, make sure their heads are cut ofd and out on top of the spikes. I want their weapons taken for further research and development of our own. Border security of this capital needs to be tightened. I expect walls that could repel a god if need be."

She turned to the princess and recognized her plans for the bodies would seem barbaric to her. Because they were barbaric. "This is the game of War Asara, we need to prove you are not weak. Today your enemy marched into your very midst and almost succeeded in winning the war with only twenty men. If they see those twenty men in such a bad state they will wonder what caused it, rumors will spread and morale will drop. Now as far as rank is concerned. General is not enough. You will make me commander of every general, of the entire army... I do not need to waste precious time arguing with old men who do not understand the nuances of war that your father deemed generals."
 
Asara assuredly did look at Nialla differently, but that was even before she spoke. As she did speak, Asara's gaze grew quite fearful of her words. Was this how the people of Teryndahl did battle? As she spoke of intimidation and rumor effecting the enemy, she suddenly realized that those same rumors and legends where what had inspired her to reach out to Nialla in the first place. "I... I see... Thank you for your council, Nialla." She nodded in agreement, turning to Malaketh and nodding her head in confirmation of Nialla's order. "You heard her Malaketh. See it done."

Malaketh was far less surprised by her words, only by her tone. At Asara's confirmation he nodded his head departing from the room. Asara's gaze returned to Nialla, a smile teasing her lips. "Such a rank will certainly be bestowed upon you. As will proper citizenship. By my order or not, the Generals will not take kindly to an unaffiliated foreigner taking control of the military."

She turned to walk out of the safe room, returning to her throne room with Nialla in tow. "I want you to understand the reasoning for the ink. It is less for my safety than it is for..." She paused, blushing for a moment. "For my purity." She turned to face her after a moment. "Every daughter born to a king, begins to be marked with ink at a very young age. It is to insure that our flesh is not corrupted before our betrothal. Royal women are considered to be vessels of the Gods, to become one with us is to become ascendant. My flesh has not been touched by another person since my own mother when I was only a babe. Your hand is the first to make contact with me in those many years. It's an intimate gesture that we don't give out lightly. Taris' anger comes from the violation of that law and my voiding of its penalty. It isn't you specifically."
 
[Niala sneered softly, "I wouldn't be surprised if this... Taris didn't like me for other reasons besides that. I do not apologize for touching you... If I had not, you would be either dead, or getting very used to being touched. She grimaced at the thought of it. "I am curious... You speak of gods, do you by chance have a temple to phyra within the city? I plan on having my equipment made then going to the temple for prayer."
 
Asara ascended to her throne, taking her seat as she listened to Nialla speak. She looked visibly frightened at the implications of her words had she been captured. She shook her head, offering a small smile afterward. "I don't want you to apologize. I'm well aware that you saved my life today. I'm nothing but grateful to you." She dipped a cloth in a small pool of water beside her throne, washing the smudged ink with the moist cloth. She dipped a brush into an inkwell, correcting the smudged markings from Nialla's touch.

She gave a small nod at her next question. "Yes. We do have a temple to Phyra. We didn't until recent years. Since we enjoy trade with Teryndahl, we began hosting some of their more common religions here to make traders and diplomats feel more welcome. Some of our own people have even taken to worshipping those Gods. I have not had reason to visit the temple to Phyra in my life however. The goddess to whom I am a vessel, is one of our three moon Goddesses. For the duration of my life, I may only enter her temples."

She set the brush aside when she finished, examining her work for a moment. "I can send for a guide to show you about the different places in town to better acquaint you. As for housing, I would invite you to use the quarters attached to my own." She looked away sheepishly. "F-for my safety, of course." Having never been touched in her life, she certainly saw Nialla through different eyes now.
 
Nialla nodded solemnly, "I will not require a guide Asara... I find that learning my own way around the city helps me to learn the nuances of the city. The more elusive routs in and out, any unknown points of entry. I will be back very soon, until then I request that you stay under heavy guard until I return." She gave a slightly awkward bow and walked out of the throne room.

This city had strange laws. Such a specific law that so much as touching the queen would mean death was quite an odd rule in her mind. She ponders this as she made her way to the blacksmith, she made her order of what she needed and made sure to give them very good detail.

Her prayer took a while, she burned insence and prayed for guidance, valor and strength to lead the foreign army. She smirked at the thought of it again, a commander of the army. She stood and walked back to the palace, entering the the one room and looking around. It was noe she realized she had no idea where to go, she looked to the curtain and piled it away, going through and replacing it. Going down her secret passageway.
 
After Nialla left, Asara sat in silence for several minutes. She closed her eyes, still feeling Nialla's fingers on her skin. For one whom physical contact was normal, it might not have seemed so significant, but for Asara it was a sensation she had been denied most of her life. Eventually she stood, noting the darkening of the room. Nialla had joined her for supper before all had transpired. It was becoming quite dark outside. She began walking back to her chambers, pausing to issue orders to a couple of servants, who briskly set about the tasks given to them. They were sent to prepare the room attached to Asara's. In most cases, the room was meant for the King's spouse to be. Now that she occupied the king's chamber, she would give that space to Nialla, knowing that having her near was wisest for her security.

She entered her chamber, eyeing the large bed with obvious want. It had been an exhausting day. Being queen was already more burden than she was prepared for. To also have dodged an assassination attempt and upset the entire ranking system of her military, she was quite tired. She untied the beaded attire that covered her breasts and crotch, setting both upon her bed. She strode over to a large pool like tub. After scrubbing the ink from her skin by hand, she sunk into the water, enjoying the soothing feeling against her flesh.

It was in those moments that the maze of hidden paths, deliberately built to be confusing, would lead Nialla through to the Queen's chamber. The curtain sliding away. At first she didn't respond. Expecting either Malaketh or Taris. Having been basically raised by them, she was accustomed to being seen naked by them. When she saw Nialla, she grew bright red. "N-Nialla. I trust that your errands went well." She greeted, trying to act normal.
 
Nialla stopped I'm her tracks, her eyes gazing at the bronzed body of the queen. "Oh um... They went well... The smiths said my equipment would be prepared in two days. They have all of their best smiths on the job." She sat at the edge of the tub and looked down at Asara, "I um... I apologize about finding you like this." She lifted her hand shakily and dragged her fingers through the water. "I... I should probably go shouldn't I."
 
Asara nodded when she spoke about her errands. She was pleased to hear that the smiths had been receptive her request and would complete the effort at their greatest haste. When she spoke of leaving, Asara's smile fell away. "Nialla..." She watched her for a long moment, not used to seeing this different side to her. Her shaking hand and her unease at the situation. "Your fingers have already touched my flesh and your eyes have already laid upon my body. What has been touched can not be untouched, and what has been seen can not be unseen." She smiled a little more, watching her fingers gliding over the water. "Perhaps instead, you would join me?"

Her gaze fell after a moment, biting her lip in thought. "Unless of course, my company or my form are not to your liking. In which case, your chambers I beyond the hidden door, nearest my bed."
 
Nialla was seriously contemplating leaving. This was the daughter of the man who had imprisoned her for no reason, even if she had grown to like the woman for her less harsh attitude she still held onto the grudge that had kept her from breaking in the cells. But Asara was different from her father, she was kind and gentle and had treated Nialla with respect.

She sighed softly, her mind flashing back to the view of Asara in her beaded clothes and her fine silken cape. She looked down at the queen and nodded. Sliding off her sandals then removing her silent clothes she meekly stepped into the warm water. Compared to the queen. "Asara this... Will we be allowed to do this?"
 
Asara was both surprised and pleased when Nialla chose to remain. As she finally stripped away her clothing, Asara made no effort to conceal the admiration she had for the woman's beauty. She had a warrior's body. There was no question. There was no questioning exotic beauty either. As she entered the water, her smile grew wider. At her words however, it fell away. "I will not lie, the situation as it is would be considered taboo, but as is every aspect of this newfound relationship between us. We address one another as equals, as friends would. Not as a queen to a ranking member of her military. You've already seen and touched my flesh. If you were male, tradition would have already seen us wed or you executed. Even more outlandish by your status as foreign to this land. The amount of laws, our simply knowing one another has broken, is numerous. If those laws bore any weight in the Glytipt I am trying to forge for the future."

"By rights, I should not be a ruler. I should have been wed before my father's death. This chamber would have belonged to my husband, and I would have occupied the chamber that will serve as your own until such time as he required an heir. My husband would be surrounded by slaves and concubines, free to enjoy the splendors of royalty while I supplied him with children as needed. As you can see, there is no husband. There are no children. No slaves. No concubines." She smiled then, relaxing back into the water.

"Tradition has its place, but it can also be a poison. The potential in this friendship is more important to me. I have not simply been, a woman, before. That we are equal in each other's eyes means more to me than I can express. So, would others frown upon us doing this? Yes. Is it allowed? That is for the queen to decide, I believe."
 
Nialla looked at Asara with kind eyes. "Why do you color the tradition then? Why do you cover your body in ink and never permit anyone to touch you until you are wed, you will miss on such simple pleasures as a simple touch of a lover... But the ink is not on your body now."

Nialla looked Asara in the eye, gazing at her wet body, without warning she leaned forward and put a hand on the back of Asara's head, pulling her into a gentle, passionate kiss. When Nialla pulled away she blushed deep and stood up, "I-I'm sorry Asara.. I didn't mean to-to do that. It just..." She sighed and trotted from the room, scooping up her clothes and going directly to her quarters.
 
"Uh... Um..." Asara grew bright red as Nialla spoke, watching her draw closer. As she noted the absence of ink, Asara swallowed. She was about to explain why she still marked her skin when Nialla took the initiative. Her head held in place and a gentle kiss forced onto her lips. Her eyes flew open wide. She simply sat there, frozen in shock as the kiss dragged on.

When it broke she could hardly breath. She'd only been touched twice in her life that she could remember. Both times happened that day, and both times by Nialla. Of course, she had never been kissed either. Her wide eyes looked up at her as she rose and fled from the room. Asara stood slowly from the bath, looking back towards the door Nialla had left through. Was it possible that Nialla had detected Asara's more taboo interest in her own gender? Or perhaps, was it a personal attraction to the queen that Nialla had? What reason did she have to kiss her? And why flee after the fact? The action had happened, there was no hiding from it.

She dried off slowly, still in shock before moving to her bed. She laid down, staring at the ceiling and unable to sleep. Finally giving up, she stood up, dressed, patiently painted her body in the ink, and departed from the palace with her all female royal guard in tow.

She approached the only temple she was allowed to enter, Novura, one of three moon gods. She walked inside, closing the doors behind her. The guards remaining to protect her from the outside. Alone, she lit incense and sat in the middle of the chamber, looking up at the large statue of a beautiful woman. She would remain there for the duration of the night, trying to reconcile her faith with her attraction to the strange foreign warrior. Could the two concepts co-exist?
 
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