The best way to sum up the cause for my fear would be to say that I’d just done what could probably be the most reckless action I’ve ever made, and now that I sit by myself in silence, I’ve begun to fear the repercussions. At the time, accepting the offer seemed like such a good idea. This war had been raging for so long - for many more years than I have lived in this short life. To be rid of all the bloodshed and loss, what person wouldn’t want to believe it was real?
The messenger from the avian lands came with peaceful intentions and without any weapons. It was a surprise to see an enemy not only inside my lands, but without any means to protect themselves from the wrath of my people, something that came quickly and without warning on the battle. According to the man, a tall, well built crow by the name of Versais, brought a message from his queen, the Tuuli Thea Eveka Shardae. The message had been meant for my father’s ears only, most likely, though the Diente did not ask for his company, myself included, to leave the room, nor did he invite Versais to a more private location. So, the obviously uncomfortable crow explained with tension laced through every word, that his people were making a request for peace. Or, at least, the were requesting a meeting to at least discuss the possibility of peace.
The Serpiente and the Avians - serpents and birds, respectively - had been at war sense before anyone could remember. Many generations had seen the devastation and depression that loss inevitably brought during such times. I alone had lost three siblings, a cousin, my own mother, and many, many friends to the other side. How many other deaths had occurred outside of my own losses? The lives lost were too many. Among those three siblings I had lost included my two older brothers, Najeb and Setk, both of whom were to inherity my father’s title as Diente - king of the Serpiente. The younger of the two died first, his throat having been cut during an ambush far from the safety of our palace walls. Setk had not been the only family lost that day. He had been traveling with his mate, who also happened to be pregnant with their second child, the first having stayed behind. Then my youngest sister was killed, only minutes before Najeb. Saydee, Najeb, and I were all soldiers in that battle. I was the only of the three of us to survive. Now my father, my neice, and myself are all that remain of the Cobraina line, the royale family that also ruled the Serpiente. The loss of one battle not only robbed me of two loving siblings, but had also thrust me into a position that I had never prepared myself for. Because there were no remaining mail heirs to the Diente title, I was named the next hair to the throne.
However, no one is innocent these days. I have also tasted my fair share of murder. By own hand the oldest Shardae was slain, not to mention the many nameless enemy soldiers who tasted death thanks to my talent for murder. It is not a skill I am proud of, but in days like these, it is necessary.
All these deaths were only the tip of the metaphorical ice burg. I fear the day that I am informed of the actual death toll. I find it hard enough to sleep at night at it is.
Though, I digress.
Much to my own dismay, the Diente sent the messenger away just moments after having declined the Tuuli Thea’s offer. Not soon after my first battle I grew tired of the blood shed. For my own people’s sake, I continued to fight in battles merely because I would not stand behind in the shadows and watch my people die while I was hidden away, safe from harm. I was no coward, and would fight for them, even if I did not agree with the motive behind it. However, even after winning a battle, I knew that we hadn’t really won anything. Just another pebble on a mountain. We were accomplishing nothing. Yet, now, with an opportunity to really accomplish something, to stop the bloodshed, my father turned our only hope away without a second thought. He did not pay mind to my begging, and I stormed away, much in a childish fit not suitable for a woman of twenty years like myself. I had always been known as down to earth and very unspoiled, but I was also known for my fits of rage and passion during which it was always best to leave my on my own.
Some how, people didn’t think that I would go off and do something rash.
Versias had gotten far in the time it took me to leave my father’s presence and find my horse. Thankfully, my sudden rush through palace gates left the guards in such a state of shock, they probably didn’t got to inform my father of my actions until a good minute and a half after I passed them. It had been fortunate, too. I needed every second I needed to catch up with the flustered, and probably insulted crow. I could see him in the sky, a black spot in the distant blue sky, for most of the ride, but did not catch his attention until a good three minutes into the chase. I saw his line of flight take a sudden curve as Versias descended to the ground, shifting to his human form right before he landed, his feet touching the dry ground below with a crunch. He gave me a skeptical look, but I spoke before he had the chance. I didn’t really have much time to waste.
“I accept the Tuuli Thea’s offer.” I had told him, slightly disheveled thanks to the hurried nature of my short ride.
“The Diente has made himself quite clear, little serpent.” It was hardly a respectful thing to call me, yet I did not expect much better and was not insulted.
“And I have just made myself even clearer.” I responded. The sounds of people behind me told me that the guards, and maybe even the Diente himself, were already at my heels. My horse fidgeted nervously beneath me, sensing my sudden tension. “Now go, before they arrive to change my mind for me.” I said, my voice carrying the authority in it that I did not yet own. At first he looked at my, uncertain. However, he did not seem interested in being an audience to angry guards, and nodded to me before shifting again and taking flight. He flew through the air quickly, but gracefully.
I began to regret my words just as soon as I realized it was obvious I could not retract them. Versias had only just my vision and the guards reached my side when my hands began to shake. On the way back to the palace - with a guard on each side of me - I began to wonder if I had lost my mind. My father had not accompanied the guards, but he had been waiting at the gates. I filled my heart, and my mind, with ice the moment my own garnet eyes rested upon his, the anger in his gaze enough to make anyone else shrink away in fear. His being angry at me, however, only served to make me stronger. There had always been something about getting caught in the act that made me confident. The next hour had been hell, but I lived through it.
As I sit here in my room, however, I wonder if my nerves will kill me before the sun will rise.
Just what have I started?
-Dinah Cobriana
Sari
Sari
Community Member
I noticed a few spelling errors, but nothing major. :3
That being said, there is something that I must say... I MISS YOU, MY AWESOME RP BUDDY. D': Oh, that and I hope you're doing great. : D