The Empire From the Bedrock [Imperial Hands]

[Medja]

So much to be done, yet so little time. Balancing one's efforts between running a country and performing perhaps the greatest magical feat in the history of Arethil was certainly a weary task. In fact, if she had to do it all herself, Medja knew it would be positively overwhelming. Thankfully, she did not have to. She had her family; not any mundane, blood related family, no. The sorceress had learned ages ago that such things were not to be relied on. True family was born of the bonds one crafted on one's own. One cannot rely on another due to something so flimsy as "relation." Trust and loyalty were things that were forged in the fires of experience.

"Blood is thicker than water," many would say in protest. Indeed, the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb...

In this trying time, when enemies of the Empire were abound, when forces would seek to undermine the Empress both from within and without, it was only natural that Medja not only cultivate those bonds she'd already formed, but also sow new ones. The Tower of Tribulations was only the catalyst for this grand arc of her plans...now it was time to press those who had risen to Medja's call into service, and indeed, into the bonds of those whom they would one day call "family."

---

A shrewd-looking, bespectacled looking woman sat within the relatively modest Ragashi office behind a less modest, oaken desk. Sameera, they called her, and by the azure-tinged emblem she wore, she could only have been a Sapphire Hand. She was Medja's most trusted aide, a virtuoso when it came to absorbing, sorting, and distributing information. With Medja predisposed as she was, it was frequently Sameera and other Sapphires that now delivered assignments unto the other Hands. Unorthodox from what the years had informed them was the norm, but the Hands could hardly afford to be sedentary.

Sameera smiled politely at the group that stood across from her as she laid the roll of parchment on the desk in front of her. This was far more unorthodox than any change in assignment delegation. Ordinarily a task of this magnitude would be assigned to only the highly trusted and elite among the Hands, but Medja had insisted that only a collection of promising newer members (and even hopefuls! Not even Hands!) receive this mission. It was not a decision that Sameera would ever have made, but she trusted her mistress and, more than that, would not ever question a direct order from her.

"Thank you all for coming," The Sapphire hummed graciously to her guests. "If you have any questions, please, don't hesitate to ask."

 

[OlivianaAl'Vere]

Oliviana had been summoned by Sameera earlier this morning with the request to accompany the newer members on a mission. When Sameera had a request for Oliviana it meant the Medja needed it done and Oliviana did not have a choice. Honestly, she didn't mind one bit. She was here to find a murderer and the more doors she opened, the more potential suspects she had.

Her instructions were simple: make sure none of the Imperial Hands got killed because of their inexperience.

So now the Tyrian woman leaned against the wall with her right leg bent at the knee and that foot against the same wall. Her arms were crossed over her chest as she looked at each member who had been selected.

This was going to be an interesting time for sure.

 

[Masika]

Masika made sure that despite the butterflies that were flitting about in her stomach that she wouldn’t shake from the excitement. She had prepared for this by waking up before the sun rose, not that she had gotten much sleep the night before in the first place she was so giddy about today. Watching the sunrise under the shade of Abasi’s favorite Cypress tree, Masika spoke of all her dreams and hopes and, of course, balanced it out with a few tribulations to her late father. Her bare hands rested on the earth and the woman watched the sky go from violet to lavender to pink and orange, and smiled the entire time as spoke.

It was supposed to ease her nerves, to prepare her to be serious for this monumental moment. When she prepared her attire there was a solemn heaviness on her shoulders, a dutiful stare as she diligently made sure her clothing and armor was spotless (again). This was for Abasi and she would do her best to imitate that stoic yet easy-going stance he had.

But as Masika had walked to the office, every step she took seemed to grow lighter instead of heavier. When the office had come into view, Masika was sure that she was no longer walking but flying instead, or even walking on air. It was only when she opened the door and was directed to where everyone else was that she began to try and suppress the thrill that was brimming within her strong body.

Focus, Masika, focus! What would he say if he saw you now, behaving like a child? She scolded herself, instructing her brown eyes to look right at Sameera. She resisted the urge to play with her fingers, at least until she had left the gimlet gaze of the sapphire hand before her. Despite her best to look professional, the upward tilt of Masika’s lips forever made even her most sober expression lacking any sort of courtly aura.

Her dark gaze flickered to the woman leaning against the wall, the woman who seemed so cool, calm and collected. The opposite of Masika, or at least, the opposite of how Masika felt. She was still rather hopeful that she was looking and acting as how a future imperial hand should look and act.

 

[Al'qadim Valar]

On the other side stood a Sentinel that looked like none other in the room. And Al'qadim took the weight of that with severity. It meant that his experience and his worthiness had been enough to partake, despite being an outsider.

Who was Al'qadim? A hoplite, a cavalier when needed, a captain of mercenaries, a foreigner, and above all a killer. No features of his face could be seen beneath his helm and his head would slowly shift as he watched each member gathered, willing to lay down his life for Sameera as if she were the Sultana herself.

His grip tightened around the haft of his spear and his shield would remain as it had been since before this event started. Beyond this point, he would take only one of his men with him to provide escort for the mission.

He would speak only when spoken to, but it was likely that wouldn't happen. So instead, he watched.

Medja Oliviana Al'Vere Masika

 

[Rahma]

Dead opposite to Masika's current level of enthusiasm was the apparent beastfolk-human hybrid that filed into the room behind her. He had undergone no preparation, no ceremonial process of calming himself nor readying his mind for the task. In fact, he'd rolled out of bed not forty minutes ago, thrown on his clothes and done his hair, then walked here.

Rahma had already had the distinct...experience of watching the woman in front of him file in. She was possibly in better shape than even he was and didn't seem to be able to sit still for more than two seconds at a time. As he entered the office he looked around and took in the new environment.

"...What the shit?..."

Some mousy looking lady behind a desk had been there to greet the the duo of newcomers. Sure, that was fine. A secretary or whatever to explain the details. Then there was Oliviana. Just as when he'd first met her, his face curled into a cringing scowl. She was a hardass, to say the least. Was she here to babysit again, or what?

Then there was the guy in the helmet. Rahma had no idea what that was all about. He didn't recognize the style of armor at all, and he was just standing there like a spear-toting statue. What in the Six's sandy fuck was his deal?

Whatever. Rahma sure as shit wasn't reading that whole scroll the Sapphire lady had just laid out on the table.
"Uhh, yeah...what is it we're doing?"

 

[Medja]

Sameera was the picture of patience. The Hands were no strangers to the rough-and-tumble types this world had to offer, and a pair of newbies were no exception to that rule.

"Simple, Rahma." She addressed him by name. She knew everyone's names. She always did. "You and your contemporary Masika will be guided by Oliviana in retrieving a very important package which was stolen from the Mistress only a few days ago. Sir Valar and his plus-one will accompany you, at the behest of Sultana Nymeasha Soleiman of Salitra."

The Sapphire explained plainly, matter-of-factly. There was no room for misunderstanding here.

"It is believed that the culprit, or culprits, will be present in Ragash's undercity. I suggest you all start there. Exactly how you go about recovering the package is up to you. A description of the package is listed within this document." She pushed the scroll towards those opposite the desk, again smiling politely. "Anything else? Time is of the essence. The sooner you all get started, the better."

 

[OlivianaAl'Vere]

Oliviana was right. This would be interesting.

The girl, Masika, seemed like a bundle of nerves and she was trying so hard to look like she was ready. Poor thing was very lucky that Sameera had forbid Oliviana from conducting her usual new Hand initiation. Her time would come. After this mission for Mistress Medja. Retrieving some item shouldn’t take too long.

And then there was Rahma. They had not started on the best foot, but she felt like they could work together without stabbing each other. Hopefully. He had survived her hazing already.

The guard was a strange addition, but she did not question the powers that be. She just did what she was told.

Once Sameera was done speaking, Oliviana pushed herself off the wall and smiled slyly at the newbies. “If you have any questions, now is the time to ask.”

 

[Masika]

So that was everyone’s names? Despite being the shortest in their small group, Masika couldn’t help but beam as Sameera said each name, her brown eyes flickering over to each person as they were named. Alright, so the one with the ears was Rahma, the woman leaning against the wall was Oliviana and she would be leading them, and then the one who looked like one of those giant bronze statues was Sir Valar. Masika was further overjoyed that she had been picked to contribute to this righteous endeavor, that Mistress Medja saw something of value within her.

However, Masika pressed her lips together tightly when Sameera spoke. Not because she was upset that Sameera was speaking, oh no, she was glad that someone had spoken up and prompted the woman to explain why they were all here. No, Masika felt a flicker of fury that someone would even dare to take something from the Mistress.

She would reclaim that package, at all costs. Her heart was ablaze for this mission, yes, it was simple, but it was important nonetheless. Masika tilted her head, looking like a curious bird, when the scroll was pushed forward. Well, a description was important, she’d like to know what exactly the package looked like if she were to go out searching for it.

“I would just need a moment to read, if that is alright?” Masika said, looking at Oliviana with a smile, her eyes warm. The warrior would step forward, and, perhaps a embarrassing facet to her education, placed a finger under the symbols as she read, using her finger as a line to help her focus. Movement was key in the way Masika remembered things, and by doing this the details would be etched into her mind… more or less. She was very guilty of going to the market to buy produce for dinner and somehow always ended up forgetting a key ingredient.

Al'qadim Valar Rahma Oliviana Al'Vere

 

[Rahma]

Rahma leaned over the eager one's--Masika's--shoulder, a brow quirked and an ear rotated towards the parchment as though it would somehow help him read along with her. It did not. A proper rearing would've been the key to that particular problem. Instead, the man's literacy was limited to what his mother had taught him before her...passing...and the few things he'd picked up since then.

In short, the whole paperwork thing really wasn't going to be his strong suit. Stealing things and hitting other things was. But that was the whole point behind the different divisions, right? Hopefully he'd never have to confront the reading issue...well, ever. As long as he had a purpose and he was good at what he did, Medja would keep him around. That was the promise, anyhow.

"I'm not exactly what you might call a 'local.' Why don't you tell me about the undercity? Do we have, like...a point of entry or something? What kinda resistance are we expecting?"

 

[Al'qadim Valar]

Al'qadim continued his silent vigil, ready to act should the need arise. He and his man were there for a simple reason: to die should there be staunch resistance, to kill as many of the enemy as possible, too.

Or perhaps him and Oliviana were there to handle any possible cases of a sudden and surprise loss of loyalty and a sudden case of greed. It was possible, of course. His helmed gaze shifted to the right, first to the Sapphire, then to his counterpart beyond. It would be a good hunt, he could at least feel that already.

 

[OlivianaAl'Vere]

Rahma was such a sweet summer child. They were going to the undercity. There was no way to know exactly what they would find but it would be the worst of the worst.

"Gangs, criminals, knives in your back..." Oliviana answered Rahma's question. "Take your pick, Rahma. This is not going to be some nice cushy job where we walk in to the first house and find what we need."

Was she trying to scare Rahma and Masika? Yes. Was she lying? Nope.

 

[Masika]

Masika labored over the scroll, if she went too fast then she wouldn’t remember what she had just read, yet she felt she was going so slow that others were judging her. She silently promised to herself that once this mission was over she would be more dutiful in her studies when it came to reading and writing. The gentle woman looked over at Oliviana as she spoke, her round eyes widening for a moment before she glanced over at Rahma and gave a wide smile.

“When you’re alone, the only way you can avoid knives in your back is to look behind when you’re moving forward, but if you do that you’ll end up falling into the Baal-Asha river.” Masika said, her dulcet voice carrying a sense of nostalgia. It was a fond saying of Abasi and one that Masika was starting to appreciate. “But with me, and everyone else, you won’t need to worry about looking behind you.” She finished, completely missing the fact that Oliviana was trying to scare them. She even looked at Oliviana and beamed at her as if she had somehow help her enforce the idea that they were all a solid unit together.

“Ragash is my home,” Masika said, looking from Oliviana to Sameera, “the black market within the Grand Bazaar always has interesting… products.” She herself had never dealt with any sort of shady dealings within the black market but she had heard stories. “It might be worthwhile to look into it and narrow down who the thief could be?” She offered, but the way she looked at the others, specifically her gaze going between Sameera and Oliviana, showed she wasn’t confident in her suggestion— or if she should even offer a suggestion; Oliviana was in charge after all, not the green Masika.

Oliviana Al'Vere Al'qadim Valar Rahma

 

[Rahma]

"Gangs, criminals, knives in your back..."

"Pfft, I'm right at home with that shit." He patted his exposed shoulder, a lovely, star-shaped scar marking the skin. "Just wondered if we were walking in blind, that's all."

By now Sameera seemed like she was done with her little briefing and was already back to sorting through papers. At the same time, some big, crocodile lookin' fellow barged into the room, his shoulders apparently too broad to not have to weave his way through the doorway.

"Ah, Rhix. I've got your next assignment right here." The secretary announced. It was like their little group suddenly did not exist. Wild.

"Guess we better discuss while in transit." Rahma suggested before holding the door open to let the rest of the ragtag crew file out of the office.

A hop, skip, and a jump and they were back outside in the light of another incandescent, Ragashi day. Rahma stretched his arms out nonchalantly, lifting his head up to the sunlight.

"Well, good to have a local as a guide, anyhow. I'm Salitran, and I can tell you that our dear senior and strong, dark, and silent over there ain't Kaliti." He gestured to the other two main members of the group with a hitched thumb, then tapped his nose in a gesture likely only he understood.

"This bazaar sounds like as good a place as any to start to me. Whatcha think, boss lady? Helmet?" He asked Oliviana and Valar, respectively.

 

[Al'qadim Valar]

With the briefing complete, the others began to discuss and plan amongst themsevles, and at that point he would draw close to the others. At Rahma's question he would nod to Oliviana. "She will decide the where. I am merely here to ensure you all return. If there is a fight, stay behind my shield. I will be in the courtyard, grabbing my companion. Meet us there."

With that he would step away and exit the office, heading down the halls for the entrance to the palace. He would descend the steps in several quick paces and nod to his men. "Tracyn, you're with me. The rest of you are to watch the Palace.. or do anything the Empress needs." his gaze would shift to the elf in his employ. "Especially you."

Medja Oliviana Al'Vere Masika Rahma

 

[OlivianaAl'Vere]

Oliviana was not really sure what to do with Masika. She seemed to completely miss Oliviana’s sarcasm and that was weird. Perhaps she would be able to fuck with the girl after all. Beautiful, she thought. She did have a good idea on where to start though. The Grand Bazaar was the perfect place to get information and hopefully track down the thief or thieves.

Rahma had found his voice in the group and she just smiled as they walked. Good. Sharing information about her that had been shared in private? Not so good. She did not like people knowing too many details about her or her life. Rahma had gotten lucky on their first night as partners and she made a mental note to yell at him later.

“Yes, I think the Bazaar is a good place to begin,” Oliviana agreed.

Once Al’Qadim had left them to fetch his man, she stopped and turned to look at her two newbies. “I am in charge here but I want you two to take the lead. I will be here to guide you and answer any questions, but I have done this for years. I want to see your skills.”

With that said, the group started to the courtyard. Oliviana fell back behind the two new Hands. Masika was leading the way with Rahma a few steps behind her. Oliviana made sure to remind Rahma who was boss with a light smack to his ass. Her lips twitched upwards and she winked when he looked at her.

Masika Rahma Al'qadim Valar

 

[Masika]

When the warrior was finally outside with the others, the warm sun reminded her tanned bronze skin that how could one not smile when there was such a beautiful day before them? Masika squinted up into the rays, the flecks of gold in her brown eyes illuminated, and smiled freely while thinking how life was incredible when the sun was in her eyes.

Until she paid attention to Rahma’s voice once more.

A Luke-warm wave of uncertainty washed over Masika when Rahma mentioned that it was good she was a resident of Ragash, at least for the fact that she would be a good guide. Perhaps that was why she was even in the group to begin with as she was still rather hopeful to be a hand in the first place? Masika hoped that was not necessarily the case, after all, a sense of direction was never her forte.

Luckily the Grand Bazaar would be easy enough to find even if she were to get lost within her surroundings. And if she couldn’t find it with her eyes she could just use her ears. It was always a place that Masika personally felt one heard first anyhow, at least that was how she first discovered the Grand Bazaar when she was wandering around the city for the first time… and the second… and the third… and the fourth….

“I won’t disappoint!” Masika said resolutely, bracing her body as if Oliviana were going in for a punch, the tattoos on her bare arms moving along with the flex of muscle. And then was time to start moving towards the Grand Bazaar before remembering that they would need to go to the courtyard. A challenge already? Masika hummed for a moment. Sure, she could probably find the courtyard. Shouldn’t be too difficult, had to be close by at least! And so she began walking, thankful when she did see the imposing stature of Sir Valar.

Oliviana Al'Vere Al'qadim Valar Rahma

 

[Arash of Ragash]

"Ahh Ragash how I missed you," Arash spoke aloud as he observed the busy streets around the bazaar from above, sitting on the edge waiting and watching as munched on an apple. He had truly missed the city, the smell of spices, the cacophony of voices, the colours, it brought many memories back both good and bad but mostly good.

he hadn't been in a city for nearly 10 years, the bounty on his head was just too dam high to risk but thanks to the hands that was now nicely squared away and he was a free man, kinda, sort of. To be honest from what he understood of the hands it didn't operate much different from an organised gang, he would know as he was in one.

He knew the underworld pretty well, at least he did 10 years ago hadn't much contact with his old gang after he escaped into the desert and he hadn't enough time to feel things out within the city. hopefully, some of his old friends were still alive and kicking but right now he had a job to do he was told to meet some other hands to help them not be killed whilst navigating the city's underworld.

 

[Rahma]

The bazaar it was, then. With the helmet head off on his own, that left Rahma and the two women in the group to go seeking after info. Or maybe they were supposed to fetch him first? He hadn't really been paying attention. In truth, he still wasn't incredibly comfortable in these circumstances, but a lot of forced close contact with Liv in recent history had been forcing him to acclimate. Maybe that was Medja's plan for him all along.

Liv wanted Rahma and Masika to take the lead, huh? Trial by fire, he supposed. He had been about to affirm the order when he felt the sharp pang of the veteran's palm across his ass. Rahma seized for a moment, a jolt of electricity running down his legs, as well as up his spine and out through the jackal ears atop his head. The half-beast glanced back slowly at Oliviana, wearing an expression that communicated his bewilderment, but said nothing. She was his superior and...well, he was still figuring out exactly what the dynamic of that relationship was after...the other night.

With a grumble, Rahma shoved his hands into the pockets of his slops and slumped foward to trudge after Masika.
"Yeah...lead the way bright-eyes." He mumbled, rubbing the sore spot that Liv had left on his cheek.

 

[Al'qadim Valar]

The issue with greens: they even took forever navigating through a Palace. So Valar and Tracyn waited for some time before the kids found their way to them.

It was hard to tell what Tracyn was, as their garb hid near every inch of skin from view. Even their mask was expressionless. By all appearances, however, it looked like Tracyn was actually from Amol Kalit, at least based on his armor.

Mask and helm would focus on the trio and seeing that the greens were in front, it meant Liv was having them trial by fire. He liked that approach. To give Masika some guidance, his helm would nod towards the gate and when they passed, he would fall in beside Liv. Tracyn, would remain another ten yards behind them, their mask scanning their surroundings.

 

[OlivianaAl'Vere]

Oliviana rolled her eyes at Rahma's response. The man acted like she had hit him hard and it was barely anything. So overly dramatic. He grumbled and sped up to Masika.

Liv smiled up at Al'qadim when he came to walk beside her. "How'd you get saddled with the new kids?" She asked him with the smile still gracing her lips. "And where have you been lately? I had to find new drinking buddies." She raised a questioning brow in his direction. Valar and her had worked together quite a lot and she liked the man. He was smart and got his shit done.

They caught up with Masika and Rahma as they came into the courtyard. "Masika, do you know how to get to the Bazaar from here?" She asked sweetly.

 

[Masika]

Masika beamed at Sir Valar— she had found him! And his friend! Sure it may have took a little longer than it should have but next time she would do better. She flashed Sir Valar a sincere, white-toothy smile as he inclined his head over to where she should head next. Which was wonderful because in this courtyard there were so many different ways one could go. Practically marching outside of the courtyard, she didn’t even pause when Oliviana asked the big question.

“From where we are now? Technically, no.” Masika said, raising her hands high over her head in a long stretch, the strong sunlight highlighting the strong contour of her flexed trapezius. “I’ve never gone to the Grand Bazaar from the palace courtyard but once I’m in a general area I’ll be sure to lead you straight there most likely.” Masika said, arms falling back to her sides as she puffed out her chest and brought her arms back in a mild flex, finishing everything off by cracking her neck. A series of pops could be heard and then she sighed pleasantly before immediately perking up once more.

“Oh! The bazaar is massive though.” Masika said, this time turning her head around to look at Oliviana and Sir Valar. “Splitting up could be beneficial to us as it could save time.” This time she paused, gauging for a moment their leader’s face. “Since you and Rahma are already acquainted perhaps you two form a unit and then I shall be with Sir Valar and his companion.” She proffered.

 

[Rahma]

Each pop and crackle that issued forth from Masika's form earned an errant twitch from Rahma's upper set of ears. Sheesh, she was a fit one, and a well practiced fit one at that. Rahma couldn't remember the last time he properly stretched before getting at something. Usually he just got one good one in when he woke up, and that was it. But then, that was probably the biggest difference between him and Masika: she was likely in peak shape due to rigorous, proper training; Rahma was in good shape because he had to be.

The half-beast followed alongside the group, his arms up behind his head, hands resting on the back of his neck. Ragashi days always felt so lazy, despite the arduous task that awaited the group. Maybe it was the fact that every damn building seemed to be made of brass. It gave the whole city sort of a weird, nostalgic feeling that he couldn't quite place. It was like everything was drenched in honey or something.

Then Masika suggested a split up. Oh boy.
"Uhhh..." He hesitated. The last time he and Liv had been left to their own devices they had been anything but productive. Not that he minded the alternative, but maybe it wasn't good to keep blowing off these missions. "I mean, I'm good with whatever, but...uh, what d'ya think, boss lady?"

 

[Al'qadim Valar]

If there was any reaction to Liv's smile, the helm wouldn't show it. Valar just gave her a sideways glance. "The dog came here some time ago and acted like a child. I wasn't impressed. Besides, she knows how well we work together." At her next remark, he would roll his shoulders, cracking the joints. "On missions.. and I've noticed, though I can't say I'm very impressed. I must have been too busy, my condolences." There was a hint of teasing in his tone.

At the suggestion of splitting up, his gaze would shift back to Liv. "Your call, though Tracyn will accompany you two."

Oliviana Al'Vere Masika Rahma

 

[OlivianaAl'Vere]

As they walked, Oliviana threw a look at Valar for his comment. Asshole. "Watch yourself, Valar, or I will have you banned from the bar," she snarked back at him.

Liv's attention turned to Masika as she spoke about the Grand Bazaar. At least she had an idea of where they were. Liv could work with that. had to admit that Masika's suggestion was a good one. They would cover more ground in two groups. Poor Rahma though.

Liv chuckled to herself and nodded at Rahma, "sounds like a pretty good plan. Rahma, Tracyn, and myself in one group with Masika and Valar in the other. Valar knows how to get ahold of me and vice versa when we are ready to come back together."

The means of communication consisted of a little money given to one of the street kids and the message to be delivered. It didn't matter where they were in the city, these kids could find them within ten minutes. It was an amazing network of hooligans.

Al'qadim Valar Masika Rahma Arash of Ragash

 

[Masika]

Masika clapped her hands together once, rather pleased that her idea was taken so well. Sure it was a simple and basic idea that anyone could come up with, but still, it was an idea that was well received. The thought caused Masika to walk about in unbridled bliss. So far she was doing excellent! Now to find the way to the Bazaar! Should be easy enough.

Masika wasn’t sure if anyone noticed but the way she weaved through the Ragash’s streets was incredibly haphazard and as if she were flipping a coin to figure out if she should go left or right. She may or may not have led them in a few twisting half circles but the moment Masika caught sight of the sounds and smell that could only signify the Grand Bazaar it wasn’t long until the group was at the entrance.

Masika placed her hands on her wide hips proudly, grinning from ear to ear. Even at this time of day it was incredibly busy with everyone that was gathered her. Plenty of those who deigned from Ragash and plenty who were from places far, far away. Masika brought her warm brown gaze over to where Rahma, Oliviana and Tracyn stood.

“Good luck to you.” And then because despite her gentle disposition, Masika was quite a playful individual, “Whatever group discovers the most useful piece of information doesn’t have to pay for the first round of drinks.” Mostly this was said in jest but considering how Masika pivoted away from the trip and marched off, one couldn’t be too sure if she took her words seriously or not.

“You chose well to stick with me, Sir Valar!” Masika said to her teammate for this first trial. “I’ve always had a way of finding things that needed to be found. Even trouble!” She said with a mischievous sidelong look.