An Eye For An Eye

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

News had come that their ambassador would be returning from Polis. He had been there for some time, even to witness the fight between the former Heda and new King of Azgeda. He was expected to remain for the conclave and be one of the others to hear the lineage of the new Heda. But things had taken a turn. Vero was waiting, seeing the main with a blindfold around his eyes, barley staying stable on a horse, with others nearby to assist him, one even on the horse along side him. That particular person quickly dismounted, rushing forward to Vero who's features held stoic concern, and confusion. He was informed of the situation. "The Heda blinded him," the messenger said out of breath. "For what reason?" Vero demanded as he neared Uzac, the messenger quickly following in step. "For . . . " It was clear that the messenger didn't fully comprehend the reason.

"Expecting to hear the lineage." As was tradition. Vero looked at the other, expecting more of a reason, but that was it. That was it?! Anger began to rush through Vero. "Get him to a healer," he ordered, aiding Uzac off the horse before passing him off. He watched the man stagger away, support on either side. This was unacceptable. Vero knew Kiawah would be expecting report and so he stormed into the throne room, no one standing in his path for they knew him well enough to know to give him space while like this. While in such an enraged state. "Our Ambassador returns," Vero explained when he reached the front of the room, standing in front of Kiawah with a small platform of steps between them.

"Blinded by the Heda herself." He was not going to leave off that little detail, his heart racing in his chest with anger. Ambassador's were not meant to be harmed. They were sent there as a form of truce; as a trusted gesture. And she had betrayed that. "The man is half dead," Vero further explained, his wounds severe enough that there was a chance he may not survive. "All for expecting to hear the new Heda recite the lineage." Apparently. According to reports. Everything revealed in one moment, for Vero was not the kind to waste time. He wanted to take action against her. Immediately.

[Deleted]

Kiawah was already anxious about what was happening in Polis. He'd lost faith in Lexa, and his messengers reported to him that Uzac had voted no confidence in her as well, proving yet again that his trust in Uzac was well-placed. Uzac understood Kiawah well enough to speak for him. And further faith was lost when Heda Lexa chose to execute a sitting Queen without trial. Kia held no love for Queen Nia, nor Azgeda's ways, but she should not have been summarily assassinated.

But then Kia received news that Lexa had been killed and a new girl--Kia would not call her a woman, from what he had heard of her--had assumed her place. From Azgeda. A Nightblood, as all Hedas were, but one that had stripped the others of their chance to fight in the conclave. Again, Kia was no fan of the conclave either, but to strip those children of the right to die with dignity in a battle they had trained their entire lives for, to dishonor them by killing them as they slept... it made Kia's distaste for the girl grow, even if he'd never laid eyes upon her.

But still more word came that Uzac was coming back to his clan early, and Kia grew more anxious for more news. Why? Why was his trusted Ambassador returning now? He knew Uzac would not return early without good fucking reason. Kia felt a strange mixture of relaxation and tension when Vero swept into the throne room. Vero's company at his side never failed to bring comfort, but he could practically see the anger rolling off his friend and General. As Vero explained what had happened, Kia felt himself stiffen, straightening, his jaw clenching as his his expression shifted into barely controlled rage. Ambassador's were sent in confidence that they would not be intentionally injured.

He held Vero's gaze a moment, knowing Vero knew him well enough to see he was ready to unleash, then looked past him to a small number of servants. "Leave us," he told them, as calmly as he was capable of, and they did without question. Once the room was empty, Kia made his way quickly down the steps to stand in front of Vero, looking up at him. "She blinded him for requesting she perform the proper fucking steps to become Heda?" he seethed, words coming out through his teeth. "This girl is no Heda, and you nor any one else in Yujleda will call her such until she properly ascends." No lineage recited, no names, no ascension. It was as simple as that. This girl had already dishonored their traditions, and Kia would not be swayed on this matter. Kia was now of a mind that he should attempt to prevent her ascension from happening at all, last Nightblood or not.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero could see the way the Emperor's posture had changed. The anger within his gaze. Perhaps not detected by all, but Vero knew him well enough. And he was damn glad for it. Glad, that Kia would share the same enraged state that he was in. That all of their clan would be in, and if any others had sense . . . ones they too would be in. Perhaps this could be a time to rally support, not that they needed it at this point.

Vero was ready to storm over there and kill her. The General stood straight, his eyes locked onto Kia as the room emptied and he descended the stairs, standing in front of Vero. They were alone, and could speak freely. "She will not make it that far," Vero said, the anger continuing to build within him, his body practically trembling with the rage.

"I will rip her joken head off!" The anger threatening to unleash itself, needing an outlet. Knowing exactly who was deserving of the rage. "I will take to Polis, with your command. And rid the throne of the nomonjoken." He was hardly able to wait, impatience and anger seeping out of him. Had it not just been Kia in his presence, he would have undoubtedly let out physical rage on a selection of inanimate objects . . . or anyone who would try to stop him from what he wanted to do. What he needed to do.

[Deleted]

'She will not make it that far'. Something about those words spoken by the man he trusted more than anyone almost calmed Kia's nerves, even as he could tell Vero's anger was starting to come out. Maybe it was just the absolute confirmation of what Kia had been thinking himself, that Ontari was a problem that needed to be dealt with swiftly. With finality. And he and Vero were on the same page.

He listened as Vero continued, suggesting he leave for Polis now to kill the girl, and Kia was unsurprised by Vero's desire to lash out immediately. At least he wasn't throwing things... though Kia probably wouldn't stop him now that they were alone. "The bitch will pay for this," he assured Vero, his own temper having barely ebbed in response to Vero's, because if they both became too overwhelmed by passion for revenge, they might light the fucking tower on fire when they eventually reached Polis. It was always better if at least one of them--usually Kia--at least attempted to keep a level head. Though he felt no less angry. "She will pay for his, and everything else she's done, but we need to be strategic." He paused for a moment to steady his breath but struggled to do so. "Fucking Azgeda," he hissed. Of course it was Azgeda where this fucking lunatic had been raised. He reached up and gripped Vero's upper arm firmly. "How well do you think Uzac fares?" Vero was no healer, but Kia needed to know if he should go to his wounded Ambassador now or if Uzac likely would live, at least for a while longer.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero felt relief sweep through him at Kia's words, trusting the man to do what was necessary to avenge them. To restore honor. But the fact that they could not act right this moment, left Vero with no outlet for his rage. He knew the logic of Kia's words, as the younger male was often more level headed than Kia . . . further proof of why he was such a great Emperor. But patience in such matters wasn't exactly Vero's strong suit. the only thing that kept him calm right now, was Kia's presence, and his hand on his upper arm. If there was anyone who could keep him calm . . . it was Kiawah. Vero's body heaved with continued rage, using all his strength to remain still and not lash out.

"Not well," Vero stated bluntly, anger still in his voice, and entire stance. "She crushed his eyeballs within his sockets." The detailed discription allowed for visual aid and just how gruesome she had been. "He may not survive." She had left him alive, to what, suffer? To send message? "Send me to joken Polis," he stated, unable to let the thought go. "Let me teach her a lesson not to joken trifle with the mighty Yujleda." He would do it himself if need be. While he did not often leave his Emperor's side, this would be worthy cause. His anger leading to impulsive thought. Her actions caused offense, and Vero would see her punished for it. Deserving no less than death.

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Vero's more detailed description of what the girl had done to his Ambassador flooded Kia with anger again. He turned his gaze from Vero's and glared at nothing over his shoulder. There was no use hiding his anger from the other man, but it need not be directed at him. He wanted to break something in the absense her neck within striking distance in front of him. He drew a deep breath, letting out a low hiss as he exhaled, his heart picking up its pace and he continued breathing heavily a few more times, trying to sooth his own anger. What the fuck was Uzac to do now? He could no longer serve as Ambassador, and not only did it infuriate Kia as a leader, but personally too. He liked the man, cared for him, and he had deserved no such fate. It was only Vero's anger that kept him from lashing out, his General far more impulsive than he.

"I will not send you to Polis alone. Nor now." His voice wasn't exactly calm, but they were even... thought his next word came out as a hiss. "Fucking cunt!" He lowered his hand from Vero's arm and paced a few feet away from Vero, needing to do something with the adrenaline coursing through him so he could think. He paused several feet away for a moment to draw another deep breath before turning back around to look at Vero again. "We must be smart. There will be many in Polis willing to protect this bitch simply because her blood runs black. We cannot show up with an army, we must infiltrate and seek her alone."

After a moment, he felt the strong desire to soothe the anger still on Vero's face, even though his own was still present, and he walked over to Vero again. This time he reached up and touched Vero's jaw. "Blood will have fucking blood," he promised, his gaze serious, hoping to reassure.

Tag: @vero

[Deleted]

Tag: @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero watched Kia as the anger seeped out of him. And yet, Vero was relieved for it. Not that he expected any different from Kia. The Emperor was caring towards his people and Vero knew that this would not go unpunished. Each word fueling the others anger as they both raged about the treatment of their ambasador. Vero felt some disappointment when stated that he could not go to Polis . . . for he felt he needed an immediate outlet for his rage. And yet, he understood the reasons. Perhaps more accepting of it when his irrational mindset subsided. Over emotional states often landing Vero in such an impulsive frame of mind; not considering the entire situation or repercussions.

The curse that fell from Kia's lips caused Vero to slightly tilt his chin up in relief, his eyes locked onto the Emperor with every movement he made. "Her black blood means nothing!" He lashed out, the need to insult her stronger and stronger. "She is not joken human! A creature on the throne!" Vero's hands clenched into a fist, unable to control the anger that raged through him. Turning his body he slammed his fist into the wall in a hard punch. "Then we will send another ambassador to joken assassinate the nomon joken fecha!" A person in disguise. If not an army, then a single person to slit her throat.

As if on cue, Kia reached out to touch Vero's cheek . . . the embrace always having an immediate effect, as Vero locked eyes onto Kia. The anger still there, but not so much in terms of a physical outlet. Kia just held that ability over him; being able to calm him. He gave a short nod at his words, determination in his gaze along with the anger. "Until then?" He asked, wanting to know what should be done right now. Did they wait? Did they address this to other clans? Vero would do whatever Kia expected of him . . . knowing that the man sought blood from her, as was their right for the wrong doing inflicted on Yujleda.

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Kia didn't say anything as Vero shouted, lashing out. His jaw only clenched, mostly because he agreed completely. He also didn't protest when Vero punched the wall, though he frowned, not wanting Vero to injure himself over such matters. When he saw that his touch ceased the need Vero felt to lash out, if not the anger, he felt himself relax a bit too. Not because he was less angry, but because he was certain now they would have blood. He had an idea. He let himself be briefly distracted, lifting Vero's hand to look at his knuckles, which were bloodied. He made a soft tsk sound with his tongue, but it was not scolding or condescending. Just wishful Vero's rage was not turned upon himself sometimes, as his thumb rubbed the back of Vero's hand.

"We won't send another ambassador," he said, looking back up. "You and I will go into Polis with a messenger. If that messenger does not return to Yujeda with news within two days, our warriors will march on Polis." It was a good plan, he thought. Kia felt his eyes narrow, his lips forming a curve that wasn't a smile, but a more satisfied, determined expression.

He and Vero would personally have blood. And should something happen to them, their warriors would release all hell upon Polis. "Until then, you ready our warriors with this knowledge. Designate someone to lead in your absence, and check on Uzac. Savannah should know of our plans as well. I will have messengers gather our people and I will address them. They will know too that girl is no Heda, and that the mighty Yujleda will not tolerate such fucking insult."

Tag: @vero