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[Rey'na]

10th Ymiden, 718

Rey let out a quiet sigh, leaning her back against the wall. Of course, the girl was nervous. Why wouldn't she be? She'd never done anything quite like this, nor had she gone to the same extent as this before. Truth be told, the spear on her back wasn't something she could use as of yet, but it was worth the buy anyway. She intended on learning to use it alongside whatever else her job would be in the elements, so she had a means of defending herself. Perhaps she could even poison it with her knowledge of poison, to make an even scarier and more dangerous weapon.
As of right now, though, the girl just had to wait for the woman that was said to be showing her the ropes. Sephira, her name had been. They'd never met before, but the man that sorted it out told Rey'na that she would be the perfect teacher for what Rey'na wanted. After all, the girl had a clear goal in mind - protecting the innocent. Something in those words made the mans eyes glow with an idea, though the girl had no idea what that idea could be.

As she waited, another question came to her head. What should her spear be called? It had cost her a fair amount of money to obtain it, it was only right she named it. After all, the two would work together from now on, fighting any that stood in the way of what was right. It was only normal to name it, or so she had been told when she bought it, immediately asked what she would call it. Though she pondered.
As she sat and waited, the wind blew lightly in her ears, and the girl remembered what the man had shown her when she'd bought it. It was such a sharp spear that the wind around it broke, making a beautiful yet eerie sound, like the wind breaking in two. He had told her that the wind sung for the spear when it slashed, and that it would intimidate everyone who opposed her. Then it hit her.

"Windsong..." she muttered, before her eyes glanced up, seeing a woman approaching.

► Show Spoiler

720gn for a Masterwork Combat spear, made entirely of metal. The blade is made of Adamantite and the entire spear is laced with Crystalline.

[Sephira]

There appeared to be a storm blowing into the harbor that trial. Or at least it seemed that way. Dark clouds writhed on the distant horizon hinting at a downpour to come. Sephira Blackwood moved through the streets toward The Knight’s Rest Inn where she was meeting a new Element recruit that was due to assist her on an assignment.

The proprietors had reported a group of men coming around the premises near dusk and harassing patrons. They were to stake out the area and investigate what exactly was happening before intervening.

Her charge was waiting on her when she arrived at the Inn. Sephira assumed that the new recruit would be the one standing alone at the side of the building, looking somewhat conspicuous with a beautiful crystalline dusted spear on her back. The Element came to stand just across from the other brunette and tilted her head faintly at the woman, indicated that she was to follow her.

Once they were a few strides away from the busy street that led to the Inn the mage took a moment to introduce herself before they got started.
“They said you might be assisting with this assignment.” She uttered flatly while watching patrons depart and enter the door to the Knight’s Rest just behind the other woman.

“I’m Special Assistant Sephira Blackwood, It's good you meet you...?” The soldier waited a few trills for Rey’na to give her name before she continued briefing her on their task.

“We’ve been assigned to keep an eye on the Knight’s Rest this evening. Reports suggest that a group of men have been showing up near dusk to harass and pickpocket patrons, especially women.” Her voice went a little colder when she mentioned the detail about the men targeting females.

“We are here to observe and to intervene if anything is amiss.” She explained firmly whilst resting her hand on the saber at her hip.

“I hope you know how to handle that spear if the situation goes south. And remember that if it does come to a fight that we do everything in our power to keep people safe. If our actions lead to people being injured or killed simply because they were in our way, then we are no better than the criminals.”

There was a haunting gleam in her eyes as she said those last words. Sephira had seen such a cost exacted on her in the past. Her struggle to fight against the cult in Cylus had ended with the deaths of over four hundred civilians. Perhaps they had been given no other option, but it still didn’t change the fact that a high price had been paid so that she could live another trial. The Flame Element wanted to be sure that she didn’t make that mistake again in the future.

Rey’na seemed sharp and attentive, perhaps she would be a better Element that Sephira had been in the past. Only time would tell.

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Rey'na]

When Sephira gestured, the woman followed closely behind, before the introduction was shared. Admittedly, it was a much more hands-on introduction to the Elements than she had expected. But perhaps that was best for her, throwing her in the deep end. A slow introduction would, as expected, take much longer than one like this - and Rey'na didn't want to take that time. Not when lives were at stake. After all, she'd taken plenty - time to save at least ten times more.
"Rey'na Nardovino, it's a pleasure" she smiled, wondering if the name would mean anything to Sephira. Before, Rey'na had refused to be called by her last name, the only relatives it reminded her of being her father and her sister, Morana. Now, though, she had a beautiful family with that name tied to it. Faith, the two twins. Why would she not want a name tied to such incredible people?

When Sephira described what had been going on here, Rey let out a small sigh. Not many days had been peaceful in the girls life, admittedly, and it appeared she was going to be adding this one to the list of chaotic days. It would have been nice if her first task hadn't been so eventful, however. Her use of the spear was functional at best, though if they were at all skilled with their weapons she would find herself in a spot of bother. But that wouldn't matter. Rey had the willpower - she would fight as long as she could.
"I can use the spear, and don't worry. I don't plan on taking a life if we don't have to" she vowed, looking the woman in the eyes to reassure her of what she was saying. After all, the girl was no killer anymore. Not without reason. Of course, some people needed judgement, and sometimes that judgement would lead to death. But if Pier and Pre had taught her anything, it was that some people deserved a second chance no matter how horrific they were.

Once their conversation was done, Rey glanced out to the building, wondering what would happen for the rest of this trial.

[Sephira]

With brief introductions made the two Elements took up positions just outside the entrance to the Knight’s Rest Inn. Sephira had very little interest in actually guarding the Inn, but instead wished to lie in wait for the perpetrators to make their appearance.
Droves of people came and went over the next half break; Sailors, dockhands and a few women that were likely streetwalkers. The mage waited in utter silence, while idly thumbing the hilt of her saber as they waited. Eventually dusk arrived and the sky filled with hues of violet and shades of peach. It was rather pleasant to have a moment of quiet to herself. There were no immediate dangers, no cultists to investigate or apostate mages to arrest, just a simple assignment and a recruit to train. This moment did not last long however as the innkeeper’s daughter Zana stepped out of the establishment and into the street. The lovely auburn haired woman was wearing a light green dress and was carrying a few empty wine bottles in her hands that she was tossing out in the alleyway between the Inn and the next door building.

Three men suddenly appeared, stepping behind Zana and blocking Sephira and Rey’na’s view of the alleyway. The Flame Element’s eyes snapped up to take in the scene. There was barely any foot traffic in the area now, it was just them standing on the other side of the street and the three men cornering the innkeeper’s daughter in the alleyway. The men were all middle aged, two were stout and portly while one was tall and as slim as a rail.

“Ello there luv.” The thin man said sweetly to Zana. His voice could barely be heard from across the street, but indeed the two women would be able to make out his words.

“Wot’s a sweet thing like you doing out here?”

One of the larger men reached for the red haired young woman, and she instantly dropped one of the wine bottles, the sound of shattered glass echoing across the street.

“Just leave me alone, go on your way Tod.” Her voice was wavering and tinged with a layer of fear.
Zana began back stepping further into the depths of the alley.

“Please don’t do this.”

The thin man gave a twitching smirk as the two other men strode forward, one of them snatching Zana by the forearm and pulling her in close.
Sephira was already moving, giving Rey’na nothing more than a glance to communicate that they were to advance. Her saber Wyvern was drawn in a single smooth motion, the hiss of metal announcing their presence.

The men turn on their heels as the mage came to stand at the mouth of the alleyway. Sephira stood there, her Biqaj eyes swirling with a mixture of umber and black. Nothing about her appearance or mannerism made her appear ruffled or otherwise concerned about the fact that she and Rey’na were outnumbered.

“Oi, look at the little Elements, come to join in too ladies?” said the thin man, the stench of his rotten breath was pungent enough to taint the air at the entrance to the alley.

The Element smirked, before glancing to her right and left to see if anyone else was currently within sight of the street. There were only a couple civilians near the edge of her vision, but she would need to keep that in mind if she was forced to resort to magic. Rupturing was not the most silent of disciplines.

“You get one warning, back away and leave her alone.” The mage said before beginning to funnel ether into her Attunement spark. Although most of her skin was covered with clothing the crimson tattoos she had been marked with in the season before began to glow with a bright red hue. Focusing on expanding her perception Sephira engaged Omnivision and the world around her lit up with sensation. She could feel the cobbled street beneath her feet, the flow of air around her body and perceive the forms of the men and Zana in the alleyway. The effect surrounded her, allowing the mage to ‘feel’ everything within certain distance of her body, including the form of Rey’na behind her. The ability had a plethora of uses, but Sephira found it invaluable when forced to fight in tight confines.

The men burst out laughing at Sephira before the man holding the innkeeper’s daughter began tearing at the women’s skirt. Zana cried out before his meaty hand clamped out over her lips.

“Have it your way then.” Sephira said flatly.

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Rey'na]

Initially, the day had been silent, and the introduction to the Elements had been near to flawless. Of course she knew the risk was there, but Rey'na was pleasantly surprised at how silent the world could be, taking in the beauty around her. Violet sky tinted the world around her as the young girl looked around in admiration. Someone who had once seen the world with little care or interest now stood outside a tavern and just watched.
Until, of course, the girl had her thoughts interrupted. To Rey'na it happened all so fast, the girl leaving the building before being surrounded. As metal shrieked from Sephira's blade, Rey took her spear out, a small whistle piercing the air around them, her head snapping back to reality as her eyes met the men in front of her - or specifically the one that had grabbed the girl. Taking a step forward with Sephira, the girl readied her spear and let her superior give her threats. It wasn't as if she was one to breach orders, after all. Not on her first day. Not now.

Keeping her mouth closed as they were taunted, Rey'na watched on, looking at the girl with a level of reassurance and determination. Then whatever it was Sephira did seemed to provoke laughter, and an attempt to rip the girls skirt - and Rey's world faded to red. Thoughts of Pier and Pre ran through their head, allowing Rey'na to act as their judge, to choose who lived and who died in a world of vicious and vile people. To decide the punishment for those that would harm others as redemption for all the harm she had done, until the day she died and another would be judged.
"Let her go" Rey'na muttered, looking at the men who had near to no intention of moving. With her breaths quickening, Rey'na's thoughts ran - fueled by fear and hatred. This, once, had been her. Caring for nobodies lives but her own, yet instead of assault it was outright murder, taking a life for the sake of pleasing an Immortal. Words ran through her head, memories, as the anger started to build in one trill that felt like a lifetime.

"There's my sweet daughter, ready to bring suffering and disease at whim and will."

More words from her alleged mother, painful words that sent shivers down her spine.

"Find someone who won't be missed, a low servant, a slave, a beggar. Test it on them."

But the words that hurt her the most were her own, echoing through her head as a twisted and dark memory. Visions of her talking to Lisirra, begging after slaughtering innocents, ran through her head and teared her thoughts apart.

"I'll keep making you proud, mother."

These men, all of them, were as nasty as she had been. Sephira warned them, gave them the chance to stand down - yet they chose this. To attempt to defile a woman in front of the Elements, to openly oppose their second chance. Nothing angered Rey'na more, the trauma from her past fueling a deep and unnatural hatred, her psyche already fractured and her patience even more so. "Have it your way then" was the only prompt Rey'na needed.
While her thoughts had been moving, the world had paused, and when it came back to life Rey'na made her attack. With a quick and angry swing, the metal handle planted itself on the jaw of one of the men, a cry of anger coming from Rey'na as if sparked from nowhere - as if something inside of her snapped.

Knocking a man back, blood pouring from his head, her eyes fell to the man holding the girl before them.

[Sephira]

The sorceress’s face had gone cold, the edges of her jaw being drawn tight in a look of brief focus as she snaked Ether through her grasp and into her Rupturing Spark. The public be damned if she wasn’t going to use her magic to close the distance and get that woman free. There was something so wrong about a man forcing himself upon a woman, Sephira could hardly think of a more terrible crime. Death was quick but abuse and rape scarred women forever. She wouldn’t allow Zana to become one of those broken women she had seen cowering in alleyways, begging for coin.

Rey’na seemed to be of the same mind, and Sephira could appreciate the woman’s fire. Her spear stuck the thin man true, bloodying his eye and knocking him back, the young recruit was already moving toward the men holding the innkeeper’s daughter.
It was then that the Rupturer moved, choosing a location behind Zana and the man holding her and tugging on the fabric of reality in that place. A Blink was torn up with a flash of crimson radiance and Sephira vanished into the light before reappearing behind one of the portly men with a loud thunderous boom. She stepped through with one fluid motion and immediately reached forward with her left arm and snaked it around the man’s throat to restraint him briefly, before stabbing Wyvern mercilessly through his midsection. He cried out with a wheezing gasp as his right lung collapsed.

The man had not been prepared to fight a mage and dropped to his knees while he bled out into the street, releasing a shrieking, frightened Zana. The poor red headed girl wept, looking at Sephira’s glowing scarlet irises and the tattoos illuminated along her skin with pure fear. She was as still as a statue like a frightened deer.

“Get behind me.” Sephira growled before attempting to take the young woman by the wrist to guide her further from the carnage. Zana snatched her hand away from the Element in terror of the mage before following her instructions and falling back behind Sephira while tears stream down her bright red face.

The second portly man was hunched over his dying friend, so he would not see Rey’na coming. She would let the recruit have him. Let it be a test to see how she would handle him. Death or mercy, it truthfully didn’t matter to Sephira. These men had signed their death warrants the moment they neglected to take her offer of a peaceful surrender. So she would let Rey’na decide his fate.

The thin man sneered hatefully at Sephira at the end of the alleyway and she looked at him with a frigid expression. His bloodied eye dripped down his cruel emaciated features.

“This is what happens to men like you.” She hissed as she stepped over the man she had skewered and passed his fretful companion, moving toward the thin man. He spat on the ground at her feet as she approached before whipping out a butterfly knife that he whipped dangerously around his body as a threat.

“There ain’t no other men like me bitch.” He said with a cackling half crazed laugh.

Sephira looked at him with her perfectly manicured mask of discipline, her eyes betraying only the barest hint of emotion.

The thin man suddenly shot toward her at a sprint, slinging his blade wildly toward the Element. Sephira felt him coming, her Omnivision picking up every hair on his head as it moved in the wind and every twist of his blade. It was almost as if he was moving terribly slowly and she simply stepped around his strike before bringing her saber up at waist level where she drove it forward with a savage ferocity that betrayed the rage she carefully had restrained. She was rather breathless as she felt Wyvern’s steel slide into his flesh up to the hilt. The thin man gasped, dropping the knife as he slumped forward and against her shoulder.

Sephira turned her head to whisper something in his ear. Her voice tinged with an animosity that she rarely allowed others to see. What harm was there in allow a dead man a glimpse?

“There are always men like you.” She utterly vehemently.

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Rey'na]

Rey looked at the man that she had a choice with, a man kneeling down over his fallen companion. Prey, waiting for the wolves to pounce and kill him. But he didn't care. Why? As Rey held her spear, blade first, towards him - she wondered. He didn't fight for his life, didn't try for anything. Just kneeled down and shielded his friend, whispered small words to the dying man on the floor. Something about it snapped the girl back to reality.
These men were scum. There was no denying it. They were going to do what they pleased with this woman, use her until she was a broken shell that could never be the same again. They would hurt her for life in a way that no physical scar would damage you, in a way that meant you never slept another night well because you were haunted by something out of your control. These men were monsters, waiting for a prey animal to ruin and kill.

Yet Rey looked down at him with pity. These were men, dangerous and horrific men indeed, but men all the same. They had mothers and fathers, family at home that were waiting for them. Or friends that would wonder what happened, that were also bad but would cry if they died. Friends that cared for them like Rey'na's friends cared for her. Yeah, he was a monster. But had she been any better than that? Children never saw their parents again because of Rey'na, grew up without someone to keep them safe. Some children watched it happen.
But here she stood, fierce and proud as a warrior of the elements. A hero to the people that once feared her, saw her as a monster created by Lisirra herself. Now she stood as a beacon for them all. Spear in her hand, a protector, willing to learn magic just so that she could protect and defend anyone that needed the help. She was once worse than these men, and yet she stood here with a blade to him, ready to take his life.

Slowly, she lowered her weapon, turning back to Sephira. "This one should be locked up, not killed. I'll run and get a healer for the others and take the girl with me" she nodded to Seph, offering a hand to Zana. "Come on, you'll be safe with me. Nobody can hurt you now."

[Sephira]

Sephira was not certain if she would have spared the life of the man cowering before Rey’na, but the choice did make her take pause and glance back at the wounded men lying in her wake. Too often she was willing to kill if it meant protecting the innocent. It was easier that way, rather than to rationalize her choices. Perhaps it came from living through the Cylus collapse of the docks. On that night you either killed or you died and Sephira had continued in that mindset ever since.

“Very well.” Sephira said solemnly in response to Rey’na’s choice.

As her fellow Element took Zana aside the young woman’s father emerged from the Knight’s Rest Inn and helped get his daughter inside. She was physically battered, but those wounds would heal. However Zana would forever before scarred with the fear of what had nearly happened that evening. She would constantly be looking over her shoulder and likely shirk away from the touch of men.

Casting those thoughts aside the mage took a moment to still the flow of ether to her Attunement Spark, ceasing her use of Omnivision. The world around her dulled considerably but it was not an ability that she should overindulge in. Ether was a limited resource after all.

Before Rey’na set off to fetch a healer, now that Zana was safe, Sephira looked toward the girl as she departed at a hurried clip. The spear wielding soldier would make an excellent Element. She cared, far more than most ever did. She cared for the victims and even reserved a small sliver of pity for the criminals. Her heart would be her greatest strength and likely her greatest weakness.

Sephira’s heart had hardened some time ago. Life was easier that way. Perhaps Rey’na had once been that way herself. There was something about the young woman that the mage recognized, as it was something that they shared.

Perhaps it was guilt.

Sephira couldn’t be certain, but she felt a sense of comradery with Rey’na that she did not often feel toward other Elements. Rey’na might have chosen mercy to-trail, but perhaps there was a time when she had not been quite so forgiving, and maybe she regretted it.

Death leaves a mark on us all, especially those that have had a hand in delivering it.

Off Topic

Do you want to end this here? Feel free to do a wrap up post if you want.

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Rynata]

Reverse Pirate Rynata,
here to reverse pirate your rewards!

Name: Rey'na

Knowledge:
Leadership: Making Tough Decisions
Leadership: Mercy in Influential
Leadership: Giving a chance
Leadership: Firm Orders
Leadership: Protect the innocents, battle the guilty
Discipline: Letting go fo the past
Discipline: Keeping calm
Combat (Spear): Using the handle as a weapon

Non-Skill Knowledge:

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A
Expenses: N/A
Renown: 10
Magic XP: N/A

Points: 15

Name: Sephira

Knowledge:
Attunement: Use of Omnivision in combat
Blades(Saber): Stab through the back
Blades(Saber): Injuring the lung will end a fight quickly
Blades(Saber): Sidestep and thrust
Intimidation: Giving a warning, and backing it up with action
Leadership:Setting up the first mission for a recruit
Leadership: Making the assignment clear
Leadership: Letting your subordinate make their own decisions
Unarmed Combat(Ki'Enaq): Executing a hold from behind

Non-Skill Knowledge:

Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A
Expenses: N/A
Renown: 10
Magic XP: Yes

Points: 15

Comments: I love how Sephira seems to have all the cool one liners. Good job with Rey'na's internal conflict with her 'mother'. It's really central to her character and character's redemption.



If you feel I've missed anything or if you have questions about your review, please don't hesitate to send me a quick PM. Also, please indicate on your request thread that this has been reviewed. Thanks!

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