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| Hidden in Plain Sight; For Sophia | |
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| Topic Started: Jun 12 2011, 06:33 PM (449 Views) | |
| Kenna | Jun 12 2011, 06:33 PM Post #1 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna had known that escaping Ildri with a small child was going to be difficult. She had done all she could to quickly prepare for anything that might throw a wrench into her plan when she had quickly left the castle. As any traveler knows, however, no one can plan for everything. As it was, Kenna found herself in one of the less-desirable districts of the port city, finding a discreet place to hide for a few days. Someone had recognized her in the marketplace the week prior and the sudden influx of soldiers of the crown had sent Kenna scrambling for any corner or hidey-hole she could find. Which means places Razarod would never expect her to take their daughter. Which explained why she stood on the entry stoop of a run-down inn - formerly a brothel - trying to press two silver pieces into the owner's hand for a room. An extra silver coin if the room was clean enough for a small child. Elina was bundled up as much as one could bundle up a nearly one-year-old child who was more than willing to attempt to walk on her own. She had begun taking her first steps before mother and child had left Ildri. She squirmed a bit in Kenna's arms as the door opened enough to allow entry into the inn. With one look behind her to make sure no one was following, Kenna slipped into the smoky inn. |
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| Sophia | Jun 13 2011, 02:18 PM Post #2 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Meeting Hemlock had been a simple and rather mundane meeting, both of them had been businesslike and the plan for her to kill Razarod was all set up quite easily. The fact that killing a king was to be this straightforwards was a little... Anticlimactic. Then again, she relished the chance to fight him, she respected him a great deal (despite the fact she was going to kill him) and looked forward to seeing what skill he possessed. The fact that it would be Anna's first real outing was also exciting to her. She patted the sword at her side as she thought of it. The sword which contained part of her own soul now, when Anna Vollney became something... Separate within her it was always going to end this way, with one of them beaten and chained up before being removed. The fact Sophia had managed to make use of her by binding her into her sword was just a plus. Then again, she doubted Anna was alone in there, the Mistolin was made of most of the artifacts of Ashoka's past, stolen and melted down. More souls probably dwelt within. Anna's (along with what she represented in Sophia's mind more generally) departure from her head also meant she struggled a lot less with the moral ramifications of some of the things being Orion's High Inquisitor meant. Of course, she never had many moral issues to begin with, which was why she was so comfortable in places such as this, the rough part of Ildri. She needed to remain hidden, the High Inquisitor could not be known to be involved with Razarod's death, or even to have left Ashoka. However, she had flown out from Eldahar a mere two hours ago, and did not want to rush her trip back this much. So she wasted some time here. She did not look much like she often did, her black hair was dyed flame red and was brushed very neatly back, and it provided a stark contrast to the dark grey tee shirt wore, plain but a leather bandoleer holding her throwing knives provided some detail aside from masking her figure enough to draw attention away from her largely flat chest, something which was enhanced by the fact it showed the slightest trace of her midriff. Dark brown cargo trousers with a heavy pair of walking boots covered her lower half, with her sword hanging off to the left of her hips. Within the pockets her combat knife was also hidden. She wore a loose slung belt on which a variety of nick knacks hung. Usually when she wore something like this she took to a jacket of some sort as well, but found today that she did not need it in Angkar's heat, and as a result a strip of white cloth around her left arm was visible, it had no symbol on it and no clear reason for being there, although its meaning was known to Ashoka's Inquisition. She sat on a table, looking down into a mug of... Well, she was not sure what it was exactly, she had asked from rum but it tasted slightly... Off. She knew places like this would not have any wine she would want. her legs swung freely beneath her, the lace on one boot being slightly loose and dancing around with the movement, and not a bit of telekinetic manipulation out of boredom. When they came in, she did not look up, she did not care. She heard footsteps, but they did not approach her, and she heard no weapon being drawn. What she did hear, thanks to her senses being enhanced by magic as well as training, was the signs of... Well, she didn't want to say a child, but there were enough things to make her curious. Her curiosity was worthwhile. A child. Here. Disgust flashed across her face as she downed what was left as her drink, slamming it down on the table. Why would anyone bring a child here? Sophia hated kids as a rule, but that did not mean she wished ill upon them. Quite the opposite, she wanted her childhood experiences to be repeated upon nobody. It was an odd compromise, she would be the first to admit, but... But the few things she found morally disgusting lay there. A kid did not belong in this world. Of course, there was also another reason. A kid did not belong here, because if people started bringing kids to places like this then she might have to start dealing with them. And that would not do. She gave it a few seconds, watching the woman, examining her, recognizing her but not being able to work out where from, before she spoke up "You shouldn't bring a kid here" she informed, jumping up from her seat and walking to the bar, bringing her closer to Kenna "This is no place to bring someone so young. Go take yourself and the little parasite back to the suburbs before they end up in a life you wouldn't wish on them." She got to the bar and leaned on it, although the barman paid no attention to her immediately. |
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| Kenna | Jun 13 2011, 05:53 PM Post #3 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Of course Kenna's eyes naturally went to the shock of red hair at the table not too far from the bar. The innkeeper had told her to take a seat at the bar until he came for her. Something about sweeping away cobwebs from the corners and whatnot. Kenna assumed that meant that they were scrubbing the room in an attempt to earn the third silver piece she had offered. Her gaze drifted from the red hair to the barkeep. She shifted Elina's squirming form in her arms and whispered quietly to her. "I know, sweetie. You'll be able to get down soon and run around. I promise." Elina wiggled a bit more, hearing the only word she wanted to hear. "Down!" she exclaimed. "Elina..." Kenna shifted Elina to her hip to let her look around a bit while they waited. Kenna hadn't wanted to sit in this tavern area. She'd wanted to retreat to a room with Elina and develop a plan to get out of Angkar. She didn't want to leave Angkar. It had been her home for many years. Certainly, the past year or so had been more or less hellish - and not all of that was Razarod's fault. It was then that the un-asked-for suggestion concerning the location of her child drew her out of her thoughts. "No place for a..." She turned toward the voice. "Excuse me?" She eyed the woman with the red hair, eyebrow raised. "And who might you be to tell me what to do? Don't you know who I..." She was going to use her position as queen to get this woman away from her - to keep her from drawing attention until she remembered: she was no one. The only one with any name for herself was the child balanced on her hip trying to pull Kenna's hair from the loose bun in an attempt to get her attention. "Mama! Down!" Kenna slumped a bit. Who was she? This stranger was right. This was no place for a child... but damned if she went somewhere that Elina could be taken from her. "She's my child. I'll protect her from anyone who will try to harm her." She pulled the clump of hair from Elina's grasp and attempted to put it back up in some semblance of a bun. With only one hand, it was a little less than successful. |
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| Sophia | Jun 13 2011, 06:24 PM Post #4 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Sophia merely turned an raised an eyebrow when the woman spoke back. It spoke a lot of how she viewed the world that she was surprised that somebody would take offense at what she had said. Sophia saw it both as sound advise and a warning. She took offense to the child being here, and was not keen for it to continue. As she had previously decided, the twin reasons of not wanting kids about and not wanting another to grow up the way she did were potent fuel for this. If she had the option of saving one person from the hell she had gone through, she would. Usually her past didn't bother her so much now, but it came into stark focus. It might not lead to the same place, but the only sure way to avoid it was to make sure that it was a path which always remained alien. Some people would do, and pay to do, things to a child... No one else. Not one more person if she could help it. As she looked at the woman her face became more and more familiar. Who was it? Someone she knew? Someone she had considered targeting? The later seemed more likely, her social circle was very small. If she had considered targeting this woman at some point then she really did have no idea how lucky she was to be alive. Of course, the question was why did Sophia not follow through with it? Maybe that would come back to her when she realized who it was. If not, who cared? What had happened had happened. The here and now was all that mattered, let historians dwell in the past and let fools and imbeciles try and change what had happened. You could get revenge, you could make people regret... You could never change it. "I am sure that sentiment is very admirable and I bet you think you sound very strong saying it. But although I could not care less what happens" a lie, partly "there are many who frequent places like this who know a young child could sell quite highly, in the right market." her face hardened. She knew just what price a young girl could go for from harsh experience. "So if you really want to keep her safe, why come here?." "And if you want anything more, you should realize just how bad it is I am giving parenting advice. Seriously, it would be like you telling me how to use these." she raised her hand to Kenna's face and clicked her fingers. On their own all six of her throwing knives left their homes and rose level to her head, twirling in place before each shot back to position. "Now, if you don't mind I want another drink before I head back to Ashoka, I don't feel like staying in this island for much longer..." That was largely a lie, she had a great fondness for Angkar, she felt it was her home country, even though it was not. But, she did need to leave, the longer she was here the more likely she would be noticed, and it was not as if her disguise was foolproof. |
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| Kenna | Jun 13 2011, 06:48 PM Post #5 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Why come here? Why?! Before Kenna could lose her hold on her control, she inhaled sharply. To explain why she was here was to expose her location. It was the most frightening place she dared bring Elina to. Well, that wasn't entirely true. The most frightening place she was willing to take Elina was just up the street. This was one step worse than that. This place had a tavern. And it was smoky. And smelled of urine and sweat. She unconsciously wrinkled her nose and looked down at the dark head now nuzzling her shoulder. "I had no choice..." She looked defeated. The former queen was alone. To use her old position and power was to give up her child. She had to find a way to escape. "And how should I know how bad things are when you're giving parenting advice? I know nothing of you. I appreciate your concern. Now if you excuse..." She trailed off with the mention of Ashoka. Kenna had never been there. Razarod hadn't been too keen on letting her travel on her own. He'd said it was too dangerous - even more so once she was pregnant and then the mother of a small child. It had taken his confession of infidelity to get her out of the country for the first time in three or four years. "Ashoka? You're going there? I, ah..." How would she present her request? She didn't want to seem too desperate. It might alert her to the fact that she was running. But she didn't want to seem too flippant. She needed help. Her face was known at the docks. They were looking for her. Kenna couldn't procure passage for herself and Elina but someone else could probably get her aboard a ship and away from Angkar. "I'm looking to find a way to leave Angkar but I seem to be in need of some guidance. I don't usually travel on my own. My, uhm... My husband no longer welcomes me in our home." A watered down version of the truth would be best. "I can't go home and if I stay..." She looked meaningfully at Elina. This woman seemed to have some sort of strange soft spot for children. Maybe Kenna could use that to gain her assistance. |
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| Sophia | Jun 14 2011, 06:33 AM Post #6 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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The woman looked defeated. Good, that meant she knew that Sophia was right as opposed to trying to convince herself that the assassin wasn't. From the way she spoke, and how she acted Sophia got the sense she was here out of desperation more than anything else. Did that mean she was being hunted? Or, more to the point, that there was money on offer to capture her? Sophia was not exactly short on money but if a reward was staring her right in the face she would be a fool not to take it. After all, you can never be too secure, and Sophia continually worried that she was still too weak, still in to dangerous a position. Not strong enough nor powerful enough to fully be able to defend herself to the level she would be happy with. Whether deep down in the back of her mind she knew that she would never be strong and powerful enough to allow herself to be truly safe was an... Interesting question. "You know nothing of me? I am a lone woman who is quite at ease in a bar like this, has a sword and many knives on her and furthermore has begun drinking earlier in the day than I imagine polite society" mockery dripped from the last two words "Would accept. Does that not tell you enough to make do with?" she challenged, but choose not to press the issue when Kenna moved on. "You say that you don't know me, and now you want my help?" Sophia raised an eyebrow and turned back to the bar "Another one" she commanded, and the barman lazily moved to do as asked. "No" she answered simply. "I have no idea who you are and no reason to help you. My only desire is you make sure that sprog does not end up hanging around in the same places I do until it is at least old enough not to bother me" her voice did have a harshness to it that she was not going to avoid just because an infant was present. She placed a couple of coins on the bar and took the drink that she had ordered, a small sip at first, followed by a pause and then downing the rest in one. She still didn't think it tasted quite right, but it was not in a way that suggested poison, so there was no major need to worry. She looked at the woman again as she stood up straight, preparing to leave. To say she looked familiar really was an understatement... Who was it? "So, if I were you I would think of some reason why I would want to help you get out of here before you try to give me some half arsed sob story." She stood up and began to walk to do the door "Just a tip" she walked out the door and immediately turned in the opposite direction to the sea. That was not how she traveled. Also, she was curious to how this half known woman would react. Would she forget her, cling onto her as the only chance to escape, make an offer in return for her help? Who knew. Frankly Sophia wanted to know who it was. But aside from a general distaste she had no real reason to prevent anything. She was grateful to Angkar, very grateful. It was here she had hid when she needed to hide, it had been a safe haven for her when she was at her... Well, not her weakest, but at her weakest vis a vis those actively against her. That was why she did get a bad taste in the mouth from this job she would do for Orion and Hemlock. She felt like she owed the royal family of Angkar, Razarod and the runaway queen Hemlock had mentioned when she met him... Slowly her mind stopped and pieces began to click. Kenna had taken Elina and ran. It couldn't be... Could it? Her pace slowed, senses became razor sharp to the extent she could hear a pin drop three streets away. She had been indifferent, now she was in half a mind to see if the suspicions that had just been aroused in her were correct. If that was Kenna asking... Well, who knew? Would she help her then? Maybe, but then again maybe not. Of course, at times like this she knew there was only one real solution. But unfortunately she had to keep too much of a low profile to go and get a fancy bottle of wine. |
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| Kenna | Jun 15 2011, 08:31 PM Post #7 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Sprog? Sprog!? If Kenna were in complete control of her faculties, she probably would have taken offense at such a colloquial term used in reference to her daughter - princess of Angkar. Instead, Kenna's mind raced. Why should she have expected a woman frequenting a place like this to freely offer assistance? Instead she now had to take from her meager (alright, not-so-meager, but not endless) purse. Until Kenna could find a way to earn money to provide for herself and Elina, she had to guard the money she'd taken with her from the castle. As she contemplated her options, her latest acquaintance was leaving the tavern. Her chance to escape was walking away from her. Shifting Elina on her hip (who was finally settling down, contentedly sucking on her thumb), Kenna rose to follow. "My daughter... she is heir to a sizable fortune. As well as land in Angkar. We could... arrange something?" Loathe as she was to take Elina's fortune from her, Kenna knew that not having a mother could be detrimental. Not that she felt she would be a perfect example of a mother (a good mother typically didn't leave the father within a year of their child's birth), she would do her best. |
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| Sophia | Jun 17 2011, 11:57 AM Post #8 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Sophia's walking slowed and then stopped as she was called to. She listened to the offer. It seemed to back her earlier theory. It wasn't exactly enough to go making assumptions based off though if they could lead to her getting into a tricky and noticeable situation. She did however stop in place, and paused as her mind tried to consider every possible angle. Of course the money and land was worthless she knew, Razarod was not going to be King for much longer and with him gone she doubted the new king would want to accept Elina as a legitimate heir as that would compromise his position. As such there was very little chance that the money would ever be seen. Of course, there was a chance Sophia would die against Razarod, she did not really have any gauge of his strength's and weakness', let alone vis a vis her own. However, if she fell then she wouldn't be able to claim either. So logically she shouldn't on that basis, but then again... She had no need of more money, she had saved plenty from stealing funds when she destroyed her own revolution, plus various things she had stole and she had position and power (with the wealth it provided) in Ashoka already. But then again, she was not tempted to go based on that offer. The one thing she cared about was if this was who she had began to suspect it was. If so, then she felt like she should help. She had no reason to, but Angkar had saved her life when she was on the run, and she was going to be taking away that girls dad. She knew what it was like to grow up alone, and the horrors it could open you to. Even for someone as callous as her, it was hard to condone such an act, although this was merely the scant empathy she had not wanting to see another go through some of what she did. "Your money is of no interest to me in the slightest. However" she paused, her back still turned to face the woman and child "Your daughter's name is Elina, right?" she asked it but in such a way as to indicate she had heard Kenna mention it earlier. "If you two are who I think you might be, then I will assist you for nothing." Sophia left it another moment and then turned and looked upon the pair, matching up their physical characteristics with the ones she had heard the Queen and Princess possessed. If it were them then they were oddly lucky, if she had not met with Hemlock to discuss killing Razarod such a short time ago then she would have never suspected them for a second. Only because she knew they had ran did she consider this could be them. Kenna was not someone at the forefront of her mind, only now she specifically thought of her did she realize the appearance matched the woman before her. "So, are you her?" she asked "Is the land that little girl may inherit a rather larger area than you made it seem?" she looked Kenna in the eye and tried to communicate her exact question, the one she did not want to say aloud. The ball was in her court. |
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| Kenna | Jun 22 2011, 03:51 PM Post #9 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna could almost see the woman's mind turning as she considered the offer. Of course, she could have no idea what she was thinking. That is, until she came right out and asked the name of her daughter. "E-Elina...?" Kenna's head whipped around to see if anyone had heard. This was Angkar and the Princess Elina's name was well known. To be so close to escaping only to be found out because some lonely woman decided to loudly open her mouth. She quickly closed the distance between them and stood eye-to-eye with Sophia. "Damnit, woman. Yes, Elina is my daughter's name. Now shut the hell up." Hoisting Elina onto her hip with one arm and grabbing Sophia with the other, Kenna pushed her way to the door and outside. Not much safer, but at least she could control who was listening. "Get me away from here. And fast. If Raz- I mean - his men find us, Elina will be taken away from me and who knows what he'll have done to me. I'm no longer his wife, but I am the woman who kidnapped his child and heir. I doubt I'll be able to beg for mercy or any sort of special treatment." She raised an eyebrow as she studied Sophia's face. "Can you - or rather... will you help?" |
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| Sophia | Jun 24 2011, 03:30 AM Post #10 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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A wicked smile crept across Sophia's lips as Kenna panicked at the mention of Elina's name. Good, it seemed she was correct, that one mention of her name Kenna had made without thinking she was listening had given her away. Still, it was not as if that was a bad thing, it was because of that Sophia was now going to step in and help them, and she didn't think it overly egotistical to say she was a useful ally to have, both in terms of the political power she possessed as well as the magical skill. She let herself be dragged along, keeping up easily with long strides. "I both can and will get you to the mainland. If you really want I have a place in Reine you could borrow for a day or two... But it isn't exactly child friendly. I don't have much reason to stay there overnight now. Also, you should probably know that when I said I was going to Ashoka, I did not mean I was taking a boat." She spoke but chose not to elaborate for now, Kenna would see, in time. Of course, the issue was that flying with both of them would be difficult, ideally Sophia needed to find a small cart of boat she could use her telekinesis to carry behind her. A boat would be better, as she could set it down on the sea for a rest of the process of carrying it whilst flying proved difficult. "Or, if you would rather we could walk into the harbor and steal a ship" Sophia added in a tone which implied she was deadly serious. She was not confident in her ability to fight large sections of the Angkarian army, but if they were spread out looking for Kenna then there would only be, what, groups of fifty odd at any one place maximum? That did not worry her overmuch in theory, although she would rather avoid it, after all just because they were a soldier on the streets it did not mean they couldn't be better than her. "Whichever, lets get out of this bit. Walk with me" she almost commanded, but not harshly "If we see a spot and you are willing we could try switching some of our outfits with each other. The less you look like you, the better." she would of offered to carry Elina also in order to make it look like Kenna did not have a child with her, making her less like the wanted person. However, she really did not want to carry a kid, so that was gone. Soon after they began walking, Sophia did air one question that had been bothering her a little though "Why do you trust me? You have no idea who I am." |
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| Kenna | Jul 5 2011, 03:25 PM Post #11 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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It was almost relief when she offered assistance. "Not by sea? Then how? Unless someone has devised a way to permanently charm a bridge to stay together from here to there then I see no other way to get to Ashoka except by boat." Kenna raised an eyebrow and snorted at Sophia's suggestion to steal a ship. "I've already stolen his daughter, I'm not going to steal one of Raz- steal a ship." Again she glanced around to see if anyone were listening. Kenna settled Elina on her hip once again. The child was restless, wanting to test out her new skill in walking. "Be still, love." Kenna whispered in Elina's ear. "We'll be able to walk around soon. I promise." The promise wouldn't keep her still for more than a few seconds but it would be a welcome few seconds. She eyed the woman walking with her - would they be able to fit in each others' clothing? After feeling satisfied that they could adequately exchange clothes and not look so awkward as to attract more attention than necessary, she nodded. "A sheltered alley or corner would do well enough. Perhaps there?" She motioned with her nose, gripping Elina around the waist with both arms. It was a dark-ish alleyway that widened a bit after the initial narrow opening. Perfect to exchange outfits. She was pushing her way toward the alley when she stopped and turned back to her newest companion. "Trust you?" She thought for a moment and her face turned grim. "You know who I am and I imagine you knew a bit before I acknowledged my own identity but you haven't turned me in. The reward for Elina's return would be high praise from the king and who knows what else - but here you are, offering me passage - even if I don't know how you'll do it - so yeah. I'm going out on a limb to trust a stranger. Because I have no choice. Satisfied?" She turned away from her again and slipped into the alley. "Coming?" She called back. |
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| Sophia | Jul 6 2011, 03:01 PM Post #12 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Sophia made a small laugh as Kenna seemingly failed to even consider that she was being serious when she said that she did not need a boat "And a birds wings are just for show are they? The sky is above us and you think we cannot use it?" she flashed a rare grin at Kenna. She was about to continue speaking, but stopped to allow Kenna to deal with a restless child. As Kenna tried to calm little Elina Sophia held both her hands to her mouth for just a second ,breathed out once and then opened them to reveal a butterfly in beautiful white and yellow coloring. The creature followed its creator's mental demands and fluttered over to the youngest of the three female's, dancing around Elina's hand and generally making a distraction of itself. "You will find I have quite a few skills at my disposal" she commented emptily, as if it was nothing. In many ways, it was. To Sophia her powers were nothing more than the result of obsession, and anyone willing to put in effort could easily master them, indeed someone with a decent upbringing could probably surpass her without too much of an issue. She kept with Kenna as she walked to the alley, waiting at the entrance as Kenna walked in. "This will do" she nodded in agreement, and exhaled heavily as from the bottom of her robes crawled a handful of spiders, small ones, which placed themselves as sentries at the alley's entrance. They wouldn't be able to do anything, but she would know if someone else tried to come in. She did not like to enhance her senses too heavily in back alleys like this without reason, if she did so to the extent to be able to hear someone turning in then the smell would likely overwhelm her. She wished she could isolate them. That was a flaw she guessed, she did tend to take a sledgehammer approach, and then later realize the issues that could sometimes create. Ah well, the spiders would do. She would have warning should they be interrupted. She followed Kenna into the alley and almost immediately began stripping, the leather bandoleer was removed of its own accord and then hung in midair as she pulled the grey shirt over her head, exposing her incredibly well toned body. She had never been bothered about been seen in a state of undress really. She guessed it was probably a hangover from her childhood, and immediately felt dirty for thinking of it. "Well, its brave of you to trust me on any account. I guess as I know your name already it is only fair I give you mine" she looked to Kenna as her shirt joined the floating bandoleer. "Sophia Orjtarn" she spoke it simply, if Kenna recognized it, either from her position in Ashoka, her reputation as an assassin or even from something Razarod or the banshee had said, then she would have no additional clues from her. Not now, anyway. It was then she noticed something, and she regretted immensely the words she was about to say. But realized that she needed to. Swallowing hard "Do you need me to hold her?". Bloody kids... Well, as long as Elina was not as bad as the last kid (albeit a little older) she met, who seemed to think she was a man at first. Which did nothing for her image issues. And now she remembered it she suddenly felt very vulnerable being as undressed as she was. "Let's get this done with" she scowled ever so slightly as her mood took something of a downturn. |
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| Kenna | Jul 30 2011, 10:19 AM Post #13 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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"Forgive me for seeming ignorant. It is not typical to find the sky as a solution to travel challenges." She raised an eyebrow, unhappy that this stranger of sorts would treat her as someone with such little knowledge. She may not be queen any longer, but she was still Kenna, mother to Angkar's heir (so far as she knew, anyway). She was about to inform her new companion of this when Sophia decided to display a few new skills. Kenna thought the better of it and turned slightly away as the other woman began to undress. Kenna pushed down the slightly awkward feeling, knowing she would soon be undressing as well. In the past 9 years, she had not been in any state of undress except with one or two people. This was no time to be modest. "Well met, Sophia..." The name was familiar but with the state Kenna's mind was in, she couldn't place it. She knew it held some significance to her life but at the moment, she really didn't care. "You already know of us." She smiled a bit. "It's fortunate for me that we have met. If you were able to place me I would have quickly been sent back to my husband and my daughter would have been taken from me." She smiled. "She would probably run off if you didn't hold her. Thank you." She kissed Elina's head and handed her over to Sophia. Elina was typically a little on the shy side but she quickly reached out for Sophia. It surprised Kenna and she stood for a moment, looking at her daughter. Sophia didn't seem to be the kind, nurturing type so Kenna was surprised to see Elina be so comfortable with the woman. She shook her head slowly and smiled. "She likes you." Kenna quickly removed her clothing and stood awkwardly, holding her clothing in front of her like a shield. "Trade?" She grinned and reached for Sophia's discarded clothing, dressing quickly before handing her clothes to Sophia and taking Elina. "The sooner I get away from this place, the better." |
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| Sophia | Jul 31 2011, 03:50 PM Post #14 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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A wry grin crossed Sophia's lips. Of course she did not consider the sky, so few people did. There were many things that could be leveled at Sophia, she was unashamedly selfish, she was often petty and she had a tendency to view any and everything as fair game to help her push herself forwards. And, to top it off she tended to assume everyone else was just as skilled to her offhand. The idea that flight was special... "Well, then be glad you met me." Sophia replied simply "now all we have to worry about is a large naval presence, and I am honestly curious to if I could fight off a few ships" her words were deadly serious. She was always looking to improve, always looking to be stronger, faster and magically mightier. Sinking a ship or two whilst carrying a woman and child would be a good way to test that. If only people didn't tend to get so worked up about that kind of thing. Still, she was sure keeping an eye on Kenna and Elina would provide some interesting chances to prove herself, depending on what happened in the political firestorm that was fast approaching Angkar when its leader soon died. It was a little awkward when Sophia took the child. She held Elina a little away from her, and just looked, unsure what to do. Slowly she held Elina a little closer and the child reached out for her, to which Sophia just continued to watch, her facial expression made it clear she wanted to say or do something, but had utterly no idea as to what. "Hello Kid" she said, after a pause, her words stiff and unsure "Your... Really small". She was thankful when Kenna had finished getting dressed and took Elina back. It had been an uncomfortable moment for her. It was a good thing that she had no desire to be a mother, she would be lost. She quickly got dressed and then held her sword. She was not sure what to do with it, did she give it to Kenna? In the end she decided not to, but still thought it might be an idea not to have it on her. A blue tear in reality opened up behind her and she placed the cursed blade Mistolin inside, before turning to Kenna "Anything you need to store?" she asked, once again as if she she was doing was the most natural thing in the world. What was in this blue tear was unclear, but anyone looking carefully might be able to tell roughly what most of its contents was: blades, and lots of them. Some would say that Sophia had an obsession. It had been a long time since she was called the Mistress of Blades, she was tempted to let the name die, but she had worked hard to make it more known (it originally had been an offhand comment made by someone else) and it had got her more work. Call it sentimentality. "And then we need to find something for you and Elina to sit in. A small boat maybe, or a cart. I can easily carry it, its more an issue that carrying both of you could be an issue, I only have two arms and I don't know if we can trust a young one" her words towards Elina kinder now, well, they weren't brat at any rate, "to hang on." "You know the place better than me, where do you think we should look?" she asked as she reached behind her head to tie her hair into a ponytail, like the long one she wore as Anna Vollney in the Morrim revolution. It had become something of a fashion statement among the revolutionaries. She finished and took a few steps towards the exit to the alley as the insects she had created scattered, no longer needed they were cut free of leash. "We can discuss what you want to do when you get to the mainland as we look. So?" she asked as she took the first few steps away. |
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| Kenna | Aug 11 2011, 10:55 AM Post #15 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Her arms had felt empty without Elina there. For a brief moment, Kenna had, well, not quite a vision - a feeling of the future, perhaps. One day Elina would not be in her arms. Kenna would be alone. A mother, always, but not always a caretaker. She would have to prepare for it. Even just the hint of the loneliness had nearly flattened her as Sophia opened a rift in reality. "Er... no..." She let her mind shift to the strange, blue tear in front of her. "Will it always be surprises with you?" She offered a small smile before contemplating their options. "There is a small place on the northern side of town where we could easily purchase" here she emphasized purchasing, "a cart or small boat. Raz- well, he didn't like me to wander on my own near that area. Not the best, you know. Still, it will take care of our needs and Elina will enjoy being able to sit somewhere other than my arms for at least a little while. I think... it would be best if I spoke with the owner. He will not recognize me, I do not think. Unless I have Elina with me. Would you be willing to hold her again? Just until I procure our, hm... vessel." She pointed the way once she stepped out of the alley. "It's up this way. Follow me." |
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| Sophia | Aug 23 2011, 03:33 PM Post #16 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Would it always be surprises with her? That depended, really. Sophia's view of reality was warped enough that she did not consider herself especially strong, she was curious to test her strength in new situations, sure, but by and large the main reason she was often so open in showing her powers is that she wanted people to think she was more powerful. She felt she needed to prove that she was stronger, better, faster because... Well, she was not sure that she was. She welcomed chances to test herself, because then she could prove she was something. "So you want to buy something?" Sophia asked "Fair enough, my lady, I won't argue that point. I wouldn't want to deprive someone unfairly, believe it or not I do have my principles. I guess that's why I am helping, really. I don't want a girl" she said girl, as oppose to child here "To have to grow up... Well, in places like that." she pointed her thumb in the direction of the bar they had met at. "Nobody worth anything ever frequents those kind of places" a group in which she included herself. "I don't know... Maybe it speaks of you that you were willing to go there to try and help her, maybe the opposite." she shrugged as they set off in the direction Kenna had shown. "So, if you don't mind me asking, what are your plans for after Angkar?" she asked "And aren't you worried your husband might look for you?" she avoided using his name. Of course, this was a worthless point to make, Razarod was going to be in no condition to look for Elina or Kenna, Sophia had been hired to kill him. He was going to die, and nothing could stop that, even if Sophia couldn't kill him herself, she would find a way, unfortunately working for Hemlock meant she had to avoid collateral damage otherwise she would have always had the option of collapsing the palace on him. She mentally paused for a moment. Okay, maybe she was quite good. They walked for a little, until Sophia saw a likely looking place. "That it?" she inquired lazily, and turned to Kenna "Sure you want to go it, I could. They are less likely to recognize me, I am a newcomer to the realm of notable people, and trying to disguise myself twice over now. She cocked her head a little "But I imagine you can probably do the whole friendly please help someone in need thing better. Whatever, you choose. I" she paused "can watch the little one" she looked at Elina. She felt no maternal instinct at all. That made her feel a little odd for a moment. Should she? Was something wrong with her? Still, it passed quickly enough. |
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| Kenna | Oct 10 2011, 05:46 PM Post #17 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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((I really really hate grad school.)) "Of course I want to buy it. The fewer crimes I commit the better..." She knew that Razarod would most likely use whatever misdemeanors she committed against her as an effort to take Elina away. He wasn't a bad man - far from it - he just wasn't hers anymore. But Elina was... as much as she was his. Kenna glanced down at the innocent face in her arms. Oh, Elina... forgive me. She snapped her gaze back to Sophia at the possible cut at her mothering skills. "I'm sure you know what it is to be avoiding someone. Surely you would go to places that you wouldn't normally frequent in an attempt to escape." She shook her head to dismiss any possible argument. "I'm doing what I can the only way I know how to... After Angkar... I don't know. The one I would have turned to has left the land and I doubt he'll ever return. I could, perhaps, take up residence at his former holdings, but it reeks of opportunism. Even a disgraced woman has to hold some amount of pride in her hand." Even if that pride was only for her child. "I was once something of a potions master. You know, mixing herbs and a bit of magic to make little things for the masses - healing potions, love potions," here she winked at Sophia, "not that love potions typically work. Anyway. Perhaps I'll pursue that avenue." She stopped and looked to where Sophia indicated. "Yeah, that's it." She shifted Elina on her hip and grinned. "Aye, I'll probably be able to use a bit more charm and charisma for this little bit. Take her." She kissed Elina's head. "Be good for your mum and don't terrorize the nice lady." Kenna quickly handed Elina into Sophia's arms and darted off toward the warehouse. Part of it jutted out over the water in a rickety sort of fashion - one too many extra supports had been nailed into place in an effort to keep the portion of the warehouse from falling into the water. She quirked a smile, hitched up her skirts, and walked up to the open door. It was dark inside and she blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted. "Oy, Lady - what's a fine thing like you doin' here?" A sweaty man who smelled more like fish than anything else came from behind a stack of wood. "I need to buy a small boat - just something for fishing or the like. A skiff, perhaps? Yes, a skiff would do nicely." She smiled and reached inside her cloak to allow the jingle of coins to relay her interest. "Ah... I've just the thing." He grinned and walked back behind the stack of boards and Kenna realized he was heading for the bit of the warehouse that was seconds away from becoming a bit more acquainted with the water. Nothing for it, she'd follow. After a few minutes of negotiation and a final price, with just enough flirting to lower it a few more coins, Kenna became the proud owner of a small skiff, as sea-worthy (well, not exactly sea worthy), as they came. Reunited with Sophia and Elina, she grinned. "See, nothing to it." She took Elina back into her arms. "When do we leave?" |
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| Sophia | Oct 13 2011, 02:18 PM Post #18 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Sophia nodded in understanding. Kenna didn't want to commit crimes, probably as that would end up attracting more guard attention to them and that was the primary thing they wanted to avoid. Sophia had been a hired killer for many years, she knew how valuable a low profile could be. When they broke cover, if they broke cover, it would be because they were off and away to the mainland. When Kenna snapped at her she merely held her hands to her side in a mock surrender "I meant no offence" she remarked simply, but had no time to say more before Kenna moved on, clearly not wanting this to become an argument between them. Whether this was because she half sensed what Sophia meant, or because she did not want to offend her route out of here, who knew? "The one you could once rely on?" Sophia asked, and then paused "Ah, I know who you mean" she was not overly sure if this would giver her away as the one who was Anna Vollney, but she remember when she was told the the man in question was looking after Kenna, and he had left. "I too regret that disappearance." she admitted. "Still, I will do what I can. You are welcome to use my place in Reine, and if you want I could easily set you up with quite a place in Ashoka. Provided Orion never found out, but I keep plenty hidden from him already. Honestly, I doubt he would care, either" she shrugged "The offer is there". Sophia went on to squirm a little at the mention of love potions, but otherwise completely ignore that statement. Before Sophia could really react she was left holding Elina. It was... Odd.. She looked at the person in her arms. "So" she said, and was at a loss at what to say next, eventually coming up with "Your very small." Instantly she knew that wasn't a normal thing to say "Hows that for you?". Again, useless. On Sophia's part what followed next was a silence and a great deal of awkwardness, especially if anyone passed and looked at her. She clearly wasn't exactly full of maternal instinct. It took all she had not to hold Elina at arms length away from her and stare in confusion. "Elina" Sophia addressed her formally "My name is Sophia" she spoke as if to a new boss, not an infant "Hello". She groaned inwardly, this was terrifically embarrassing. And sadly her best attempt at associating with the kid until Kenna came back. She could not hand Elina back fast enough, and quickly tried to compose herself. "We" she hesitated "We can leave now, if you want. All I need is for you to get in the boat, then I can pick it up and fly away. I might want to take a rest at some point, but if so I can set the boat down on the water. I don't know, I have never had passengers before." Of course, it would be entirely safe. Well, it should be. Well, if it wasn't she was confident she could improvise enough to get all three to shore, worst case scenario it would be this shore. In which case they might be in trouble and Sophia might just have to be done with it and steal a ship. Still, cross that bridge if they got to it, and no need to worry Mother and Daughter. |
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| Kenna | Oct 14 2011, 03:40 PM Post #19 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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"Anything you can help with would be... wonderful." She shook her head. "I don't even know you. I have no way to repay you at present... One day I will - I hope. Oh, Lord..." Her mind spun at the future that was ahead of her. A moment of panic flashed across her face before she squared her shoulders and stood up straighter, every inch a queen. Or, rather, former queen. "Yes... it would be best to leave as soon as possible." She kissed Elina, happy to have her near again. "The boat is just there." She pointed past the warehouse to the water. She turned to Sophia with a concerned look on her face. "It will be safe, won't it...?" Her grip tightened on Elina subconsciously. There wasn't much choice, of course. To stay would definitely mean discovery and to book passage on a legitimate ship would mean putting her name down and being seen. The ships large enough to take her and her daughter away would certainly have those aboard who would recognize her. |
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| Sophia | Oct 15 2011, 03:49 PM Post #20 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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For a moment Kenna seemed to panic and despair. Sophia didn't know what do to, she wasn't the kind who could allay fears with a gentle word and a smile. She struggled to do either of those things on their own, so doing both well enough to achieve anything was well out the picture. "I will do all I can" Sophia re affirmed, and seemed to shift awkwardly "I am not good at this" she admitted, and reached out a hand, resting it on Kenna's shoulder "Things will" she paused "I will". Not what she wanted. She shook her head "You know" and withdrew her hand. That was sure pathetic. Why was she even doing this? Honestly? Guilt, she guessed was a big reason. What was going to happen to Razarod was going to be her fault. Sure, she said all that about not wanting a kid to grow up in a way like she did, but as long as Kenna was about even a little nothing even like that bad would happen. Indeed, with Sophia doing what she could to hunt that kind of person down Elina probably would be fine anyway. And if not, why was she making a big deal of this one person? It was all guilt. Perhaps as well there was a small part of her nestled away somewhere which saw the chance to do something good, some act of kindness and wanted to take it. Something different from killing and torturing and death. Maybe. "Lets go" she recomposed herself and began walking to the boat "Get in, and then I will get us out of here. I will give us a little distance before we take off though, don't want too much attention. It will be safe, if there was any danger I would know early enough to abort and we would be able to come back here and think of a new plan" that was a slight stretch of the truth, but Kenna didn't need any more worries. Besides, Sophia could not imagine why there would be any issues, she had carried vessels much larger than this. As long as Elina was kept under control and didn't get too close to the edge without a keen eye on her. "Lets just get to Reine for now, I have a place you can use tonight, although you may want to child proof it..." she licked her bottom lip. That was an understatement, swords, daggers and various poisons and instruments of torture were about. Still, it was better than nothing "We will sort out everything else later". She took a few steps to the boat. Well, if this was all it took to salve her conscience, then it would do. |
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