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| Journeys are made harder with children; For Sophia | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 4 2011, 12:36 PM (538 Views) | |
| Kenna | Nov 4 2011, 12:36 PM Post #1 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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It hadn't been Kenna's first journey - far from it. Most of her adult life had been spent traveling. It had only been in the past few years that she had found herself in a more permanent, stable location. It was, however, her first time traveling any significant distance with a small child. Elina was nearing a year old and she was far too interested in exploring the new things her body could do. Like climbing the edge of the small boat or walking (rather, stumbling) along the length of the boat. Kenna felt she spent more time pulling Elina away from the edge than anything else. Constantly telling the small child they would have room to explore later did absolutely nothing. "Later" was not a word that meant anything to a one year old child. "Now" was something a bit more concrete. There was a reason that parents were somehow supernaturally endowed with massive amounts of love for their child. If Kenna had been stuck with a small, squirming creature other than her child she probably would have let the thing dump itself over the side - when they were high enough up that the impact with the water would have killed it. She shook her head. Instead, Kenna found herself exhausted, begging the love of her life to hold still for just long enough to fall asleep so that she could rest, too. All she saw was water in every direction. "Sophia... how much longer?" |
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| Sophia | Nov 6 2011, 04:57 PM Post #2 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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It had taken all of five seconds for Sophia to decide that flying like this, taking the small boat housing Kenna and Elina with her, was awkward and that she would never do it again if she could at all help it. Still, she was able to make good time, going much slower than she could, although that was primarily so the passengers would be in no danger of falling out, but even at this speed she was faster than any ship or horse. She didn't obsess over being faster and stronger than any and everyone else for nothing. From her position at the front of the small boat she did not have a great view of the other two. Which was good. Purely from what she heard she did consider flipping the boat upside down just for an easy life. Whatever Kenna felt must be ten times worse at least. It wasn't as if she would busy her mind by planning out the best time to strike at Razarod to kill him, or 'kill' him, as the case may be. "We are not far now." she responded when asked "I am about to slow down, seeing as I doubt you want to make a scene when we get there" she didn't seem tired. Although, Sophia being who she was that equally be that she just wasn't willing to show it. Sure enough, as she spoke they began to loose altitude until they were skimming just above the water, kicking up an almighty spray as land began to come into view. A handful of lights, mainly, and soon there was signs of ships, which caused Sophia to slow right down. It took about another ten minutes, just over, for them to get close enough for it actually to be accurate to say they were near land. They were still travelling faster than incoming ships, although not by so much now, when the boat finally touched down, just as they overtook an incoming ship. "Whatever ship that is on our left" she instructed "is the one we came here on. By the time they get into port we will be gone." She continued a little further under telekinetic power, getting a decent lead on whatever ship it had been, before stopping and turning to Kenna, the first time she had looked around since they set off. "Still glad you left?" she asked "Because its going to be too later to turn back very soon" she glanced back at Reine momentarily. She largely ignored Elina. Not out of spite, but because she honestly had no idea what to say. "If your sure, then I will take us in. So. Last chance, Reine now or back to Angkar" |
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| Kenna | Nov 6 2011, 07:01 PM Post #3 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Elina found the spray of water to be, at first, a welcome entertainment. Once it stopped and Elina discovered she wasn't dry, it was no longer quite so welcome. She let out a wail. "Soon, baby. Soon. Mama will get you dry clothes and then you'll get to snuggle and have some supper and go to sleep." "Seep?" Elina perked up a bit then looked down at her clothes. "Wet!" "Just a bit longer, love." And then came Sophia's offer to take them back to Angkar. A large part of Kenna wished she could go home. She gripped Elina tightly. "Where would I go in Angkar? They would never let me keep my daughter." She nodded. "No. We continue." "Wet!" Elina pulled at Kenna's hair. Kenna looked at the ship they were overtaking. "They won't notice us gaining headway?" The boat they were in had no way to really travel as quickly as they were but Kenna trusted Sophia to get them into Reine undetected. |
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| Sophia | Nov 8 2011, 03:54 PM Post #4 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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"Then Reine it is" Sophia stated and turned her attention back to directing the boat, it slowing even more now it got closer in. "It's true they will have noticed we were going too fast" Sophia explained "But we are not trying to fool them. We need only convince the people on that land we came from that ship, and then be away when that ship actually does arrive. Probably on account of the child with us for some reason" she shrugged a little and stopped using her telekinesis to move the boat, instead turning and taking a seat herself, pulling the oars out. "Sorry if you got a bit wet" the assassin added as she began to row, being past the ship they were meant to have come from now "I thought the spray might distract and keep her quiet" she had a habit of speaking if Elina was not there, more out of not knowing quite how to act around her than anything. If possible, just talking to Kenna would do her fine, she remembered her attempt at conversation with Elina in Angkar... Embarrassing. Her magically enhanced muscles made the rowing a simple task, and they advanced steadily, assisted by a gentle breeze which seemed to be too perfect to be natural, slowly approaching a pier. "Do you want me to handle the talking, or do you?" she asked as she rounded a large ship "I don't mind doing it, I have a couple of cards to play that should get us through no questions asked, with a little luck." she glanced over her shoulder, as she was facing backwards "If it suits you, I can then show you my hideout in Reine and head off to grab some food whilst you sort out the princess here" she nodded to Elina. |
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| Kenna | Nov 8 2011, 05:40 PM Post #5 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Nodding, Kenna brushed Elina's dark curls back from her face. Her hair had been plastered to her small, round face in the spray. "If the people we meet are mostly men, they'll be more than willing to get a small child out of their hair. Nothing like a child on the verge of screaming to get things moving." Kenna smiled. In Angkar, the guards assigned to her and Elina had to learn to overcome any sort of aversion to Elina crying very quickly. She had been proud of the small group of men who had protected her daughter. As soon as Elina began to crawl, they had worked tirelessly to keep her from escaping into danger. They had fallen in love with her laughter and Kenna had often found one of them holding the little devil. Little Princess Elina was certainly spoiled. "Don't worry about it. It's good for the little one." Kenna grinned. "It will make her a better person, I'm sure." She enjoyed the breeze for a short while before Sophia spoke again. "I think I will leave this task to you. I will work to keep Elina from being recognized... I don't know how much of her description has been told. I can't be too careful until we're safely tucked away." |
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| Sophia | Nov 10 2011, 06:38 AM Post #6 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Spoil her? Sophia supposed it was possible. In her mind she had been so focused on the dangers in the opposite direction that did not cross her mind. It didn't matter now, however, anything else could wait until they had got away from the harbor. Sophia rowed them into place and jumped up onto the peer, reaching out to help Kenna and Elina up after her, before she turned to the officials at the end. She walked at a quick pace, getting ahead of the other two and stopped before them, her very way of standing exuding confidence. "We are from the Florencia" she told them before they had a chance to speak, naming the ship they had passed. With luck it should be booked to dock in, if not it would be soon anyway. "They will handle everything when the main ship arrives. Until then I advise you let me and my friend pass" One of them men, seemingly the one in charge as he was the only one who didn't seemed phased by Sophia at all stepped forward "I am afraid I can't let you through until that ship is all booked in and I see some paperwork" he began, but was cut off with a wave of Sophia's hand. "I am Sophia Orjtarn, High Inquisitor of Ashoka, and am here on official diplomatic business." she told him coolly "You can delay me if you want, but I will have you answer as to why you felt it necessary to detain a high ranking foreign official on important business to the council" "That may be how you do thing's in Ashoka, but here-" "Listen to me. I can easily get past your pathetic charade of a border whenever I choose. Merely for your record keeping and my friends ease do I do this. So you can let use through or I will go around" she became more hostile, her whole demeanor more violent, she drew closer to him and seemed to tower above the man "So your move." The man seemed to hesitate, and then stepped aside. Sophia nodded a sarcastic thankyou, and waved Kenna to come through, taking a few steps ahead. "So you were on the..?" one asked to confirm "It doesn't matter. Drop it" Sophia instructed and turned to wait for Kenna. |
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| Kenna | Nov 10 2011, 09:29 AM Post #7 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna flashed back to another time she had used her position as queen to get her passage to Morrim. Andromalius had been with her then... it had been just another nail the coffin of her already dead marriage. She wondered for a moment about him. He had been her companion for quite some time and she had - for the majority of the time - enjoyed it. Unconsciously her hand fell to her hip. Evidence of her time with Andromalius and the friendship they'd forged was tattooed there. Sophia was impressive and intimidating in her position. She wielded it like a club over the officials' heads. Kenna watched the guards carefully for any sign of noncompliance, or worse, recognition. Elina's face was pressed into her shoulder to keep her from being seen. When Sophia turned toward her, Kenna nodded and followed after her. When was the last time she had been to Reine? She was sure it had been some time. |
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| Sophia | Nov 11 2011, 11:22 AM Post #8 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Sophia saw Kenna's hand go to her hip, and she thought nothing of it. If she knew that the mark Kenna was touching there matched one she wore herself then she may of thought differently. It wasn't something Sophia was likely to share, seeing as her brand was in a rather more... Hidden place. Next to the very different brand she received as a child. It seemed fitting to her that the two brands, both of which signaled an attachment to another were together, seeing as they were the opposites. Slavery and friendship, freely given and forcibly added. "And we are in" Sophia remarked as Kenna caught up with her "Now I advise we move on before they anyone else arrives. If you need falsified documentation I can sort that for you later, as long as you don't mind being Ashokan citizens" it wouldn't technically be false documents... They would be fully official. Just lies. She led the way down a few streets, heading to a rougher area of town "I can set you up in a hideout I have here for now. You might want somewhere more..." she bit her lip slightly "child friendly when you can manage it" She was silent for a moment, before speaking up again "I might be out of line, but may I ask what exactly happened between you and your husband? What made you decide that Elina would be better off risking everything heading into dens like where I met you than being raised to position and stature" she wasn't sure if she would get an answer, or be told to be quiet. Was she interested? Partly, although not for the reasons people might usually be interested in such information. Partly she was just asking what she thought was expected of her in such a situation as this. "It seems a very extreme actions you have taken. Not that I am entirely against it" although that was partly because she couldn't imagine being tied to a man in the way Kenna had been... She was oblivious to the way her brand, in a way, did tie her to someone else. Although she would argue it was not the same. She didn't need it, and could manage without some banshee stalking her and righting her mistakes. She supported the independence, she guessed, or the attempt at it. She was less happy about the methods, and the risk Elina was put at... Sophia almost recognized that her past presented her with a heavy bias on what happened to children which got left out and alone, but usually saw herself as being correct. And any risk of that kind of situation should be avoided, at all costs. |
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| Kenna | Nov 13 2011, 08:00 PM Post #9 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna was almost surprised at how quickly Sophia directed her through the guards and away from the docks. "I think it would be best for me to eventually move on... but I would appreciate the paperwork. Anything to help us disappear." She followed after her guide, glancing around at the surroundings. Not much had changed since she was last here. Of course then her mind was filled with possibilities. She had been reunited with Razarod and making plans to return to Angkar and to her daughter who was now clutched in her arms. At least some things she got to keep. And then Sophia seemed to question her ability to protect her daughter. Admittedly, her reasons for taking Elina were purely selfish. She could think of no reason why having Elina with her was better than being raised as a princess. She would never have become queen without marrying well... but she would have had everything provided to her until that time. To say that Kenna had taken Elina to give her the option of choosing her husband was more than far-fetched. It really hadn't even entered her mind until now. "I..." She tilted her head. "I love her. I couldn't imagine my life without her. I know life for her would have been better as a princess... I just know I will do everything in my power to keep her safe and provided for..." I can only hope it will be enough. She fell silent a moment. There really was nothing more to say on the matter. It was one of those things that only time would tell. "How long will it take to get the papers and documentation? We'll leave as soon as it's taken care of. No need for us to be in your hair any longer than we have to." |
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| Sophia | Nov 14 2011, 12:51 PM Post #10 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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"Moving on is good. But now we are on land it will be easier" Sophia agreed "with the paperwork you could have a whole new identity with all the right stamps to make people questioning it at worst a very rare event. Keep your nose to the ground for a while, and you should be free to live however you wish in about six months, I reckon" partly because by then Razarod certainly wasn't going to have any way of pursuing her, well, he would be able to himself but that would be difficult. He was not someone built for intelligence work. And Sophia was, the back room dealing and the gentle kiss as a knife ran across naked flesh was familiar and comforting to her. She could find people when she needed to, and she knew all the right spots to hurt to make someone spill their secrets. And the scream they made when they resisted... It caused her to shiver with excitement and ecstasy. Of course, she might not be directly involved in keeping them hidden then, but she should be able to make enough of a smokescreen to keep Kenna hidden for a good while. The older woman led the mother down a few streets until they got to a small alley, one which looked like it led to nowhere. She turned down it and almost immediately turned back on herself, looking at a small alcove which housed a single door. With a wave of her hand she used her telekinetic abilities to manipulate the lock mechanisms and deadbolts, causing the door to swing open. She stepped inside and began to climb the stairs immediately inside, stopping just inside the room at the top. It was a small apartment, the room they were in was a mixture of a living room and kitchen, whilst there were three doors off to the sides. A row of windows looked out onto the main street below. It appeared unlived in, save from a few suspect looking bottles on a small table. There was also a wooden parasol which contained a wooden sword, something Sophia had not used in a long time. It had been a steady tool for a long while, but she had not used it in so long now. "This is it. Its yours for as long as you need it" she spoke simply as she walked over and took a seat on a dark green sofa. "Elina is a very lucky girl. I... Don't remember what a mothers love feels like. You do everything you can to look after her, and I'll look out for you, okay? Not just the papers. Things are going to be tough, and it isn't right to separate a young girl from her mother" she was aware of the irony, what with her kidnapping of several young children a little while ago, but it didn't affect her. She saw it as being different. "I can get the papers drawn up for you next time I am in Ashoka. I can go now, if you like. Would probably be morning when I am back, unless Ashokan bureaucrats have suddenly discovered levels of efficiency they usually hide very well. Its your choice, I can stay here, or go now. I don't" she paused, feeling like she was admitting a weakness "do well with children. So I defer to your judgement" |
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| Kenna | Nov 14 2011, 03:14 PM Post #11 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna looked around the room for things Elina could get herself into. The bottles would have to be put up higher (and their contents explored) and that rather strange, wooden parasol was going to have to go somewhere else. Also if something too heavy could be pulled down on top of Elina... oh, childproofing was endless. "Sophia... Thank you. Truly." She sat beside Sophia and settled Elina on the floor. She turned toward the other woman but kept an eye on her daughter. "The sooner we can disappear even further the better. You've already done so much. I'm sure I'll never be able to repay you." Elina had wandered away from the couch but had come back and now sat at Sophia's feet. Kenna grinned and nodded down at Elina. "She likes you, you know." She sobered. "How long before those guards realize we weren't actually on that ship? And how thorough will they be looking for us? Will they even care? It may be best to get out of Soto as soon as possible. I suppose you should go as soon as you're ready." |
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| Sophia | Nov 15 2011, 01:04 PM Post #12 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Kenna seemed very thankful for her. That felt weird, she wasn't used to people actually being thankful that she did anything... Usually because one involved party was dead, and the other wanted to not be associated with an assassin lest anyone know. And Orion wasn't exactly one to show gratitude. She just shuffled a little uncomfortably and waved a hand as if to say it was nothing. Although she didn't vocalize the words. She quite liked the feeling of someone being grateful to her. Her attention was drawn to the infant at her feet. She locked eye with young Elina, and reached down as if to touch, her handing stopping just before she actually did. "Does she?" asked the killer, unsure of herself. Kids did that to her. The younger they were, the worse it was. She gently touched Elina's cheek, but recoiled back. "I am afraid I don't really know what to do with children. Evidently I lack anything in the way of maternal instinct. I guess its a good thing I will never be a mother" she made a small mock laugh. Her hand withdrew back, coming to rest on her lap. "The guards will realize soon enough. But we are safe for tonight, I gave my name and nothing else, so if they want to pursue it they can only come after me. And if they do, let them come. I have both the physical power and the diplomatic influence to stop anything they try short of it becoming a full blown international issue, which I doubt will happen. If it was, I have people inside Soto who would let me know." she shook her head "trust me, you are safe. When I am in Ashoka I can get you something else as well, if you like. Its nothing special, but it would allow you to summon me, should something happen." She stood up, and took a couple of steps to the window "Do you have any idea where you want to go? I would recommend not Reine. Aside from running into the people from the dock today, it is an obvious place for you to head. If I were hunting you it would be an early place on my checklist. Any plans you have, you can tell me. I will do what I can to get you there Your choice of location" |
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| Kenna | Nov 15 2011, 05:58 PM Post #13 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna nodded to Sophia "She watches you. She doesn't watch anyone unless she likes them. And the maternal instinct doesn't always show up until you actually have a little one. Even then it can be a little late in coming..." She remembered to when she'd practically abandoned Elina because of heartbreak. She quirked an eyebrow. "Too busy for children? I imagine a woman in your position would keep rather busy. It's why I really do appreciate your help." Kenna reached down for Elina who was now eyeing a few small items a little too hungrily. "Do you have anything she could eat? Some sort of oatmeal? Porridge? She can do solid foods, too, but she prefers oatmeal with a bit of sugar. I'm sorry, I gave her the rest of what I brought in the boat..." She settled Elina in her lap and smiled sheepishly. "I can repay you... eventually..." She hadn't considered staying in Reine for very long at all. The only reason she wanted to was so that she didn't have to travel anymore... but the results of that would inevitably be being shipped back to Angkar, having Elina taken away from her, and more than likely being banished from Angkar and her daughter. That was not an option. "Because of my history, I imagine I will be searched for in Soto and Morrim. Ashoka may be my best choice." She looked closely at Sophia for approval. "I don't think a smaller town will suit me. I need somewhere that after I've hidden long enough for me to be forgotten - or at least not as much of a priority - I can dredge up some business to take care of us. The capitol seems to be dangerous but then... hidden in plain sight? Perhaps that is just what I should do." She nodded almost to herself. Sophia's offer of summoning her seemed very similar to the tattoo Andromalius had given her. But where was he, now? No where near enough to help her. He hadn't helped her or even been close enough for her to sense him as she had before. "Having help available would be the greatest gift I could have." Kenna's grip on Elina had not been tight. As she finished speaking, Elina pushed herself away from her mother and into Sophia's lap. There was no question, Elina had found herself a new friend and would not be put off by her. Elina looked up at Sophia and grinned a slightly toothy-gummy grin. "Ann-y?" Kenna laughed. "No, Elina. She's not your Auntie." She looked at Sophia. "See? She likes you." |
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| Sophia | Nov 16 2011, 11:25 AM Post #14 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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"She watches me?" Sophia asked, a little surprised that anyone would want to, she looked down at the kid "I guess I better try and set a good example" she added with a grim sense of humor which probably wouldn't be clear to anyone who didn't know her thought process. "Too busy?" she snapped her head back round to Kenna "I suppose I am..." it was evidently not what she had been thinking of when she spoke moments ago. Mainly she was thinking that she would not let anything happen which would leave some parasite sapping her strength for the best part of a year, but she wouldn't tell Kenna that. She shook her head and that blue tear in reality she had used a few times in Kenna's company opened once more "I don't have much in the way of food... An apple?" she reached her hand in up to the wrist "That seems the only thing that might work, will it do? her hand pulled out and the tear closed, leaving Sophia holding the piece of fruit in question "You don' need to repay me" she added, without explaining. She took her seat once more. "A city is the best place to head. Either that or a place very out of the way, but that would require you to be more or less self sufficient. In a city you can easily get lost among a crowd as long as you do nothing to stand out and occasionally do some basic anti surveillance activities" she nodded "The best thing to do is not stand out, to all intents and purposes be boring to the observer. And don't develop too strict a routine. I will be able to help, espionage and counter espionage is something of a specialty, it is where I began" It was ironic really that Kenna did not know the link between the brand that both women had and the ability to summon her Sophia was offering. It had been by studying her own brand that Sophia had learnt what was needed in order to create the ritual where she could turn an item into a potential point for her to appear at when she walked the Path. She had learnt more than a few thing from what he left behind. Twice she had been to the Black Tower, and she had taken more than just books. But they had been of the immediate use, once she managed to read them at any rate. Sophia was about to continue when she felt a tiny hand on her lap, and she froze. Slowly looking down to see Elina pulling herself into her lap. Her eyes appeared panicked, what did she do now? Did she do nothing? Or was there something she was meant to do to stop Elina falling off or hurting herself? Her neck almost creaked as she turned to face Kenna once more "Do I need to do something?" she asked, slightly frightened. Kids. Why did she get into this? She could feel those little hands now and it took effort to contain a shiver. This was worse than earlier, at least then she could hold her at arms length and leave it. But now, Elina was right there, so close she could stab her. What if she did? What if that was her angle? Did she know that Sophia was planning something for Razarod? Babies could do that right? To protect their parents? There was nothing she could do but watch, look into those eyes and be prepared to move if Elina tried something. She slowly reached her shaking hand for her, slowly, gently patting her on the head "That'll do" she tried, and looked back to Kenna for confirmation that she had done something right and that Elina wasn't about to stab her. |
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| Kenna | Nov 17 2011, 01:13 PM Post #15 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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"Just watch her for a moment every now and then. She stops what she does to see what you're doing. And I wouldn't worry about forcing yourself to make time for children. If it's something you really want, it'll happen. At least where babies are concerned..." Although sometimes it just happened. She and Razarod hadn't really planned to not have children but they had been married for more than five years before Kenna had become pregnant. During that time she had worried she wasn't able to have children. It was a fear she'd never shared with Razarod. As the wife of a king, it was her duty to produce an heir. Elina had kind of happened. Oh sure, there were things that had to occur for babies to come along... but they had been married for so long without a child. Kenna nodded and took the apple. With Elina sitting in Sophia's lap, her hands were free to cut it into smaller pieces. She withdrew a small knife from her pack and began coring it. "I can hide well enough." She handed a piece of the apple to Elina who turned to lean against Sophia and munch on her snack. Kenna couldn't hide her smile as she watched Sophia tentatively pat Elina's head. "She won't hurt you... and they're a lot more resilient than you might think." Kenna quirked her head to one side. "Children often have an intuition about people. The fact that Elina feels comfortable with you says a lot. Probably as much if not more as your assistance." Elina didn't have a godmother. Kenna would prefer having someone who would be able to protect her child than someone who would only use the position to spoil the little one. "Mo!" Elina held out both hands to Kenna, asking for another piece. Kenna eyed Sophia as she handed Elina another piece of apple before eating one herself. Sophia certainly fit the "protector" bill. But it would take more than one meeting to determine Sophia's trustworthiness. However, Kenna needed to find someone she could entrust Elina's care to should anything happen. "Here. Give her the rest of this apple. Make sure she's finished eating her piece before you give her another one. She tends to stuff it all in her face and start choking." Kenna winked and handed the apple pieces to Sophia. "You can do that while I set up a place for Elina to sleep." |
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| Sophia | Nov 20 2011, 05:27 PM Post #16 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Watch her. Was that all it took? Well that didn't sound so difficult... Sophia's eyes hardened as she focused on the young, her gaze unflinching and resolute. She could watch things, she was good at watching things, picking out weak moments in the routines of people who thought that they had made every precaution, finding that look in their eyes that told her they were about to break under torture, picking out flaws in blades many would deem flawless. She just... Had to watch in a different way, she guessed. But why did she care all of a sudden? She didn't, she decided. She had just got caught up with playing the friend more than she meant to. Like she would ever consider letting some parasite grow within her. She was a killer first and foremost, and anything that would interrupt that was most unwelcome. "I doubt I ever will" she commented "Nothing in the process of having a child sounds appealing to me" which was the truth, neither conception, pregnancy, giving birth or raising the sprog sounded appealing. Besides, even if she wanted to, she couldn't think of any man who she could allow to get close enough to her do anything without her killing him because he made the effort. Sophia's thoughts were interrupted by Kenna handing her the apple and telling her to feed Elina. "Okay" she replied slightly nervously, and held out one piece to the infant "Knock yourself out" she tried to sound nonchalant. She had no idea how well that was going, her voice wasn't usually the most expressive anyway so for all she knew. She held the rest of the apple in the air telekinetically, it forming a circle and slowly turning above Elina's head, so she could just lower a piece and let Elina take it. It would be good practice in using precision when controlling multiple small objects. "If you want I can head off once you are all set up, I'll return to give you the papers in the morning and see you to anywhere you need before getting back to work. Its not as if Orion ever has any idea what I am doing." she chuckled "Its not as if anyone knows other than me. I like it that way." she mused out loud, her gaze not having moved at all since earlier when Kenna told her to watch Elina. She hadn't even blinked. "It gives me time to pursue my own objectives, my own goals. Such as calling women reckless for taking their children to places surrounded with people who would commit unspeakable acts and then flying them across oceans" |
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| Kenna | Nov 21 2011, 05:16 PM Post #17 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna moved about to set out the few things she had managed to bring with her. It wasn't a lot. Once they settled Kenna would have to purchase the things she needed. First things first, she reached for the bottles that stood out conspicuously in the room. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what they held... but bottles such as these typically didn't hold syrups or other things that were appropriate for children - or really anyone - to ingest. Best to get them out of Elina's way. She set them in a cupboard, out of sight, and then pulled out the rolled-up blanket which she folded on the floor for Elina. The little one still rolled around enough in her sleep that setting her on the couch to sleep would mean Kenna would have to stay awake through the night making sure Elina didn't fall and hurt herself. She sighed. Elina would sleep well enough on the blanket. Kenna would just curl herself up with her daughter and get as much rest as possible. As she set the pack aside - it would make a good enough pillow, she turned back to Elina and Sophia. "Excellent trick. Except she's more interested in the apples floating around her head than eating." She pointed to Elina who, after a piece had suddenly appeared in front of her face, had looked up and now watched the apple spinning slowly around her head like a strange mobile. Every now and then she would chew on her apple piece but for the most part she was engrossed in the floating dinner above her head. "Eat, Elina. It's almost time for bed." "The freedom must be nice..." She tilted her head, trying to remember the last time she had been able to travel as she wished. Those days were over - this time due to a daughter rather than a husband. "The sooner we can move on, the better. As soon as Elina finishes her apple, I'll get her ready for bed." A sudden thought struck her. "Do you have a small tub or basin? She may go to bed easier if I can give her a bath first." |
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| Sophia | Nov 23 2011, 03:46 PM Post #18 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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Well, Elina was eating that one piece at least. It was a start and Sophia supposed she could be proud of that in the least. If you had told her a few days ago she would be feeding a kid an apple... Well, they would have fond themselves arrested for treason against Ashoka and would be left to rot the rest of their days away, no matter where they where when they said it. Borders didn't mean much to her. Until Kenna told her so it did not occur to her that it could of been her display of telekinetic power that was distracting her. To her, something like what she was doing seemed very basic now, and the idea that other people might not share that assessment... Well, it was not one that she had very often. The pieces quickly dropped into her hand, and she passed one more to little Elina. "Freedom?" Sophia let out a small smile "I suppose so. I have never really seen it that way. The only purpose of freedom is to use it to make sure you keep it. And thats all I do, push towards staying free. I..." she stopped herself, not wanting to be drawn into talking about her past. Even though that was the reasons he spoke to Kenna in the first place. "Lets just say I have had a taste of what happens if you don't manage that. Still, I don't see an issue in trying to ensure someone else keeps their freedom too. Frankly, it would be nice to be able to meet with someone who wants to see me and doesn't want me to do something ever so often" it wasn't the killing she minded. She was fine with that, there were many things she had lost her aversion to, murder being one of them. She objected more to the pettier aspects of her position. Making deals with the tribes, hunting down small criminals who were good at evading the law, listening to the peasants make mundane requests backed up by a obviously made up accusation of treason. "I don't, sorry" she responded when Kenna asked about a basin "Well, not anything of any size. There is a small one there I use for washing my face and hands" she pointed to a door "wait... No, its that door" she pointed to the other of the internal doors, that was Madrid she was thinking about where the doors where that way round. I could bring something bigger with me tomorrow if you want, that's going to be the best I can offer I am afraid" her gaze was locked on Elina still. "Is it worth me doing so, or should I just forget it?" One thing struck Sophia. After this, she really wanted to open a bottle of wine as soon as she got to Ashoka. |
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| Kenna | Nov 25 2011, 09:17 PM Post #19 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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Kenna nodded thoughtfully. "I know Elina and I will more than likely be desperate for visitors. I understand the need to lay low..." She shrugged. "And I'll take all the help I can get - even if it galls me to think I need to be dependent upon someone." She smirked. "Even though I've had to enlist the help of more than just you from the moment I left Razarod's chamber." Her mind ticked off the few servants who had helped her gather a few things. They had assured her that they would speak to no one about her departure. They wouldn't be able to point anyone in the direction she'd gone, anyway. When she and Elina had fled, even she didn't know where she would be going. Kenna pursed her lips and looked down at Elina who was reaching up to grasp as many apple pieces as she could in her little hands. "It'll do. I'll at least be able to wipe her face and hands before I put her down." She gave a swift nod. "I may as well begin practicing now to improvise. It will be some time before I can truly be established, don't you think?" Elina was squirming in Sophia's lap. She wasn't unaware of the discomfort Sophia was experiencing with the small child in her lap. If Kenna were truly honest with herself, she would admit that she gained some sort of entertainment from watching the older woman sit so rigidly with her eyes set to diligently on Elina. Kenna wasn't sure if Sophia had blinked since she'd suggested watching Elina. The little one wasn't prone to remaining still, though... and now she was attempting to crawl up Sophia to balance on the woman's thighs and grasp some of her hair. It was time for mommy to come and rescue her. Rescue Sophia, that is. "Alright, little fairy... stop terrorizing Auntie Sophie." Kenna had pulled Elina off of Sophia and was carefully plucking bits of apple out of the girl's hands before she even realized she had called Sophia "Auntie Sophie." Her eyes flew to the woman who not long ago had been only a somewhat familiar name. "Oh, gods - I'm so sorry... It just came out... It just fits." Kenna worried that Sophia would be offended. She clearly had no love for children - even if this particular child seemed to be developing an intense fondness for the woman. "Tantie Tophie!" Elina was already reaching back toward Sophia but Kenna just shook her head and began looking for the pitcher and basin. "'Tis time to sleep love. No more bothering the nice lady..." |
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| Sophia | Nov 26 2011, 04:00 PM Post #20 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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The desire not to be dependant on somebody else was something Sophia understood well. Sure, she was technically dependant on Orion for her position but that was different, if she lost that it would not really effect her, in some ways she may be better off in having more free time, but generally speaking all it did was speed up her goals, and formed an elevated position from which she could aim for them. To be actually dependant on other people... That was something she rallied against. For a moment she wondered how it must make Kenna feel. So that's what empathy was. When Kenna mentioned at least using the limited resources that there were here Sophia gestured to one of the door, which opened of its own accord. She felt that was adequate to explain where that particular resource was located. "A lot of it is quite simple. Do not develop routines, occasionally walk back on yourself and look out for anyone else who does the same. And if anyone looks dodgy, assume they are and call me to put a few knifes in their neck. Or, you know, find out what their story is first" she shrugged, indicating it did not overly matter to her. A wave of relief washed over her when Kenna took the child from her, she immediately blinked about five times. That felt so much better. She was busy doing this and completely missed the first time she was addressed by her new name. The second time thus hit her like a truck. "I don't" she stuttered a little "Isn't that" she was faintly aware that some blood had risen to her cheeks. Elina evidently really did like her, and it stood to logic that Kenna was too. That was... Weird. People didn't like her... They just used her... That was all Orion was doing, she met Andromalius because he wanted to, and then throughout the revolution he was... And now was probably the same. Of course, they just were using her to. Her influence. Even so... It felt like something they did not need to say. And was Elina really in on this? She could be cleverer than it seemed. She didn't know. She shifted uncomfortable "I... Really should be getting back to Ashoka to sort out the paperwork. I... That was nice of you" she quickly stood up and walked over to the window, keeping her face pointing away from the others. If Kenna had something else to say it could be said once Elina was in bed. Who knew what that little ones game plan was. Hopefully by then she would have calmed herself "Is there anything else you want of me before I head to Ashoka?" she asked, trying to get herself away from this so she could try and think about it calmly and rationally for a bit. |
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| Kenna | Nov 26 2011, 09:28 PM Post #21 |
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Former Queen of Angkar
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It would be a change. Kenna would have to be very careful about developing routines - or, rather, not developing them. Humans were creatures of habit. You found your chosen routes to walk, your preferred places to eat and gather news, your favorite places to gather and buy herbs. "You'll be no more than a thought away, I'm sure." Elina was tired. It could take a mother's trained eye to see it between the bursts of energy, but Kenna could see it. Each time Elina looked around, she laid her head down on Kenna's shoulder and would rub her eyes. "Yes, sweetie, we'll go to bed soon. Mommy just needs to wipe your hands off." She looked up into the sputtering face of Sophia. "No... you needn't do anything else before you go." She felt she needed to apologize again. "I..." She didn't want to make Sophia angry. For at least the next few months, Kenna needed the woman's good opinion. So she said the only thing that came to mind before she disappeared through the open door. "See? I told you Elina likes you." Once in the other room with at least a semblance of privacy, Kenna began to pull Elina's sleeves up her little arms to her elbows. "If your mommy isn't careful, she's going to get us in more trouble just by talking." She found the basin and water and a cloth and began to wipe the little one's hands and face. |
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| Sophia | Nov 28 2011, 04:56 PM Post #22 |
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High Inquisitor of Ashoka
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"I didn't mind it... I guess..." Sophia spoke as if she was unsure of what she was saying, which she was. Auntie Sophia? It was really, really odd to her. She knew what she was, and was fully aware that some of the things she did could be called evil by people who had to judge and label everything. It felt odd because usually she avoided children. It felt odd because she knew exactly what was going to happen to Razarod, and by her hand. That last one didn't stop her at all, it just made it odd. A living Razaord might find out and be very disturbed to learn that, which also was something she found very amusing. "It just was very unexpected, thats all. I didn't expect to have anything to do with kids at all... Not in my whole lifetime. I guess I should be honoured she sees me that way... I guess it will make things easier if you want me to be about again at any point after I have given you the paperwork and got you anywhere you need to go. But that's your choice. I don't want to intrude if you don't want me, and I would understand if you didn't" she shrugged and opened a window. "I..." she was evidently still nervous "I guess I will see you in the morning?" she placed one leg out and turned back "Bye... Elina" it felt odd. But not entirely in a bad way. |
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