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 Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 1:28 pm
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 11:23 am
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 11:23 am
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:47 pm
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☽☼☾
Name: Zyphire
Stage: Prentice
Race: Shifter
Gender: Boy
3 Base Traits: Arrogant, Vain, Deceiving, Intense, Dedicated
Personality: Zyphire was a pampered boy due to his mother's over bearing love and as such has a bit of an arrogant streak in him. No matter what the boy will always try to hold himself above others and will rarely give credit where it is due should someone have helped him to do something. His arrogance will keep him apart from others his age and makes it difficult some days to make friends as he prefers to do most things on his own. This of course goes hand in hand with his vanity, something also bred by so many compliments from others while growing up, as he also holds his looks in high appearance.
Such high aspirations for himself - to be the best at whatever he does no matter what - also leads to horrible downfalls. Because of this he enters challenges without questions no matter what trouble may brew afterwards. (Such as a dare to steal something or a dare to fight or a dare to woo a lady and etc...) If he fails then you may see him sulking in a corner somewhere, though he would never admit to such a thing. After all how could such a beloved proud thing like himself bring himself down to sulking like a little kid in the corner? He is persistent, however, and eventually will get back on his feet again - a notable trait as he works hard to master anything which escaped him before.
Which leads to the fact that he is not above lying to get his way. The boy has a smooth tongue and is quite charismatic when it comes to charming his way out of a situation. From his mother he has learned where compliments work best and is prepared to pamper another - as long as he doesn't have to put himself down of course - in order to wiggle his way into something whether it be a discount at the market or a free meal with a lovely lady.
He does, however, have very intense reactions. While he may give off a calm aura that speaks of arrogant pride the boy can quickly explode given the right situation. Once he is set off it is not surprising to see the area around him explode - especially in fits of trying to find something or when something he seriously is dedicated to does not go his way then there will be a broken vase or two. The same is said with his moments of deep depression when he loses out as well - once that intense burst of anger is gone the boy will be sitting idly in a corner or out in the trees for hours just contemplating life. (He's very dramatic this one).
That intensity also can have positive notions as his dedication to others -once they get to him- can be sincere and to a daring degree. If someone he cares about is in trouble then the boy will make certain to help them out and right any wrongs which have been done to them. Even if it means pummeling someone to save a girl's honor or etc...when he grows he'll use his looks and charisma to better work his way out of a situation but as a younger male he'll have several rough days as he tends to lean more on his fists than his words.
Description: The darkest shifter skin (day) with wavy white hair that is often tied back in a short ponytail with a few loose strands. His gaze is usually narrowed in a frown and is colored towards a pale silver-blue. His gemstones are reminiscent along his forehead of Kian and Talisia's design [x1] n [x2], but with a more diamond shape for the centered one. So like what is shown here..[x] with two long stones along his hip with a tiny center circle one in the center. Another trio on his hands - one long diamond again with a dot on either side. If any others they can be CC'd along his collarbone/chest/back etc...
Accessories: Usually dressed in furs as he is in Zena currently. He loves to try and be fashionable and often wears his hair tied up with braids or in a ponytail. He does have piercings and also wears jewelry featuring a crescent moon - including a brooch often clipped to a sash around his waist.
History:
Zyphire was born between two shifters very much in love. Unfortunately his father, Tanyil, was tied to his family who ran a very dark business in Jauhar. Born and raised to kill the male was often valued for his good looks and efficient work while out on assignments. It was a shame then that on one such mission he ran into a rather promiscuous girl who didn't mind showing the rough shifter into her bed. Kylina was a blessing to him because her love took away from the stains of his past. Yet, his family was always against their prime 'worker' losing his trade for the sake of love and multiple attempts were made to separate the two once they were found out.
It became obvious that if he were to have a happy life with his woman that Tanyil would have to run away from his family.
Kylina had a younger sister, Akilo, who was spiteful and jealous for their mother's love -and inheritance- as Kylina was the favored child. (Mainly because Akilo was not truly the blood child of their mother, but rather the result of her husband's previous fling that came along with their marriage) Knowing this Akilo took her sister's confession of love and shoved her to do what was best - run away with the male and never look back. "What if his family finds out about us? Don't you just want to leave and save your family and yourselves?" Of course once Kylina's back was turned the girl grinned maliciously. She prayed that the lovers would be happy by either never returning or by dying in each other's arms by the male's vengeful family. This way she could claim all of her mother's lands for herself since her wandering sister would be out of the picture then.
Feeling that she had no choice Kylina fled from her homeland along with Tanyil towards the borders of Jauhar. It was out here that the two prospered and had their own little place outside of any village. A few years passed and they gave birth to a little girl who they named Zyphire...unfortunately trouble was brewing in Tendaji during this time and only a couple of years passed again before the youngling found herself without a father.
Tanyil had gone to help fight the extremists and in his attempt to protect his family the male found himself slain in battle. Devastated Kylina had no choice but to return home to her mother and very disappointed sister. As the years passed Kylina’s love for her deceased spouse turned to smother their reminder of their love – Zyphire – with affection. He was well groomed by his mother who taught him many arts, especially those of entertaining since she was a famous beauty and bard herself. While some of her entertainment may have taken place behind closed doors Zyphire always knew that his mother was just doing her duty and nothing more. It was a way to spoil him and make money – of course later as he grew he begged her to stop while raising his fists and tormenting any male or female suitor who attempted to do more than simply listen to his mother’s music.
Though as time passed other wounds did not heal. Zyphire watched helplessly as his mother began to drift away in dreams and illusions of her dead lover. Many said it was fatigue – from working so hard to give her son everything and more- that eventually killed her frail body. Zyphire’s frustrations grew because no matter how hard he worked to try and see a smile from his mother he knew that she had grown distant without his father’s presence to tie her down. No matter how many accomplishments he made he was simply just a reminder of his father and that was all. Eventually he ended up striking out here and there with rebellious actions – stealing, fighting, and etc- to gain attention. It was all for naught save for the day that he blew up at his mother for forgetting he was his own person. Running he didn’t even realize that his mother did finally worry enough to chase after him through a terrible storm. A storm that she became lost in and by the time she was found fever racked her body – something that she never recovered from and instead she found her wish granted as her spirit left to find its soulmate.
After losing her mother all Zyphire had left was his gramma and aunt. Despite his cold behavior and guilt over his mother’s death, his gramma showered him in love in place of her deceased daughter. It was obvious that the inheritance and love was his. Jealously raged through Akilo who wasn't satisfied with her small gifts from her gramma - as she wanted it all not just a tiny tidbit!- and plans began to form. Of course she looked loving and kind to the gramma who noticed the boy and aunt's relationship blossomed in public...but when the Grandmother began to become frail with age, Akilo started to plot even more.
She watched as lies and tricks spread the idea that Zyphire was a spoiled child who was truly wild. As the old shifter eventually passed away the youngling -almost apprentice- was left in Akilo's care as the Grandmother believed she would treat the boy well. In the end Zyphire found himself pushed out by his aunt who had taken control of the inheritance and without any witnesses to the truth of the situation claimed all was hers and chased the boy away in the middle of the night.
Zyphire lost wanted to fight back, but with no one to believe him found himself cast out in the forests of Jauhar. What could he do? He knew nothing other than to steal and live on his own. But even then his theft resulted in an encounter with a hybrid woman who strangely enough resembled him in slight ways. What he didn’t realize was that this woman had been searching for him for many months and that by the time she had found his village his aunt had already kicked him out. Thankfully his trail hadn’t been so hard to follow – due to rumors of a thieving boy with his appearance drifting from settlement to settlement and Talisia had quickly come into his life. Almost like fate that the boy had decided to try and rob from her pockets that day…
Still, when he was caught something remarkable happened. Rather than fighting or trying to pretend everything was alright Zyphire lost himself in eyes familiar to that of his mother’s…
"Please save me."
The words weren't normal for him, but something about the woman made him beg for mercy and soon enough he would find himself leaving Jauhar and heading towards the tall mountains of Zena were he would be raised with his mother’s remaining family.
Notes:
Zyphire is actually the son of Kaleo's cousin (his mother) and as such is connected to my twins -Kian and Talisia. Talisia was determined to find out more about her father's family and after hearing the last relative was Zyphire she became determined to find the boy. Villagers who lived near Akilo told the truth to her - one little girl had noticed the plight of aunt and nephew and it was her soft whispers that allowed Talisia to track down her younger cousin.
She'll take Zyphire under her wings and raise him in Zena until things settle down.
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:49 pm
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:49 pm
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:50 pm
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:51 pm
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:56 pm
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 8:20 pm
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☾ Stage 1; Solo 1 : Moving On ☾
He was still adjusting to not being on the run any longer. It was strange knowing that when he stopped at an inn or tavern that instead of pick pocketing someone the boy could just let his ‘cousin’ pay for the meal. Cousin was a strange word and one he never thought he would be using. But here he was with a strange hybrid woman who claimed to be related to him! It was a weird world, a very weird and small world.
Sighing, Zyphire placed his hands in the bowl of water and stared at his fingers. Just weeks ago they had been muddy and completely scratched up from running through Jahaur. Now they were clean and even soft to the touch due to the ointments and treatment his cousin had done for him. She was a healer, but not a healer at the same time. Just as she wasn’t a shifter, but was part shifter at the same time. Zyphire let out a sigh. This was flustering. He had charmed his whole childhood into getting his way with his family and then lost it all in one move from his ‘aunt’. That despicable woman who wasn’t even truly related to him.
Just the thought of her made the boy grimace. If anything he would love to see her hung from the very tree that she claimed from him. That had been his home, inherited from his grandmother! It was supposed to be his mother’s but she had passed away and left it to him. “Dirty wench.” Zyphire muttered before pulling his hands from the water bowl. But what could he do? He was living his life now and didn’t need anything from that pathetic village.
“Talisia?” Calling out Zyphire peered into the room that he shared with the older woman, but once more she was nowhere to be seen. Of course. She so enjoyed wandering off on her own even as they traveled towards Zena. Speaking of which the boy had to pull on a jacket as even Sauti was freezing compared to the warmth of Jahaur’s forests. It definitely would take some getting used to as would the constant presence of animals, “What do you want?” Zyphire shot a glare towards the small perzi that wrapped around his legs, “Talisia isn’t here so you wanna bother me?”
But truly was he that upset? As the perzi settled in his lap, Zyphire rested a hand on its back. This was different from anything he had experienced before. It wasn’t the gentle love of his grandmother who had spoiled him nor was it the bitter hatred of his aunt. This cousin of his expected him to work for his keep, but at the same time did not treat him cruelly. In fact she had held him when he had bad dreams and had wrapped his injuries so tenderly even after he had caused trouble in the first place. It brought a faint chuckle to his lips. What was this life?
Was this what it was supposed to be like if he had family? Like an older sister of sorts? That was how he viewed the beast master he lived with. He just hoped that it wasn’t a false image. His aunt’s betrayal kept him on edge, but no matter how hard he tested Talisia – no matter how many fights, how many foul moods, how many snarky remarks nothing bothered the woman. In fact, she would just retaliate with remarks of her own before smacking him back into shape. Even now he looked at the list she had left him. He had a few things to care to so they could get on the road again, “I suppose you’ll follow me right?” He glanced at the perzi with a small smile, “Come on then cat.”
He would begin today by doing her chores and he would continue to try and adjust to this new life. A new life where he wasn’t on the run from a jealous aunt and one where he didn’t have to feel completely like an orphan after all. One where he could try and develop feelings for these people called family and try to also find his own place in the world. He just hoped Zena would prove to be a hopeful place despite the bitter chill in the wind that came from its mountains.
Hope, after all, was the only thing he had left now to keep him from the darkness.
(747)
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 8:52 pm
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☾ Stage 1; Solo 2 : Settling in ☾
“Dammit!” Zyphire let out a string of curses as he slipped in the ice on the ground. Ugh, why did it have to be so slippery out here? Yes, he was in Zena and yes he was getting used to the cold and the snow, but this ice! Yesterday it had just been a soft powder, but the sun had melted the top layer and left him with pure ice. That was something his cousin had not warned him about before sending him off to go help with the beasts. Grumbling a few more foul words, Zyphire brushed as much snow from his clothing as possible before moving forward. Beautiful and elegant they say. We love how it glimmers in the sunlight and how the ice casts rainbows across the sky with the sunrise. What they didn’t mention was how numb the cold could make your fingers feel or how shivers could get to you after having some snow or ice placed in your hood and down your back.
He had unfortunately found out about those feelings after an ‘initiation’ by some of the local younglings he had met while getting Talisia supplies. Needless to say he had gotten a little bit of a lecture about why he shouldn’t intimidate young ones or how he shouldn’t get into a scuffle with their older brothers who had given them the ideas in the first place. And replying that they deserved it only led to even more chores. The boy rolled his eyes at the memory. It wasn’t his fault that they couldn’t handle the result of their actions.
“Alright, time to do this.” Raising a hand the boy shoved against the heavy doors that led into the stone shelter full of animals. For now, many of the stalls were empty, as those healed went home or were out in the fields that stretched towards the forests and streams surrounding the sanctuary, but Zyphire was thankful. It was far better to muck out a Xaraan’s stall than say one holding two huge mammu. That had been last week and he would prefer to never face such a situation again let alone remember it.
Whistling under his breath Zyphire began to work. At first learning about this part of his chores had disgusted it him and he had actually fought against it, but now that he had lived here for several months the boy was fine with it. It was interesting to watch how his cousin healed the creatures and how she had turned something into a ‘hospital’ for them. He was learning a lot from her though he was honestly jealous of the fact that both she and her twin could cast magic. Surely it had to be from their ice blood because he couldn’t do anything no matter how hard he stared at the broom and wished for the wind to lift it for him.
“Only for those worthy.” He quipped lightly and rolled his eyes. More like for those who were born under a lucky star and so far his life had shown that his birth was far from that. More likely he was born under a blood moon or something sinister. Then again would his cousins have found him? Wouldn’t he still be running through Jahaur or even worse dead by now? Shaking his head Zyphire focused on the task at hand. He didn’t need to worry about such things. His life was what it was and he was now in a much better place.
Well, better for the most part. Zyphire grinned as he scooped up dirty hay and shifted it for a fresh bundle. That finished the boy brushed straw from his clothing and headed out towards the back. The fire was still going and he was thankful for that – it just meant he had to add some more wood to the forge. It was enough to keep the place toasty for the night and would mean that with some more fresh water added into the trays his cousin would have less to worry about. Since it was just the two of them now he was trying his hardest to keep her from working herself to death.
So much moping made her want to work without sleep even. He wished she talked more about what had happened during her stay in Jahaur, but so far he got nothing. Not even Kian when he visited said anything about her moods. “Seems a waste to be so depressed when you own all of this.” Mumbled Zyphire as he walked back towards the manor. A beautiful place with lots of land. Talk about some rich ice family! Meanwhile he came from gypsies. Zyphire sighed at the thought. Probably it was for the best else his aunt would have found a way to steal this as well.
Shifting the stack of wood in his arms the boy headed back towards the manor. It was time to get dinner prepared so that Talisia could eat when she got in for the night. And perhaps once he was done he could go visit those hot springs and just soak his tired body for a bit. That would be nice. Even better if he could see some of the fine bodies that went in and out of that place. He definitely was related to the twin’s father since he enjoyed looking at other species just as much as any shifter. Everyone for him was intriguing and he did enjoy how the icelings had that lovely blue shade of skin and something about pointy ears really got his interest. More fun for nibbling?
Laughing at the thoughts, Zyphire just shook his head. If Talisia knew what he was thinking then she would definitely give his body a reason to need healing! Still a trip to the hot springs sounded lovely. Perhaps he would even convince her to go as well? Gods knew that woman definitely needed some rest here and there. Strange how he actually cared enough to worry about the hybrid – maybe she was becoming family to him after all.
(1016)
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 9:08 pm
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 9:54 pm
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☾ Stage 1; Solo 4 : Time to Fight ☾
Oba was definitely a different atmosphere from Zena. It was actually more like the antithesis of the cold mountains. While the animal sanctuary had bordered Tale and was not completely cold it was still more empty of people. Meanwhile Oba was bustling with so many that Zyphire felt like if he fell in the streets that he would be mauled worse by that than any stampede. It was just so busy. And also his cousin? She was the leader of assassins. Zyphire was still torn between being in awe or worried by the thought.
Was everyone in his newly found family so dangerous?
He had a lot to work towards considering he had grown up with the gypsy part of his blood. Singing and dancing, however, just did not seem to work out well in this world. Such a thought made the shifter frown. How did anyone get around without knowing any fighting? He hated that feeling of being weak. Seeing Kian cast magic or Talisia tame a rampaging mammu had definitely filled him with inspiration. He was going to choose a weapon and learn how to master it! Even if he couldn’t find any magic at least he could find other ways to defend himself and force his way into this world.
But what did he even want to do?
Babysitting was definitely a talent of his as was apparently attracting stray perzis. Cooking as well helped him out as he often prepared meals – honestly did anyone in his warrior family know how to cook at all? Zyphire grinned in faint amusement as he brushed through the swarm of people. For now, at least he could enjoy the market and the Oban air. It was nice to know he could leave the house with just a vest and pants on. It was easier to move when compared to the heavy furs he once wore in Zena. Though thankfully the clothing he had gotten there was of fine quality and not as bulky as it could have been.
And here he was again trying to distract himself from the situation at hand. Frustrated Zyphire ran a hand through his hair. He had to find something! He couldn’t just dilly around doing chores forever, now could he? Ugh, that would be the last thing he wanted to do – his thoughts halted as a sharp bump forced the boy forward. What in the?
“He-hey!” His gaze narrowing, Zyphire instantly realized what that ‘encounter’ had been. After all he had been pickpocketing himself only a couple of years ago before Talisia had taken him in. That jerk had taken his coin! Saving a few good curses for when he could catch the guy Zyphire darted forward and began to shove against the crowd. He had worked hard for that coin was not about to let it go to waste! Now if only he could just find that coward.
But by the time he got away from the crowds Zyphire found himself in a far less comfortable place. It was too deserted here, “A back alley really? You couldn’t find a better place to pick a fight?” The boy spit towards the ground, “Bring it on then. I don’t care if you want to hide your thrashing from public sight.”
“Thrashing?” A laugh came from the Oban who tossed up the boy’s pouch in the air, “Shouldn’t that be what you’re worried about pretty boy?”
“Good one.” Zyphire rolled his eyes, “Trust me just because I have good looks does not mean I’m a delicate flower. So I warn you now – just give me back my coin so I don’t have to kick your a** and send you crying to home.”
“Oooh you like to talk tough, eh?” Laughter filled the alley – they weren’t alone, “Who knew a shifter could be so dumb? Did you even look around before wandering into here?”
“Well kinda hard to see past that big gut of yours.” Zyphire took a step back as a fist connected with his own stomach in retaliation, “Ouch. You really don’t like to wait do you?” The boy winced before bracing himself, “What is this three guys on one boy? You guys really need to work out those self-confidence issues.”
And so it began. Perhaps a snarky remark was not the best way to begin a fight, but Zyphire was not one to be daunted by numbers. He only winced slightly at the pain of fists connecting with his body and actually managed to get in a few good hits of his own. Not that it mattered against three grown men in an alley, but thankfully he wasn’t alone for long. By the time he had a good busted rib or two and a few bruises to his name someone else came to the scene.
“Truly gotta watch out around here.” A Matori flashed a quirky smile towards the boy, “Else they really will try to trash you like cowards.”
“Oooh.” Zyphire let out a cough and some blood with it, “You seem like my type of guy.”
“You seem lucky that I cared enough to peek back here after seeing you run like a madman through the crowds.” He replied with a grin, “Anyways let me take care of this and you rest up.”
Nodding, Zyphire watched as the man brandished his own pair of blades and fought with the thugs. A good upper hook there a low kick to someone’s unfortunate groin and a few clashes of blades was all it took to get those three back out of the way and into the shadows again, “Thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome, kid.” The man chuckled, “But really what were you doing trying to take on three men in a back alley?”
“One of them took my purse.” Zyphire’s gaze widened, “Crap!” His purse! Wincing the shifter tried to move forward and then found the Matori tossing the familiar bag towards him, “You…thanks again.” His cheeks flushed slightly as he clutched the prize in his hands, “What do I owe you?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m not daft. Every time someone gets saved it’s expected that they pay back their savior right? So what is it? You wanted my coin as well so you originally intended to take it so needed to beat them up for getting to me first? Or you think I’m attractive enough to woo with your flashy moves? Or you have some other motives? Connections to my cousin?”
The Matori just stared at Zyphire before simply laughing. It wasn’t a soft or gentle laugh either it was full blown out laughter than he actually had to recover from, “I’m sorry, but it’s just your attitude! I’ve never had someone react like that to being saved before. You really must be snide towards the world, kid.”
“I suppose.” Zyphire shot him a glare, “But I’m not a complete idiot. So really what do you want?”
“Nothing.” The matori shrugged, “I was bored and wanted to practice on something – no one usually attacks me willingly like that so I chose to follow another prime target for thugs, you.”
“Thanks.” Zyphire rolled his eyes, “I’m so glad that I look like prime pickings for any street rats.”
“Well I am glad for it.”
“Haha, so funny.” He glanced over, “So you really aren’t from around here?”
“I’m just traveling through.”
“Good.” Zyphire brushed the dirt from his pants and stuck out a hand, “I’m Zyphire then.”
“Mao.” The man took his hand and shook it.
“Mao? Then call me pupil because I want to learn some of those flashy moves myself.”
“What?” The Matori laughed again, “You definitely are one spunky kid.”
“I know.” Zyphire flashed him a grin, “I want to learn how to wield those blades like you did just now. I’m tired of having to watch my family fighting around me, but I don’t want to ask my cousin to teach me either – I’d rather it be a surprise that I can fight like other assassins.”
“It’s a life full of troubles you know.”
“Oh don’t worry I’m expecting it.” Zyphire flashed the man a grin, “In fact I’m actually looking forward to embracing it.” After all hadn’t his life been full of trouble already? So why not have even more to fight about?
And so the pupil chose his teacher.
(1390)
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 10:05 pm
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Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 11:16 am
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☾ Stage 1; Growth Quest: Not such a Jerk After All ☾
After meeting a few assassins in a bar Zyphire makes a bet about what he can accomplish. To prove his worth the boy gets involved in a mission that he does not know the specifics of and is faced with a moral decision. Does he harm innocents for his own benefit or does he risk himself to save them? His decision is to stay and fight while helping the siblings to escape the dangerous situation.
This is a turning point in his life as it shows that he does have somewhat of a caring attitude and has been softened after having spent time with his own recently discovered family members. He also decides to be a free lancer and act more like a protector rather than a killer as he previously believed himself to be. It's definitely a change from his previously selfish attitude and decisions that would harm anyone or anything to get his way.
Zyphire tightened the cloak that was resting around his shoulders. While the boy normally went barely with any clothing during the day the nights of Oba proved to be a different story. Crossing his arms to fight off the cold the shifter pursed his lips in protest towards the teasing weather. During the day it was so hot under the damn sun, but now that he was starting to wander at night more? He was finding that the moonlight was far from the sun’s warmth and that the night air didn’t brush so gently across his skin. Rather it felt like little knives pricking at his arms as the bitter air brushed around him. It was easier in Zena when it was just a constant cold and not this. This sHtupid desert changes its temperature almost as constantly as a woman’s mood. Not that he could say that one out loud considering the harsh looking woman who was perched next to him in the desert cliffs.
In fact just seeing him glance over at her made the Oban woman sneer, “What shifter?” Her expression was sour which was to be expected considering her constant hatred of the world. But then again it was fitting for someone in her profession. Even Zyphire would be wary of someone who was jolly and cheerful before being sent out to kill.
“Nothing, Hilna.” Zyphire raised his hands defensively, “Just waiting to see what we were going to be doing next.” Honestly this was his first time taking a ‘mission’ with the group. He had wanted some coin and needed some fresh air so the shifter had gladly agreed during some tavern talk to test out his blades. It also had been partly his arrogance and pride that had him sign up since he had boasted about being able to take down almost any man. A fact that a rather burly Oban had taken him up on while they were drinking. And so here he was taking on some assignment next to a sour faced woman.
His heart was in a knot, however, as he continued along next to the woman. A caravan was supposed to be coming through and their target would be traveling with it. It was apparently some Sauti man who had pissed off a few of the traders in the area. They didn’t appreciate him bringing competition into Oba and since he refused to bend to threats they decided that eliminating any pest was their best solution. Killing was all apart of business after all, right? Zyphire almost rolled his eyes at the thought before getting a sharp nudge from Hilna. “What?” He glanced back at her with a frown of his own, “Isn’t it too early?”
“Not for you shifter boy.” Hilna motioned forward, “You’re supposed to go into the caravan and check it out for us.” She smirked as she taunted him, “Aren’t you supposed to be one of the best? Then surely you’re fine with doing such a simple task. Just sneak in and either grab our target or at least open the way for us. It’s dark anyways so it’s not like they’ll see you well.”
Did she just? I guess she has to get her kick somewhere since she obviously doesn’t have any real sense of humor. Zyphire grit his teeth at the thought. Leave it to a stuck-up Oban to taunt him like that. He had a few choice words for her that he let out as he skidded down the cliffs and towards the moving caravan. Even if she heard him the shifter didn’t care – they had a mission to accomplish and there was no time for her to chase after him.
He barely had the time to get into the caravan wagon himself. Wincing as he pulled himself up the shifter noted the new bruises that his legs would be sporting. So much for smooth and stealthy. At least no one had noticed that he had crawled into the back of the wagon. Had he gotten into the supply wagon at the end? Thoughtfully Zyphire slipped inside and crept towards the sleeping figure inside. Of course leave it to a lazy merchant to be asleep while going through one of the most dangerous places. The shifter rolled his eyes before slipping forward. It wouldn’t be the first person he had killed – he had taken on other assignments before while training after all. Death was just a part of life and he was giving to others slightly earlier than expected was all. But it was the first time that he paused because the sight of the person in front of him was not at all what he had been expecting.
“Never knew a merchant could be quite so young.” Zyphire rose a brow as he studied the small figure sleeping before him, “Must be a genius to be such a threat.” Surely they didn’t want to kill a youngling, right? The shifter’s frown grew before he stilled as another’s blade touched against his neck, “Oh hello there. I didn’t realize this was going to be a party.”
“Do you always joke when you’re on the verge of death?” Zyphire was surprised to hear a female voice and the shifter slowly turned with the blade pressed at his throat so that he could see its wielder, “I think if you would like to even try to change my mind about cutting your throat open then it would be wise to drop your blades.”
“Fine by me.” Zyphire slowly lowered both blades until his weapons touched the floor. Even if he had been caught it was still wise not to make a commotion and risk alerting the others outside. Instead the shifter found himself smiling at the rather attractive wind girl, “So I’m guessing saying I took a wrong turn is not an acceptable answer”
“No, no it isn’t.” The girl frowned as she kept her weapon raised at his throat, “Why are you here and what did you want with my brother? Or are you to find me and get rid of me? I know I pissed off some Oban traders this year, but I didn’t expect them to be this lowly. I told them already that I cannot afford to not go through these towns. Unlike their fat greedy hides I have a family to feed and need to keep my business up for that.”
“Fancy words for an insult. I would have rather suggested that they’re rude assholes, dirty bastards, or some other choice words not suitable for a lady’s ears.” Zyphire smiled, “Though I was not expecting a woman to be a merchant – at least not one so young. That sounded totally sexist didn’t it?” He closed his eyes, “Look, I honestly thought I was sent here to fight an old greedy man not some young girl and her brother.”
“Oh? So it’s okay to kill anyone besides a pretty face? Is that what you’re implying?”
Oh, her blade was getting pretty comfortable with his neck. Zyphire wanted to swallow, but was afraid that it would mean he would lose his neck if he moved even that much. Talking enough was hard which was why he gestured towards the blade that she barely brought back before he continued, “Yes and no?” The shifter frowned, “I don’t want to kill someone because some greedy bastards want to get more money. I especially don’t feel alright with slaughtering innocent people.”
The girl scoffed, “Aren’t you assassins supposed to not care? Hence why you kill for hire?” She glared at him, “Don’t try to say you have some sense of righteousness or something in order to avoid my blade.”
Zyphire was actually silent for a long moment, “At first I thought so, but honestly I do not feel right at all with this situation. I may be a jackass, but I’m not this bad.” He sighed, “You may not trust me, but I really don’t want to sit around and just let you guys die. I let my arrogance talk me into proving a point that I made to some Oban, but I don’t think proving myself is worth your life.” The shifter closed his eyes, “Honestly even if you weren’t an attractive lady, though to be honest that really helps a lot, I still would have to reconsider things after seeing the reality.”
“You’re…serious?”
“Afraid so. Which is not going to be fun for me considering there’s like 3 others out there waiting on me.” He gave a quiet chuckle, “I’m going to really have great reviews after this fight. Do you think they’ll make good references for future jobs?”
The girl’s eyes went wide, “More are out there? And really you’re making a joke right now?”
“Bad timing, huh?” Zyphire shrugged as the girl lowered her blade, “Don’t worry. I know where they’ll be waiting at so I want you to take the little one and that extra Xaraan I noticed behind this wagon. If I don’t completely destroy your supplies I’ll try to meet you in town.”
“If you don’t what?”
”Okay, okay. So I’ll promise to not destroy the whole supply load, but I would much rather you get out.”
“Why because I can’t fight?”
Zyphire raised his hands defensively, “No, no no. I would never dare to suggest that I have female relatives who would kick my a** across the country for that. But it’s because you have a brother who needs you. I can handle those goofs outside.” He rolled his eyes, “Though I just did admit I’m a bit proud, didn’t I? So let me remedy just in case they can outfight me. Worse case I’m a good runner, but still it’ll be enough to distract them from you.”
“You’re willing to do…why?”
”Because I’m really not that bad.” Zyphire smiled, “At least in this sense. I do have some morals after all, just needed this wake up call to realize it.” He ushered her towards her brother, “Now go and I’ll drive this wagon forward until they pounce.” At least he would be expecting it and be ready to fight. Much better prepared than a girl with her sleeping brother. As he helped them to bundle up and get on the Xaraan the shifter kept an eye out. No one would be able to notice under the cover of nightfall as he gave them his cloak and sent them the opposite direction. They could go and then once he got out of this mess the boy would try to meet back up in that neighboring town.
His thoughts halted as the girl suddenly glanced at him, “Sahuri.”
“Sorry?” Zyphire blinked before realizing, “Oh! Zyphire.”
Sahuri nodded, “I’m in your debt, Zyphire. I hope to see you in the town tomorrow morning as promised.”
”Of course. I’m not about to try and deal with all this merchant stuff after all so be prepared to set up
Shop tomorrow.” He teased lightly, “Take care of that brother of yours. I hear family is important.” Something that oddly enough he would have never said until recently. What had shifted within him? Talisia, Dris’rynne, Kian, Adenah, and the rest…finding his family had truly softened his heart a bit. The younger shifter would have been willing to cut anyone or anything for money, but now? He knew better. Seeing those siblings had proven that.
If anything he was setting himself to go and visit those merchants who had hired these assassins in the first place. Plus, it would be nice to wipe out those who could give him a bad record and cause trouble down the road for what he was about to do. Zyphire did grin though as he watched the siblings disappear. Now it was almost time for the fun part and to be honest despite the dangers the shifter was ready for a good brawl. It had been along time coming and he in his own way had found a new way to prove himself. Though they definitely would have a few choice words for him once they realized that he had indeed ruined their evening job.
Not like I wanted to work in a group anyways. He was much more suited to working alone and that was what he would do. Be a free lancer for those in need rather than for those wanting coin. Though it would be nice to get a kiss or two out of it especially if Sahuri was involved. His smile spreading the boy ushered on the Quhar pulling the wagon and disappeared into the darkness of night.
It was time to fight.
(2111)
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