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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 9:35 am
❖Table of Contents / Rules / Contact Information❖
ToC ❖Staff Post Cert, Link to Official Uncert & Inventory ❖ Table of Contents & Rules ❖ News/Updates ❖ Ai Basic physical info, personality, etc. ❖History ❖ Relationships Family, Friends, Lover(s), Enemies, etc. ❖Familiar(s) ---, ---, etc. ❖RP Log ❖ Battle Log ❖ Art
Rules Do not post in this thread unless you are staff, myself, or invited first. By posting this I am agreeing to follow ToS and shop rules, so I would invite the reader to do the same.
Contact Information I am always open for plotting/rps! That being said, some ways you can contact me are listed below;
3 Base Traits: Murderous, Vindictive, Spiritual Personality: Murderous Ai is an uncultured creature. She's fierce in her approach to life, as all of her actions determine the likelihood of her own survival. There is no hesitancy about her when it comes to getting violent, even when she's outnumbered. There are no personal boundaries with her; if you have something she wants/needs, she'll take it, one way or the other. Her uncontrolled nature is what has led to a nasty reputation as an extremist, even at an early age. Those that come across her know she isn't likely to be reasoned with, and it's only by Aisha's good graces that they're able to walk away from such an encounter alive.
Her murderous wrath is only taken out on those who are not pure Alkidike. Sympathizers will get only one free pass before being lumped in with the rest. Hybrids in her eyes should be killed the moment they are born, as well as the wretches who dare create such an ungoddessly creatures. For the most part Ai abhors torture; she isn't psychotic, just focused. In her eyes earthlings had their place a long time ago, but they have since over stepped that line. Now is the time for action; if they won't agree to submit, then mass murder is the only way.
Vindictive Revenge is said to be best served cold, but not when white hot fury runs so strongly in one's blood. Ai has always been a vengeful, spiteful girl who takes the slightest little insult to heart. One child had the misfortune of playing with her doll without permission, and accidentally dropping it into some mud. Ai "accidentally" almost drowned her in that same mud puddle.
She's the type of woman that is scariest when she's at her quietest. It usually signifies that she's up to no good, and scheming something so heinous it cannot be spoken aloud. Her criticism of others is often personalized to dig the deepest instead of being constructive.
Spiritual Ai at her core is very devoted to her Goddess and to her people. Her very way of life is worth risking everything for. Better to have others hate and fear her than to have her sisters tainted by lesser influences. While most consider her a fanatic, Ai knows in her heart that her extreme actions are the only way to insure that her people do not diverge from the path that Aisha has led them down.
A special 'ritual' is performed each time she slays a hybrid of her own blood. She says a special prayer over them, and places her palm on their forehead. It's her way of helping them to atone for their 'sin'; the sin of simply existing. In Ai's mind the only true way to rectify that is by death, and she truly hopes that in the next life they will be born again with pure blood.
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 9:56 am
❖History❖
This story begins much the same as any Alkidikes. Two young Blades, named Vilasini and Xai, had just cemented their love in a bonding ceremony, and asked Aisha for a lotus. The pairing wasn't made to wait long; within a short time not one, but two blossoms were made known to them. They were ecstatic!
In the beginning all was beautiful and grand. The girls grew as close as any sister pair, and began to develop relationships with friends their own age. However, that didn't mean they never fought; in fact, as well as being best friends they were bitter rivals. Vilasini encouraged them to get along, but she was always overpowered by Xai, who wished for healthy competition between her daughters. "They'll grow weak if you coddle them." So it came to be that for every moment of joy the sisters shared there was a moment of spite as well. Iona excelled at the bow, while her sister Ai was better suited for the sword.
On their own the girls were separate entities. Iona had a bleeding heart; she cared deeply for everyone, and found it difficult to accept the teachings of her mother, Xai. She wanted her daughters to accept the 'true' way of life, and to never lower themselves to mate with anything other than a pure Alkidike. This had become a problem in Xai's eyes, and often she would meet with other like minded sisters to discuss strategies to rectify it.
Unlike her sister, Ai fell in line. She came to know Xai's teachings as truth, and would often get into fights with her sister about the subject. As Iona grew a rift opened between her and her family, one that ultimately caused her to run away from home at the tender age of thirteen. The loss hit Vilasini the hardest; she had tried to convince her daughter to stay, to see reason, but she proclaimed that if this was really what Aisha wanted then she wouldn't have made hybrids in the first place! The mystics had to be wrong, everyone was wrong, and she wasn't going to listen to it anymore.
Ai was never so glad as when her sister left. The weak link in the chain had been cut off, or so Xai explained to her. In all honesty Ai felt personally to blame. How could she not have seen how blind her sister had become? To think that hybrids served a purpose in this world...those mongrels, what could they do? Other than to ruin everything the Alkidike had tried to build.
As the years passed Ai grew stronger. Vilasini had grown despondent and quiet, something that concerned Ai, but not overly so. Her mother was simply weak willed, and a probable cause as to why Iona had turned out the way she had. Maybe it was an inherited trait? Either way, Ai began to take a stronger roll in Xai's group, easily taking on the mantle of 'extremist' if that meant keeping true to her faith. She took a few hybrid lives, fought many more, and pressed her views on her weaker sisters. Neither of her mothers tried to dissuade her from going to Sauti to help with the invasion; Xai was too proud, and Vilasini was simply too depressed to care.
It was one of the best moments of her life. Xai had never seemed so pleased with her child, and Ai basked in her mother's affection. The knowledge that she was doing something right, under the Matron's own guidance, was thrilling to her. How was she to have known just how terribly the battle would be? In an instant all of her pride, all of her devotion and hate came to the surface in an attempt to survive.
It hadn't been easy. Xai had tried to stay by her, but her mother was ultimately separated from her during the fight. Ai wasn't nearly trained enough to compete with the more experienced earthling fighters, but seeing her own sisters, the traitors, fighting against them fueled her. She pressed onward, cutting down as many as she could before spotting her.
In the midst of battle Ai saw her sister, Iona, fighting side by side with an Oban male. Time seemed to stop as the sisters found each other. How could she...what was Iona thinking?! Didn't she have any pride left in her?! Iona seemed just as surprised to find Ai, and heartbreak shown bright on her features. Before she could try to convince her sister to lay down her arms Ai charged. With one blade raised high, ready to cut her sister down, the Oban man caught her in the gut with an armored fist. The force of the blow stole the air from her lungs, and forced the world to go dark around her.
When she awoke she found herself being carried by a rather large, rather imposing male figure. Her body was tied down by lengths of rope, mouth gagged with a piece of cloth. From her limited view over his shoulder she could see Iona, walking alongside a group of earthlings, who seemed to be shuffling her people somewhere. Iona couldn't meet her sister's gaze. They were both so young, so unprepared, but a deep rooted sadness seeped from Iona.
Ai tried to spit obscenities at her. She tried to tell her how worthless she was, how she didn't' deserve the blood in her veins, and many, many other things. But she couldn't, not with the gag in her mouth. She fought and kicked at her 'carrier' but he held tight, and it was only then that she realized the same man who had hit her was now carrying her. What in the..?
"Ai, mother's dead." Iona murmured. When Ai looked up Iona was closer, and looking up at her with a baleful gaze. "A sorcerer set her on fire..." She nearly choked up speaking about it. "I can...I can still hear her...Please, you have to say you'll get better. That you've changed your mind and you want to stay with me. I can help you Ai; I can open your heart but I can't do that where they're taking you."
Ai furrowed her brow. Taking me? Taking me where?! And all too soon she found out what had happened. They had lost. Everything was being ripped away from them, and Ai...Ai was being taken with the rest to the exiled island; Yael.
Despite her sister's pleas Ai didn't struggle. She went willingly with her sisters in arms. They may have lost the fight, but she wouldn't dare lose her pride. When Iona made her final stand Ai said nothing, though she did spit at her sister's feet. "I'll be back sister, and when I do, I'll set you on fire."
And with her final words said, Ai began her life in exile.
Important Milestones & Corresponding Age 14 - Exiled to Yael with her fellow extremists. Her mother, Xai, has died. 15 - Elzira produces the first Elaria. Oh joy!
Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2016 12:01 pm
❖Relationships❖
Family Xai l Alkidike l Mother - Very supportive, wonderful teacher. (Deceased) Vilasini l Alkidike l Mother - Depressed, weak willed mess. (Deceased) Iona l Alkidike l Sister - Traitor! Wonders if she had tried more to fix her sister if she would have still turned out as weak as their mother.
Painted Moose
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Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2016 12:04 pm
❖Familiar(s)❖
Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2016 12:05 pm
❖RP / World Event Log❖
Prentice [Yael] MBFF's - Ixtil [Yael] Where Wild Things Roam - Naqenni [Yael/World Event] The First Blooms [Yael] Toxicousins - Akacia
Stage 2 [Yael] Beach Babes and Killer Crabs - Akacia [Yael] Angry Bug vs Glasses Guy - Kieran [Yael] Two Angry Bugs - Akacia [Yael] Mildly Irritated Bug and Lil Slug - Naq [WE] Creepy Crawlers - Naq [Yael] Training - Pruu
The tropical forests of Yael could almost pass for Jauhar if one believed hard enough.
Ai had tried, many a time, to adapt to the strange world around her. At first she had taken it all in an angry sort of stride. Spitefully, she had sought out to master the territory and make it her own. Then as the months went by she slipped into old habits, and came to believe this place as something of a substitute for the home she no longer had.
If the land wasn't squishy under foot it was far too hard for her to adjust to. In the mist mirages of ruins were shown to her, but the closer she got to them the more she could see it was just very large, very deceiving stone formations. Every time she got close enough to believing something made sense here, Ai was proven wrong.
She turned to her instructor for the day; an older extremist named Miira. Ai liked working with her best because most of the time they were on the same mental wavelength. Miira had daughters who had betrayed their people, and Ai...Ai had an ungrateful sister.
"Don't hold your blades so low. Raise them; one should be attacking and the other should be defending. Do it again." Practice was the only thing that kept Ai sane. She didn't know where the swords had come from, and she didn't care enough to ask. They clearly weren't Alk, and they didn't look earthling either. Maybe they had been taken by those glowing eyed freaks?
She parried Miira's blow and sent in one of her own. Miira came in close, raised her sword and brought the hilt down on Ai's head. With a loud cry, she fell to the ground. "That's enough for today. You aren't focused."
"You don't stop until I say so." Ai growled.
"Then rest, and catch your breath." Miira held down a hand, and when Ai took it she pulled the now muck covered youth to her feet. Both were breathing heavy, skin slick with sweat, but each had bigger concerns.
"When are we going back? We've been here for too long already; it's time to make our stand."
"We did that, and it failed. We must wait for the Matron to decide what we are to do next." Miira responded patiently.
Ai snorted. "The plan didn't fail, she did. What were her reasons to agree to bring us here if she hadn't already given up? I think she just wanted to cover her own as-"
"That's enough!" Miira snapped. She reached out to grasp Ai's wrist, and roughly jerked her closer. "You've got a big mouth for one so young. If you're so sure of yourself, then what do you propose we do?"
"We start over." Ai stated simply. She twisted her wrist free from Miira's hold, and spouted off, "If we stay here we'll die out, or be taken out by the natives. There has to be a way to get out off this island without being caught. We'll just go in smaller groups, go at night, use a Yaeli or two as cover-"
"And you assume they will go willingly?"
"They are the weakest, most spineless earthlings I have ever seen. It shouldn't be an issue." Ai tapped a finger to her chin, and pondered on it. The Matron had failed them, and she had failed Aisha. Sauti was still theirs to claim, but what were they doing about it? Suffering on this cesspool of an island and losing sanity by the day. There was just no way she could take living here any longer! The fear of dying here, of never getting to see the mother again...it was an all consuming nightmare. She hadn't even been able to properly grieve her mother's loss. How could she, when all she could think about was getting off this island and using her sister's spine as a near spear shaft.
Ai looked up when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. Miira looked deep into her eyes, and gaze a soft smile. "Patience, child. I want to go home as badly as you, but the others...some have lost hope, have lost their way. We have to make them see that there is still a chance before we can make a move."
"We can try," she consented skeptically. "But if they're truly lost then I'm not wasting my breath saving them. The weak ones can stay here and rot while we reclaim what was lost."
It was what Aisha wanted, wasn't it? After all, why else would the mystic have brought them to Sauti to claim it? At the time of the battle everything had been so clear to Ai, but as the months went on in exile she began to doubt herself. Not that she could tell Miira. It was shameful, but as much as she tried to eliminate those doubts they seemed to return in spades.
Her own sister had fought against her that day, and Iona had begged her to see differently. "Hybrids are Aisha's children as well! We're all loved by the mother!"
But she had to be wrong. Hybrids were a test of faith, nothing more. An imperfection; a stain on their culture that should be eradicated at birth. The weak allowed them to live and breed, while the strong did what no other would do. It was up to Ai to make her sister see the dark path she was walking. How else could she save her? Iona had all, but forsaken Aisha. Fool that she was, she was still her sister, by blood no less, and that meant a great deal to Ai.
"Will you help me, Miira? I could do this alone, but I would rather have help."
Miira grinned, and nodded her head. "Of course. I'll admit, when we came here I thought the Matron had a plan for us. That we were to conquer Yale to spite those that placed us here, but now...now I'm ready to go home. She can stay here if she wants; I'm through."
"Glad to have you on board, Miira".
(WC: 1025)
Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2016 11:47 am
❖Prentice Solo 2❖
With every day that passed it seemed that more and more sisters were beginning to accept the Elaria.
Ai, however, remained skeptical.
She watched the offspring of Elzira being fawned over from afar without ever really getting too close herself. There were obvious differences between the Elaria and the Alkidike, though not entirely physical. They were being trained, the same as Ai had been, but the mentors seemed divided. Some still had a look about them that spoke of a reserved disgust while others couldn't see past the promise of a continued legacy to truly do their jobs. In one way Ai sympathized with her cousins. It must have been truly odd and isolating learning about a culture you weren't technically a part of. Theirs had just begun, so it was the young that would determine the legends of their people and what mark they would leave.
It made Ai wonder if they would even remember the extremists at all. Perhaps in the next two hundred years they would be nothing more than dots in Elarian history; little blips, like imperfections, to be discarded in favor of a brighter future. She didn't take into account how easily all of this could be snuffed out, and wasn't likely to in future musings. What fool would let the outsiders know of their trump cards? Besides, once the Elaria were old enough to fight they would be the strongest of them all simply because they were far removed from Jauhar's taint. They would be perfect.
And it pissed Ai off to no end.
She wasn't envious of the attention the Elaria received; far from it. It just burned her that the taint of lessers had already gotten to her. Even if she chose to ignore it Ai couldn't forget how she had hesitated to attack Iona that day in Sauti. The moment had barely lasted a blink, but never the less it was there. Her cousins would never have to know the pain of fighting against a sister. Iona's pleas still rang loudly within Ai's mind, and try as she might she couldn't force them into submission.
For fourteen years she had lived her life under the knowledge that Aisha smiled upon her and that her work was just.
Within a years time all of that had come under question.
If she was to find a partner it would be with a sister she already knew, or a younger Elarian. Her future was colored in greys, pinks and reds with no hope of a 'normal' Alkidike family. Everything she had ever envisioned for her future was wiped away in an instant, and starting fresh was proving to be more difficult than she had anticipated. For once, she was the outsider and it felt...
Lonely.
Miira was great company, but she was older, at least in her forties. How much longer would she be around?
Ai couldn't help feeling desperate every time she one of the grey girls. This wasn't normal; this wasn't home. In order to get home she would have to suck up any reservations she had towards her cousins and help train them as best she could. That way, once they were strong enough, they would take Sauti and she could return to Aisha.
But who would listen to her here? Miira had already told her to focus on Elzira and while she should always worship Aisha, to keep her in the back of her mind. She couldn't do it; no, she wouldn't do it.
Elzira had her purpose and Ai greatly respected her, but there was only one goddess in her mind.
All she had to do was remember and pray for the strength to do what must be done.
(WC: 620)
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Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2016 8:29 am
❖Prentice Solo 3 - Hobbies❖
Letting go of everything you've ever known is a difficult task for any living soul. Whether for good or ill, the location of one's birth marks a significant moment in their lives. Ai had never expected a life outside of Jauhar, and with everyday that Yael became more familiar to her she struggled with her slipping memories of home.
So, when Miira suggested she do something about it, she did.
Ai began to sketch.
More often than not she lacked 'normal' materials, since parchment and ink were a rarity to her now, so the teenager spent a great deal of time mapping out memories on cavern walls with body paints. Even in the firelight the area was dark; almost too dark to see at times. If anything it meant that others might not see what she was doing until well after she'd done it, leaving her free with her thoughts.
Dipping her index finger into a little stone bowl, Ai rotated the digit until it was near soaked with dark paint before lifting it to the stone. She painted her home village with a few inhabitants and a lot of local flora. The darkness of both the cavern and her chosen artistic medium didn't leave much room to describe the colors, though. Those bright fungi that lined the bases of the massive indigo trees and the sweet smelling fruits that could turn your tongue blue.
In a world filled with never ending blood shed and hatred Ai managed to find clarity in her musings. If she wasn't training the young warrior was either in prayer or working on a new painting.
For the first time since long before her banishment Ai felt at peace.
She was where she needed to be at the exact time and the exact place. Her feelings on the elaria had yet to change, but she was beginning to understand their place in her world. Or rather, her place in their world.
It was up to her and, her sisters at large, to show them the world that predated theirs. Ai's memories would serve her best when telling tales and legends that had been spun to her as a youngling. The paintings would help, though they were mostly for her own personal benefit. She could still see the dwelling where she lived with her mothers; could still imagine it's smell, and the chair with the wobbly leg. These little details would survive with her far longer now that she could relive them each time her fingers touched the paint.
This wasn't the end. Although she had sacrificed much to get to this point, Ai felt blessed to have been here. She wasn't part of weak herd that stayed behind nor was she one of the softer sisters who had allowed themselves to be slain in Sauti. Ai had her sketches and paintings to remind her of the past that would serve as a guide for the future.
(WC: 493)
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:06 am
❖Prentice Solo 4 - Class Affinity; Ai's going Amazon!❖
Ai arose in the early morning hours with Syn curled beside her, leeching as much of his mistress' warmth as he could during the night. Her fingers reached out to glide across his translucent scales, and once done she almost went back to sleep; almost. It had seemed like a good idea until she heard the oddest noise.
Youthful laughter.
Her sleep fogged mind couldn't for the life of her think of why a child would be having fun in her home. Neither she nor Miira had much to do with the Elaria, and their dwelling was on the edge of camp so what in the blazes was going on?!
Rising grumpily from her bed, Ai rose and in the process managed to bury Syn in the folds of her blanket. The keldari didn't seem to mind, however; if anything the extra warmth seemed to please the serpent. Heavy footfalls took her to the open doorway to peer into the open gathering room. What she expected to see was Miira, prepping her own version of breakfast, but what she actually saw made Ai wonder if she were even truly awake.
Surely this had to be some kind of nightmare.
Miira sat on their crude bench seat, the only true seating within the dwelling, talking amicably with a small elarian. The girl was all smiles, and was hugged up so close to the older alkidike that Ai half expected her to fling the girl away. It didn't make any sense at all to her; hadn't Miira disliked the elaria as much as she did? If so, why was one in their home?!
The girl in question turned, as if sensing Ai's dangerous stare boring into her. Instead of feeling frightened, however, the child just waved to her. "Good morning!"
Ai blinked, scrunched her brows together and felt a physical tick causing her right eyelids to almost seize.
Miira patted the young child's scarlet dreads, and gently nudged her to move. "Run along and play, Fiya, I need to speak with Ai."
"Alright, momma."
Momma?!
Little grey legs kicked up from the bench, and with a few hops the girl was out the door leaving ten thousand questions in her wake. It took a few moments, but eventually Ai's senses returned to her. "What was that?! Who is she, why is she here, and why in goddess' name did she call you momma?!" Her arms waved about in wild gesticulations The young warrior stepped forward, and with each step her voice seemed to grow louder. "She's, what, three? four years old? When were you going to tell me about her, Miira?"
"If you were home more often then I would have told you sooner." Her mentor replied calmly, though Ai couldn't mistake the steely edge to her voice. Miira detested shouting; it showed a lack of control over one's emotions and it was obvious she was only letting Ai's outburst slip because of the shocking news. "Her mother and I asked Elzira for a bloom some time ago. Until this point Fiya has been living with her mother, but she's on an extended hunt so my daughter will be staying here." She said it so matter of fact that it was almost condescending. Like if Ai had just opened her eyes then she would have seen the signs a lot sooner than this. "I never spoke of her to you because I had no reason to."
Ai clucked her tongue while her head shook from side to side. No reason? There was absolutely no reason at all for a mother not to bring up her daughter, whom she was actively involved with, to her roommate? Miira didn't bring up anything unless absolutely needed at that specific moment, so if the girl - Fiya - hadn't been right in front of Ai she might never have known about her! "...I thought you didn't like the elaria. You once told me they weren't anything more than tools to be used."
"I've had a change of heart." Miira quirked her brow, "As have you. Do not try to deny it; I've seen you spending time with Naqenni. It's good that you've opened up enough to have a friend."
"That brat isn't my friend!" Ai was too quick to respond; too loud, too desperate to change Miira's mind, and all too in denial herself. How long had she been watching over that self assured, pampered runt? Long enough to develop a soft spot for her, she groused. "...so I don't hate the elaria, but they aren't true alkidike and that will never change."
"Perhaps," was Miira's only reply. An uneasy silence erupted between the two with each female staring at the other as if awaiting the words that would break the tension. Just as Miira had started it, she was also the one to end it. "Will you bear your swords to defend them? You were so sure about becoming an Amazon before; has that changed at all? Or will you carry arms against them, and stand against change as a rock in the river? Pushing against the current stubbornly while it eats away at you-"
"It hasn't changed." Ai stated resolutely. Her mother had taught her how to use her blades, and nothing had given the young alk more confidence. When she was in battle there was a clear purpose lined out before her, and no other class offered the same feeling of accomplishment than Amazon. She would never pick up a bow, not after her sister's weakness had tainted the thought, and spears held no appeal for her. No; this was the only path open for her. "I will be an Amazon, I will carry my blades, and I will carve a path so that your daughter may find hers."
When Ai spoke it was resolute. There would be no changing her mind, and no going back. Fiya was an unexpected bump in her path, but as Miira's daughter her very existence warranted protecting. She knew that unlike some of the elaria Fiya wouldn't grow up spoiled or entitled; she would know of Aisha, she would know of Elzira, and have the clarity of mind to balance the two like her mothers before her. Like Ai had to do now.
Her answer seemed to please the aging alkidike. Miira rose, and turned away from Ai, though only for a moment. When she returned she held two blades; proper blades, of alkidike make and not the paltry swords Ai had stolen from the yaeli. "Use them well, and may the Goddess guide you."
If she had been of a weaker spirit Ai might have teared up a little. Instead a sort of warm silence passed between the two, with each woman smiling to one another. Somewhere along the line Miira had taken up the spot that Xai left vacant upon her death. She had seen the young teenager through what was arguably the roughest portion of her youth into a time where she could stand on her own. Without Miira to guide her Ai very well may have become lost along the way, but now...now she was to be an Amazon.
It took a few hours for Fiya to skip her way back into the home with her puffy little cheeks streaked in dirt. When she looked up at Ai she held none of the reservation that some of the older alks did; all she saw was an older woman, a cousin, and someone who could protect her.
While Ai still wasn't sold on the elaria, spending more time around Naq had softened her to them. And Fiya, despite her annoying energy, was actually fairly...cute.
"Oooh, did momma give you the swords? Hey hey, will you show me how to use 'em? I wanna be tough, too!"
"...one day, runt, one day."
(WC: 1,307)
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 11:25 am
❖Prentice Class Quest Solo❖
Some time had passed since Fiya had begun to stay in Ai's home, and as was natural among the young, there were squabbles as the two adjusted to one another's company. The Elarian was an scholarly soul who asked near non-stop questions while she was awake. Miira would patiently answer each one that she saw beneficial while outright ignoring what she deemed 'stupid' questions. When home Ai had begun to hide out in her own personal space inside of the dwelling, seeking what refuge she could from the onslaught of intrusive questions.
Then Fiya came directly to her.
It wasn't enough that the child wouldn't leave her alone, but she wanted to touch everything Ai owned as well as claim quite a few items for herself. That Ai wouldn't stand for; each time Fiya sought to control a piece of Ai's dominion the alkidike retaliated. This was her space, and they were her things. She didn't mind the girl staying with them, but if she kept putting her grubby fingers where they didn't belong Ai would do much worse than glue her dreads together with sap while she slept.
One such day, when tensions were at their highest, Ai had stormed up to Miira demanding to know when the girl's other mother would be returning. In a quiet, point blank sort of tone Miira had said, "She isn't. Mafareth is dead."
And that was that. From that day forward Fiya would be a permanent fixture in their abode whether she cared to have her there or not. Ai wasn't even entirely sure if Miira had told the girl the news; the chances weren't high. Fiya had asked about her mother a few times in the beginning when home sickness was at it's highest, but after a month or two the child had moved on. Ai knew it was only a matter of time when the questions would return, but for now, there was a sort of uneasy peace about the place.
Still, it didn't mean that Ai wanted to be home with Fiya babbling on like she did. Cute or not, the girl was pushing all the wrong buttons with her mother's roommate. Not only did Ai want little to do with the incessant questions, but the knowledge of Fiya's mother...it rubbed her raw. Ai had lost both of her mothers; one was still in Chibale for all she knew, and the other had died in Sauti. Ai hadn't gotten to properly say goodbye to Xai and as much as she tried to push the emotions away the fact remained that she missed her mother. Xai had been everything to her. A teacher, a role model, a friend, and a comforting soul to hold onto. Now all she had left was Vilasini and Miira. Miira filled a hole, but she was focused on her own daughter for now. And Vilasini...
Ai didn't care if she ever saw that weak willed traitor again in her life.
So it came to pass that Ai spent more time on her own in the surrounding wilderness practicing her artwork and honing her skills.
One particular evening when dusk had settled across the land Ai found herself some distance away from her sisters and cousins. This far out she was more likely to run into a yaeli than anything else, which would have been an annoyance considering she had just recently cleaned her blades. She moved forward across the porous earth, dark eyes scanning the surrounding area for a place to tuck in for the night. Nothing on ground level looked appealing, but above her, in the canopy of a large tree, was a branch wide enough to serve as a temporary resting spot. Good enough for me, she concluded and began to climb.
She had no more found herself settled in than a pair of voices drifted up to her from below. Ai's brows furrowed, one hand settling on the hilt of a sword. Instead of reclining with her back against the trunk, Ai crouched forward until her torso was splayed against the branch, giving her better view of what was happening below.
"This is as far as I'm going. Now gimme yer gold, and get gone."
Interest peeked, Ai craned her head to look through the canopy of leaves and what she saw caused her blood to clot.
It was Vilasini, but she wasn't alone. The older alkidike was conversing with a yaeli.
The violet haired man was older in years, roughly around Miira's own age, with grey streaks near his temples. "-wife's gonna kill me when she finds out about this. Yer coin better be good."
"It is. Thank you for your help."
The two seemed to split off after Vilasini handed him a coin pouch. He tested the weight, peeped inside to make sure it was good, and moved on without either one offering a threat, or raising any sort of weapon. Ai couldn't believe what she was seeing; surely it wasn't happening! I need answers. She waited just long enough for the man to disappear before descending her tree in hot pursuit of her mother.
It didn't take her long to catch up. The woman didn't seem to be in any sort of hurry, and Ai had all but sprinted to catch up. Once she was close enough for Vilasini to take notice the woman had whirled around, bow notched and arrow ready before pausing. "Ai?"
When had her mother looked so old? Vilasini had much more grey in her dreads than she had when Ai left home. There were bags beneath her eyes, lines drawn across her face, and a sort of sadness that enveloped her like sweat.
"What are you doing here, traitor?" She snarled. "I saw that little exchange. Answers now, mother, and don't lie." Her body was practically vibrating with emotion. Her rage was higher than ever, and yet, she was still trying to deny it had happened. Ai had always known Vilasini to be the weaker of her mothers; the one who had turned her sister into the earthling lover that she was. It had all begun with this weak willed sap of an alkidike, and if Ai was merciful, she would end both of their suffering now by plunging her sword into Vilasini's heart.
Despite the murderous intent of her daughter, the older warrior lowered her weapon. She slowly placed the arrow back into her quiver, and placed her bow across her back. All of her movements were measured as if she were dealing with a wild beast likely to charge. "Is it so wrong to want to see my daughter?" Vilasini's voice was thick was emotion, and her eyes were already shining with unshed tears. "Sweetheart, I know we've had our problems in the past, but I never stopped lo-"
"SHUT UP." Ai's bellow echoed through the trees around them. "Is that your only defense? Crying? You disgust me." She sneered at the woman before her, furious that this is what had created her.
"You didn't always think that way." Vilasini murmured. She wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands, and raised her voice. "I remember when you would come to me when you had a nightmare. Or how sad you were when the other girls were too scared to play with you. Ai, please, just listen to me. That's all I want. Just to talk."
"Did you see Iona before coming here? You had to pass through Oba to get here, and why wouldn't you see your favorite daughter?" Ai raked her eyes over Vilasini. "You're brave to come here. It's not often that a coward walks to their own end." Ai pulled her blades from their sheaths, and held them in a near death grip.
"You're wrong. I didn't see Iona. She turned her back on Aisha, and thus, turned her back on us. I came to find you." She wisely took a half step away from her armed daughter, eyeing the edges of those blood stained blades warily. "You're all I have left, Ai. I know I wasn't the mother you needed, or even wanted, but will you let me love you? Or is it too late to stand beside you?"
Memories of brighter days came to the forefront of her mind. Sitting atop Vilasini's lap, clapping and excitedly watching Xai in her practice bouts. Iona had been sitting next to her, but in that moment, she had her mother's affections. Vilasini always made sure that Ai's toys were replaced when broken, and that after a bad day her favorite meal was waiting on her. It was subtle little things; things that Vilasini had never commented on and Ai hadn't noticed until they no longer happened. Miira was kind to her, but she didn't dote upon Ai as Vilasini had. Miira had never tried so hard to earn Ai's love.
And yet, the order dictated swift punishment for those too weak to make an immediate decision. Her mother hadn't come to Sauti. She had no reason to remain home; no injuries, no infant to care for. She had stayed behind because she was a disgrace, and yet, here she was. Vilasini had traveled on her own across Jauhar, into Oba, and across a deadly sea to an island filled with strange earthlings just to find her.
"...What do you want me to say? I can't take you back to camp; they'll kill you on sight." Most of the older sisters would have remembered her if only because she had been Xai's bond mate.
"I know. I wasn't planning on asking for their forgiveness. I don't need it; just yours."
Ai wanted to hate her. It was so much easier to curse the foolishness of a woman who was hundreds of miles away from her. She inhaled, then exhaled on a sigh, her shoulders slumping with the action.
Life was rarely fair, and Aisha loved to test her devotion.
Seeing the shift, Vilasini took a step forward, hesitantly raising her hand towards the girl. "Ai-" her voice ended on a surprised gargle, blood bubbling on her lips as her eyes trailed down. It had only taken a second for her daughter to bring a blade up and into her heart. Vilasini slumped against the hilt of the blade, somewhat surprised to find Ai had put her arm around her to hold her close.
"I forgive you, mother." Ai pulled her blade free, and properly embraced her mother for the last time. It was a sign of age to forgive those who had committed the greatest sins, but purity could only come once those sins had been wiped clean from the earth. So long as Vilasini lived her weakness would continue to taint Ai's soul; no matter how much she wished it were otherwise. "I forgive you, and I love you too. May Aisha welcome you to her side." Her voice hitched, tears freely flowing once she felt the last breath leave her mother.
(Prompt & Goal: Ai has always held a resentment towards the alkidikes that remained in Jauhar. If they had fought in Sauti then things would have been different, but since she's begun to see Elzira as a fresh start. Still, she can't forgive them, and more so, her mother, Vilasini.
After trying to rebuild her life Ai will see her mother once more, thus placing Ai in a predicament. In her eyes traitors must be dealt with swiftly, and this includes those who don't share the extremist way of life. Vilasini never fought in Sauti; she remained in Chibale. Ai's beliefs will be tested when presented with the ultimate decision; kill her mother to fully commit herself to the extremists, or allow her mother to live, possibly attempting to join the encampment? She's never yet given anyone a second chance, but maybe this will be different?
(FYI, it won't be. Vilasini gonna die.) (WC: 1835)
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