Learning from a master (Cheshire x Tema)

"You?! Weapons Master?"

The frustrated guard spat on the floor and pointed a finger at Vallios, a look of absolute indignation on his face. The man stomped his plated foot against the floor of the training hall and then reached for his spear. Vallios sighed quietly and turned to face the interloper, waving a hand dismissively at the gathered 30 trainees. Vallios merely smirked and shook his head, clearing away the waist length mane of raven hair from his face. When he spoke, he did so with an accent that echoed the frigid tones of the northern winds.

"If you think yourself more fit for the title...Pick any three weapons. I will use them to combat you. You may choose as many weapons as you wish." Vallios responded cooly.

Every weapon in the training room was an edgeless copy, perfect for maximum training with minimum lethality. The Ahn'kir chamber guard chuckled softly and began to rummage through the weapon racks, looking for the most unwieldy combination possible, along with the most outlandish weapons. From the gathered arms he picked a Kama, a heavy broad bladed falchion, and an eight foot long chain. He set them on the bench, and then retrieved a sturdy pike, a large tower shield, and a longsword.

"Have fun with that, Weapons Master."

The guard placed mocking emphasis on the title. Vallios just shook his head and swaggered over to the selected weapons. With practiced ease he wrapped the chain around his waist and upper legs, then he retrieved the kama and settled it in his off-hand. He picked up the falchion, swung it in circles a few times and then turned to face his opponent, assuming a ready and balanced stance.

"Whoa!"

"By the gods, how can he hold such a heavy weapon like that?"

Most of the gathered trainees were new recruits, who'd never seen what being a Weapons Master meant. Even the challenger was a bit taken aback at the ease which Vallios adapted to the situation. Nevertheless he struck his longsword against his shield once, twice, and three times...The traditional sign that he was ready.

Surging forward, vallios lead the assult with his offhand. The challenger lunged and swung wide with his shield, hoping to knock the other off his feet. Vallios twisted his wrist and slammed the square pommel of the kama on the center of the oncoming shield, while kicking for his opponent's exposed knee.

The guard reacted in time to step away from the kick, surprised that Vallios had countered so readily. Once more he knocked blade against shield, taunting Vallios. Vallios took the bait willingly, coming in with an arcing slash from the falchion. The guard forced his shoulder forward and then thrust with his sword, going for Vallios' apparently exposed ribs.

But Vallios had his offhand ready. Easily he caught the blade in the curved edge of the sickle-like weapon and forced the guard's main hand high. Vallios stepped inwards and caught his opponent with a vicious elbow to the ribs, followed by a fierce kick to the chest.

Vallios moved forward, whipping his falchion up and then down in an arcing slash that the staggered challenger barely managed to block. A loud clattering filled the hall as both falchion and kama hit the floor, it appeared as if Vallios had been disarmed... But that wasn't the case. It'd been a ruse, which became apparent as that chain was swiftly unwrapped from his waist.

Then an abrupt change of stance, from the heavy centered focus of before to a more fluid and mobile step. The chain arced and cut through the air, quickly working itself into a dizzying curtain of certain death. Working both ends Vallios struck, hands spinning and twisting in the large circular links that served as handholds for the exotic weapon. Now Vallios had the severe advantage of the reach.

The challenger realized the advantage and took several rapid steps back, retrieving his pike. The guardsman continued to step back and around, waiting for Vallios' advance. And so Vallios began to strike, displaying astounding proficiency as he hurled the chain out to it's full eight foot length and then snapped it back in vicious slashes. Steel slammed against wood floor, and the metal links howled a shrill song, every strike seeming to hold the fury of a condensed storm.

And somehow, through the onslaught Vallios did not tire. With every strike he worked closer, the chain shortening as both ends began to work. Eventually, the desperate guard found himself overwhelmed and he began to thrust with abandon, hoping to strike a decisive blow.

But, no such luck. One end of the chain wrapped around the pike and with a wicked tug Vallios ripped the weapon free from his opponents grasp, and then released a flurry of blows from both ends of the chain. It was fortunate that the weapon was barbless, otherwise the challenger would have been literally torn to bits.

When the beaten man crumpled to his knees Vallios stopped the assault and stepped back, his breathing measured and calm. He cleared his throat and turned to address the class, acting as if it had been nothing more than a demonstration.


"Weapons are not but an extension of the will; The will to kill, and the will to survive. You must adapt to every weapon you hold, allow it to become your arms, it's blade, it's weight your fingers. Allow it's limits to become your own, and then overcome them."

Just out of range of the fighters, a slight 'lad' stood, watching the commotion with something akin to shock. Dirty blond hair peeked out from a dark, musky cap that sloped to the front of his face, hiding those tell tale eyes of violet. Of course, Seres had expected someone good. Delicate teeth nibbled at her suddenly dry lips. She had speed, and talent. But he just dominated the field and the fight. She would not be dominated as easily.

But if she was caught down here, she'd never hear the end of it from Beatrix. And life was more than difficult enough already for the girl who'd lost her mother and was thrust into a position she'd not thought she'd have to take up for years yet.

Taking a step backward slowly, so as to not be noticed, she tried to still listen to what he said. At least in pants, one could be somewhat sneaky at least. Well, unless one tripped over a staff left against the wall. And down she went, falling on her backside, and taking down about half of the stand of weapons with her. Luckily for her, they simply tumbled down, and there was no loss of life. Oh, she'd never hear the end of it from the fellows she trained with now.

"I'll get it!" Her voice squeaked, and she thanked the heavens above that her slight stature placed her as a prepubescent boy if one didn't look close enough. Well, as long as they didn't look at her backside either.

"Hey Seres, You're supposed to fight with the weapons, not have them beat you up." Came one jeer, as she scrambled to her feet and began to collect the weapons. Oh, she'd kill that Jared later. She could still win a fight against him easily. At least posing as a boy, she knew none of them took her gender for granted, so her fighting was honest.

"Bug off, Jared. I just wasn't careful enough. I'm more than man enough to kick your arse in field training tomorrow." For the moment, she'd forgotten about the new arrival in her growing vendetta for the other recruit.

"So you're here, are you?"

Vallios' ears were as keen as a wolf's, and so he'd heard the trainee say the name. He hadn't expected the ruling-mother-to-be to be down here watching the sessions so soon. Those topaz orbs scanned the crowd, quickly honing in on the violet eyes in mere seconds. Of course, Vallios acted as if he was addressing a trainee and nobody else.

"You need to learn awareness. The last weapon you put away, grab it and step forward."

With a smirk Vallios retrieved two practice daggers from the rack, settling into what was nearly a crouch, waiting for her to step forward. Never had Vallios gotten a glimpse of Selene's fighting prowess, and he needed a way to begin measuring her. He barked on order, knowing she wouldn't defy him in his domain.

"Come at me. If you land a blow, I won't sentence you to cleaning in the kitchens."

"How..." Fire lit her eyes, she had a new target for her anger and frustration. How did he know? Even the other recruits didn't know. But he knew exactly who she was somehow. She pulled herself up to her full height. She wasn't a tiny thing, but she was smaller and more lithe than most warriors.

"...Cleaning in the kitchens..." The phrase gritted between her teeth. How dare he. As if. It was a chore that none would like, let alone a proud girl who knew her place in the world, even if that place was not always welcome to her.

Her pace was controlled as she lifted up the last of the weapons, replacing them in the stone silence that the training room had become. She looked up at Rany'r, the only one who knew her secret, and gave a responding nod to his own as she picked up the last sword.

The sword chosen was light and strong. Perfect for her. "As you wish, Weapons Master." She would not disgrace him by not giving him the title that he'd fully earned, she was too well trained for that. She lifted the sword and drew it across her sleeve, marking the weight and flex before turning it in her hand, flipping the bladed weapon over to test it's weight in her hand.

A step forward, and the voices around her discussing her movements faded into the silence of her mind as she took her stance, one arm at guard, almost but not quite bracing the sword which faced him, her toe pointed. The grace she held would tell she was a woman to all but an idiot, but who expected a woman to train with the men. Even more aggravating, he'd know that she'd only been taught defense thus far. Either she'd lose face with the recruits, or she'd lose face with him.

Her first move was quick, sliding her foot backwards, feinting back with the sword as it twisted in her grasp for an upper cut towards his side.

And strike she did. A step forward as if to undercut, but this was not her intention. The blade pulled back towards her chest, her own body at a 45 degree angle to his, giving any offense he might have had no purchase upon her blade. The sheer fluidity of the motion got a few gasps from their peanut gallery, but Serefina didn't have the attention to give them as they marveled at her grace.

Instead, as the pommel was brought to her stomach, again it turned, her left elbow moving and providing the power to move forward again to cut against the opposing side from her original target.

She did what no self respecting 'warrior' would do, but that a woman had no issues with what so ever. Even she knew that the best thing to do was to disarm an opponent. So as the blow came down upon her blade, she let him do just that. She released the blade, the sudden lapse of pressure against his strike should be enough to throw him off and just downward enough for a second. So even if the elbow strike followed through, her hands would be above her head, and as the elbow connected, so would her clenched fists to slam down on his head. After all, he just said to land a blow. He didn't say how or with what.

But there was still the matter of the elbow jab, which thanks to her own intended strike put her into a perfect position to receive the full brunt of the strike, but due to his own downward motion, into her stomach and thrusting her to the ground to land once more on a backside she was going to be grateful that was so well cushioned in the morning.

"Ugh..."Oh gods, she felt like she was going to vomit.

"Fair enough. While such a blow did nothing apart from make me blink, it is still contact. I shall need to be more precise with my requirements in the future. Everyone besides yourself is dismissed for the day."

Vallios shot Selene a cruel smirk, waiting for her to get up on her own good time. Slowly he turned, bending down to retrieve the discarded weapon. At a leisurely pace Vallios sauntered over to the weapon racks and placed them in their proper locations, all the while waiting for any sounds of Selene getting to her feet, or attempting an unsportsman-like counter-attack while his back was turned.


Selene would find that Vallios' moods were constantly shifting...Or at least, that's how it would seem. Reality was Vallios kept his center at all times, showing a different face to mold every situation into the exact manner that suited him best. For all his brooding silence and the facade of a one-track mind, Vallios was truly always pulling strings or manipulating something.

It would take that moment offered for Serefina to regain her own equilibrium. She was rather disturbed by the fact he'd seemingly read her mind about why she was willing to take the blow she had to get the contact. Then again, he was the Weapon Master. And she knew his predecessor well, he would not have picked his protege lightly.

And she was honorable, if manipulative on her own. She'd gotten what she needed, there was no reason to attack him further. "Ugh..." Her hand went to her stomach and she'd never complain about wearing a corset again. It would have been extremely handy to have during this.

Standing up, she inquired,"You wished my remaining presence, Weapon Master?" her tone formal, and voice as deep as possible. It was a possibility that she'd been mistaken in her assumption that he knew who she was. Her mind was racing, trying to fit pieces together as to turn this to her advantage. Even if she'd been in her gowns and formal garb, she remained cool inwardly, no matter what. It had earned her the nickname Lady of Ice and had remained for several years. This...man, no, this Weapon Master would be no different. He was a tool.

She didn't need a man. Let alone one who would restrict her freedom and movements. She doubted he'd let her dress in her boys clothing to go explore the surrounding territories. Yeah, that wasn't going to happen. She had no idea how she'd get around the 'rules', but she would. She was not going to take some domineering overbearing ass as her consort.

"I was just curious of why you were down here. Your lessons don't begin for another two weeks. Per Beatrix's pressing...I believe I shall call it a request. She's far too much of a lady to make demands."

The sarcasm in Vallios' voice was cutting, and he found it hard not to scoff. The acting ruling mother was quite forceful, and made her demands well known...Despite the fact that her tiny stature did little to allow her to put any force behind her threats. After a moment or two Vallios turned to look at Selene, trying to better read her intentions.

It was always a question to him; how this pairing would happen. Of course, Vallios had seen himself being paired with one of the older women in the royal bloodline. As for why Selene had been chosen despite being the youngest of her sisters, Vallios could give no explanation beyond the assumption that it'd been done because the other three had already been married away and had their own lands to worry about outside of the capitol. As such, it was a choice of convenience. Ahn'kir was a house steeped in tradition, and morale would drop greatly if it was not lead by a Ruling Mother and Weapons Master, as it had been since it's founding centuries ago.

And so Vallios wondered just what Selene thought of him. He was not some gallant royal knight, with military decorations and a warhorse. Initially he'd been an outsider, a refugee from the warrior tribes of the frigid northern wastes, picked by the Master Arzale for reasons unknown after a rather brutal tavern brawl, one that Vallios had shown striking martial prowess for a man of but 18 winters. Though, that was six years prior...Six long years of direct training by one of the most revered warriors House Ahn'kir had ever held amongst it's ranks.

What would run through a noble daughter's mind when she looked at something so foreign? Even now, in the center of the training room Vallios was not dressed in his honorary colors. The only form of adornment or jewelry he wore was a necklace of bleached fangs. He was clad in a vest made of blackened leather, lined with heavy furs and fastened shut by thin straps covered his muscular bare torso, black leather leggings fit closely to his toned legs, and a pair of sturdy dark brown hide boots well worn from years of travel.


The clothing was certainly outlandish, but Vallios' face was what was most striking. His cheekbones were high, chin strong but not over-imposing, with lips that held the slightest of subtle seductive curve to them. Alabaster skin and vivid, haunting topaz eyes...He could certainly be called handsome if not for the mark that flawed his visage. Three scars, stretching from the top of his right eye-brow and tapering down to points at his jawbone had been ritualistically blackened. They were marks of shame, a symbol of ex-communication known only to his people. To the land that'd raised him, Vallios was dead and his memory erased. It was as if he'd never existed amongst those savage people.

"Blasted Hell"

The curse crossed her lips before she'd even thought. He knew exactly who she was, that much was evident. It was telling that she cursed words that she shouldn't have ever even heard, let alone used with familiarity.

She took a step over towards a pillar, and leaned against it, looking more casual than she felt. Her stomach was still rolling. Tearing the hat from her head, the hair that had seemed to be a dirty blond was in fact a crown of shimmering platinum braided tightly in a loop of tendrils that reached past her waist. The glory of hair helped her seem more like a fragile delicate lady than she'd just proven she wasn't.

She hadn't been chosen because she was the only unmarried daughter, although that of course had been a consideration. She was also the one with the most aptitude for weapon play as well as diplomacy. At the moment, however, she was more inclined to use the sword than the latter.

But she had to give him credit. His scathing, yet diplomatic consideration of her aunt Beatrix was along the same lines as her own. She had as little to do with the woman as possible.

He was a handsome man, she gave him credit there. "My aunt has...", this time she managed to bite her tongue before she said something she shouldn't have. "...different priorities than I do." Diplomatic enough. More like her aunt wanted to do whatever it took to keep power in her hands. The longer it took Serefina to be considered 'good enough' for her position, the longer Beatrix could revel in her new found glory.

"Whatever her priorities may be... She does not have a champion; She will not last long upon that throne."

Vallios let out a low sigh and began straightening the weapon racks. Tomorrow's lesson would start with a thorough cleaning of the training room. Mopping, sweeping, polishing...Those ingrates couldn't even properly place a blade in it's stand. How many times had he instructed them that they were to always honor a weapon by returning it to it's sheath or rack? No matter how early or for what reason classes ended, if the weapons were to be put down they were to be put away as well.

Unfortunately, recourse would have to wait until tomorrow. And so Vallios silently went about setting order to his disrupted domain. The weapons lay about in a clatter, hanging precariously from their places, or lazily set against the rack as if their placement would not be noticed. Right now Vallios was giving Serefina a chance to speak her mind, to ask any questions or make any statements she felt necessary. This, in and of itself was a lesson. A lesson, for both of them however. They'd need to learn to react to one another's nonverbal ques, otherwise their lives would both be forfeit.

Oh, really?

Serefina cocked her head to the side as she watched him for a moment collecting the various implements. "Really? Why is that? Because she's a woman?" It had bite to it, but it was also a serious question. If he held so little regard for women, then this whole idea was hopeless. Moving to a little used side of the room, and using one of the weapon racks as cover, she began to undress while she waited for his reply. She hated dressing and undressing down here, but if these clothes were seen in her room, who knew what damage would be wrought. But still he was a male, and therefore untrustworthy when it came to females. Or so her older sisters had tried to insist.

"Women aren't just a vessel for your seed." Again with the ideas and words she should have been too protected to know. "We have minds that can think just as well if not better than a man's." True she was from a matriarchal family, but that did not mean that it wasn't true.

She slipped her skirt over her pants before removing them, and then began working on her shirt, revealing the binding of her breasts. It was actually more painful after binding them, as they quickly became over sensitized and it was a distracting sensation. But no matter, she began unwinding the binding, I wonder what he thinks of me..

Violently she shook her head to clear that thought, that had nothing to do with the matter. The pins holding her braid in place came tumbling down, and Serefina paused to undo her blanket of platinum hair before finishing to unbind her breasts. That would at least give her some cover as well should anyone walk in.

Now, Vallios had been raised to look people in the eyes when you spoke to them. So his attention turned from straightening the weapons to look directly at Serefina...And he just so happened to be standing in the perfect position so that the gaps in the weapons gave Vallios a clear view of just what Serefina was doing. He couldn't help but hold back a smirk as he returned his attention respectfully to his previous task. Without a word Vallios resumed straightening the weapons as he thought out his response.

"No, because she's had no formal training in any form of weapon. True combat isn't honorable, or announced. I doubt she'd be able to tell a real assassination attempt apart from a friendly handshake. She also has no idea of the military strength of the other houses, their motives, the relation of debt between houses or their mercantile assets. Her task was in raising you and your sisters, not managing the sordid affairs of this city."

As for what did Vallios think of her? Well, from a red-blooded male point of view he thought that he'd like to see the clothes on his chamber floor, and her on her back inviting him to enjoy what pleasures she could offer. However, at this moment in time that point was neither here nor there. In regards to her ability to step into the position she'd been matched to; Vallios was truly reserving judgement. He believed she had the fire and the heart to fight her hardest to become what she needed to be. The question was, did she have enough time? Did he have enough time to adapt to what he was meant to be?

Well, he'd also probably get a chuckle at her behavior as he peeked through those gaps. She was making all sorts of faces to get those silly thoughts about him out of her head. She was not some moon calved lily faced milk maid. But she listened to his 'complaints' about her aunt. They were all valid, and not the anger from an imagined slight. All too often they were.

"And now you see why I'm down here." He was honest with her, she could return the favor. "My sisters are more concerned with their lands than anything here. Or with the rich history that relies on my family to maintain. It is not simply a position of wealth and privilege, but a responsibility." She sighed as she finished the unbinding and replaced her chemise to its proper place, and then the corseted top over that.

Walking back out to the common area between them, she reached behind her and tightened her stays, the work coming easily to her. "I've spent every waking moment since my 9th birthday in either this training room with each new group of recruits, pretending to be a foundling learning swordsmanship for a path in life, or with my tutors learning every detail of every house. My tutors were spies within other houses, or brought from far away lands, but they will not tell me the things I need to know to rule my house. Those things can only be found by talking to the people. The very people I am normally restricted from seeing. This persona is my only escape. The only way I can see the truth. I will not allow you to take that from me." An open declaration of war then.

"I will not marry a sword. I would rather die a virgin, than marry a man whose only skill was with a sword." Okay, just one insult.

"What can I take from you? When all is said and done, and the ceremony has happened I'll be nothing but a decorated guard dog. Never again will I get to go out and hunt on the plains, or honor the goddess on her solstices. My entire existence will be as the ceremonial fist of this house, or your own personal guard."

Vallios spat out the words and walked away from Serefina, radiating an aura of trespass. She'd had perhaps three conversations with him in the entirety of the time he'd been a part of this house, and she was already making accusations. However, as Vallios passed the threshold of the training room he threw out one last sentence, meant to kindle her jealousy. After all, surely with the knowledge of what they were to become she felt some sort of claim over him? Or perhaps, that was just the more primal part of his mind, preparing the proper responses so he could truly dedicate himself to guarding her.

"And my skills extend far beyond combat. Because you have not seen such talents does not mean they are not well practiced."


Anger radiated from Vallios, though it was not his body language that those scorching waves came from. Every inch of his body was relaxed and calm, except for those bright eyes. They were seething with fury, it was obvious that Vallios could see past the glory of his title, and understood all to well some of the drawbacks. She was afraid of having her consort define who she was...But, she didn't seem to realize that they both had a lot of adapting to do if they wanted to live long enough to establish any form of rule.


But, what did Vallios expect? These were turbulent times, and it was to be expected that Serefina's viewpoint may be slightly skewed. She did have a lot on her plate. Though, at this very moment in time that fact was not in Vallios' train of thought. He had an unknown bothering him, a factor he couldn't manipulate, couldn't bend to suit his designs. His own life relied on Serefina learning what he had to teach; but more importantly learning who he was, and being open enough to teach him just who she was.


And relying upon others was something Vallios had been taught not to do since the day he could walk.

"At least you've seen them and have worshiped her." the words were whispered so softly that unless his hearing was sharp, and he was actually paying attention to what she said, he wouldn't hear them at all. There was longing in her voice, a loneliness that spoke of a child raised with singular dedication, but believing she would never really be needed, only to have the mantle of responsibility thrust upon her shoulders far too soon. Before she had seen the world, and tasted its pleasures.

But she had not realized he too would be so restricted. Was it better to have tasted the fruits of life and to have lost them, or never to have had them at all? Serefina didn't know, as he left she moved quick to catch up with him, her intent to apologize.

"I...", she began, only to hear his parting remarks. She'd been around the soldier recruits long enough that she knew what he was talking about and how her own words had been misinterpreted. But instead of clarifying, her embarrassment flushed her cheeks a bright pink as her temper flared to life.

"Since I'm so abhorrent to you, don't forget that once we marry, you will be allowed no other in your bed or rutting beneath you and I will not have you!" An almost evil smile slid across her face. "However, as Matriarch, I can bed whom I choose." The reason for a Matriarchy after all was that one always knew exactly who the mother of a child was. Yes, it was childish, and impulsive. Just a bit of wishful thinking on her behalf as well that it would bug him, the idea of her in some other man's bed. She was a woman after all, and had her pride as well as he. It didn't matter in this moment that his complaints were the same as her own, the loss of freedom. And completely disregarding the fact that she'd just all but stated she'd rather remain a virgin than wed what she saw him as.

With that, she pivoted on one foot and stormed back into the training center to retrieve her own cloak. It was almost time for her daily meetings with Anastazi. Hopefully, the news he'd heard yesterday of House D'ark'r considering mercantile war on House E'lat was not true. Beatrix could not handle the diplomacy it required, but Serefina was not allowed to do what she knew how to do yet, not until she had taken her place. A place she'd never wanted or desired. A place that should have been her mother's.

She didn't really feel like she'd won anything, truth be told. She would have preferred to yell and scream. But he did what they all did, just accepted it and went about their way. It made her feel even more powerless to not even be able to get her feelings out and have someone at least acknowledge them. She didn't have a choice. Neither of them did really. Yes, he could give up the title of Weapon Master, but that would throw everything into chaos, and from what she knew of him, she doubted he would do that.

All of these troubled thoughts weighed heavily on her mind as she made her way to her private quarters, her dearest hope to avoid her aunt and her random machinations. Thankfully, that goal was accomplished. But she'd forgotten about Anastazi.

"So, is he as handsome as you remember?"

The words interrupted her thoughts and made her look up at her childhood friend, and now a "Spy Master", although the term would never be used in polite company. He had ins in every single House, and was in charge of going through the information with her so she could keep abreast of things that were pertinent.

"I never said he was handsome, Stazi." And she pushed her own personal thoughts to the back of her mind.

"No, you're right. He was dashing, charming and dominating."

Which earned him another glare. "Yes, well that was before we are being forced to consort." He acknowledge her comment with a dip of his head.

"Granted. So I suppose now he's...hmm...let's see..." He stroked his beard thoughtfully while opening the door to her study that he'd been previously waiting outside of for her arrival. "How about pompous, manipulative and domineering."

She tried to resist, really she did, but Stazi had always been able to make her laugh. "I think that hits it right on the money." The man simply chuckled and waited till after she entered before sobering his expression. After all, only she knew what he did.

"It's worse than we thought," he stated after the door had been closed and walked over to the fireplace, pushing the logs back and forth to recharge the fire.

"Great. Just Great." She flopped onto her reclining couch and made a bare effort of 'composing' herself. Appearances had to be maintained, even if she wouldn't consider Anastazi as a partner. She had the option, but chose to remain chaste. A gift to her husband to be, if you will. Serefina was nothing if not loyal. So no matter her threats to Vallios, it wasn't likely she'd have another partner. And so Stazi was the ONLY male she was allowed to be alone with, and only because they'd known each other since childhood, and she'd demanded it of her mother in exchange for everything else. He was a good friend.

"So textile prices will go up, which will get the seamstresses and tailor guilds in an uproar. And House E'lat will refuse to budge on the land allowances for food production versus mercantile." As Anastazi came over to her couch and sat on the edge she sat up to give him room as well as to use his lap for a cushion for her feet.

"Have you ever thought of just running away, Stazi? Just running away, living underneath the stars, your skills and knowledge your only resource? None of this dry law and diplomacy, but freedom? To make love in the moonlight, to bathe in the pool of a waterfall simply because you desire it." Her face was lit with the painful desire that Stazi was almost overwhelmed.

"Only if it was with you, 'Fina", his personal nickname for her, but the words spoken were heartfelt.

But Serefina just rolled her eyes. She couldn't even imagine being intimate with Stazi. He knew far too many of her bad habits. Then again, a consort would too eventually. Ugh. Everything was conflicting inside her head. "You're silly, Stazi." not noticing the wounded look on his face as she tried to focus. "See if you can find out what their demands are, and I'll talk to my aunt's counselor. He can try and convince her of a good way to handle all of this." He nodded, but his heart really wasn't in it. After all, she did this every time he mentioned something like that. After the announcement of her acceptance to her mother's position, he'd given up on the idea of marrying her. One thing he would never be was a Weapon Master.

Once Stazi had left, Serefina had the maid stoke the fire to a good roar and order a bath. She smelled worse than a squire mucking out a horse's stall, or so it felt. "Damned if I do, and damned if I don't.", she sighed as she slipped into the steaming hot water.

"What would you do Mother?" Her gaze slipped skyward as if it held the answers. She and the previous Weapon Master had complimented each other well. Yet she and Vallios couldn't even agree to two sentences without argueing. Oh, how he angered her. Treated her as if her problems were petty and without consequence. Most likely, he simply saw her as a child, she thought after mulling over it in the bath. It was frustrating. She was either a child to be protected from the world, or a Ruling Mother to be who should be able to take on the world. Would she ever just be a woman, she thought as she allowed the maid to dry her off.

((Epic post inc.))
As Vallios lay serenely in the hot water he felt himself yearn for his homeland. The wind outside reminding him of the howling gusts that swept across the Frozen Steppes, the frost lingering on the window making him think of the chilled tundras and frigid plains that stretched for miles upon miles, slowly gaining a permanent covering of snow the more north one went. He thought of the glories of the hunt, and of the Summer solstice banquet...Yet again Vallios' thoughts slipped back seven years, to that fateful night that had lead to all of this. With closed eyes Vallios allowed the scenes to replay, able to recall every detail with vivid clarity.


"NO! STOP!"

The screech pulled Vallios away from the nightly ritual of feeding his faithful war-bear Molnar. The massive ursine tilted it's head slightly, looking towards the sound of the disturbance. Vallios set the raw cut of ox down in front of the animal and moved swiftly but silently towards the tent that he was staying in during the Tribal Gathering. Once every 3rd winter the assembled sects of the northern tribes gathered together for trading, territorial negotiations, and gladitorial matches for honor and standing. In one easy, practiced movement Vallios retrieved the triple bladed katars that hung from his hips and slipped them onto his wrists.

s the entry-flap of the tent was peeled back he saw a sight that made his blood boil. One of the many sons of the Avana nobility was holding down somebody very near to Vallios' heart, pressing her face against the thick fur bedding as he ripped away her clothing. The man was tribal loyalty, apparently deciding to claim the "First Rite" that has standing awarded him. It was a practice that Vallios' own tribe, the Bere-Lohn had abolished generations ago...But other sects still practiced.

Poor Ivarra fought as hard as she could, though her own slender frame was no match for that of the warrior who was restraining her. Wordlessly Vallios stepped forward to dole out due retribution. Two simultaneous movements, under handed thrusts straight into the other man's back. A low grunt of effort escaped Vallios' lips as he impaled the assailant and lifted him by the blades, holding his feet high off the ground.

"Her first is reserved for my people's Master Smith, and the man that she has pledged herself to you filthy curr. Your actions borderline war upon our entire clan. Die, coward."

Ruthlessly Vallios slammed the man down in a vicious arc, sending him head-first onto the floor of the tent. With a sickening sound his neck snapped, head lolling aimlessly about on his dying shoulders. Vallios pulled his hands from the katars and went to comfort Ivarra. In the mean time, 3 Tribal Peacekeepers came filing into the tent. A look of shock overtook each man's face as they surveyed the scene.

"What happened?" One of the peacekeepers asked, reaching for his notched axe.


"An attempt to soil Ivarra's honor and ravage her soul. Justice has been served in a way the goddess would approve." Vallios growled.


"He is nobility! Her first is rightfully his should he so choose!" The second one shouted, eyes suddenly burning with rage.


"The Bere-Lohn abolished such rights generations ago. One of our women is exempt." Vallios roared back, getting to his feet, obviously ready to defend himself with his bare hands.


"You know that is not true. I give you two options; come peacefully or be slain where you stand." The third whispered.


nd so Vallios stepped forward wordlessly. Ivarra whimpered and shook her head, clutching at his leg. With a forceful shove Vallios pushed her away, speaking to her as he strode forward. All the while the intensity of his gaze was focused upon the Peacekeepers.
"I acted with full knowledge of the consequences. My last request is that Ivarra be spared any further threats to her chastity. I accept any punishment, even death for my actions."


The second guard, still inflamed by the death of one of his own rushed forward and brought the heavy surface of his shield hard against Vallios' head. The impact was nearly strong enough to knock Vallios unconscious even before his knees could buckle. However, Vallios remained awake as the peacekeepers stepped forward, grabbing Vallios by his ankles and dragging him from the tent.


How long he'd remained unconscious once he'd let go, Vallios could not know. But the sun was shining high in the sky, beating down upon his pale skin. He heard voices before he saw anything, shouts and jeers from a massive crowd. Clumsily Vallios got to his feet, looking around in a daze. He was naked save a pair of short fur breeches, and his katar lay at his feet. When he looked up he saw that he was in the center of what was known as "The Ring of Struggle", with Chieftain Grimgaze standing in the center, and the champion of the Avana himself beside Grimgaze. As the Chieftain began to speak the crowd went silent.

"You have committed the most foul of all crimes. Nameless, kinless you stand before this assembly for judgement. The Avana council have chosen for you to meet your death in combat. Should you survive this, you shall be worse than dead. You shall forever be banished, from even the goddess' own arms."

The fight itself was still a blur Vallios...Only coming into focus as Vallios stood above the corpse of his opponent, the blood still warm on his hands. As rational thought came to Vallios he stepped forward and then knelt down, closingfate. his eyes and silently waiting for what was to come. He'd survived...The fates had chosen the greater of 2 evils for his conviction.

There was no need for Vallios to watch what was happening. The slow footsteps and even clinking of bone beads told him that he'd be marked by his tribe's own shaman. Vallios did not flinch as he felt the razor-sharp tip of a ceremonial dagger cut into his face, tearing 3 even cuts from eyebrow to jaw. No sound escaped his lips as he felt the blackening tincture rubbed into the fresh wounds...Even though the dye burned hotter than hell itself.

However, his eyes would not open. The tincture would be sweat away over a period of 72 hours...Until then, sight was but a memory. Shaking as he stood, Vallios made no sound as he waited for the final pronouncement. The crowd was dead silent, unsure of whether to be satisfied or infuriated by the lack of remorse expressed by the guilty.

"As you all know, the dead rest in the Goddess' arms for 3 days before they are sent."

Ceremonial words, a warning to any not satisfied by the outcome of the trial, and a warning to Vallios. The blinded and shamed man was now a specter to his people. His name would become a curse that, if uttered was punishable by removal of the tongue. It was truly as if he'd never been concieved.

And so Vallios, on hands on knees crawled across the cracked, frozen earth. Where he went, only his fingers and ears could guide. And then, he heard a familiar low growl and felt a large head butt into his side. Vallios reached up and curled his arms around Molnar's thick neck, slowly standing and climbing onto the bear's back.
"Thank you friend...Take us far, far from here..." He whispered, leaning down to get a better hold around the beast's shoulders.


Responding to the distribution of Vallios' weight and the placement of his feet, the great bear set off towards the horizon. And, in stunned silence Ivarra watched as her closest childhood friend retreated into the distance, now nothing more than a memory only she would keep.

With a low sigh Vallios reached up and ran his hand over the black mark on his face, feeling the ridges of those triplet scars. For a moment he thought of Molnar, allowing a moment of silence to pass in memory of the faithful companion who'd fought beside, and died beside Vallios.

"Send a note to my consort to be, absolving him of any guilt, and apologizing for my behavior", she dictated to her page. They didn’t need to know why she was apologizing. It was some trivial manner as far as they were concerned to be so obtuse in reference. It was the least she felt she should do. Besides, two weeks was a long time to let one's temper simmer. In fact, Vallios was the first person to see her temper beside her mother in years. And after their 'discussion', she doubted he'd be anywhere near her at all in the next two weeks. Which then again, they would have no choice but to face each other. But that also meant that she couldn't go to the armoury or the practice fields. This meant denying herself her own freedom. But she hadn't thought about that when she'd insulted him as she had.

Once towel dried, Serefina dismissed her maid before the girl could help her dress. If she was birth clothed, then she could deny anyone entrance but her husband to be, who had all rights and privileges even before the wedding if he so choose. Matriarchal House or not, there were still some things reserved as the male right.

Sighing softly, she sat on her bed, her gaze unfocused at she looked at the picture above the fireplace. Her mother, her sisters and herself before anything had violated her world. Serefina always felt unsubstantial beneath it. Despite the women in her family's diminutive stature, she was still the shortest of them at 5' 3''. She barely came up to Vallios chest. Her gaze shifted and she looked over at the vanity mirror. Could she be intimidating to the giant of a man? Admiring her slender body, she ran her hands over her rounded but muscular curves and wondered at the possibility. No, it wasn't her that intimidated him, she decided as she lifted a breast in her hand, the mound overfilling her hand. It was the consorting itself. Letting the flesh settle, she went for her comb and began to pull the tendrils out.

Maybe her own insecurities were what was keeping her from asserting her place from her aunt. Yes, she was still grieving, but that didn't mean she was any less competent to do what she should. All she had to do was prove she was worthy to Vallios, and once accepted, she could take her place. But she kept hoping that there was some chance at freedom, that the longer she postponed things, the more of a chance she had. She was a fool to keep hoping.Yet, she couldn't help but yearn. Moving her gaze towards her window, she thought for a moment. People do insane things in their grief, do they not? If she went off without a companion, then of course she would be considered insane with grief, irresponsible for her actions. It wouldn’t do well for the stability of the House, but since she wasn’t Ruling Mother yet…

She debated for several long minutes while she brushed her hair out, finally taking the time to wind her long luxurious hair into a tight braid that wrapped around the crown of her head. “If I don’t do it now, I never will.” And with that decided, she dressed and made her way into the attached room where her maid slept, and where her travel bags were kept. She could only afford to take one bag if her ruse was to be maintained. After all, a lady didn’t leave without her bags. Once that was retrieved, she placed it on the edge of her bed, and began going through her closets, trying to decide what to wear. To keep it simple, she picked out two day dresses, and a modified tunic that she kept for sleeping. Those along with a pair of knickers she felt she could get in the stables would just have to do. And then it would simply be a matter of gathering an unnoticeable amount of food, taking a horse and leaving. No one would question her but her aunt or Vallios, and she was unlikely to encounter them, since her maid said that her aunt had left for a meeting.

Packed, she took one last glance around the room and back up at the picture of her mother. “I’ll accept my role after this one taste of freedom, Mother. I promise.” And with that, she exited, her intent for the kitchens and then the stable.

She paid no mind to the few servants who were about the stable, her mind intent upon her goal, and as such did not see Vallios' actions. She went to one of the stalls the furthest back and retrieved a set of saddle bags that had long been there. She'd thought once previously to run away, although at a more permanent endeavor than the one she was on now. She hadn't been caught, she'd never made it out the door. Her own courage had betrayed her. She wasn't strong enough then to protect herself, but she'd vowed to do it one day and it seemed that day was today.

There, under long moldering hay sat the bags, with a cloak and weapons should she need them. Weapons she felt better able to use at this age than previously. Glancing about, she saw that all but one of the servants had finished their chores and made their way inside for food. That meant she had a good two hours before she would be noticed as missing. Ducking back down, she dug into the bag and pulled out what she'd been looking for, a pair of knickers. Removing her skirt, she slipped them on instead. A boy was less likely to be questioned than a girl after all. She, of course, could not tell that only a blind man would ever mistake her for a male. But then again, most men were blind to what they did not believe possible. After all, why would a female, let alone the Ruling Mother to be go around dressed as a boy.

"Okay, that should be enough", she decided as she slipped a boy's cap over her head, and slung the cape around her shoulders. Moving towards the horses, she instead dismissed the delicate lady's animal, and moved towards the Previous Weapon Master's Horse, Victory. Majestic and tall, it was better suited for travel than her palfrey and was his personal property and so did not simply pass on to the next in line for his title. Somehow, it felt wrong the idea of taking Vallios horse if he had any.

"Shh....Victory. Don't say you've forgotten me..." she pulled a few sugar cubes from her pocket to feed the horse to sooth it before moving to load him down with her bags. But it was about that time that Vallios made his presence known, and Serefina fell back in startlement, leaving the horse to knicker his confusion.

"Why are...How are..what.." Her face flushed a bright pink of embarrassment. There was no way he'd had time to find out. "Long ride?", trying to pretend she had no idea what he was talking about. "Am I not even allowed to ride about the city without an escort now?" Technically speaking, she should have a page with her at the minimum.

"I just needed some air. There is no need to trouble yourself on my account, Weapon Master." Not once had she said his name out loud since they had been acknowledged as consorts to be. And this would be no change from that.

"A jaunt through the city does not often require baggage and spare clothing, dear Serefina. As for the honorific; I'd prefer if you reserved it for formalities. Unless, Vallios is now dead and a soulless golem of flesh and duty has taken my body."


The even tone of Vallios' voice was unsettling, he was not blustering or complaining, but stating a resounding truth. However there were the slightest under-tones of hurt and hopelessness in Vallios' voice as he delivered the statement. The weary, resigned look in Vallios' eyes brought to mind a wild stallion, beat into submission and hanging it's head solemnly for bit and bridle. What should've been an occasion for idle chatter was chore, Vallios saddling up without another word. No sign of life came from Vallios besides the slow rising and falling of his chest with each inhalation and exhalation, he waited like a stalwart sentry. The silence was Vallios' form of penance, and his apology to Serefina.


Meanwhile the horse leaned it's neck forward and began to munch idly, seeming to not notice the man that'd slipped onto it's back. Vallios sat easy in the saddle, seeming to have simply melded into the leather. Though he was not fond of horses, he had a gift with animals, especially those trained for war. His brooding, dominant posture instilled trust in the strong but subservient beast of burden.

After a moment Vallios looked around, continuing to patiently wait for Serefina to finish her preparations. Hopefully she'd embrace his presence, realizing that less questions would be raised if the two were noticed missing together, and seen in tandem leaving the grounds.