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 Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2020 2:07 pm
Prentice Solo 1
Six months. He’s really been gone for six months.
Today marked the halfway mark for what was possibly the longest year in Sariza’s young life. She had long since grown used to her father’s lengthy deployments, but this one only seemed to stretch on and on. Every time she received a letter from his regiment Sariza prayed it was a sign that he was going to return home, but such was never the case. His missives were brisque, almost clerical, and never as detailed as she wanted. Brigadier General Hakan was an important man and as such she should just be happy that he chose to write her at all. Surely every moment of his life was being sought after by someone or another, but at the end of the day he was just one man. One that, Sariza hoped, would be spared a few weeks time to come home to his daughter.
“Are you listening to me?”
Feeling her cheeks burn, the young Oban turned towards her tutor to see his scowling face inches away from her own. Master Zhao was a harsh man, one born from a life of poverty that was only ever assuaged with a decisive military career. He had never shown shame of his humble origins, nor did he try to hide from them. Every day Zhao made his dislike for Oban nobility known in the form of very loud, long winded complaints, but Sariza let him ramble. Zhao had retired from the military long before becoming her weapons tutor and despite how fit he was physically he was, at the end of the day, just an old man.
“Forgive me master, I meant no disrespect.” She gave a respectful half bow, hoping to calm his irritation. The scorra whip he held in his hand was a silent warning for trouble makers; one she’d had whipped across her calves more than once growing up. For a man with such wrinkly arms you’d think he wouldn’t be able to hit so hard.
Like every morning over the past seventeen years Sariza met with Master Zhao at his home and went through drills before the sun rose. The old Oban had wisely invested his earnings into a sturdy estate for his brood of descendants and despite his wife’s wishes had also destroyed the inner gardens to make room for a training pit. Sariza heard from the staff that at one point it was glorious; fresh, exotic plants from all over the continent and a fountain so large all of Sulburi could lay in it without touching. Now it was simply a mound of dirt, stone, and iron.
“You keep looking to the West as if Hakan will suddenly ride over the sands like the dawn.” He scoffed and motioned for her to rise. Once she had Zhao moved over to the weapons stand and peered at the collection. They had started out with polearms, much like they had ever since she’d grown tall enough to use them, but it was as if he were changing his mind.
“I keep hoping he will.” She murmured. Sariza brushed her dreads away from the sweaty flesh of her face, eyes drifting once again to the desert. What was it like out there? Was he staying hydrated?....Was he safe? “It’s been so long-”
“And who are you to say how long he stays?” Zhao turned to once again lock her with that deadly golden stare. For all appearances he looked completely pure blooded, but once he had you in his sights that Matori blood flared to life. “His orders come from far higher on the chain than you. For all you or I know it could be the King himself who asked your father to go. He could very well be gone for years; as you might, when you enlist.” The old man lifted a heavy short sword and turned it for inspection, completely oblivious to the somber look on her face.
It was expected of Sariza to do one of two things with her life. She had all the choice in the world which path she could choose, but unlike most, there were only the two paths. Sariza could either follow in her father’s footsteps and begin an extended military career, or become the wife of someone with such a life. At the end of the day she knew deep down that she could, technically, choose another field of study, but her father would be so disappointed. Every morning for as long as she could remember Sariza had either been guided by her governess to Zhao’s house or walked herself for morning training in the hopes that all of her bases would be covered. She’d started with simple flexing exercises then moved on to hand to hand combat and sword training. With all of that coupled with the lessons she received throughout the day by her other tutors, Sariza was well on the path to becoming as notable as her father before her. And yet...
She couldn’t help feeling lonely.
There just wasn’t any room for friends or activities with that kind of routine. More often than not she buried those feelings deep so as not to stir up any arguments with Senna. Her governess was quick to call her ‘rude’, ‘ungrateful’, and a ‘bother’ whenever Sariza made the slightest mistake so it was just best not to anger her.
“Here, give it to me.” When Zhao motioned for her weapon Sariza handed it over, fully prepared to take up the next one, but when he placed it on the stand he simply turned away.
“Where are you going?”
“Inside. It’s obvious you aren’t planning on focusing today so we may as well have some breakfast instead. That wife of mine’s been cooking for a good while now and by the smell of things it should be ready.”
There was no point in arguing with him about it; she’d tried it, when she was younger, but Zhao was her ‘commanding officer’. When he spoke it became law so Sariza simply followed him inside. She passed a group of giddy children, followed closely by their half-asleep parents, and smiled as she watched it. As strange as it was spending time with Zhao everyday made her feel like her family was so much bigger than it actually was. The little ones treated her like an Auntie, while their parents treated her like a younger sibling. Most teenagers her age would have balked at waking up this early, but honestly, at this point it was such a part of her life that Sariza didn’t think she could sleep in if she tried.
The estate had, at one point, belonged to a grand merchant who made his gold off the backs of slaves. Zhao had always shown great pride in all the native Matori artwork he’d strewn about the place, especially in the dining hall. At one point it had been exceptionally beautiful; gold embellished every surface, including the floor, but Zhao would have ripped it all out if his wife let him. As it stood he’d settled for painting over most of the red stones with blues and greens, creating a very odd space.
Though, there wasn’t much time to focus on that, with the grandkids scrambling for a place at the table. All in all Zhao had three children; all of which lived at the estate with their spouses and children. Since there was more than enough room for all of them he preferred to keep them close and it worked. When he wasn’t training Sariza he worked with the grandkids alongside his wife. And she meant ‘work’; there were fourteen in total, which at times like breakfast, could become a little overwhelming for an only child.
She sat quietly as the parents tried to wrangle in their children. The older girls helped their mothers carry food out to the tables, and although Sariza had offered multiple times over the years to help she was always rejected. It wasn’t a guests job to help, they said, but really, wasn’t she past that by now?
Well into the meal Zhao’s grandchildren had grown bored and were excused to go run amuck. It made for a much quieter morning, one that Sariza couldn’t say she didn’t enjoy, but when one came back with a letter in his hand she grew curious.
“Grandfather! A big guy on a Janarim dropped this off!”
Grumbling something under his mouth, the oban patriarch wiped his mouth and took the missive. He very nearly opened it before looking over the back and handing it to Sariza. “It’s from your father; of course Hakan would know you were over here.”
Sariza very nearly lost her composure trying to get to the letter. She was far too eager, she knew it, but for a letter to come straight to her and not the governess was a rarity indeed!
“It says he’s coming home! He’ll be here by weeks end...and he’s…” No, she couldn’t be reading this right. Squinting, Sariza brought the letter up higher and read over the paper with growing concern. “...he’s hurt. The regiment was attacked by mercenaries on their way home.”
Zhao scoffed. “Why would that bother him? He’s taken out hundreds on his own, so how could they pose a threat to numbers like that?”
“He was betrayed; one of the soldiers turned sides and scarred off all the mounts. He...he poisoned the water...it killed half the troops, and those that survived were barely able to fight them off.” So he wasn’t simply on a reconnaissance mission...Hakan had been struggling to survive this entire time with little hope of coming home. “It says that a younger recruit had gotten scared by it all, ran into the nearest town, and thankfully another regiment had been there.” If they hadn’t…”I have to go; if I leave now I can make it halfway and-”
“And what?” Zhao stood from his chair and came closer, placing his hand on Sariza’s shoulder. “You’re worried and that’s natural, but running off like that isn’t going to help your father. Go home and show this to the staff. Have them get everything together for when he comes home. The whole house will need to be cleaned so his wounds won’t get infected.”
Nodding, Sariza stood and prepped herself to run along when she paused. Looking back on Zhao, she took a deep breath and hugged the old man. It wasn’t often, if ever, that they ever showed physical affection but right now she needed it. And when he hugged back she felt like her heart could break.
“If he was okay enough to write to you then he’ll make it through this,” Zhao murmured.
She hoped so; she really, really did.
[1817]
[6]
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2020 1:17 pm
Prentice Solo 2
The days leading to her father’s arrival was anxiety inducing, though Sariza showed little signs of it. As soon as she reached the estate she was barking orders to staff and helping to call in the best healers Sulburi had. While Brigadier General Hakan was far from nobility his elevated rank awarded him certain privileges, and having the best of the best on standby was one of them. So when his diminished regiment was seen crossing the sands a unit of fiercely loyal Obans mobilized in an instant.
Sariza was among those that went out to meet them halfway. Most of the men had left out with mounts, but all returned flat footed and limping. A great many souls moved forward to help lift the soldiers into wagons and to stabilize those that were close to death. Sariza might have helped as well had she not been so worried for her father. Where was he? Shouldn’t he be with them? With her heart threatening to burst in her chest, she moved past the impaled, lame, and moaning towards the rear in her search. What she found nearly brought her to her knees.
Hakan was a great beast of a man. In her earliest memories he stood tall among his soldiers, and when properly armored he was a legend. Seeing that figure being dragged on a makeshift sled by two other men, each more injured than the last, was beyond jarring. It didn’t seem real! At first her feet practically drug against the sand, but years of training wouldn’t allow her to falter. She stiffened her resolve and moved forward just in time to catch one of the men before he fell over.
“It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Instead of saying something back to her he simply groaned before falling into unconsciousness. The other soldier dropped to his knees, but thankfully he remained conscious enough to recognize her.
“You’re his daughter-”
“Yes, I am.” Looking past the man in her arms, Sariza took stock of her father’s condition. He was unconscious, but breathing, which was a miracle if the blood on his clothes was anything to go by. Most seemed scattered, as if it were from his victims, but there was a rather large collection around a makeshift bandage on his upper thigh…”What happened to him?”
“Stabbed him in his sleep.” The soldier curled his lip. “I guess they thought he would be too weak to stop the slaughter, but the Brigadier General isn’t that kind of man. He bandaged his own leg and came out swinging. It wasn’t until we started coming home that he started to go down. Couldn’t just leave him out there.” The more he started to talk the sloppier his words became until the point where Sariza saw him start to sway. She reached out for the soldier’s arm, and guided him to lay down next to her. “Dirty....triators…”
The ride back to the estate was far less hurried than the one to meet the troops. The cart drivers opted to keep their pace slow and steady, so as not to jostle any of the injured, and with so many loaded onto the carts space was limited. Those that could walk opted to do so, and Sariza gave up her own mount in favor of pulling her father’s sled. Just being able to see him, even if he was still sleeping and pale, helped to calm her nerves. It was the least she could considering how hard he’d fought to keep them all alive. He must have been in so much pain, but Hakan would never admit to it. He would rather have died out there than let the enemy escape. As far as she knew the traitors hadn’t made it out of the battle alive, and it was all thanks to him. Without that image of their tireless leader burning through the enemies ranks the soldiers might have lost their resolve. It was his indomitable spirit that awarded him his rank and what made Sariza so proud to be his daughter.
It was three days before he woke up.
During that time Sariza made herself busy by helping the healers. While she lacked magic or any real kind of experience she could wrap wounds, cleanse sores and feed the injured. While her cook was working night and day to keep up with demands Sariza ran dishes all around the estate for both the injured and the working staff, making sure that everyone had anything they could possibly need. Overnight her home had been turned into a makeshift infirmary, one that grew in bodies by the day. Family members had been contacted as soon as possible and it seemed that every few moments someone new was stopping in to see their loved ones. Spouses, children, parents; it ran the gamut, but those weren’t the ones Sariza hated to see. It was those that were directed to the back room, where the bodies of the fallen were being kept cool, that Sariza worried over. She tried to avoid those rooms; not because she was scared, but because she didn’t know what to say. The teen had always lacked a sense of tact, and right now...the best way she could help was not to help at all.
Still, when she heard the mournful wails of the living reverberating off the walls she couldn’t help shivering.
The day her father woke up came as a surprise to everyone. It was already after breakfast, so she had gone down to help the healers once again, when a spry little prentice came to tell her he was awake. Sariza made haste to his room, and entered the room with none of her usual calm. Her skin was flushed and warm to the touch, burning from the inside out with fear and hope. Was he okay? Was he in pain? What if he could never walk again-?
“Calm yourself, Sariza; I don’t need you breaking my door.”
Just hearing his chiding tone once again after so long was enough to bring tears to her eyes. Hakan was sitting up in bed as if nothing at all was wrong, and if not for the healer prodding at his thigh Sariza may have believed it. Instead of pained he looked more annoyed than anything, and even though that ire was currently turning her way she couldn’t help feeling relieved. If he feels good enough to be mad then he’s going to be okay.
“Apologies, father.”
Evidently he must have picked up on the near tearful turn in her voice because as soon as she spoke Hakan sighed. She stood at attention, much like any new recruit in the military, awaiting the go ahead to approach. Whereas most children would have run to their father Sariza knew better. He would just rebuff her until he was ready, and apparently he was because with a flick of his hand he sent the healers away.
She stayed at attention until the door shut behind her. As soon as Hakan motioned her forward she burst into a quick run, dropped on her knees beside his bed and clung to the man. It wasn’t common for the two to show such open affection; in fact, she could probably count on one hand the amount of times she’d hugged him with such abandon. Still...after such an ordeal she needed that physical affirmation that he was going to be okay.
And when she felt a gentle hand on her head Sariza knew he needed it just as much.
“I never meant to worry you,” He murmured.
“You always worry me.” She mumbled into his chest. He was just so warm and alive that Sariza couldn’t help crying. There was so much her heart wanted to say, but the teen was terrible with words. Thankfully, so was Hakan, and the two were more than content just to have their moment.
[1334]
[4]
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Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:23 pm
Class Choice - Rider
Ever since she was a little girl Sariza knew she wanted to wield a spear. Seeing her father ride in with his company astride a mighty janarim, weapon at the ready, never failed to send shockwaves of awe through her. He looked like a living God under the desert sun and the pride that blossomed in her chest had only grown with age. And who could blame her? Brigadier General Hakan was a mighty man, one that many looked up to and just as many wished dead. She would be a fool not to aspire for such glory herself.
Sariza’s lessons with long-range melee weapons had become the focal point of every training session from the time she was big enough to wield them. What started out as a child’s wish to be like their parent had clearly developed into something more, and now that she was able to choose her specialization the path had never been more clear.
Of course she’d contemplated choosing the rider’s path. It was her father’s speciality in technicality though Hakan was skilled in many weapons. With Vigor by his side Hakan’s victory was all, but assured. He tried not to rely too heavily on the janarim, however; should something happen where he was separated from his mount he needed backup strategies. Still, it was pretty incredible to see him strike training dummies with expert precision from atop Vigor. The Janarim had been in so many battles that it’s hide was nearly as scarred as it was armored, but the creature was just as hearty now in it’s older years as it had been in its youth. It was large, imposing, and struck nearly as intimidating a cut as it’s master.
Would Sariza be the same once she was grown? From time to time she thought that might not be such a bad thing and yet...even she had to admit it seemed rather...lonely? Her father worked nearly every day of the year and she’d never actually seen him with a friend, unless you counted Master Zhao. Though calling him a ‘friend’ was a bit of a stretch. Was that something she could do? Put all of her personal feelings aside to be the best warrior she could for her country?
Was that even a question? Of course she could!
Her legacy as a spearman was all too assured until the day just before her father was set to leave back out. His wounds from the bandit attack had healed which was both a great source of comfort to Sariza, but also one of sadness. It would have been nice to have him around a little longer, if only because this was the first time she’d seen him in months. She wanted to ask him to stay, but such a thing would have been out of line and that was something Hakan would never tolerate.
He’d come to see her train that morning, but Hakan wasn’t alone. When he stepped into the training grounds he walked side by side with a particularly feisty looking janarim. This beast was smaller, younger, with far less scarring and pulled frequently on the rope leading it. The jerking movements worried Sariza. What if it broke out and ran amok? Something like that could kill someone without even trying! And worse...what if it actually wanted that? Janarim were only good when trained so what was father trying to prove?!
“Sariza, report.”
“Training is going well. I have run through the advanced drills twice this morning and bested Zhao both times.”
“Only because I let you,” the older man groused, rubbing a sore spot just south of his ribs.
“Good. You’re ready for the next phase.” He tossed the reins to Sariza and watched her face go from quizzical to downright horrified in an instant. “From this point forward you are to do all your training with her.” Hakan looked back at the janarim, who at that moment chose to whip his head and nearly break free of Sariza’s hold. “She’s young, much like yourself, and will need proper training. I’m sending a Beast Master over this afternoon to help you learn proper care. Questions?”
“Well, I just - “ Sariza squealed and put both hands on the reins as she was nearly lifted off her feet. The janarim really wasn’t liking the bridle at all and looked ready to bolt. What was he getting her into?! “-I thought I might not be a rider. Surely I can help to serve you without a mount?”
“You can...as a simple foot soldier.” He drawled, looking down at her struggle with a critical eye. “You are my daughter, Sariza. I expect you to hold yourself to my standards. Understood?”
“...Yes, sir.”
“Good. Zhao will send me a full report on your progress in one month. Try not to disappoint me.”
That was far easier said than done. The next month would prove to be one of the most challenging in all of Sariza’s life. While she had no doubt that he was right, a mounted warrior would better serve Oba, Sariza couldn’t help but wonder if she’d angered him somehow. After all, why else would he send her such a hellbeast for a mount?
She’d come to call the janarim Uovu which meant, quite simply, evil. The beast’s dark grey scales made it seem as if it were pulled from the ashes of hell itself and the way it’s icy, dead eyes looked at her every time it charged made Sariza believe it wished her dead. Building a rapport with such a creature wasn’t easy. There had been many days where she wasn’t able to so much as touch it, let alone ride it. How many nights had she gone to bed battered and bruised? The marks on her legs were from claws, teeth, and sharp scales ready to rend her toe to ear. What was she supposed to do? Sariza had tried treats, fresh meats and gentle coaxing with no avail…
Then came the day Zhao was supposed to write her father. With the threat of a bad report looming overhead Sariza gussied up the last of her courage and stepped into the arena. She simply wasn’t going to accept defeat. She would be a rider and Uovu was going to make that happen!
On her own Uovu was calm. She was happy enough to be left alone in the training yard to pick around it’s contents and nap as she pleased. Whenever she saw a human, however, her aggressive nature reared its ugly head. So, naturally, once she spotted Sariza with a crazed look in her eye the janarim leapt into action. What started as a defensive roar ended with the janarim full on charging the younger Oban, but Sariza had a plan.
Well, no, actually she didn’t.
She stood her ground and waited. Closer, closer, closer...And then, when Uovu was barely a foot away from her Sariza jumped. The janarim attacked the space she’d once occupied, completely unaware that the teen had landed on her back but once she did she panicked. Sariza gripped those scales with all her might, using the muscles in her thighs to hang on as she rode the janarim backwards around the training ground. Every time the great beast bucked and she saw the ground before her, Sariza's heart would leap into her throat. This is suicidal! What are you doing?!
Winning!
When Uovu had calmed enough to only mildly buck, Sariza took her chance to change position and snatch the janarim’s horns in her hands, jerking the beasts head upwards so that she could lean in close. “Listen here, Uovu. You and I are going to make this work so calm down.”
It didn’t help. If anything, Uovu seemed to sense Sariza’s accelerated heart rate and strike out all the harder. Still, the young Oban didn’t relent. She held on until the beast tired herself out at which time Sariza guided her around the training ground. It wasn’t great, but it was a start. Surely having such a spirited beast would be an asset later, right? She’ll get you killed, that’s what, if she doesn’t do it herself. Still, Sariza did feel pretty powerful now that she was on top. So maybe it would be worth it?
When Uovu was calm enough, Zhao helped to slip the bridle and reins back onto her. She still nipped at him, but the fight she’d shown earlier was much calmer now. Whether that was because she was planning a mass killing spree later or because she’d finally calmed Sariza had no clue. At the very least she allowed the younger Oban to ride her which was a happy change of pace. Now she might actually be able to get back to training instead of spending her days soaking in medicated baths just to combat the intense bruising given to her by the new ‘pet’.
[1521]
[5]
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Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:50 pm
Prentice Growth Solo
[Up until this point in her life everything has been planned out for Sariza. From her studies, to expectations for her life after schooling, right down to the food she eats; it's all a part of her father's design. Choosing to take in a stray Duruf and claim it as a pet certainly wasn't part of that design, but by sticking true to something her heart wants instead of what her father expects shows personal growth for the teen. While it may not seem momentous, it's a small step of her own to show that independent thought it sometimes far more rewarding than simply falling in line with other people, especially when it leads to happiness. ]
Pets held no practical value, and yet ever since her meeting with that Duruf Sariza couldn’t get it out of her mind. She’d tried her best to find it’s owner through contacts with the city guard, but there simply wasn’t anyone around to claim it. Naturally she should have left it’s fate up to Tyiva since the alkidike had so kindly offered to look after it, and yet...Sariza had gone after it, anyway. She had to make a story, of course; something about a tutor in another city having some sort of text or another. Without a valid reason she never would have been allowed to leave Sulburi! So many teenagers her age were allowed to travel beyond the city's borders on their own, but if she was so much caught outside the compound walls without an escort it was instant punishment so being able to go out for this was...beyond huge.
And still, she knew once she was caught the punishment for this would be so much greater.
Sariza didn’t much care, though.
For the first time in her life she was putting her own personal wants above the demands of her father. Brigadier General Hakan was gone on yet another tour which left the estate in the hands of those meant to watch over her. For the most part Sariza had always tried to walk as tight to the edge as possible leaving little room for mistakes. Not only would it look bad on her image but the rebellion would mark her father as well. She’d known that and yet...here she was, riding back atop Uovu with a fat little duruf in her lap.
She’d named the beast Mari. It was a ‘battle’ scarred little thing that wheezed as much as it barked. Honestly, how did it even manage to breath with a face like that? Her arms were covered in slobber thanks to its scrunched face, but honestly, Sariza didn’t mind. Every time she scratched under his chin he looked so happy that her heart would melt. She was so wrapped up in his so-ugly-he’s-cute-ness that she’d purchased a collar for him as soon as she’d made it back to Sulburi. Of course she was going to get in trouble over this; pets were a distraction, nothing more. Should anything happen to him then she would be compromised. It was crucial that a worthy soldier have as little holding him back from victory as possible, but for a teenager with no friends to call her own Sariza couldn’t help wondering if this was really all that bad.
Tyiva had even said that pets were good. She’d encouraged her own children to spend time with Mari while he was in their care so...maybe this was okay? Maybe it was really okay that she made her own decision for once and went with her heart instead of her head?
She really hoped so, at least. Mari was simply too precious to cast out now! What would happen once her father found out? He’ll throw him in the street, just wait and see! No, no, he just couldn’t! She wouldn’t - what, allow it? What could she really do if he said it was so?
Looking down at that slobbery face Sariza couldn't help smiling. Mari swirled his tongue around and licked his own nose, which wasn’t...exactly cute, but at least he was happy. She pulled the little canine up close to her chest and squeezed. For once in her life she had someone to talk to; to really talk to and she was going to fight tooth and nail to keep him! If her father wanted to throw him out then….then...well, he’d have to throw her out too! Simple as that!
[638]
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Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2021 6:24 pm
Stage 2 Growth Solo
[Sariza has just learned the truth behind her past, the meaning of her bloodline and the steps her father has taken to keep her away from it. In his eyes she needs a protector and somewhere to hide, but she decides to take a stand. If she hides then the torment will only continue, potentially putting those she cares about in danger, and Sariza simply can't abide by that. ]
After all that Sariza had been through over the course of a month she needed answers.
First was the attack that had nearly resulted in both herself and Faisal being killed. He’d been injured, she had a lasting scar and still no one wanted to give her a direct answer as to why. Her tutors had fussed over her as if she’d been a small child once again and hadn’t allowed her off the estate for weeks! And even then it had been for work which had resulted in a kidnapping of all things. She found out she’d been gone for a full two weeks and now that she’d been returned to her home the gates were closed so long as she wanted to leave without an escort.
What was happening?!
Brigadier General Hakan had returned to the estate earlier that morning and for the most part his visits with Sariza had been clinically short. He checked in on her as he always did, assessed her injuries for himself and then barred himself away in his quarters. Under normal circumstances she wouldn’t dare bother him, but this wasn’t normal.
Ate up with anxiety and a braveness that bordered on foolishness, Sariza knocked on his door. When he didn’t answer immediately she took a deep, albeit shaky, breath and pushed the door open.
Hakan was seated at a desk near his bed, papers spread out on every ounce of surface the old wooden surface provided. He looked exhausted, but every bit as determined as his daughter. When she entered he didn’t lift his head though his gaze turned to her. “What do you want, Sariza?”
“You know why I was attacked.” There was no point in questioning it. If he didn’t know why then the city would have been flooded with militant presence regardless of whether it was sanctioned by the crown or not. She walked across the floor in her bare feet, a sleeping robe dragging the ground behind her. “You know why and you know what Ruzicka is. So what I want is an explanation as to why my life is suddenly being threatened over something no one will tell me.” Her voice raised near the end as did her ire. “And not just my life, but Faisal’s! Do you not care that a noble heir’s life was almost taken?!”
Hakan sighed and sat a paper down on the desk before lifting himself to properly look at her. “I care very much which is why I arranged for the two of you to get married.”
“But why me? I’m not strong enough to defend him and our family doesn’t have the influence-”
“You’re not there to protect him; his family is there to protect you.” Hakan answered calmly. If anything his voice was drastically lower in tone than his daughter’s, and he looked almost...hesitant? “His family has enough presence of their own to guard two heirs and to keep you safe while I’m away. Or, so I thought.” He groused.
“What...are you talking about?” Sariza was becoming more confused the longer her anger was allowed to slip away. She moved a little closer to the older Oban and when he motioned toward the bed at his side she sat atop it’s edge.
“The Ruzicka family used to be a powerful noble house. Few could rival their power and even less their wealth.” Hakan turned away from her briefly to open a small drawer in the desk. After a bit of digging he came back with an old noble signet ring; one with a symbol she couldn’t recognize. “That wealth was built upon the backs of matori slaves. For a while they were unchallenged, but when slavery ended Taryan Ruzicka did his best to turn the tide. He did everything he could to keep them in chains, even went so far as to continue to take children from their mothers and sell them illegally. Eventually he was discovered and the family, now in disgrace, was turned over to his son.”
Now, when Hakan went back to the desk, he pulled out a small notebook. He flipped through a few pages and held one out to Sariza. Upon the well worn parchment was a sketch of a happy young man. “Kubaroka did everything he could to change things for the family. He sent funds to the families he could track down, sold as much of the estate as he could and lived a modest life with his wife. It wasn’t enough. Dissenters hated him for simply sharing Ruzicka blood and slaughtered him for it.”
“....And his wife?”
“Dead as well. The only one to survive was their daughter and that was simply because their attackers didn’t know they had her. The entire pregnancy had been a big secret.”
"Ruzicka blood cannot live!"
A daughter....
All the silence…..
Sariza suddenly felt intensely nauseous.
“I couldn’t do anything for them....but I could save you.” Hakan reached out and uncharacteristically took her hand in his. “Kubaroka was my best friend. We served together and his ideals were my own. When I found out about the attack I went straight to the estate and combed through the wreckage until I found the little cubby they hid you in.” When she remained silent, the shock of the situation settling in, he squeezed her hand. “Now you know why I have to keep you hidden away. You could be attacked at any time and the only one who knows the truth besides myself is Faisal’s grandmother. She agreed to help protect you so long as we-”
“I’m not hiding.”
“Excuse me?”
Sariza straightened a little and took a deep breath. “They’re going to come after me no matter what. If I’m here then they’ll raid the estate and if I get married to Faisal then he’ll be in danger too.” Let alone any child that we have… That was part of it, wasn’t it? To be a noble’s wife? She would have to give him an heir and that heir would have a large target painted on their back, same as her…
“What we should be doing is cutting the head off the snake. If we can stop their leader then maybe-”
“You think I haven’t tried that? I’ve been searching for years, but they’ve been dormant until recently.”
Until the wedding announcement….Had her father known they would act like this? Was he hoping making it public would bring out the assailants or had he simply not known? You know he knew. Still, it wasn’t as if she minded. She would rather take the chance of being hurt again than risk Faisal.
“We’ll go through with the wedding, but only if they consent. I won’t risk their family line for this.” As strange as it was, the thought of losing Faisal over something she couldn’t control was terrifying. What if he decided to leave after finding out? Admittedly marrying herself a half-matori heir should have been a good move based on familial history but she didn’t care about that. “But this needs to end…”
It was just so much to take in. A noble’s heir? Her?! A dynasty based in heartache and blood…No wonder they’re upset. It was enough that Kuboroka stepped away from the noble’s life, but to have his daughter going straight back into it… No, no, she just couldn’t think of herself as the daughter of anyone other than Hakan. He was her father, even if not by blood, and it was his reasoning she would use to put a stop to all of this.
[1299]
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2022 2:58 pm
Stage 3 Solo 1
The last place Sariza wanted to be amid an assassination plot was at a mother’s meeting. Originally, she’d meant to ignore the invitation that had come her way in favor of pouring her efforts into actually raising her children, but a thought occurred to her. This meeting was a glorified luncheon for noble mothers where their children could play under the supervision of caregivers while the women gossiped about idle topics. So far Faisal had been the only one able to really give details pertaining to those closest to the plot against them, and this would give her an opportunity to contribute. Besides, it was important that she start to build contacts because even after this was over she would need to know who these women were.
What she hadn’t counted on was meeting Adha Soiley.
She should have anticipated it, honestly. The opportunity was certainly there, but since the invitation had come from a lesser house she hadn’t expected anyone from the Soiley’s to attend. It was clearly a bid to bring more favorable attention upon them by having those in power surround the smaller, cozy estate, but Sariza didn’t mind being the olive branch. Since the invitation had only come to her after being approved of in the first place she knew it was her duty as Faisal’s wife to attend, even if she didn’t particularly care to. He’d been invited, of course; an evening ‘hunting’ with the gentlemen, so they said. More like drinking and gossiping over what servant had the nicest legs. No wonder he’d passed.
Sariza settled back on a finely cushioned chair with a glass of cool juice in hand. Despite the chill of the smooth glass a fine sheen of sweat clung to it’s delicate exterior due to the warm desert air filtering in. While the room was certainly small it was lushly decorated with sheer silks that hung from the ceiling and instead of the usual Oban gold silvers had been used along side softer pinks. Combined with the pastel yellows and greens the space took on a very spring feel which was a pleasant change from the more opulent spaces she’d had to endure. A bard sat near the back of the room and played lighter tunes, just enough so that there was always something to listen to when conversations dipped. Not that they did; Sariza had never been around louder women! From the moment the lot of them had entered the room they were talking about something or the other, which while lively was a constant source of anxiety for Sariza. What was she supposed to talk about? None of these women were in the military, she doubted half of them had even held a weapon in their lifetimes judging by their near waif like appearances, and the longer she stayed the more she started doubting herself. It may have been her duty to represent the family, but honestly, what good was she doing here? Occasionally Sariza would ‘hmm’ and ‘ahh’, but more of than not she would awkwardly drink from her glass.
At least the boys seemed to be having fun. They were just entering their third year and while the pair still held their baby fat they were certainly more mobile. The room the children played in was attached to the mother’s sitting room, well within sight of the women, and she could see a bevy of attendants ready to make sure the little nobility didn’t so much as get a scuff on their new shoes.
Because, after all, this was more a chance to brag on their children than it was an actual playdate.
“I wish I had your luck, Sariza.” Who was…Varisa something…? Oh, she should know this. Varisa’s husband came by the estate once every few weeks for discussions and she always found it off how the couple looked. The husband portly, short and cursed with the face of a duruf while the wife was a goddess. Generously curved with hair that ranged in shades of red and the most gorgeous pink eyes Sariza had ever seen. She couldn’t have been more shocked if the sky turned green when she learned it was Varisa who had pursued him and not out of a desire for wealth! She’d been the richer party, after all. “Two boys less than a year into your marriage! If Banra had been able to get it right the first time I would have eight girls.” She laughed, bouncing one of them on her knee. While most of the children were with the attendants the smaller ones were with their mothers. Namely, those that needed nursing. Varisa had been pushed to used a wetnurse while at the meeting, but unlike a few of the other mothers she’d kindly refused. “Raising an heir is the only job I have so what’s the point in letting someone else do it?” She’d said.
She wasn’t very well liked by the other women, but that just made Sariza like her more.
“I think Banra’s already asked Faisal about a match between Calix and one of our girls. Wouldn’t that be nice? If our houses joined then we could-“
A sharp laugh brought their attention to the window. Two women had chosen to sit on the windowsill to enjoy the breeze and both were as prickly as the other. Sariza hadn’t paid much attention to them before now an really wished that hadn’t changed. “Sorry, forgive me, I didn’t mean to sound rude. It’s just that….well, Varisa, the boy may have an Oban mother but he’s still a hybrid. He doesn’t even have a blood tie to that estate. “
“Adha! Watch your tongue.” Varisa reprimanded. Instead of apologizing, the other woman simply shrugged and with a smug grin went back to her private conversation. Still, her eyes never left Sariza and Sariza felt her skin crawling. She didn’t have an eloquent enough tongue to snap back at Adha without shaming their house further so Sariza sat on her displeasure. Thankfully, Varisa did not. Even with an infant attached to her breast she could be as snide as the rest. “Judgmental brat, but what do you expect from a Soiley?”
“She’s a Soiley?” Now Adha had Sariza’s full attention. Unlike Sariza who still wasn’t fully accustomed to the glitz of her position Adha seemed to revel in it. She sat as prim as possible upon the seat as if she were having her portrait done and not simply enjoying an afternoon with ‘friends’. For the most part she kept her gaze away from them, but occasionally Sariza would catch her giving them the side eye and when she did there was calculation there. As if she were judging something that she didn’t want anyone to know.
And now Sariza was on to her. There was no way that Adha wasn’t aware of the plot against Sariza and though she was desperate to shake her down for information she couldn’t do that here. Adha wasn’t going to open to her, but maybe, just maybe, Varisa would.
“Oldest daughter.” Varisa supplied and reached for a snack. When she couldn’t quite reach it because of the way she was holding her son Sariza handed it to her. With a smile, she continued, “When she married her husband took her name. Her grandfather was already upset that her father hadn’t managed a true heir and he was ready to disown her if her husband didn’t take it. Of course, that meant he had to convince his family and it was the talk of Sulburi for a while.”
“Her grandfather doesn’t sound like the sort of man one should trifle with.”
“He really wasn’t. I remember meeting him once when I was a girl; he told me I would be lucky if I ever married at all with how dimwitted I was.” A noise from the adjoining room drew the women’s attention and when Sariza looked she wasn’t surprised to find Qaisan in the middle of a quarrel. He had some poor boy’s dreads in his hands and was raising hell. In an instant she was raising to her feet, ready to break it up when Varisa reached out for her, “Don’t, please, sit down. Let them handle it. He’s fine; it’s Adha’s son, anyway.”
Ah well that…was a mildly better? Looking over to the Soiley woman, Sariza couldn’t even tell if she cared at all about the pain her son was in and that was honestly more concerning than her presence to begin with. Looking back to the children she could see that several uniformed attendants had already broken up the fight and while Qaisan went back to playing with Calix, Adha’s son was sniffling in the arms of a servant. He was thin, just like his mother, but sweet.
Hopefully he would stay that way.
“He got worse after the Ruzicka’s fell out of power.”
“…I’ve heard that the Soiley’s gained some of their lands.” She said casually, giving the contents in her glass a light swirl.
“Over half, and most of their assets. Father hated it; it made trades so much harder to work through. I can still hear him grumbling about the Soiley’s under his breath if I think hard enough.” She gave a little smile, as if the same memory that made Sariza’s teeth grind was a favorable one for her.
The pair talked a little more about general connections, just so that Sariza’s curiosity didn’t out her, all while under the sly gaze of Adha. There was no doubt about it; there was a killing intent in those eyes. But why? What was the true gain in all of this? Some territory and assets? Favor with the new King? Was all of that truly worth the lives they’d destroyed?
When it came time for the evening to end Sariza was one of the last to leave and so, too, was Adha. The pair bid adieu to the various women they’d spoken to throughout the day until they were alone in the room. Even their hostess had excused herself in favor of going to check in on her children which gave Sariza the opportunity she needed to interrogate Adha.
Instead of fleeing like she feared the woman simply turned toward the other Oban, reached for a fresh glass of wine and patted the window seat. “Join me, won’t you?”
Sariza came over carefully and took her spot at the other end of the bench. Up until this moment she hadn’t come this close to the ‘enemy’, and the temptation to end it here was strong. Still, she didn’t have all of the evidence just yet and if she said the wrong thing then Adha would know everything they had discovered in the study. She had to play her hand just right….problem was, Sariza wasn’t that type of woman.
“I never had the chance to tell you congratulations.” Adha lifted the wineglass to her lips and took a sip. “I was out of town during the wedding and by the time you both came back you were parents. Tell me, were you that eager to secure your title? You already had the ring, dear.”
“If all you’ve called me over for is to ridicule me then I’ll take my leave.”
“A word in passing, then,” Adha slowly turned her gaze Sariza’s way and caught hers. For a moment neither woman so much as breathed as they stared one another down. “If you take what is mine then I will destroy what is yours.”
“That’s a bold threat.” It was odd enough for her to say something so openly, where any ears could hear, but quite another for it to be carried with such venom. If Sariza wanted to she could call over their hostess in that very moment to make a scene but they both knew she wouldn’t.
“We both know it’s a promise.” Adha very calmly rose to her feet and picked up the edge of her dress, revealing shoes so dainty she wouldn’t have a chance running in them. She’d been so sure of her own safety that she hadn’t dressed for practicality; only fashion, because what else did her world revolve around? What else trumped lives and dynasties beyond the whims of the elite? “Keep your head down and I might be able to help you.”
“And in exchange I would be at your disposal.” A life debt owed to the very bloodline who had murdered her own. Sariza would never be so desperate as to take Adha up on it. “I would rather burn.”
“Careful,” She smirked, “Or you’ll give me ideas.” With that final murmur Adha left the room, pausing only in the adjacent space to pick up her children. Four, that Sariza could count, each as sharp as their mother. Little vipers being fed her poison.
What would have made her attend? Surely Adha, who was a staple at court, would have known about the invitation being extended to Sariza? Was that why she came? To make her threats public? They both knew that Sariza couldn’t do anything against her without it seeming like a personal attack, but what Adha didn’t know was that the investigation had amassed enough evidence to be damning. All they needed was the final pieces and the Soleiy family would be little more than footnotes in Oba’s long history. A blip of the past.
And as much as her bones called out for blood for all the injustice her family had suffered, both in the past and present, she mostly just wanted this to end. The threats, the attacks…How many nights had she been left sleepless after the twin’s birth because she was afraid of someone harming them? And all because of Adha’s family. Soon enough evidence would be brought to light that would absolve Sariza’s father of any crimes placed upon him by lineage alone and that would be enough to wipe the smirk from Adha’s face.
All she had to do was survive until then. Exhaling a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, Sariza went to stand. After the day she’d had she wanted to take her boys and go home. She could talk to Faisal about things later but right now she just wanted the security that her family could bring her. Tomorrow however…tomorrow she would make plans to finally bring all of this to an end and to help the spirits of her parents finally know peace.
[2415]
[8]
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2022 1:46 pm
Stage 3 Solo 2
Years passed before there was enough evidence to properly present their findings to the court. Her sons were a little over four years old now and were watched every moment of the day with the constant threat looming over them. As much as she’d wanted things to be over the moment she found out she was expecting time hadn’t been on their side and the attacks continued. Smaller in scale now that Zyn had been captured, of course and at one point she thought they had ended entirely. Foolish thinking, really; so long as a Ruzicka lived their enemies would never stop. And yet, it wasn’t just a nameless villain anymore.
Sariza had been training some of the newer cadets when a messenger came to find her. She’d been summoned back to the estate with urgent news; no one was hurt, so she’d been told, but it was imperative that she come home as quickly as possible. Naturally she’d ridden Uovu nearly into the ground to make better time. Her first thought had been of an assassination attempt, but after being told multiple times that no one was injured what was she to think? What could possibly be so important that she was pulled away from her work?
She rode as if the fires of hell were licking at her dreads and the sight of guards surrounding the property did nothing to quell her sense of unease. Had they doubled since she was gone? In training the new recruits Sariza had been gone for a week, but still, that shouldn’t have been cause for this. The rider nudged her janarim to a slower pace then a more languid gate all together. There may have been more armed men than normal, but they didn’t look anxious. Rather, they were casually speaking to one another and while the occasional guard patrolled for the most part they looked almost bored. What’s going on? Sariza rode past them with a quizzical look and pulled up into the courtyard. Most of the footmen knew to stay away from Uovu, but when Sariza moved onto the grounds she’d brought her own. They were more than capable of dealing with the harsher militant beasts she and Hakan often interacted with. A young woman with a bevy of scars was there to take the reigns from Sariza, giving her a grunt of a greeting before leading the janarim around to the paddocks.
Brigadier General Hakan met her at the door. For as long as she’d been married he’d only been to the estate twice; the night of her engagement party and the ceremony itself. He looked wholly out of place on a noble’s doorstep with his rugged appearance and thick armor. Two swords hung heavy off his left hip, making only the slightest of noises in their scabbard as he shifted for a more comfortable stance. Why he was still in the military at his age Sariza would never know. He could have retired years ago; surely his poor body would have welcomed it. She couldn’t miss the way it took him longer to stand after sitting for longer periods or the slight curl in his hands. Still, Hakan couldn’t be bested in mock battles and his wit was as sharp as ever. Since he preferred to do his fighting atop a janarim no one had seen fit to dictate what he did with his life, but she worried.
“What happened?” Sariza caught up to him and the pair walked inside together. The juxtaposition of calm guardsmen to the chaos inside was so jarring that she almost stopped entirely. The last time she’d seen the manor this busy she’d been trying on dresses and picking cakes! “What is all of this?”
“The Soiley’s were stripped of their title today; as well as two other families.” He took her by the elbow and pulled her along, preferring to stick toward the edges of the hall to avoid servants. Several bodies passed them, each with papers and documents weighing their arms. “I was informed so I could give extra security should you expect backlash, and you will.”
At first she expected him to take them to Faisal, or at the very least his grandmother, but instead Hakan led them toward his room in the guest wing. While it was always kept as immaculately as possible it had never been used. She’d hoped he might visit at least a few times, for the boys’ sake more so than hers, but he was as busy as ever. When he was inside Hakan shut the door behind him and for good measure, locked it.
“Thanks to your father’s notes and testimonies from other households – those that were too scared to speak up before – the Ruzicka name has been restored albeit under strict supervision. You won’t have nearly as much power as they did before, but I doubt you’ll care.” Moving away from her, Sariza could only watch as Hakan walked over to the desk and pulled out a list of names. He motioned her closer, pointing down at several names he’d already crossed off while one remained. “The Soiley’s were determined to be the direct benefactors of the Ruzicka’s downfall and to gain favor with the new King they did all they could to erase their own misdeeds by highlighting those of their ‘friends’. Everyone on this list has either fled the country or been imprisoned except for one.”
Adha Soiley.
“She’ll be coming after us directly.” Sariza reached forward to tap Adha’s name.
“Yes, she will.” Hakan murmured. “Adha’s a particularly ruthless woman who used her husband as a pawn to appease her grandfather. The man hated her so much that he took the children and fled the moment they lost their status.” Good. Sariza couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to live with a wife like that, but she was happy for Adha’s family. Those children deserved all the happiness they could find without her.
“Why are you keeping this to yourself? If you know that she’s coming for us shouldn’t Faisal be informed?” When she turned to look at Hakan his eyes were somewhat downcast and not for the first time she noticed her father’s age. She hadn’t known of a time where Hakan wasn’t fighting a war – whether for Oba or for his friend’s honor – and it clearly weighed on him. Reaching out she placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled when he turned to her. “Are you okay?”
“…Just worried.” He hadn’t been happy in the least when he found out she was expecting, even less so when they’d taken off to Matori. Of course, only a very small amount of people had known, mainly those in their immediate family, but what could she really do about it? She’d been a married woman who needed to produce an heir for a noble family. Still, to him it had just added two new souls to protect, and the growing strain got to him. She felt it too; that worry a parent had over their child. “I’ll have a talk with him once we’re done here, but…well, it may seem selfish but I miss our alone time. I don’t have many chances to speak to you one on one now that you’re ‘lady of the house’.”
That was…Was Hakan…pouting?!
No, surely he wasn’t, but this was the closest he would ever get to it. He could have easily called her into the study where not only the family, but the heads of their private protection squad would be waiting and yet…He’d done this. Her smile softening, Sariza moved her hand from his shoulder to his side and moved in close to give her father a hug. “Love you, papa.”
How long had it been since she’d called him that? Surely the last time had been when she was a little girl. Most of the time it was ‘father’ or ‘General’. Even if he wasn’t related to her by blood the man had done his best as a single parent to raise her and she was beyond grateful for his sacrifices. Hakan had forsaken personal relationships just to keep her safe so now she wanted to repay his kindness in anyway she could.
“She’ll come with her supporters for a final brawl, and we’ll be waiting for her.” Sariza looked down at the list with a firm scowl. Adha was not only a threat, but she was a woman who had nothing left to lose. Her status, her family, her reputation…everything was gone or so beyond repair that it wouldn’t matter what she did. Those that had gone down with her would surely join forces so Sariza knew they would need to prepare for an all out ‘war’.
She wouldn’t be stupid enough to attack a noble house with the court’s attention still firmly on her, but she would be vengeful enough to stage something along the lines of a ‘bandit attack’. Until then, all they could do was prepare and celebrate their victory in the safety of their home.
[1512]
[5]
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2022 5:17 pm
Stage 3 Solo 3
The night that Adha Soiley made her final stand was one of intense heat. An unseasonably dry spell had claimed the land for the better part of a month which put a strain on budding plants. Those that could survive in Oba had already learned to adapt to the heat, but this made what little vegetation that tried to bloom begin to shrivel. Water was always in short supply in Oba, but there had always been a system in place for the plants in the estates garden. Because of newfound restrictions, however, even the nobility had been forced to cut back and the sight was a depressing one. With the upcoming battle the only bit of peace Sariza had been able to get was with her family and the garden. Seeing how even her hardiest plants were falling under the weight of dehydration did little in putting optimism in her soul. She was outside doing her best to trim off anything unsalvageable to give the rest of the plants a chance when horns began to blare. The sun had dropped not a few hours earlier and by all rights she should have been asleep, but anxiety was a tricky thing.
Her first thought was to go to her sons, but plans had been put into place for them. They would be hiding away in a chamber beneath the estate that connected to a system of tunnels where they could be escorted as far away as possible if need be. Bags were packed for emergencies and stored near their door, ready to go at a moments notice just for this occasion. She’d hoped they would never have to need them, but Sariza had also wanted this moment to come months earlier. The sooner this altercation with Adha happened the sooner it could be resolved; either for the better or the worse.
Instead of heading into the estate proper, Sariza ran directly to Uovu. Several other guardsmen were mounting up and without a second thought Sariza snatched up Uovu’s prepared reigns. Armor was handed up to her, which she accepted with almost too eager hands. While this wasn’t her first battle it would be the single most defining one of her life. Though she already had the culprits of her family’s demise unseated, Sariza had never felt that it was true justice for what they’d suffered. She wouldn’t quit until she had taken it out on them physically which was incredibly unladylike.
Shame she’d never been raised to be a lady; she was raised to be a fighter.
Pulling hard on Uovu’s reigns, Sariza sent her into a gallop to ride infront of her fighters and in a great boom she called out, “Moja squad North gate! Mbili group garden and Tatu you’re with me!” Those who fought on foot would be commanded by others, as well as the long-range guardsman, but the calvary were hers. Though these weren’t official soldiers of Oba they were on her payroll and she would hold them to the same standards that the Oban military held her to. “MOVE OUT.”
Chaos had already erupted. Mages on either side were sending spells so bright that the darkness of night was shattered. Bright burst set off the darkness like falling stars and it may have been lovely if Sariza didn’t hear the screaming. She did her best to block it out, however, and rode Uovu hard around the south-west quarter of the estate toward the front gate. It was her plan to circumnavigate the manse to overtake Adha’s forces. They were surely expecting her to come through the gate itself, or at the very least, wouldn’t imagine such a large group.
As she rode Sariza looked up toward the candles still flickering in the lights of the manse. Stay safe. Faisal, Arima, Alinta, Qaisan, Calix, Lady Cyrillia…With any luck she would see all of them come mornings light and they would still be well enough for breakfast. She absolutely hated that the children were involved in all of this, but it couldn’t be helped. So long as they were safe that’s what mattered; so long as this ended tonight and they wouldn’t have to grow up with it.
While Sariza rode from the south-west quarter, Hakan rode from the south-east and by the time they saw Adha’s forces breaching the gates they had them swarmed. Warriors on foot were pushing on the Soiley group from the gate itself while those with long ranged attacks fired from makeshift turrets and the windows of the manse itself. As soon as Sariza was within range of her first enemy she ran him through with her spear and went on. Uovu’s fangs crunched through skulls and shoulders alike, tearing bodies straight from the ground itself while her claws dug deep through warm intestines and exposed them to the dry desert air.
There was no hesitation in Sariza; no fear and certainly no empathy. There were more than she’d expected, but that didn’t necessarily surprise her. There had been three families who were disgraced because of her and she was sure that with the last of her gold Adha would have hired more to take them out. This was a grudge match of the highest order and if this was the way that her enemies wanted to play then so be it. All at once her peaceful evening had been consumed with the guttural cries of battle. The stench of blood block out all other scents and while she knew there were at least a few arrows in her back Sariza didn’t feel the pain. Her adrenaline was too high to possibly process anything else. She couldn’t see her father anymore, nor any of her men, but she knew they were there. Or rather, she hoped they were so fervently that she didn’t dare think anything else. It was only when a burst of fight blazed to her right that Sariza snapped to her senses.
The stench of burning flesh was second only to the shrieking. Her mind couldn’t get past anything else, not even to process that the screaming was her own.
“YOU WORTHLESS WRETCH!” Flames burst out from around a figure as they approached, cutting a path of shrieking bodies from either side. It was taking all Sariza had to calm Uovu as the flames cut through her thick hide and melted through Sariza’s armor. Her entire left side had felt the blow. The flesh of her arm, side, hip, and leg bubbled under the heat making it all the harder for her not to buckle from pain. It was only when the flames died not that she was able to see the figure…and to know it as Adha Soiley.
Of course she’s a mage.
“WHAT DID IT MATTER IF THE RUZICKA’S NEVER CAME BACK?! YOUR FAMILY IS ALREADY DEAD! JUST LIKE YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN!” Another flash of fire came Sariza’s way, but this time Adha was so enraged that she was getting sloppy and it was easier to dodge. Still, it hit several others would couldn’t get out of it’s path so easily and a round of terrified screaming lit up the air behind Sariza. “Meanwhile we lost EVERYTHING. My children can’t even live in Oba! Do you have any idea what that’s like?!”
“You want me to feel bad for YOUR children? YOU SENT ASSASINS AFTER MINE!” Kicking Uovu’s sides, Sariza sent the roaring Janarim straight through the crowd after Adha. Most of the fighters had wisely moved away from the tempered mage and while so many of Sariza’s forces were crying out for her to do the same she couldn’t; not now. She would rather die than to allow someone like this to come so much as a foot closer! Every time Adha popped off a fireball it felt as if Sariza’s sight left her because of the light and the ‘pop’ it gave made her ears ring. As soon as it lifted all she heard was screaming, but she didn’t stop. Uovu was fast enough to dodge, but not so quick to avoid damage completely. They were both sustaining burns; burns that would no doubt leave scars, but Sariza simply didn’t care.
This was it. All she had to do was get close enough to take out Adha and the whole thing would crumble.
Just a little closer…
“MY ESTATE-“ POP “-MY CONTACTS-“ POP “-MY HUSBAND-“ POP “-YOU TOOK IT ALL.”
On the final fireball Sariza could no longer keep hold of her spear. The pain from her burns made it impossible for her to keep hold of the heavy weapon any longer and it slipped from her grasp. For a moment she floundered, giving Adha all the confidence she needed to stop the near rapid-fire attacks, but Sariza didn’t stop. She rode Uovu as close as she could before leaping off the Janarim entirely and tackling the smaller Oban to the ground.
When she had the smaller woman pinned Sariza slammed a heavy fist into her head. Over and over and over. She pounded down on her flesh so many times that the heat emanating from the woman’s skin stopped entirely and she was left just as much of a wheezing mess as her attacker. Only then to Sariza stop and lean back.
She wasn’t dead, but Adha surely wished she was. Her left eye had caved in entirely, as did part of her skull and Sariza was sure if she’d kept up the assault she could have simply pulled the woman’s jaw clear from her head. With as frail as she was physically Adha wouldn’t survive much longer which left her precious little time to get the information she needed.
Or rather, to say what needed to be said.
“YOU COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. If you’d tried to fight back against EVERYTHING your ancestors tried to do then BOTH of our families could have survived. Do you think I wanted this?!” Sariza motioned back to the utter devastation around them. Blood would leave its mark in these sands for years and it sickened her. “All I wanted was to LIVE. I wanted my kids to be safe. We could have worked together!”
With the last of her strength Adha tried her best to laugh, but all that came out was a harsh gurgle of blood. She may not have been able to speak but her eyes told volumes. This was a woman whose very existence had been built on spite and hate. There was never room for compromise; she’d planned on murdering them all from the start just to keep the life she’d built.
And for what? For this?
With a final scream of frustration, Sariza raised her fist for the killing blow only to realize that Adha had already passed. Still, that didn’t stop her from bringing it down, albeit into the sand next to her head. Not long after she fell next to Adha and felt tears welling up in her eyes. How many lives had been lost because of this? Decades of pain because of some gold? Sariza didn’t care about any of that! She would have lived happily as a pauper if it meant that everyone would have been safe, but so many didn’t share her sentiments and now…Now the sand was burrowing into her fresh wounds and making the pain so all consuming that she could no longer retain consciousness.
Please, Gods, please just let this be over.
[1909]
[6]
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Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2022 5:35 pm
Stage 3 Solo 4
Sariza didn’t remember the first few times she’d woken up after the assault. She hadn’t been cognizant enough to recall anything other than the pain for days. Unbeknownst to her it had been decided by attending physicians that she should be kept in a near twilight sleep with specially crafted draughts so that she wouldn’t have to suffer through the worst of it. The gashes and arrows had been tended to the traditional way with sutures so that all magical efforts could be focused on her burns. Magical fire burned with a far greater intensity than anything natural so magical healing was necessarily to clear it from the body, but nothing would be strong enough to remove the scarring entirely.
She would continue to have function in the limbs effected, but the scarring would make it stiff. Physical exercises were key to keeping a full range of motion, though rounds of pain wouldn’t be unheard of. Since she’d been tended to so quickly after the initial attack the scars weren’t nearly as horrific as they may have been, but the first time Sariza saw herself in a mirror days later she was sickened. It had been completely on accident, really. She’d managed to con an attending maid into letting her stay in the washroom by herself for a moment and the sheet covering it had dropped. What areas of skin weren’t wrapped had a harsh, ugly mottling to them and out of fear Sariza turned away so fast she’d fallen.
Healers were quick to assure her that with continuous treatment the scarring would fade over time, but…it would never really go away. Still, she was glad it wasn’t worse, really. Faisal had survived, as had everyone else in her family, and once she was sure she was okay Sariza was adamant that her own healers go help others.
After all, she was in the clear now and so many others weren’t.
[321]
[1]
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