Private Tales The Mountains Ahead

[Aviana Sabel]

Aviana took the risk of sipping from her tea while the woman spoke. It burned her tongue a little, but wasn't scalding. At least it wasn't for her, if someone else tried to drink it they likely would have yelped in pain.

She arched a brow slightly at the last words the woman uttered. They were intriguing, if they were the truth. Given Kasim's behavior and reaction when he saw the ship, she couldn't be sure any of these people were being honest with her. Trust was a hard thing to come by.

"You don't enjoy yourself now?" She asked in a low voice, ensuring the conversation stayed between the two of them.

 

[Kasim Areth]

For a few seconds the woman remained quiet. There was hesitation in her, though whether true or feigned was impossible to say. "I am a soldier."

Aviana would know from what Kasim had told her that the words weren't exactly true. Dreadlords were not a part of the Anirian military, they were not soldiers, but rather; weapons.

Trained from childhood to be battlmages and nothing else.

"There is little room for enjoyment in that." At least not the sort that ordinary folk would ascribe to.

The woman remained quiet after that, her face impassive and her eyes almost glazing over. At least a part of her did seem genuinely haunted, memories of the past sitting within her longingly.

 

[Aviana Sabel]

That haunted expression was not foreign to Aviana. Remaining aloof and distant could protect her to some degree... But it went against her nature to withhold kindness from someone.

She turned back to the pantry and found the matching cup to the tea set, pouring the Dreadlord a drink of tea. It has cooled enough for a normal person to drink without affliction.

With a soft smile, she held the dainty cup out to the woman and dipped her head. "Here. It's rude of me to drink and not offer you some."

Customs of the mainland were strange to her, but she was determined to not let them break who she was as a person.

"Perhaps you could find something else to glean some enjoyment from then?" She offered with another one of her warm smiles. "One of the sailors gave me a set of playing cards a few days ago. I could teach you a few games we play in Minaris."

 

[Kasim Areth]

The woman for a moment seemed taken aback, as if not quite expecting Aviana to show her kindness. In a way, the Dreadlord was keeping her prisoner after all and what prisoner did this?

Hesitation lingered, before slowly the woman nodded her head. "Sure."

She acquiesced quietly, taking the tea, though not taking a sip. Instead she simply lingered there oddly, as if not quite sure what to do or say next. It was an almost awkward situation, one that went on until the woman finally decided to speak again.

"My name is Kara." The Dreadlord offered.

It seemed an oddly simplistic name given what Kasim had told Aviana about Vel Anir, yet it was a reflection of who the Dreadlord was.

Not a member of the Noble Houses, not a person of rank, just a weapons born a peasant.

 

[Aviana Sabel]

"I'm Aviana. It's nice to meet you, Kara, despite the circumstances." The lost princess offered with a warm smile, dipping her head once. Seeing someone else who was clearly uncomfortable and unsure of the situation was somewhat reassuring.

She turned to grab a tray, setting the teapot on top of it, along with her own cup; then walked over to a nearby table that was still empty, setting the tray on top of it.

The ship still swayed sickeningly beneath her, but having something else to focus on helped keep the nausea in check.

A quick glance around the galley told her that many of the sailors were watching the puzzling interaction with a mixture of fear and awe on their faces. Clearing her throat, Aviana stood a little straighter and tucked a loose curl away behind her ear, making sure the scarf was still snuggly in place. One of her hands slipped into a pocket of her trousers, producing the playing cards she mentioned earlier.

"Would any of you care to join us? The games are more fun with more people." She offered, looking to the more familiar faces. "I also made enough tea to share."

 

[Kasim Areth]

One of the sailors looked up at Aviana’s words, smiled, and then glanced at Kara.

The woman did not make a single move, nor did she change her face in anyway, but as soon as the Sailors eyes passed over the Dreadlord he shook his head.

“No, that’s alroit.”​

A thick accent clung to the man’s words, carrying through the room and landing as the others quickly nodded their heads in agreement. A few of them even got up from their tables and left, muttering something about ‘cursed’ women.

Kara stood still for a moment, then leaned into Aviana. “You will find that most of them hold no affection for us Dreadlords.”

There was no direct hurt behind the words, just a statement of fact long accepted.

"Too many bad memories." She commented quietly.

 

[Aviana Sabel]

She nodded in understanding to the man who spoke to her, offering another warm smile. There was always next time. It wasn't like she was going anywhere else any time soon.

Taking a seat at the table, she picked up her cup of tea and sipped from the contents while she cut the deck with the other hand. She found it fascinating that while mainlander and Minrasin customs were so different, that something as simple as a deck of cards was so similar. If she hadn't been kidnapped by these people, she might have been even more intrigued by their culture. What other similarities were there to explore?

Certainly not the outright hatred of Elves.

That was new.

Setting the cup down, she used both hands to shuffle the cards and then dealt out the cards to herself and Kara.

"There's no one saying you can't make new memories." She offered in a soft voice, setting the unused cards in the middle of the table between them.

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kara only smiled.

“You really are ignorant of us.” It wasn’t an insult, at least it was not meant to be one. Simply a statement of just how naive Aviana’s statement was. Vel Anir was deeply entrenched in it’s culture.

The reverse was ofcourse true for Kara and all of Minaris, but that didn’t matter so much. They weren’t headed towards the east. In fact, as they days went by they shot further and further west. Propelled by magic and the seas themselves.

“We stand above them.” She said flatly. “Even when we wish to form friendships, it is looked down upon.”

Kara continued after a small pause. “Many will take it as a sign of weakness that I even speak with you.”

 

[Aviana Sabel]

"Hmm." She made a thoughtful sound as Kara explained the Vel Aniran societal dynamics. It wasn't much of a surprise, Kasim had left for a reason, after all. Still, she found it more than a little... sad. These people seemed to carry so much unnecessary disgust for those around them. How much of it was personal choice versus a social expectation?

She may have been ignorant, but she was learning quickly. They were a proud people, for sure.

The game she chose for the first round was a simple one, it only took her a few minutes to explain the rules. Once she thought Kara had a grasp on the rhythm of the game, she turned the conversation back to the previous topic.

"If that's the case, why speak to me at all?" She asked, arching a brow while she played a card.

 

[Kasim Areth]

"Loneliness?" Kara countered, though not sharply.

It was the simplest answer, and probably the most truthful one as well. There was an odd pang to the woman's eyes, as if she didn't want to admit to what she'd just said.

"Even us Dreadlords don't speak much with one another." Kara said quietly. "Too dangerous."

Always there were those trying to get an edge, always there were those clamoring to be at the top and use others. "We do not have friends, companions, really anything."

A shrug rolled over her shoulder as she played her card. "Conversation helps now and again."

 

[Aviana Sabel]

She gave a brief smile over the top of her cup, taking another small sip from the drink. The honest answer in and of itself was surprising, but she didn't find the revelation shocking. The dreadlord was still a person, after all. She would still have her own thoughts, desires, and dreams. Society could only do so much to take that from a person.

"Well, if you ever need to talk, I don't have much else on my schedule for the time being. And I'm not exactly dangerous, trapped here on this ship." She mused idly, setting her cup back down on the little saucer.

"I take it you don't get much time to yourself as a Dreadlord?"

 

[Kasim Areth]

"Not as much as one might hope." Kara admitted with a slight frown.

The truth of it was that they were lucky for free time of any sort, at least she was. The others were different, but that was to be expected.

"It's a matter of Rank." She explained quietly. "We are all Dreadlords, but not all Dreadlords are the same."

For a Moment the woman stopped speaking completely. An odd expression crossed her features, almost as if she was considering if she should say any more at all. After a few seconds she swallowed and then simply continued, trying to keep her voice calm. "There are four ranks, five technically. The fourth is those who can barely call themselves Dreadlords. The third are those who made it but with not much power. The second are those ambitious and strong. The first, the first are those to be most feared ."

She did not speak of the fifth rank she mentioned.

"I am Of the third." In other words, weak and lacking privelage.

 

[Aviana Sabel]

"Seems like Vel Anir is quite fond of rank and societal placement." Aviana observed quietly. Her tone wasn't quite judgemental, more thoughtful than anything.

Then again, Minaris was far from a beacon of progressivism itself. Women had an expected place in society. It wasn't strictly forbidden for her to step out of the norms, but it did mean she would have to work twice as hard to prove herself. The thought of a woman being the regent to the throne was nearly considered abhorrent to some of the more traditional lineages.

Her lips pursed slightly as she considered the differences and similarities between their two worlds.

"Where I'm from, female soldiers and trained mages are a rarity. Is it the same in Vel Anir?"

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kara shook her head, and seemingly there was a bit of pride in her tone. "No."

There were many things in Vel Anir that stood as backwards, at least to those outside, but when it came to the equality of the sexes the City was well ahead of many others within the world. Clearly it was a point of pride for Kara.

"There are as many, if not more female Dreadlords than male." The men had a habit of killing one another early, while the women schemed. At least that was the rumor that went around, the facts were probably a bit more murky.

"Men are required to serve in the military, but any woman may volunteer is she wishes." A long standing tradition since the cities founding. "Three of our most revered Generals are women, and the head of two Great Houses are as well."

Kara had a pleased smile. "There is...structure, yes, but within that structure you are defined by Merit."

 

[Aviana Sabel]

Aviana leaned forward onto the table, resting her elbows lightly against the wooden surface. The tossing of the ship and her nausea forgotten for the time being. What Kara was describing was a world filled with women like her mother. Strong, fiercely independent, and holding positions of power. Equal to the men around them.

And yet... there was still separation between the different ranks of their society. She found it all fascinating, troubling to be sure, but the difference in culture was intriguing.

If they hadn't taken her captive and stolen her away from Kasim, she might have been curious enough to learn more about them. As it stood now, however, she couldn't entirely forget her current situation. They'd taken her away from a chance to return to her home, to make it a better place.

"I'd like to kindle that way of life back home... Minrasin culture is not as set into castes, but women are often not given the same responsibilities. We aren't forbidden from taking on those roles... it's just exceedingly rare." She explained after a brief pause, taking another sip from her warm tea.

 

[Kasim Areth]

The woman's head nodded slightly as if she understood.

Anirian culture was one of war. Everyone who was capable should wield a sword. That had long been the policy of…well pretty much everyone. Men and women both needed to do all that they could in order to protect the mother country.

"Perhaps in the future." Kara offered quietly.

It wasn't much of a consolation, and Kara did not say that Aviana would be the arbiter of change either. There was a reason for that of course, the fact that the Dreadlord knew she would be in Vel Anir and not Minaris.

"There is a famous story of how women became so equal." Kara offered Aviana. "It involves our first Queen, Ciniria."

The Dreadlord seemed hesitant, not wanting to push the subject if Aviana was finished with it.

 

[Aviana Sabel]

For a moment, Avi said nothing. The implication of Kara's statement was implicit, but Aviana didn't contradict the words outright. Telling a Black Coat that she intended to escape was asking for trouble, or to have her relative freedoms more tightly restricted. Instead, the lost princess forced a hopeful smile to her lips.

"Here's to the future then." She murmured, refilling her tea.

"I never heard that tale while I was traveling the continent. I'd be happy to hear it if you're willing to share." She said warmly as she curled her fingers around the small teacup. The warmth of the liquid heated the porcelain and in turn, emanated a soothing warmth into her palms.

 

[Kasim Areth]

Kara seemed almost excited. "It was during the First Elven War."

The woman practically beamed, apparently not able to often tell the story that she was so pleased with.

"Back then there were no Dreadlords. Anirian Mages held their own Allegiance. Some to the Military, some to the Houses, but most were just making their own way." So the stories said anyway. "Ciniria was the King's wife of course, a powerful witch, but one not often allowed to leave the city."

As was custom at the time. "The First War did not go well for Vel Anir. We were slaughtered, pushed back, the Kni-"

She cut herself off, looking embarrassed and clearing her throat before continuing.

"The Elves pushed to our very walls and besieged us. Most every mage abandoned the city at that point, but not Ciniria." Kara smiled wide. "It was Ciniria that broke the siege. She channeled her power, every speck of it, and with that power she broke the Elven army."

Kara took a breath. "No one's sure what she did anymore, though it's said that the magic still lingers in the cities walls. That it protects us still."

Her lips thinned.

"Her protection of the city ended her life." Kara looked down. "Her Husband, the King, created the Dreadlords soon after. His decree was that any woman would serve equally if they could, and from her our merits were marked."

 

[Aviana Sabel]

"That's quite the tale." Aviana admitted quietly after Kara had finished telling her the story.

It was also one that dredged painful memories buried deep within Aviana's psyche -- the night she'd been forced to flee Minaris. The night her father died and raised the mists once more. Keeping the sullen expression from her face was impossible. More than a year had passed since, but the sorrow was still vivid.

Her pale gaze dropped to the cup of tea in her hand, staring down at her rippling reflection. So much had changed in such a short amount of time.

"She must have been quite the woman, an impressive mage." She added a few moments later, finally raising her gaze from the teacup.

 

[Kasim Areth]

"Supposedly one of the strongest of her age." That was more than a thousand years passed of course. There were still a few records of that time, but most of them were either embellished or outright lies.

Still, when one analyzed the Walls of Vel Anir there was a magic present. It was maintained and kept up by the Siege Dreadlords of course, but the magic had been there for as long as anyone could remember.

"She paved the way for many others." The woman said. "Though, it does not mean it's all perfect."

She sounded rueful at the thought.

 

[Aviana Sabel]

"I assume the interpretation was that people will serve, even if they do not wish it?" She probed gently, hoping to turn the conversation away from self-sacrifice.

A small part of Aviana felt almost sorry for Kara. It was clear that the woman wanted something more than what she'd been allotted in life. But it was difficult to say for sure what that was.

"If you could change something, to make things better, what would you do?" She asked a moment later, curious.

 

[Kasim Areth]

She considered for a moment. "Perhaps not ascribe so much weight to those who can kill."

The words were somewhat cryptic, but in the context of Vel Anir it made sense.

Standing in the Military and the Dreadlord's was taken by your own merit, but that merit often meant your ability to kill or direct killing. The city was one of war and battle, had been for thousands of years. It would likely stay that way.

"I am only of the Third." Kara told Aviana. "My abilities are...not exactly helpful in battle, because of that I don't have much station."

She shrugged. "But I have it better than most I suppose."

 

[Aviana Sabel]

Her mind drifted momentarily, remembering the night that Kasim had first drawn on his true magic to protect her from a pack of werewolves. She'd been fully prepared to die in that moment, but the gruesome power of his inherited connection to the Well saved them both. If the ability to kill determined your rank in society, it was no great mystery as to why Kasim's family would want him back... along with any of his offspring.

"What are your abilities exactly?" She asked, changing the subject somewhat.

"You mentioned that you make the ship go faster, but now how."

 

[Kasim Areth]

"I am able to manipulate the currents of the winds." She stated plainly with a smile.

One could see how such a gift would be useful aboard a ship. After all in this age it was still the wind that caught the sails and not an engine that drove it. There was talk of some Anirian Ships made of metal propelled by Dreadlords, but the Blackforts were too old for such things.

"I cannot create it." Kara went on. "Simply change, shift and channel."

She offered another smile. "Useful on a ship, but in a forest or a battlefield. Difficult to kill with, yes?"

There was an oddly disturbing sadness to those words.

 

[Aviana Sabel]

And there was the difference between this dejected woman in front of her and Kasim -- the desire, or lack thereof, to kill. Aviana felt an uneasy tremor rush down the length of her spine. When Kara first spoke of wanting to change the caste system so that one's lethality wasn't so influential now seemed contrived. Was this the result of Vel Anirian society? People who were born with gifts that Minrasin's would celebrate, only wished for the ability to kill?

It was tragic and repulsive to the Islander.

In Minaris, Kara likely could have had a ship of her own. Her talents lauded and praised... here she only yearned to inflict death. Life must have been lonely for these people, constantly battling for status and power. Was that all Kara wanted? Or did she secretly want more from life?

She didn't dare ask the dreadlord.

"Heh. A gift like that would be treasured where I'm from. Interesting how different our people are..." Aviana murmured quietly, finishing off the last of her tea.

"I should go lay down. Maybe I can sleep my way through the rest of this storm." She said a few moments later, leaving the cards on the table with a slight smile. "We'll play again sometime. Why don't you hold on to those for me?"