Post by Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem on Dec 28, 2008 1:43:07 GMT -6
Silverskinned: In the middle of the courtyard, despite an onslaught of fierce weather conditions, the military trained. Hour after passing hour, they swung swords while wielding shields that weighed almost as much as they did. They worked through illness and fatigue, pushing their bodies until they could take no more, and when the breaking point finally hit -- enter Tommasina. The Talon demanded more without pause or relent, submitting not to the hoarse plea of exhaustion nor the whimper of defeat because a body has failed. She broke them here, on Avarian ground, rather than let them experience defeat on the battlefield, and each man was molded into a formidable warrior that never ceased or failed. Even in death. Onlookers couldn't determine which was the female out on the field; she wore the same uniform and gear that the males did, and she carried the same amount of weight that each man struggled with to push herself even harder. By now, a small crowd had gathered around those training. Loud gasps when blows were delivered, and disapproving murmurs of the use of such brutality -- yet there they stood, free on Avarian ground. Tommy intended on ensuring this never ceased.
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Aslan Burning: Sleep on the couch, I'll go sleep in a different country. An Arabic curse rose to the sky in a grumbled rush as the Beast's ship pulled into harbor. How long had it been since he arrived this time? Time passed far too quickly, yet still the grounds of this land never seemed to change. His chest tightened around his heart, and the beats that drummed under his chest were quick as his blood came to rise. Apollo had been at his doorstep not a month gone, and now here he was upon the steps of the aged King's kingdom, the sky still seeming to be in ruin. Years had passed since the first time he stepped foot on the soil, and as the Egyptian brute took his first step what a marvel this was at how different a man he had become. For a moment he closed his eyes as the breeze shifted, listening to what was offered..swords cry--bodies break; she had to be there. His heart told him the story of their meeting every night before he closed his eyes, would this be any different? Moving through the ruin of war, Maahes always felt so bitter:sweet about the trek each time. Such beauty in such destruction, but how many lives had been taken just for this reason?Avaria and Skye were at edge with one another, as England rose against the Scottish Isle, but how many of the soldiers knew? Were they training to fight against the other nation? An army here..vs. an army there. What fate that would be if the two were pinned against each other. Maahes would lay his life down for the woman he loved, the unborn child inside his wife, but only to this woman before him would he lay his sword. The field would go quiet as the Beast came to rest at the edge, his dark orbs of amber burning over each face as none stood out as familiar. "I look for a woman!" He roared over the crowd, "By the name of Tommasina." His growl continued as his steps started to circle the gathering. The fabric of his cloak whipped in the wind behind him, a deep red over an ivory tunic. Something of nobility he had become, a Lord but none of that mattered here now did it? None of the men spoke out, too afraid? Of who Maahes or Tommy's wrath should her position be given. "Do not hide information, if your Steward forbids word of this woman, you have my own to back the fight." Sword was drawn then, from the line of his spine, coming to life under the darkened sky--a fire that has burned for 25 years. (d
Silverskinned: The metamorphosis from woman to warrior was quick in coming, but the change from warrior to machine was a painstakingly long process, both in the mental aspect, and the physical as well. It took great effort to control, then eventually ignore her emotions; the intitial reaction was always the hardest to break. Now though, now it was simple and mindless, and she was capable of destroying another living being without taking into consideration that it once had breathed oxygen, eaten and bled. Now it just bled, and soon, even that would cease. When she wasn't pushing the soldiers, she was never seen around the castle. Tommy disappeared the minute she stepped off the courtyard, and no one knew exactly what it was she did during those bouts of time she went missing. Apollo hadn't even laid eyes on her in months, and the same could be said about Kuriel and Destin alike. There was one individual she had crossed paths with, but it was only a few hours, and then she was gone from him as well. There were no children running and playing in the great halls, no sounds of laughter or bliss; instead, it was deathly silent and dark. The helmet she wore hid every inch of her face, save the eyes -- there wasn't even an opening for her mouth. The twin holes under the metal nose was the only source of which air swept in; she could feel moisture from where she breathed out against the steely mouth. Sweat laden and breathing hard, even in this weather, she swung her sword again, knocking the young male backward with the force of the blow. And then everything ..stopped. Those in the crowd turned to look at the Egyptian male, falling under an eerie silence in observation and respect. They remembered him, clearly. And those on the courtyard stilled their swords and turned to look as well -- but not one of them said a word. Not one. Title and rank meant little in Avaria, and while there was respect noted, there was a stronger sense of loyalty toward their own. When Maahes unsheathed his sword, four guards started their advance. "I did not..tell you to move." With the sound of the wman's voice, all four froze in place, swords extended toward the giant of a man. She pressed through the thick sea of solidiers and stood some ten feet away. "What business have you here?" The coldness crept free and slithered toward him to lovingly embrace.
Aslan Burning: Swords had been given in his direction, the tips each covered in the blood of another or the fate of the fallen for this he could see clearly, but not once did he flinch or a muscle in his body prepare. The art of war was second nature and the fight his embrace. Would not be like her to want to hug him, nor wrap her arms around him so the cold bitter tone was infact..welcome. She did not try and kill him..for now. Was how they greeted one another no? Yet her cold voice broke his heart even though a clear grin crept over his lips. For the longest moment he stared, plainly and even yet in many ways dared her as well to turn him away. "I have come to see you. Did I not make that clear?" His English was beyond better as now the rich undertones of the burning lands of his birth were simply that--an accent. Still in his dress armor from the day before he had washed on the ship, but had traveled all through the night. However, not one sign upon his face seemed to show. In fact Maahes was well rested, his color as it should, and yeah he had put on a few pounds nothing out of the ordinary, but as a man should be. Enough that he would have to work extra hard to turn it to solid mass, but he loved the challenge. Advancing in sure slow steady steps he kept his gaze low upon the woman before him as there was little space between them. Within arms reach he stilled, bending his neck to keep her eye (as always) "Is that not enough?" The deep rumble of his voice passed between them returning the embrace--burning. (d
Silverskinned: Kill him? Heavens no. First, she wanted to him to suffer, because death now would be too easy. But even as she stood there, staring crisp and sharp, she felt her chest burn with misery and pain, some sence of grief that she had holed up inside and refused to release. The heavy helmet inclined to the side as his tone changed and became more abrupt. There was no amusement in dark eyes that lay hidden under a metallic shadow. When he stepped forward and closer, she stared up, finally lifting a hand to shove the helmet off and away; it fell to the ground with a clanking thump and rolled onto its side to rest. She studied his mannerisms and listened to his new speak, and finally, after a moment of silence that was unbearably long, she spoke. "I do not know you." And she didn't. This was not the same man that had abandoned her, without word, months before, to marry some boat rider. "Again I ask, what do you want? Come to share the good news? Give witness to all your good fortunes after leaving behind such a misery-filled place? Tell them, then. Tell them all." She swept her arm to the side to usher everyone's gaze to the patrons gathered and watching. The soldiers and guards. The slow smile that took over her mouth was sour and foul, "We are happy for your good tidings, I can assure you. My best to your wife." Hiss. Venomously thick was every word that poured free and she turned and started walking. The soldiers parted, some stumbling back to remove themselves from her direct path lest they be removed by her hand. Tugging off the leather gloves, she tossed them on the ground between steps. Yes, he probably knew what the gesture symbolized, should he follow.
Aslan Burning: "You forgot my unborn child." His voice was quiet as he stood there for a moment caught in the crossroads of right and wrong. Should he run? Or should he follow? Not a second thought was given as he started after her, Maahes was simply not one to run. That was Percival's job. Tommy would come to the realization again that his longer strides always seemed to catch hers much faster hmm? The shadow of his figure was upon her back as a hand reached out to take hold of her arm and gently....yeah gently still her. "Don't turn your back on me.." How long had he sat in agony that he done just that. It wasn't that he wanted to leave them in ruin, or be here to help he just simply could not go anymore. "I've done my duty all my life. All my life Tommy!" He barked at her, the growl behind clenched teeth. "Don't you dare make me feel less for doing as I chose. I am not here to rub anything in your face." His voice softened as he came around to face her. "I came here for you." He dared her to press past him, and to continue to wash her hands of the subject. "Do not run from me." Closing the distance between them, he would not wrap his arms around her; Oh no he was not brave enough to do that, but so that his words could only be heard by her, "I know he has your children." Maahes whispered as he held out his hand to lift her chin. so that she would meet his eyes, "You will not suffer through this alone, anymore." Damn it. So many turned faces in their direction it would be his turn to hiss and bare his teeth like some crazed animal to get them to look away. Returning his attention then to the small yet mighty frame before him he would wait then, as he fully expected a lashing of her tongue or the broad side of her fist. (d
Silverskinned: There was a slight pause at that, words that unveiled that new lives were being nurtured inside another woman's belly. Full truths were delivered by his mouth far too late, and she had long since wiped him free of her memory. She didn't dwell and remember, for it only spurred on more grief and pain, and that wasn't the recipe for strength and survival; being in Avaria, now, one needed to fight to stay alive. His fingers curled around her arm and held, and she immediately noted the lightness of touch. He was careful with her now, most likely because he treated his new bride with such tenderness and care. After listening, intently, and contemplating each and every word he offered, she yanked her arm free and turned to face him as he moved around her -- they met somewhere in the middle. That wide mouth formed a thin, single line, and her chin lifted, mostly due to the fact that she had to dip her head back in order to meet his stare. He was, afterall, impossibly large and overbearing, a great brute of strength and pride. Maahes would never see her hand moving; she slapped his cheek with the flat of her palm, hard, then brought it up to strike him again. And again. She didn't attempt to make him feel less for his descisions, it was how he brought them to life that she had issues with. Again he had left without so much as a word, and this time, he'd sealed his fate with the exchange of vows. How important was she to him, to not be there? Or be asked to be there. There was a reason for it, and they both knew what it was. "Go home, Maahes. Go home and don't come back, because next time, I'll kill you." And they next time they met, they might be at war with one another. Now he would have no reason to hestitate when they came at each other to destroy and kill. Tommy would make it easy for him to decide where he wanted to be and who he wanted to be with. She would give him the way out so he'd never need to wonder or even look back. It was better this way.
Aslan Burning: Would it have been so strange for laughter to leave his lips as the palm of his hand came to soothe the sting of his skin from her own hand. "You bytch slap me?" His heart broke on the inside, but on the out he burned with that pride of his. The mask of rage was pulled over the bull's face as her red flag waved in the wind, and now it was his turn to take his gloves off. "Is that the best you've got?" He snorted then rolling back the sleeve of his tunic so very ready to get some sense knocked into her head. Wasn't this their way of getting all the frustration out? "Why wait, Tommy. Kill me now." He spoke in that arrogant canty tone of his that he had developed years ago when she was teaching him English. "If you don't now, you will later. I will not fight you, and you know this." Was he serious? Yes. With the past few days he has had Maahes almost welcomed it. "Ealora knows I will die in battle, I just had hoped it would be sometime in the future." Lord he was pissed. He hated being slapped. It was degrading. It made him feel like a bad dog who had peed on the carpet, not a man who had hurt her feelings. Maahes was a fool when it came to the opposite sex, as many times he considered Tommy just one of the boys and forgot that underneath that hard exterior was infact a woman with feelings. He would not think about how much she would want to be there, as in fact no one was there. The longer he stood there the more angry he got, until he clasped her shoulders and rose his voice, "I'm not leaving you until those children are back in your arms!" Damn it, again. "So KILL me!" Many around them started to feel uneasy. The death of Maahes would start a whole other war would it not? Pushing her back he didn't care for the moment where she would land, and he would only press again with his advance. "Fight me. Damn you. Get your anger out, little girl." Lord he was pissed, and as he towered over her the front of her shirt would be gathered and his face would fall inches from her own. The hot air of his angry breath puffed in the bitter cold, as all the fires of hell were burning inside, "Or tell me where this man is who holds you captive." Maahes's batman voice. (d
Silverskinned: Slapping him as she did was a direct insult to any who were aware of their past, physical exchanges. That she did it more than once was punching below the belt, not that she cared much currently. There were times when Tommy felt nothing at all, she focused her mind on destruction in order to keep what was left of Avaria standing. She was a one-woman army, an unrelenting foe that felt neither remorse or shame for even the worst actions. She. Would. Not. Stop. The men questioned her stability, though those who voiced it aloud went suddenly missing. They didn't disobey even commands that meant they would find their death and some opted to take extreme measures upon themselves to avoid the horrors. She fought for her children, children that would not be in her arms again. and her home, and now that all had left, there was nothing, and no one as important to her. Tommasina learned from the actions of others and ignored the words that were purged free -- words meant nothing when the behavior wasn't supportive. She saw his mouth moving but didn't hear, and she watched him roll his sleeves but ..didn't see. She was black and empty, void of care or feeling. Numb. She had succumbed to a trance, trying desperately to block out the overwhelming feeling of dread and loss. Everything was gone, everyone. Her eyes filled and the salty liquid broke free and spilled. "So KILL me!" What happened next was indescribable, and those watching were stunned and silent. "As you say, so mode it be," whispery-thick, she slid the dagger at her thigh free and shoved it forward; the blade sank into his side.
Aslan Burning: He had come alone. She will bring his army upon us. She's gone mad. Voices whispered back and forth, as they watched in shock the woman sing a blade inside the man. Maahes had never once left her eye, but the sound of the dagger being pulled to him was as natural as a heart beating, but never in his entire life would he imagine she would follow through. The pain rocketed through his body as he inhaled with a sharp gasp, and suddenly he stood there in silence. The world went quiet, and all around him he could see nothing but the woman before him.
There was only darkness, as it had been that way for days trapped in cages held like animals for some man's pleasure and his sick mind. The only light spilled in through a crack in the floor where he watched the rats move back and forth. It was a hell, ways to break their minds let them know that when their bodies could no longer fight the rats would have their way. The outline of the figures on the walls, the stench of the dungeon was enough to drive anyone crazy, as Maahes wasn't far. For a long time he watched her unwilling to break, growing strength from the force to push on as she did. How long had it been? Days? Weeks? Months? He could not speak her language, nor understand her gestures, but as he lay there in the dark in the pool of his own blood he felt her hand. There wouldn't be a need for words. As always he would draw strength from her touch, and for the 15 some years later it would only be from hers.
The world crashed down around him as reality slipped back into his mind. The sound of his own heart beat heavy enough he could hear it even then. They all had their breaking point, and this was clear she had reached her own. Not a sound would escape his lips, even though his body was screaming, but he would sink to one knee to double over as he pulled the dagger free; hurt less that way. This wasn't the first time he had been stabbed there, nor would it be the last should he survive this. Raising then his eyes to meet her own, she had the Beast on his knee but still there would always be fight in him. "Are ..we..even?" He asked then in such a serious manner that some would think him mad, but in many ways he deserved this. He held his hand there to stop the blood, and sucked in a breath as he knew better to look, but down his body he let his eyes run. Boy...and here he thought she was going to kiss him. La la land Maahes, you've been living in it. (d
Silverskinned: Sadly, she was not mad. She felt he had betrayed not only her, but Avaria itself, but accusing him of such would give it life and foster truth. There were no boundaries she wouldn't cross anymore, and lines were blatantly ignored. The woman had been trained for this moment, where betrayal met loyalty face-to-face, and she didn't hesitate to react. Some onlookers were appalled, yet others, astonished, but those in the crowd that understood what it meant to keep a kingdom running felt..safe. They felt shock and remorse, and a few even stepped forward in an attempt to assist the Egyptian giant, but she kept them at bay by raising both arms. "No! Don't you touch him! No one touches him!" She was protective even while causing harm; the irony was provoking. Her chest heaved and she breathed faster as the realization of what she had done finally sank in. If she wanted him dead, he would no longer be breathing (and vice versa, for the record) -- somewhere inside she held on and fought, and she couldn't complete that one, final act. "I said get away from him!" Grabbing one of the guards, she violently shoved him back. Her nostrils flared as she stood there, staring down, and then...then she sank to her knees and edged forward. "How bad is it?" They were..having a conversation? Just like that? "I'll stitch it up inside. You can beat the tar out of me later. Get up." Please get up. Please. She found her feet and took hold of one, massive arm.
.
Aslan Burning: Sleep on the couch, I'll go sleep in a different country. An Arabic curse rose to the sky in a grumbled rush as the Beast's ship pulled into harbor. How long had it been since he arrived this time? Time passed far too quickly, yet still the grounds of this land never seemed to change. His chest tightened around his heart, and the beats that drummed under his chest were quick as his blood came to rise. Apollo had been at his doorstep not a month gone, and now here he was upon the steps of the aged King's kingdom, the sky still seeming to be in ruin. Years had passed since the first time he stepped foot on the soil, and as the Egyptian brute took his first step what a marvel this was at how different a man he had become. For a moment he closed his eyes as the breeze shifted, listening to what was offered..swords cry--bodies break; she had to be there. His heart told him the story of their meeting every night before he closed his eyes, would this be any different? Moving through the ruin of war, Maahes always felt so bitter:sweet about the trek each time. Such beauty in such destruction, but how many lives had been taken just for this reason?Avaria and Skye were at edge with one another, as England rose against the Scottish Isle, but how many of the soldiers knew? Were they training to fight against the other nation? An army here..vs. an army there. What fate that would be if the two were pinned against each other. Maahes would lay his life down for the woman he loved, the unborn child inside his wife, but only to this woman before him would he lay his sword. The field would go quiet as the Beast came to rest at the edge, his dark orbs of amber burning over each face as none stood out as familiar. "I look for a woman!" He roared over the crowd, "By the name of Tommasina." His growl continued as his steps started to circle the gathering. The fabric of his cloak whipped in the wind behind him, a deep red over an ivory tunic. Something of nobility he had become, a Lord but none of that mattered here now did it? None of the men spoke out, too afraid? Of who Maahes or Tommy's wrath should her position be given. "Do not hide information, if your Steward forbids word of this woman, you have my own to back the fight." Sword was drawn then, from the line of his spine, coming to life under the darkened sky--a fire that has burned for 25 years. (d
Silverskinned: The metamorphosis from woman to warrior was quick in coming, but the change from warrior to machine was a painstakingly long process, both in the mental aspect, and the physical as well. It took great effort to control, then eventually ignore her emotions; the intitial reaction was always the hardest to break. Now though, now it was simple and mindless, and she was capable of destroying another living being without taking into consideration that it once had breathed oxygen, eaten and bled. Now it just bled, and soon, even that would cease. When she wasn't pushing the soldiers, she was never seen around the castle. Tommy disappeared the minute she stepped off the courtyard, and no one knew exactly what it was she did during those bouts of time she went missing. Apollo hadn't even laid eyes on her in months, and the same could be said about Kuriel and Destin alike. There was one individual she had crossed paths with, but it was only a few hours, and then she was gone from him as well. There were no children running and playing in the great halls, no sounds of laughter or bliss; instead, it was deathly silent and dark. The helmet she wore hid every inch of her face, save the eyes -- there wasn't even an opening for her mouth. The twin holes under the metal nose was the only source of which air swept in; she could feel moisture from where she breathed out against the steely mouth. Sweat laden and breathing hard, even in this weather, she swung her sword again, knocking the young male backward with the force of the blow. And then everything ..stopped. Those in the crowd turned to look at the Egyptian male, falling under an eerie silence in observation and respect. They remembered him, clearly. And those on the courtyard stilled their swords and turned to look as well -- but not one of them said a word. Not one. Title and rank meant little in Avaria, and while there was respect noted, there was a stronger sense of loyalty toward their own. When Maahes unsheathed his sword, four guards started their advance. "I did not..tell you to move." With the sound of the wman's voice, all four froze in place, swords extended toward the giant of a man. She pressed through the thick sea of solidiers and stood some ten feet away. "What business have you here?" The coldness crept free and slithered toward him to lovingly embrace.
Aslan Burning: Swords had been given in his direction, the tips each covered in the blood of another or the fate of the fallen for this he could see clearly, but not once did he flinch or a muscle in his body prepare. The art of war was second nature and the fight his embrace. Would not be like her to want to hug him, nor wrap her arms around him so the cold bitter tone was infact..welcome. She did not try and kill him..for now. Was how they greeted one another no? Yet her cold voice broke his heart even though a clear grin crept over his lips. For the longest moment he stared, plainly and even yet in many ways dared her as well to turn him away. "I have come to see you. Did I not make that clear?" His English was beyond better as now the rich undertones of the burning lands of his birth were simply that--an accent. Still in his dress armor from the day before he had washed on the ship, but had traveled all through the night. However, not one sign upon his face seemed to show. In fact Maahes was well rested, his color as it should, and yeah he had put on a few pounds nothing out of the ordinary, but as a man should be. Enough that he would have to work extra hard to turn it to solid mass, but he loved the challenge. Advancing in sure slow steady steps he kept his gaze low upon the woman before him as there was little space between them. Within arms reach he stilled, bending his neck to keep her eye (as always) "Is that not enough?" The deep rumble of his voice passed between them returning the embrace--burning. (d
Silverskinned: Kill him? Heavens no. First, she wanted to him to suffer, because death now would be too easy. But even as she stood there, staring crisp and sharp, she felt her chest burn with misery and pain, some sence of grief that she had holed up inside and refused to release. The heavy helmet inclined to the side as his tone changed and became more abrupt. There was no amusement in dark eyes that lay hidden under a metallic shadow. When he stepped forward and closer, she stared up, finally lifting a hand to shove the helmet off and away; it fell to the ground with a clanking thump and rolled onto its side to rest. She studied his mannerisms and listened to his new speak, and finally, after a moment of silence that was unbearably long, she spoke. "I do not know you." And she didn't. This was not the same man that had abandoned her, without word, months before, to marry some boat rider. "Again I ask, what do you want? Come to share the good news? Give witness to all your good fortunes after leaving behind such a misery-filled place? Tell them, then. Tell them all." She swept her arm to the side to usher everyone's gaze to the patrons gathered and watching. The soldiers and guards. The slow smile that took over her mouth was sour and foul, "We are happy for your good tidings, I can assure you. My best to your wife." Hiss. Venomously thick was every word that poured free and she turned and started walking. The soldiers parted, some stumbling back to remove themselves from her direct path lest they be removed by her hand. Tugging off the leather gloves, she tossed them on the ground between steps. Yes, he probably knew what the gesture symbolized, should he follow.
Aslan Burning: "You forgot my unborn child." His voice was quiet as he stood there for a moment caught in the crossroads of right and wrong. Should he run? Or should he follow? Not a second thought was given as he started after her, Maahes was simply not one to run. That was Percival's job. Tommy would come to the realization again that his longer strides always seemed to catch hers much faster hmm? The shadow of his figure was upon her back as a hand reached out to take hold of her arm and gently....yeah gently still her. "Don't turn your back on me.." How long had he sat in agony that he done just that. It wasn't that he wanted to leave them in ruin, or be here to help he just simply could not go anymore. "I've done my duty all my life. All my life Tommy!" He barked at her, the growl behind clenched teeth. "Don't you dare make me feel less for doing as I chose. I am not here to rub anything in your face." His voice softened as he came around to face her. "I came here for you." He dared her to press past him, and to continue to wash her hands of the subject. "Do not run from me." Closing the distance between them, he would not wrap his arms around her; Oh no he was not brave enough to do that, but so that his words could only be heard by her, "I know he has your children." Maahes whispered as he held out his hand to lift her chin. so that she would meet his eyes, "You will not suffer through this alone, anymore." Damn it. So many turned faces in their direction it would be his turn to hiss and bare his teeth like some crazed animal to get them to look away. Returning his attention then to the small yet mighty frame before him he would wait then, as he fully expected a lashing of her tongue or the broad side of her fist. (d
Silverskinned: There was a slight pause at that, words that unveiled that new lives were being nurtured inside another woman's belly. Full truths were delivered by his mouth far too late, and she had long since wiped him free of her memory. She didn't dwell and remember, for it only spurred on more grief and pain, and that wasn't the recipe for strength and survival; being in Avaria, now, one needed to fight to stay alive. His fingers curled around her arm and held, and she immediately noted the lightness of touch. He was careful with her now, most likely because he treated his new bride with such tenderness and care. After listening, intently, and contemplating each and every word he offered, she yanked her arm free and turned to face him as he moved around her -- they met somewhere in the middle. That wide mouth formed a thin, single line, and her chin lifted, mostly due to the fact that she had to dip her head back in order to meet his stare. He was, afterall, impossibly large and overbearing, a great brute of strength and pride. Maahes would never see her hand moving; she slapped his cheek with the flat of her palm, hard, then brought it up to strike him again. And again. She didn't attempt to make him feel less for his descisions, it was how he brought them to life that she had issues with. Again he had left without so much as a word, and this time, he'd sealed his fate with the exchange of vows. How important was she to him, to not be there? Or be asked to be there. There was a reason for it, and they both knew what it was. "Go home, Maahes. Go home and don't come back, because next time, I'll kill you." And they next time they met, they might be at war with one another. Now he would have no reason to hestitate when they came at each other to destroy and kill. Tommy would make it easy for him to decide where he wanted to be and who he wanted to be with. She would give him the way out so he'd never need to wonder or even look back. It was better this way.
Aslan Burning: Would it have been so strange for laughter to leave his lips as the palm of his hand came to soothe the sting of his skin from her own hand. "You bytch slap me?" His heart broke on the inside, but on the out he burned with that pride of his. The mask of rage was pulled over the bull's face as her red flag waved in the wind, and now it was his turn to take his gloves off. "Is that the best you've got?" He snorted then rolling back the sleeve of his tunic so very ready to get some sense knocked into her head. Wasn't this their way of getting all the frustration out? "Why wait, Tommy. Kill me now." He spoke in that arrogant canty tone of his that he had developed years ago when she was teaching him English. "If you don't now, you will later. I will not fight you, and you know this." Was he serious? Yes. With the past few days he has had Maahes almost welcomed it. "Ealora knows I will die in battle, I just had hoped it would be sometime in the future." Lord he was pissed. He hated being slapped. It was degrading. It made him feel like a bad dog who had peed on the carpet, not a man who had hurt her feelings. Maahes was a fool when it came to the opposite sex, as many times he considered Tommy just one of the boys and forgot that underneath that hard exterior was infact a woman with feelings. He would not think about how much she would want to be there, as in fact no one was there. The longer he stood there the more angry he got, until he clasped her shoulders and rose his voice, "I'm not leaving you until those children are back in your arms!" Damn it, again. "So KILL me!" Many around them started to feel uneasy. The death of Maahes would start a whole other war would it not? Pushing her back he didn't care for the moment where she would land, and he would only press again with his advance. "Fight me. Damn you. Get your anger out, little girl." Lord he was pissed, and as he towered over her the front of her shirt would be gathered and his face would fall inches from her own. The hot air of his angry breath puffed in the bitter cold, as all the fires of hell were burning inside, "Or tell me where this man is who holds you captive." Maahes's batman voice. (d
Silverskinned: Slapping him as she did was a direct insult to any who were aware of their past, physical exchanges. That she did it more than once was punching below the belt, not that she cared much currently. There were times when Tommy felt nothing at all, she focused her mind on destruction in order to keep what was left of Avaria standing. She was a one-woman army, an unrelenting foe that felt neither remorse or shame for even the worst actions. She. Would. Not. Stop. The men questioned her stability, though those who voiced it aloud went suddenly missing. They didn't disobey even commands that meant they would find their death and some opted to take extreme measures upon themselves to avoid the horrors. She fought for her children, children that would not be in her arms again. and her home, and now that all had left, there was nothing, and no one as important to her. Tommasina learned from the actions of others and ignored the words that were purged free -- words meant nothing when the behavior wasn't supportive. She saw his mouth moving but didn't hear, and she watched him roll his sleeves but ..didn't see. She was black and empty, void of care or feeling. Numb. She had succumbed to a trance, trying desperately to block out the overwhelming feeling of dread and loss. Everything was gone, everyone. Her eyes filled and the salty liquid broke free and spilled. "So KILL me!" What happened next was indescribable, and those watching were stunned and silent. "As you say, so mode it be," whispery-thick, she slid the dagger at her thigh free and shoved it forward; the blade sank into his side.
Aslan Burning: He had come alone. She will bring his army upon us. She's gone mad. Voices whispered back and forth, as they watched in shock the woman sing a blade inside the man. Maahes had never once left her eye, but the sound of the dagger being pulled to him was as natural as a heart beating, but never in his entire life would he imagine she would follow through. The pain rocketed through his body as he inhaled with a sharp gasp, and suddenly he stood there in silence. The world went quiet, and all around him he could see nothing but the woman before him.
There was only darkness, as it had been that way for days trapped in cages held like animals for some man's pleasure and his sick mind. The only light spilled in through a crack in the floor where he watched the rats move back and forth. It was a hell, ways to break their minds let them know that when their bodies could no longer fight the rats would have their way. The outline of the figures on the walls, the stench of the dungeon was enough to drive anyone crazy, as Maahes wasn't far. For a long time he watched her unwilling to break, growing strength from the force to push on as she did. How long had it been? Days? Weeks? Months? He could not speak her language, nor understand her gestures, but as he lay there in the dark in the pool of his own blood he felt her hand. There wouldn't be a need for words. As always he would draw strength from her touch, and for the 15 some years later it would only be from hers.
The world crashed down around him as reality slipped back into his mind. The sound of his own heart beat heavy enough he could hear it even then. They all had their breaking point, and this was clear she had reached her own. Not a sound would escape his lips, even though his body was screaming, but he would sink to one knee to double over as he pulled the dagger free; hurt less that way. This wasn't the first time he had been stabbed there, nor would it be the last should he survive this. Raising then his eyes to meet her own, she had the Beast on his knee but still there would always be fight in him. "Are ..we..even?" He asked then in such a serious manner that some would think him mad, but in many ways he deserved this. He held his hand there to stop the blood, and sucked in a breath as he knew better to look, but down his body he let his eyes run. Boy...and here he thought she was going to kiss him. La la land Maahes, you've been living in it. (d
Silverskinned: Sadly, she was not mad. She felt he had betrayed not only her, but Avaria itself, but accusing him of such would give it life and foster truth. There were no boundaries she wouldn't cross anymore, and lines were blatantly ignored. The woman had been trained for this moment, where betrayal met loyalty face-to-face, and she didn't hesitate to react. Some onlookers were appalled, yet others, astonished, but those in the crowd that understood what it meant to keep a kingdom running felt..safe. They felt shock and remorse, and a few even stepped forward in an attempt to assist the Egyptian giant, but she kept them at bay by raising both arms. "No! Don't you touch him! No one touches him!" She was protective even while causing harm; the irony was provoking. Her chest heaved and she breathed faster as the realization of what she had done finally sank in. If she wanted him dead, he would no longer be breathing (and vice versa, for the record) -- somewhere inside she held on and fought, and she couldn't complete that one, final act. "I said get away from him!" Grabbing one of the guards, she violently shoved him back. Her nostrils flared as she stood there, staring down, and then...then she sank to her knees and edged forward. "How bad is it?" They were..having a conversation? Just like that? "I'll stitch it up inside. You can beat the tar out of me later. Get up." Please get up. Please. She found her feet and took hold of one, massive arm.
