Private Tales Meeting the Blade

[Khadja El Hashim]

Khajda moved through the halls of the palace in search of the first blade of Seluca. The request from the other woman had been passed along within the personal guard until it had reached the Captain. The request had been for this afternoon, but someone had neglected to tell her where the meeting was supposed to be taking. So she'd already been walking the palace in search of Ishi. Entering one of the inner gardens, the sound of water mixing in with soft rustling of the leaves creating a relaxing environment that was the perfect space to escape during a busy day. It was rare that the Captain got much opportunity to spend time in one of these gardens, but it seemed that perhaps that she'd get a chance to spend a little time here this afternoon as she noticed the first blade sitting on one of the stone benches.

She started heading toward the other woman, her steps filled with purpose. It had been a long hard road to return the city to where they had. The growth of the Silk Road and the Markets, the restructuring of the city guard and the port clerks. It was all starting to come together, but that didn't mean it was perfect. There were still people within the city who detested the changes that were being made. Working in the shadows to undermine the Sultan and the good work being done. Assassins or dirty politicians could cause just as much damage to Seluca should they be successful in their goals.

"Ishi." She said greeting the other woman with a salute, her first over her heart. "What is it that I can assist you with this afternoon?"

All that she knew is that the other woman had questions pertaining to the city and the surrounding lands that pertained to a mission that she was undertaking on the behalf of the Sultan. Khajda was as local as one could be. Born in Seluca, the city was near and dear to her heart. Something that she'd given her whole self to in returning it to what it was meant to be under the rule of Rasoul. She was curious exactly what help that she might be able to proved the first blade.

 

[Katakura Ishi]

It was quiet in the garden. Peaceful. Servants and attendants hurried past, paying no heed to the foreigner in their midst. The unforgiving sun shone down on the open garden to heat the stone upon which the First Blade sat, eyes closed, back straight, legs folded beneath her. Meditation was something she did regularly. To keep calm, to keep her focus. To keep the niggling doubts at bay. For she had many, more than she was willing to admit to anyone, even herself.

About Seluca, and the quality of its swords. About her kinsmen, whose number grew fewer with each battle.

Mostly, though, about the Captain of the Guard, who she had yet to interact with in any meaningful tally of words. Khadja El Hashim was her name. A mercenary who, through either sheer luck or skill of arms, had managed to elevate herself to the lofty position she now held. A native of Seluca, she had a reputation worthy of respect. Ishi certainly respected her, especially since the woman had played a pivotal role in disposing Seluca's former ruler.

But respect and trust were separate things entirely, and if they were both to do their jobs properly, they would have to learn to trust each other.

Footsteps. Then, a voice.

Opening her eyes, the First Blade made to stand. 'Captain.' She greeted the other warrior with a formal bow. 'Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. For a moment, I was starting to think you wouldn't show.' A calculated slight... or simply a failure to communicate properly? 'Please, sit!'

Khadja El Hashim