The Warriors Shall Rise Again

[KittKat chunky~]

Kha'mal nodded obediently, turning and walking swiftly to the door. He opened it deftly, staring into the messenger's eyes from behind his mask "Her highness is very busy at current, please, if you could be quick..."

Kha'lin watched as her brother went, only the slightest stiffening of her back to show any annoyance. As Kha'mal took the message, Kha'lin placed the tip of her golden blade against the palace floor. She held the long, curved sword by it's leather-bound handle at waist height, as she watched Rasha intently with a quiet patience...

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

Rasha moved to her walk-in wardrobe, pulling out different dresses, scarves, tops, luxuriant harem pants, head dresses, and a sea of diamonds and jewels, laying them out on the bed, for the stylist to advise on. She glanced over to Kha'lin. She glanced over at Kha'lin, as the door closed and Kha'mal headed off.

[tangletail]

Leo eventually climbed up onto the city roofs looking over the spectacular view, in the midst only to give it a shrug before hopping across the street onto the next roof top and walking across to find a place to get a drink, taking a glance downward every-now and then to find a place that sparked his intrist
"Bunny hops.... sounds very... yeesh" he said recoiling at the thought moving on seeing another one
"Barnyard....eh.... Blue-moon tavern.... that'll have to do" he thought hopping down from the roof landing on a barrel breaking it before quickly walking off into the tavern without looking around to avoid attention

[KittKat chunky~]

Kha'lin met the queen's gaze, amber eyes watching silently from behind her dark face mask. She let out the briefest of sighs, straightening her own robes of dark red cotton. They where tight-fitting to allow ease of movement, but thin and breathable. With much of her upper arms, legs and stomach bare, showing her striped fur pattern. The guards of Hestan never wore armour, instead relying on finely honed reflexes and sworn loyalty to protect the royal family.

Kha'lin always kept one hand tight around the hilt of her gold-bladed Falcata. The sword was a beaten bronze colour, twined with thin strands of silver. Finally she placed both hands at the hilt again, returning to her stance like a coiled spring.

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

"Is there something wrong, Kha'lin?" Rashe walked over to her personal guard, hands on her hips, watching Kha'lin's rigid expression. "Is something bothering you?

[KittKat chunky~]

Kha'lin made a move as if to shake her head, but stopped. Her shoulders sagged and the expression behind her mask smoothed "It is nothing of vital importance Miss... An annoyance at best..." She looked down at the sword held tightly in her grip, and then back up at Rasha "I lost my mothers necklace, at the market yesterday... I held it very dearly, for a great number of years since her death..." Kha'lin gave a small shrugging motion, the slightest hint of a sad smile, concealed behind the red cotton of her mask "Like I said your Highness. Nothing of great importance..."

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

"Kha'lin." Rasha's voice was sweet and mellifluous, with a expression glowing with calm kindness. "Who do you think you're talking to? Even if you weren't my friend, I would at least try to help." She walked forward, opening her arms and taking Kha'lin in an embrace. "I'll get some city guards asking and searching. Don't worry."

[KittKat chunky~]

Kha'lin stiffened momentarily, as Rasha embraced her. She relaxed again, taking care not to catch her blade on the queen's clothing "You're very kind Miss... Thank you..." Behind the deep red cloth, Kha'lin smiled, amber eyes glinting. She stepped out of the embraced, moving the long Falcata blade to behind her back as she did so "We have known each other several years now. I would say the only person I know better is my brother... And yet I still adhere strictly to the codes of conduct..."

Kha'lin lost her smile, looking back down at the tiled palace floor "I am not sure whether to feel proud, or saddened by that." She looked back up, meeting Rasha's gaze "I know it... Prudent of me to ask... Perhaps I shouldnt. But next week I come of age Miss. And while the life of a Hestan guard does not make friendship easy, should I not have met others? A man, perhaps..." Kha'lin stared back down at the floor, a deep red flush rising up her cheeks to match the colour of her clothes and mask...

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

"Next week? So soon?" Rasha stepped back, looking up and down Kha'lin. "I guess I still see you as that little kid who was brought into my family." She sighed, and her eyes seemed to fade into nostalgia. "I must have been your age back then... probably older, and yet I'm still alone." She looked almost lost, but soon returned with the shake of her head. The black feathers on her head sprung up, almost radiating a conscious smile. "You are probably right. Every woman needs companionship, but I think your parents would have been proud of the devotion you have shown to your duties." She took Kha'lin's hand and stroked it in hers. "If you wish, I shall gather suitors for you to choose from. I am sure you will be very popular."

[KittKat chunky~]

"And I still see you as the sister I never had... Your highness." Kha'lin's embarrassed blush diminished, only to be replaced by an even deeper red flush "I am not sure what you mean though Miss, surely someone would be interested in an altogether more... Normal, person..."
She met Rasha's gaze uncertainly, long striped tail flicking through the air behind her "By which I mean, I cannot even show my face when working. And the Hestan have always led a somewhat, secretive life..."
 Kha'lin sighed, twisting her grip on the sword hilt distractedly "But I thank you very much all the same your highness... You've always cared well for me, which is a thing I can only repay through my loyalty..."

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

"You need to have more faith in yourself," Rasha said. "And when they come, you will talk to them and show them how interesting and wonderful you are." She looked deep into Kha'lin's eyes, fixing her with the earthy green of her own. "Trust me, you'll find someone." She smiled and broke the stare, letting out an airy and elegant laugh. "And if the impossible happens, and you find no-one to suit you, we can always grow old together."

[Shenzii]

The messenger handed Kha'mal the letter. "General Tar-ryn sends this message." He bows and with that, leaves.


Tar-ryn sighed and turned. "Yes?"

[Chrono Blackwyng]

Chronin actually showed shyness when she spun around, and looked down the stairs as he scratched his chin. "Um, I didn't plan for our 'reunion' to end up like this. I actually expected a more violent welcome since..." His voice trailed off as his cold demeanor was completely gone, along with most of his figurative back-bone.

[Shenzii]

She looked at the floor. "There is only so much hate one person can show. My hatred is more so towards Zaldaro and the thought that I wasn't able to prevent such a loss." She walked up to him and put her hand on his shoulder. "I really only blamed myself." She turned and started to walk away once more.

[Chrono Blackwyng]

Chronin still followed her, and had caught her in a hug that held her arms in place. "You remember this, right? This was how you left me behind for the rebellion." He slowly turned her around and had a small smirk as he looked her in the eyes. "As your servant, I will never leave your side. As your soldier, I will be your sword and shield. As your closest, you need not hide your pain..."