A cold wind

[Vikithra]

Vikithra strode over the landscape of the hills near her Dark Elven Village. Her long strides covering the ground easily. She felt the sun upon her face and halted. She stretched her back; arching it and tilting her head back slightly. She noticed the ends of her hair caressing the small of her back, creating a pleasant sensation. She drew in the warmth and let it play upon her pale skin, sending the heat deep inside her. Though coupled with this she could feel the fury seethe within her, that she, her race had been denied this for so long. And for what?, the traitoring of those who once her people regarded as kin. It galled her that her ancestors not learned of the trick until too late. It may be the curse was lifted but the Light Elves still had to pay for what they had done. It was opinions such as these, voiced loudly that had got her into her current situation. Her family, she sneered at the thought, had thought to use contacts within the Light Elven lands to increase their treasuries, now extortion of them is a practice to be encouraged, but the supply of scrolls and magical artefacts, that potentially could be used against her, were not acceptable.

She sighed not wanting to think on her last conversation with them, she continued her job at hand. Focusing her wrath she formed a swirling ball of wind within her palms, and crying out she launched it against on the large spiders that scampered in the hills. Still life at the Temple was not too hard. Her family at least had provided her with a large enough ‘donation’ that her rooms were clean, dry and comfortable, and her name never appeared on the lists of the more unpleasant duties that the novices had to do.
‘Shilen’ She whispered ‘Give me guidance’
Silence echoed through the valley, the only sound was the gentle whoosh of flapping bats wings. She had not expected an answer; her goddess had better things to do with her time.

Despite herself she still pictured her Mother’s latest bedmate whispering poisoned words into her ear. Words, Vikithra was sure were the start of the wave of events that left her in her present situation. The female line had always ruled within her family House, it was traditional. Always skilled negotiators, and able bargainers, her House had grown strong through the gold and gems that the long line of Matriarchs had laid in its coffers. It was through the female line the blood and name of the family passed. Vikithra held onto her own birth right grimly – Xu’Lene, it would be hers again..

[Vikithra]

Vikithra wondered the streets of Gludio. The alien harsh architecture loomed around her.
She smiled; it was an expression that did not affect her cool grey eyes.
She had allied herself to a group known as the Hand of Shillen. Not quite the Noble House she hoped for but still it may have worked out to the best.

It had been during one of those dark stormy evenings in the main Temple to Shilen that she’d first heard the name Tatiyana. It had been an almost half whisper, that she wasn’t sure she’d heard it at first. Deliberately she kept her pace even, showing no signs she’d heard anything. She continued her Reverence of the Temple. Her ear focused on the conversation between an Abyssal Celebrant and a messenger from the Tetrarchs. She paused gazing into the blue fires of the netherworld that emanated from the floor of the temple. It was easy to get lost in the images that flickered between the flames she knew the others would ignore her.
‘…it has not been heard of before.. even the high Priestess is concerned’ Intoned the Abyssal Celebrant
‘I am to report on any developments, but The Tetrarchs have always expected the Temple to keep it’s Priestesses in line, this Tatiyana’s little group must not be allowed to gain the power we fear they may, we cannot upset the order of things’
‘Indeed, but Shilen works in ways not known to mere mortals such as our selves’
‘The High Council puts this matter in your hands…’
With that the harried messenger gave a quick bow and exited the Temple, heading towards the Dark Elven Village.
Vikithra stared intently at the flames, unseeing. Her mind worked quickly beneath her pretty face. Weighing up the situation she decided she had to find this Tatiyana. Anything that could have these many people of importance worried had to be of some consequence. Vikithra served Shilen unfailingly, but she was not one of these Priestesses that would sit about all day in meditation and prayer hoping for some sign or vision from their goddess. She preferred to conduct her worship on the fields of reality, where she could have a physical effect to change things, in hope Shilen may one day glance upon her.
***

It was whilst she was hunting with Yaskelia that she first saw the female Tatiyana. Cursing under her breath for having to involve the vain and preening mystic that she hunted with, she suggested to Yaskelia that perhaps an Oracle in such high regard would make a good acquaintance.
Vikithra sat back and watched Yaskelia banter, preen and flirt with Tatiyana. At least, she mused Yaskelia was useful for something.
Before she knew it Tatiyana had invited them to hunt with her.
From that moment Vikithra hadn’t looked back.