So there she was - just Larke and her mortal enemy standing between her and her favorite frozen treat - actually handing her small allowance to the man at the cart. The young girl stood there, staring forlornly at her almost insurmountable foe. Larke could be friendly. She could be talkative. She was even good at keeping up a conversation if someone else talked to her. But starting one with a stranger, herself...
Larke adjusted her oversized witch hat as her other hand clung to the money she'd been given, holding it against her dress. She really needed to go and talk to the man. He looked friendly. He was probably friendly. Right? He was smiling at the other people who walked past. But...
Her yellow eyes glanced around, taking in the sights and sounds of the people around her. It wasn't a big city; not yet. There was construction everywhere, and if there were kids they were probably the kids of the Templars who worked here. She'd talked to a few of them, but frankly Larke was awkward. At least it was a nice day outside, not too cool, not too hot, a little windy, but not enough to make her dress whip around.
Maybe she should go home. Yeah, she could save her money. She wouldn't have to talk to the man... and... she could just... no, she really wanted the snow cone. Like... a lot.
The noise in this city was unbelievable. Though considering the construction and it being the capital, it was not very surprising. Razhiel was not a fan, but than when was she a fan of being around a crap ton of people. Being in the ‘new’ capitol of Fiore seemed to put her on edge. She had a feeling that it was because she was old Valland royalty and in the enemies den. A mental image of her picking up the council by the necks of their robes did not help matters either. Raven’s words about her father being weak and mad had struck a nerve. There was no ‘government’ that was completely incorruptible. Every ‘government’ had their own dark moments. And despite her father's hunger, a lot of the provinces benefited from being a part of the empire.
A familiar smell caught her attention, Razhiel lifting her head, purple gaze scanning the heads around the area. There were a lot of children around the area she was in. Children she enjoyed, even if she did come across as a bit intimidating. Something about no filters was very refreshing. She could not find the person she was looking for, odd because the scent was strong and fresh. Steps purposeful, Razhiel walked through people before pausing.
The look upon the little girl’s face was that of someone torn. It was a combination of determination, longing, and apprehension. Though Razhiel was a bit away, she would have sworn the little girl was someone her nose recognized. Purple eyes traveled along the little girl’s line of sight. She grinned as she suddenly understood the girl’s expression.
Walking up to her, Razhiel stood beside the girl, looking at the man in the same fashion. Razhiel crossed her arms, the expression on her face one of calculation. “You have a few options here. One, you could ask someone to get a cone for you. Two, create a distraction that would make the man move away from the cart. Three, straighten your shoulders, walk up to him, and buy one.”
Now that the slayer was right next to the girl, close enough to almost be touching, she did not miss the mistakable scent permeating from the girl. It was Kotone. Smell is an amazing thing. A scent can be simple or rather complex. When it came to people, their scent was a complex combination of things. Some of those things included items used daily like perfume, what recently interacted with the air around them, such as wood smoke or a pet, and stuff a person has touched. Each person has their own base smell, something that is unique only to them. Razhiel’s nose was telling her that this girl wearing the large, pointy hat was Kotone. Razhiel could believe the child was possibly off spring of Kotone but that was not the case here. The puzzle would be figured out. Whether it be magic or otherwise.
Biting part of her lower lip, Razhiel continued, giving her answer serious thought. “Now the first option, while seemingly the safest you will gain nothing from it but reliance on others. The second, while more amusing, is cause for concern as it would lead to trouble. Now the third. That has the most merit in my opinion. You will face your hesitation head on, conquer what stops your feet from moving forward.” Nodding, as if almost to herself, she finally looked down and to her side at the kid. “Is there a reason you feel you cant go up there?” She was honestly curious and more than willing to frisk a stranger if certain allegations arose.
Like the one she unknowingly shared an exact copy of her DNA with, Larke had impeccable senses. These senses were something she felt like she was born with and knew how to use quite well, though they weren't on the same level as Kotone's. She heard the red-headed woman walk up to her, practically felt her stop before her own scent became rather identifiable due to the proximity. The words that followed should have surprised a normal girl who was giving so much thought to such a simple treat. Larke, however, knew she was there without looking, and knew that when someone stopped next to you and knelt down they were probably going to talk to you.
Her eyes parted from the snow cone man to look at the young woman. She was very pretty in an almost... awe-inspiring way. It was hard for the girl to say why. Maybe it was her strange scent that reminded her of what little she remembered of Valland, or her powerful yet nurturing gaze. "It's just... that I get nervous talking to new people sometimes, Miss," she stated innocently. "Especially when I have to ask them things..."
She glanced back at the man. "Do you... think you could come with me? It would make it easier to ask." Her fingers played with the him of her dress, her nerves making her more restless than normal. She had a feeling like she should know who this woman was, like she'd been told in the past, or maybe like... she should just know. That was an odd thought. Did people just automatically know people? Maybe she was someone from before she'd woken up. Larke was obviously fixated on the frozen treat, but she couldn't forget the manners she'd been taught. "Oh! I'm sorry, my name's Larke," she told the woman as she gave a small, cute curtsy. "I don't know how I know this, but... is... is your name Princess Razhiel?"
Razhiel nodded, eyes on the man in question. ”That is natural. To be nervous talking to new people. A few tricks that may help. Have a friend with, so you share in the talking. Practice. Practice anywhere and everywhere. Practice in the mirror. Pretend your meeting someone new, so you can push through that nervousness you feel in your stomach.” Falling silent her fingers tapped on her knee. ”Another trick is to fake it. Be brave. Smile and look a person in the eyes. Pretend to be confident even when you are not. And soon you wont be pretending anymore.” Turning her violet gaze upon the girl she continued, ”Most often people see only what is on the outside and only what they want to see.” She offered the girl a small smile.
In a way she was glad to have come this way because the girl who was obviously not Kotone was interesting. After the fight with Raven, she decided to head inland, towards the government. She had a feeling the chances of her running into Raven here were slim to none. She did not reflect into why she was now avoiding him though she found herself flustered when she thought of him. Flustered was not something Razhiel did. And Razhiel was curious about the council and Fiore’s new government.
At the little girl’s request, Razhiel responded, ”I had planned on getting a snow cone as well. So we can each get one together. Just remember be confident.” There was a softer side to Razhiel that only came out with children. It was one thing her and her spirit were in sync with it seemed. Saying the last with a wink, she stood upright. Having been facing the snow cone cart, Razhiel turned back as the girl introduced herself. Amused at the cute curtsy, this girl had quite the manners and she found it rather adorable of all things. The next words out of Larke’s mouth had Razhiel’s eyes widening in surprise. She glanced around them. While it would be entertaining to see the reaction of the Fiore people that the Lightning royal torturer was amongst them, Razhiel would not endanger children.”Yes, I used to be called Princess Razhiel. But to be a princess you must have a castle. I no longer have a castle. So it is just Razhiel now.” Holding the imaginary edges of a skirt, she gave Larke a curtsy of her own, quite formal. Though even when Razhiel was Princess, she rarely curtsied and mostly nodded in acknowledgement. Regal was second nature to her. [/b] “Were you born in Valland?” [/b] She asked as she swept her arm towards the cart indicating that Larke could go ahead.
Raz took the time to give Larke a speech on how to be more confident, which, to be honest, the young girl appreciated. She wanted to be more confident. It wasn't that she wasn't confident inwardly so much as certain small things just got to her, and she didn't want other people to see her as that scared little girl that needed protected. She had magic to do that, after all! She could be a protector if she wanted. She just... didn't want to fight or anything. She nodded, taking a deep breath. She could be brave for Princess Razhiel.
"Valland was where I lived until a couple of years ago," she nodded. She didn't look like she was from Valland, but her accent had a very slight Vallish tint to it, like someone who hadn't been around the accent in a long while. "But... I don't remember anything from more than three years ago," she admitted. "I just kinda knew your name?" The last part was in question form, because she had no idea why she knew. The puzzled look was displayed for the world to see.
By then they were at the cart, and Larke had a feeling she was expected to go first. Another deep breath. She had to remind herself that her magic made her strong despite feeling small, and that she had no reason to fear talking to a random man at a cart. It was what her father had told her before, after all. Minus the cart thing. "Hello sir... I would like a blue snowcone, please..." she announced, her voice only the slightest bit shaky.
"I am well known throughout Valland. Even in the places which were new to the Empire. " Though she smiled her eyes held a certain sadness. Seeing the confusion on her face she added, "That is probably how you know me." The three years time period left her thoughtful. Three years ago would be the fall of the Empire. Everyone was scrambling. What would cause Larke to not remember before the fall of the Empire? Accident? Or something more sinister? Giving the kid a side glance, she pondered some more. What was she? "I like your hat."
Before she could ask Larke something else, they had approached the cart. Razhiel stood slightly behind the girl so she could order for herself but still be present. Her leather jacket unzipped showing a short sleeve shirt with a rearing wild cat on it. Haughty eyes on the man at the cart, she watched him while Larke ordered. Reaching past Larke she placed enough jewels on the cart for two snow cones, "I will have purple." It seemed Razhiel lacked manners though her tone was polite enough. Briefly touching Larke's shoulder she gave the girl a small but encouraging smile. Letting her hand drop she leaned back once again as they waited for their snow cones. Razhiel felt an itch in her nose and suddenly sneezed, instincts had her sneezing into her arm thankfully. " Excuse me... You moved here with your family?"
Larke gripped and adjusted the oversized hat with both hands when it was complimented. The man nodded to the two of them, not really saying much, but giving the small girl a gentle smile. It was obvious she hadn't had anything to worry about, even to Larke. Larke was sidetracked by Razhiel's sneeze, followed by her question. She recoiled from the sneeze, as if it was louder than anyone else would have found it.
That fact was actually true. "Oh, er, bless you?" she had to adjust the hat again, as it had gone lopsided during her surprised leap. The loud noise had caused her to erect a quick dome of ice around herself, like a turtle withdrawing into a shell. It had disappeared just as quickly when she realized she wasn't being sneak attacked or purposefully scared.
"Um, yeah, I mean... sort of." Larke nodded. "Mom died while I was sleeping," she told Razhiel, not really knowing how to elaborate on something her father had never elaborated on. In truth, the woman wasn't her mother, but the wife of the man who pretended to be her father. She had died long before Larke was created. "So when things got bad at home, he took me and we moved around for awhile. I don't really know why. This is the first town we've ever stayed at in all of my memory."
the man used that time to hand them their cones, which Larke grabbed happily. "Thank you, Mister," she handed one cone to Raz before licking the cone like it was the most delicious treat in the world and she was going to savor every lick.
The man tipped his hat, muttering something about 'anytime, my dear,' to the girl.
By startling Larke with her sneeze, Larke startled Razhiel with the girl's reaction. The defensive magic was concise, powerful, and quick. Of course it was ice. Razhiel had a feeling she would not like the girl's true back story. The girl was living in the capitol of Fiore. She was curious if Kotone knew about Larke.
"I apologize for startling you. It was unintentional... Your magic is impressive, your quick reflexes are even more impressive." Razhiel stated simply, her apology sincere.
Listening quietly as Larke answered her question, she processed the information. Three years of memory, the rest unknown. Larke knew who Razhiel was but that was not odd. Not that long ago she passed through a town on the edge of Fiore and it had a bounty picture of her... An accurate picture. What was odd however was the utter look of confusion on the girl's face indicating she did not know how she knew that. Most of the three years that Larke does remember, her family had been on the move constantly during which her mother died. The former indicated they were being hunted, the latter could be coincidental. The fact that they were in the capitol of Fiore and currently staying here indicated someone of importance knew something and they were possibly being protected. Violet orbs looked at Larke, or maybe being used. After having only talked to the girl for awhile, the thought of Larke being used brought about dark feelings. It was unnerving, her protective instincts.
Razhiel grabbed her cone when the man held them out. "Thank you."
She followed the girl's example and began to lick the cone. Pausing she asked, "So what does your dad do here?" Once she asked her question she began eating her cone once more.
Spotting a bench, she gestured with her hand, licking her cone and began walking over to it.
The pair started to move away from the cart, Larke licking at her cone happily. "Dad? He's a scientist. An aetherbiologist. He says he's an expert in how magic and living things interact. Whatever that means. He had a job in Valland before I woke up." Now, Larke was always taught to be careful, but in the attempt to give her as normal of a life as possible, she had never been coached about what it was she was allowed to say. She simply didn't know any details beyond the basics. Being a child, she questioned a lot, but simply accepted a lot more until a reason came up to question it.
Larke was already finished with about 1/4 of her cone, practically lapping it up. Ice always made her feel better, and it was obvious in the energy her steps had in them, as well as the way she'd stopped stammering. She felt happy and satisfied, and she trusted Razhiel already. "Oh, and I know you didn't mean to scare me. I can be a bit... jumpy sometimes... My magic is something I was born with. I'm not very good at it cuz I don't have a teacher, but I can do some things really fast, like the bubble that makes me feel safe," she explained, jabbering even as she kept eating at her cone.
Razhiel continued to lick the ice cream, though a bit more slowly as Larke told Razhiel about her father. The damage Nox caused knew no bounds. How long until surprises like this stopped showing up? She was comfortable enough to assume Larke’s father worked for Nox and Larke was an experiment. After the fall of the Empire, there was a lot of scurrying. But why would a man risk his life and the life of his wife for an experiment? Why run? And if he were also a scientist here in Fiore, the capital no less, what was he currently working on? Was Larke considered a project in Fiore’s government?
Reaching the bench, she sat down leaning forward a bit in case any liquid leaked from the cone it would hit the ground rather than her. She did not have a teacher… Why had her father, let alone those who knew about what she was, whatever that was, not have a teacher for her already? What, just let her roam and wander and practice as she pleased? That’s dangerous. All it would have taken would be for her to react slightly differently to her sneeze earlier and Razhiel could have been pierced by the ice or bystanders could have been hurt. Roam… Violet orbs scanned the area once more. Would they, whoever they were, truly let her wander without watchers. Eyes narrowed slightly before she turned her gaze to her ice cream once again.
“Do you know about a man named Nox? Or General Nox?” She jumped right in, asking before taking a bite of the ice. It was really good she had to admit.
Larke, for her part, was completely oblivious to Raz's thought process. She ate happily, equally happy to explain whatever was asked by the nice lady. It really was too bad that she was probably going to go wander somewhere else after this; Larke hadn't spent much time with girls or women, mostly just her dad. It was nice.
"Nox?" Larke had to rack her brain for that one. "Nox... wasn't he that man with the dragons who hurt people?" she asked. "Dad doesn't like to talk about him..." she admitted. "I asked once because his name seemed familiar too. I don't like him much though, even though I've never met him. I know judging people you haven't met is bad... but I think it's worse to hurt people and do evil things." Not that Raz had asked for her two cents, but Larke was just kind of rambling happily. Her snowcone was already mostly gone and she was sipping at the leftover juice.
"I had a bad dream about him a couple of times," Larke recalled with a less happy frown as she threw the paper cup away into the trash can. "He was being mean to dad and some scientists dad worked with, and I don't know why but things were kinda blurry and I couldn't hear him very well. I just remember dad looking at me after that man poked him in the chest really hard and yelled. Dad looked kind of sad for some reason. I don't really know why I dreamed that. But I've woken up crying about it a couple of times..."
Leaning back Razhiel began. ”Let me tell you a story. A story that is true from how I see things… Years ago when Valland was a thriving, hungry empire that continued to eat the lands around it there was a warrior Princess. Now this Princess, while some loved her there were others who did not and for good reason. She went out to conquer the lands around Valland, she helped question those who held secrets and she let a certain mad scientist do what he pleased. This mad scientist, who later controlled dragons, worked for the Princess’ father. The scientist did evil things, some in the name of Valland and others because he could and had the means to. Some of these evil deeds included creating weapons of great destruction and experiments, upon people and animals.” Pausing, her gaze upon the cone held between her two hands, she contemplated her story. There was much left out like the blood spilled in the process and the breaking of spirits as homes were conquered. It made her agree with a certain Dragon Slayer’s words about having ended the cruel cycle.
”Time has passed. The Evil Scientist is gone, the Emperor who was his keeper is dead, and the Princess… The Princess is no longer a princess, merely another soul trying to make right with her keeper. And during those days she forgets what she is atoning for, her dreams keep her humble. Dreams, which while seen as she slept are really visions of the past. Memories of times forgotten.”
Large, honest, saddened orbs turned to look at Larke. “Some of Nox’s experiments were killed. Some escaped. And some were saved. I met up with one who had made his way to Fiore after Valland was dismantled. He is… trying to find his own way.”
When the girl had finished her cone, Razhiel offered the other half of hers. ”If you would like?” After her depressing story it seemed the least she could do. Larke seemed quite the opposite after having gotten the ice cream. As if energized. It made Razhiel feel old and that was a thought to laugh at.
Larke frowned as she listened, all ears, to Razhiel's story. The story sounded sad, but more than anything, it sounded almost... true. There was so much the young girl didn't know about her home. She didn't know what it was like, or why it had become so dangerous for her and her father. "Princess Razhiel..." she addressed her as princess regardless of whether she was or not. Larke liked the sound, and for some reason it almost gave her a comforting feeling. "Are you the... the princess in the story?" It was her way of asking if it was as true as she felt like it was.
She took the cone and started munching on it as well; it wouldn't take long before it was finished too. Snowcones were just so delicious to her! "Well, even if you did some bad stuff," Larke told Razhiel decidedly, "I think you're really nice now," she grinned up at her with a big, goofy grin that disappeared when she went back to her cone. "I wonder why I had dreams about Mr. Nox," she mused as she continued. "Maybe I was at work with Dad sometimes, and that was how he kept an eye on me when I was sleeping..."
Nodding, “Yes, I am the Princess in the story.” Though she wouldn’t admit it, she missed being called by her full title. It was what she knew, people she missed, children calling out, a responsibility that while she failed in ways she did the best she could.
Amused by the girl’s sudden decision on her worth, she responded with a grin of her own. “I am doing my best.” At the mention of Nox, the grin melted away. “It was not the type of work you would want children around… Nox was obsessed with dragons. Aetherbiologists were hired to create weapons, magic and beings similar in destructive capabilities. That was how Valland had incredible weapons using technology like lacrima. It was also why Valland was as powerful as it was. Such beings as lacrima dragon slayers were made. Nox had the innate ability to create the impossible.” Violet orbs gave Larke a thoughtful glance.
Razhiel left it at that, unsure if Larke followed. It seemed her father has kept her in the dark about her origins, her homeland, her power. If he was truly her father. Though would running from hunters, losing your wife in the process, and caring for Larke as if she were your own give you the right to that title? “You know there are those whose magic is centered on ice. You should have a teacher, if only because you are so powerful already.”
"Hmm..." Larke threw away the second cone. For a brief moment, concern flickered on her face. "Dad did say that the Nox person wanted him to do things he thought was bad," she agreed. Right or wrong, Larke was under the impression that her father hadn't done anything, and she was easily able to dismiss the concern in her own mind. The fact that such a bad person could create things no one else could wasn't good, but as far as Larke knew, he'd been stopped by the good guys already.
Raz mentioned Larke's abilities, saying she was strong, and that meant she should have a teacher. "So I can be better?" she guessed. "Dad says I'm strong, and that I need to have someone to teach me. I bet you would be a good teacher!" At the suggestion, Larke couldn't help but grin a big, hopeful grin aimed straight at the former princess. It was one of those grins a little kid gave hoping it would be cute enough to sway the other's answer in their favor. The grin, unknown to Larke, showed off an unmistakable trait that proved to anyone in the know that her powers stemmed from dragon slayer magic; not just lacrima, but the real thing - her elongated fangs.
The idea that Razhiel could be a good teacher was an automatic assumption based one her positive feelings towards Razhiel - the type of conclusion a child would jump to, of course. She didn't even know if Raz could use magic, and despite her improved senses, her trust was overriding the fact that Raz smelled a little different from the other people around them.
