Open The Sinister Memory Returns

[Daishira]

The way Synthira handled the last two assassins... surprised Daishira. She strangled one, almost to death. Impressive. He was helped up, and that help was very much appreciated. If not for her, his eyeball would be skewered by a very sharp dagger - an image he would not want to have experienced. They were alright, for now and found themselves on the rooftop of a nearby house. From here, they could still observe the scene of the battle that took place. Thankfully, there were no civilians nearby, but Daishira had a feeling that was not down to luck, that the assassins had chose to attack him when there were no civilians. That means they were professionals... and that means...

“I think,” she said breathlessly, “that you owe me some answers. I’ll start with the obvious questions. Who are those men? What do they want? And why are they after you specifically? They know my face now, and when they wake up they are not likely to remember me fondly. I must know what I – we – are up against.”

Daishira ignored her immediately, and made his way back down to the scene. Here, he retrieved his angle blade he had forgotten in the haste of escape and leaned over the unconscious assassins. A quick search was conducted, but unluckily (or more accurately, expectantly), there were no notes or commands or letters instructing them to kill Daishira. They were issued by word. Common. With that thought, he slit their throats efficiently, with no hesitation. After the search and finished jobs, Daishira went back up to Synthira.

He said first, "Now there's no trouble of them remembering your face."

Looking hard into her, Daishira continued, "I should not have involved you in my... personal affairs. I am not a monster, please do not think that. I have to kill them in self defence. They are assassins sent to eliminate me. Why? Well, because of my past. And what I did, well actually, what I witnessed..."

Daishira fell silent. He hated recalling his past to people. He was starting to like Synthira, and maybe he can still get to know her, but no doubt her impression of him had changed more than dramatically in the past ten minutes. His eyes fell on her face once more, dotted with spots of blood, but her beauty still prevailed even with these blemishes.

Fine, indeed... he thought to himself. A romantic fantasy wildly appeared in his mind, but he shut it down before it developed any further. He needed to concentrate on explaining himself before any chance of... THAT happening.

"They were probably not paid, because of the... circumstances... but forced to kill me. Poor souls. May they rest in peace now. I'm afraid... I..."

He figured it best to let Synthira speak up and respond. And also, he needed an excuse to change topic. And not to the romantic fantasy either.

[Synthira]

He did not answer her questions, instead leaping off of the house and returning to the place the assassins slept. She watched him from afar as he picked up his knife and slit each of their throats. Despite herself, relief washed over her. To Synthira, any life was important. She had never killed, and would not unless there was simply no other choice. But she did not want to live in fear. For a moment, she thought Daishira was going to leave entirely, but he instead returned to the rooftop. "Now there's no trouble of them remembering your face." He said. "I should not have involved you in my... personal affairs. I am not a monster, please do not think that. I have to kill them in self defence. They are assassins sent to eliminate me. Why? Well, because of my past. And what I did, well actually, what I witnessed... They were probably not paid, because of the... circumstances... but forced to kill me. Poor souls. May they rest in peace now. I'm afraid... I..." A thousand questions burned her mind. Where had he learned to fight like that? What had he witnessed? She silenced them. She had already gotten herself into trouble for wanting answers, and he did not seem like he wanted to give them at present. She remembered, after all, that there were parts of her history she would much rather keep hidden. “It is my fault - I am entirely too curious for my own good. And I would never think you a monster.” The konti made sure she had eye contact before continuing. “Daishira, I truly am sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. “ They were silent for a moment. Synthira knew he wished her to start a new conversation, but she had never been good at that sort of thing. She couldn’t remember what they were talking about before they’d been attacked. Konti gifts, the konti race…Oh. Breeding. She certainly didn’t want to return to that topic. She wanted to know how to wash blood out of clothes, but hardly thought that would make for a riveting conversation. As her shirt was white, she would likely need a new one anyway. “Forgive me. I… I’m not very good at coming up with topics for discussion. Is there anything you’d like to ask me, or talk about?” Besides the fact it had never been her strong suit, her heart was still racing from the little incident. She looked at the kelvic once more, only to realize that his eyes were already on her.

[Daishira]

Synthira seemed to quieten down and held off her questions about his past. This was good, he did not wish to speak to many people about it. Maybe, in time. And even this chance was slim.

She apologised, several times in fact, and for different reasons. In a way, this amused Daishira. People nowadays are far too polite and not playful enough, in his humble opinion. He much preferred the world to be more carefree and open in their conversations. However, in this particular scenario, this completely innocent woman has stepped into a nasty trap. Her leg was caught in the spikes of Daishira's past. It seemed like her curiosity would stick her to Daishira like glue. This little situation was both good and bad to the dangerous Kelvic. Good in that he may have potential company for some of his travels. Bad in that he was seriously endangering an innocent soul. This tore Daishira's mind apart, and to piece it all back together, he finally concluded it was not up to him to decide what Synthria did. It was up to her. Free will and all that.

He looked up into the Konti's beautiful and outstanding eyes and said, "That's good. The thought of you thinking I'm a monster wouldn't dwell well on my mind. And it's ok, you don't have to be sorry, I forgive you. Although, you have got yourself in an... interesting.... situation."

Daishira looked into her eyes again after finishing his last sentence. He could see she was still jumpy after the event. The Kelvic's own adrenaline levels had quietened down and he owed this to his experiences. He was used to this. She was most likely not. Mentally, she could be losing it, much like Daishira when he first witnessed what he did. He was only one year old at the time. Synthira was thirty-two, maybe she could cope better. He hoped she did out of kindness. In addition, an insane woman would really drag his energy levels across the floor.

He spoke once more, "Shall we get you home? To your camp? Where you can clean yourself up and rest? I think it would be the best option, for now."

[Synthira]

"Shall we get you home? To your camp? Where you can clean yourself up and rest? I think it would be the best option, for now." Synthira thought for a moment. They couldn't very well stay on the rooftop forever, but the thought of getting up was not altogether appealing. She was glad that she had been forgiven, and though slightly confused by the phrase 'interesting situation,' her questions were finished for now. The konti took her backpack and put it once again on her shoulders. She looked into the distance, trying to place her little camp. "It's over there. As you can see, it's a bit of a walk. If you don't mind, then let's go." She clambered down the rooftop, waiting for Daishira to follow. They walked mostly in silence across the city. It was probably, Synthira gathered, very early morning. Though drunkards still milled about, as well as some very persistent vendors, most windows were dark. The konti was glad of this. She was still covered in blood, and she could imagine the sort of questions she’d receive. “If we run into anyone too curious, I got into a fight back at the kelp bar. Their blood, not mine.” She chuckled. The thought amused her entirely, and by the look on Daishira’s face he too found the thought entertaining. When they had finally reached the camp, Synthira went into her tent and took out a little firewood, starting up the flames from the flint and steel in her backpack, which she replaced in her tent afterward. The warmth was comforting, but she was interrupted by a sharp whicker. “Ah, yes. This is Siberus, and he is trying to tell me that he has been tied up entirely too long. Beautiful, isn’t he? Careful, though, he can be quite a troublemaker. He’s been known to bite strangers.” After everything was arranged and settled, Synthira turned her eyes to the sea. She told Daishira that he was welcome to sit in the tent or by the fire, and that she was going for a dip. The konti walked slowly to the water’s edge, allowing the waves to cover her toes. Quickly, with an eye over her shoulder, she discarded her clothes and plunged into its depths. The salt of the ocean brought a sort of comforting familiarity, and she relaxed considerably. Several minutes she stayed underwater, feeling cleansed and at home. The konti realized that she hadn’t told Daishira about her gills. He probably thinks I’m drowning. Well, she’d surface eventually. Just … not yet.

[Daishira]

The Kelvic practically collapsed at the feeling of a warm fire inside the tent. The conditions were good enough for him to fall into that common blackness for hours. The night had not exactly gone as planned. The training on the mountain, sure, then he met Synthira and shortly after got himself in that bloody fight. The long trek to her camp was the straw that broke the back of his energy level. Not to mention it was indeed the early hours of the morning. No wonder he was silent on the way. Now, here he was, sweaty, tired, cold and in need of that enticing warmth the fire offered.

He thanked Synthira for starting the fire up. His horse, Holly, rested outside with the rest of his kit. Turned out Synthira also had her own companion, introduced as Siberus. Apparently known to bite strangers.

I will bite harder... he thought inwardly.

In politeness, Daishira replied with a smile and a gentle tone, mostly because he was tired, "Yes, he is quite."

Later, after everything had settled, the beautiful Konti announced she was going for a dip.

"What? In this weather? You'll freeze!"

No matter though what Daishira thought, Synthira already walked off towards the sea. Daishira settled next to the fire and awaited her return dutifully, for it is rude in his eyes to just fall asleep at a guest's place without them seeing you off, as it were. He made himself comfortable, perched against the hospitable flickering of fire and waited. And waited. And waited.

Wow, she's taking a long time...

Something like an eternity seemed to pass, in reality probably only a few moments passed, but Daishira was curious anyway. He reluctantly picked himself up. It was like his entire body was a massive weight that hindered his movement, he was that groggy. He looked over the sea, surveyed the area and saw nothing. It was dark, too dark, to see anyone holding their breath underwater.

Where is she?

[Synthira]

Daishira seemed thankful for the fire. She stayed in the water for a minute or two, deep in thought. Eventually, the cold became too much to bear, and she breached the surface of the water. At the shore, she saw the kelvic watching, and she waved to let him know where she was. Synthira made her way to the shore, gooseflesh covering her skin. Eventually, she came into water shallow enough that she could not avoid standing up. “You weren’t concerned, were you?” She asked, a hint of humor in her voice. “Eh… would you mind turning around? I need to get dressed.” She did so quickly, glad for the little warmth they provided. She squeezed the water out of her hair and moved back towards the tent with the kelvic. He looked tired, eyelids drooping as they walked. She sat as close to the fire as she dared, soaking in its comfort and warmth. She too was drained from the fight. Her muscles ached all over, and the salt had stung coming into contact with her scrapes. The konti attempted to run a brush through her tangled mass of curls, giving up at the risk of breaking it. Her eyes again rested on Daishira. Chances were, he lived on the other side of Zeltiva, and she doubted he could walk the distance. “There is no way you are going to convince you to walk back to where you’re staying. You are absolutely exhausted, and I have room to spare. I certainly wouldn’t mind the company.” She pretended to be stern, though the gleam in her eyes said otherwise. However, she was not going to take no for an answer. Though she had only one bedroll, she tossed him her blanket. The fire would do at present as far as warmth was concerned, and she was not quite ready to sleep. Her mind was going much too quickly for her to fully relax, and she had yet to say her nightly prayer to Avalis. Some would think the ritual silly, but it had become such a part of her life that she could not sleep well without it. She decided to wait until the kelvic was asleep. There’s time.

[Daishira]

In the distance, Daishira could see the silhouette of Synthira, the youthful Konti, emerge from the surface of the water in a majestic fashion, one that would give her a fairly attractive appeal. The smoothness of her exit, despite the chillling air and even colder water snapped Daishira out of his tiredness temporarily. What reinforced the Kelvic's state of waking was Synthira's naked body, her war scars concealed by the utter fascination of what she portrayed as she approached him from the darkness of the night, as if she was walking down a catwalk, the ocean her walkway. His jaw dropped slightly and he could feel a little twitch... down there.

“You weren’t concerned, were you?” She asked, a hint of humor in her voice. “Eh… would you mind turning around? I need to get dressed.”

"Oh, no! Of course not! What was I thinking?" the embarrassed and somewhat horny Kevlic blurted out.

What am I doing? What am I feeling? And almighty... what am I thinking? Flashes of imagination containing Synthira and her beautiful proportions blew his concentration into the sea from which they originated.

As they walked back, Daishira resumed his previous state of sleepiness. He was grateful towards Synthira for letting him stay the night. Her sense of humour and pretend sternness certainly made him feel more welcome. The warm fire sheltered the two from the harsh conditions of outside. The heat contrasted the opposite temperature and the tickling flames were a friendly reminder of the Konti's generosity. She tossed him a blanket, but Daishira noticed she only had one. He searched the tent for something else to be used as a cover, but could not find anything sensible. Then a rather forward thought crossed his mind.

She did say she wouldn't mind the company...

"Synthira... there's only one bedroll here... we can share if you... you want to," the clumsy Kevlic formed his words carefully so he did not reveal his dreamy intentions. He did not expect for her to do that with him immediately after meeting, especially after the not-so-romantic night of murdering assassins. However, he was a kind person and tried to show it wherever he could.

[Synthira]

"Synthira... there's only one bedroll here... we can share if you... you want to," The kelvic stumbled over his words, as though he were choosing them carefully. Synthira was surprised by the question, but she tried to suspend her nerves and lighten the situation. “Well, my mother certainly wouldn’t approve,” She said with a laugh, “But then, my mother isn’t here. I don’t mind if you don’t.” Though she laughed, she saddened a little as she spoke this. She wished her mother were here, or at least to know where she was and if she was safe. That was something to think about another time, though, and Daishira proved a delightful distraction. She took the bedroll and spread it out, smoothing out the wrinkles. It was not made for two people, and they would have to be very close to one another to fit. She lay down awkwardly, gesturing for him to do the same. She offered him the spot nearest the fire. Neither knew quite what to say, and silence reigned for several minutes. The konti found herself once again staring into his eyes, golden and brown and enchanting. “I…” She didn’t know quite how to say good night, or how to voice all the questions and thoughts in her head, so instead she just smiled. She had never been this close physically to anyone excepting family members, and she was a little nervous to say the least. He seemed friendly and kind, and she had no reason to be nervous at all, but she couldn’t seem to convince herself otherwise. She was glad that he had agreed to stay. Synthira quite liked the kelvic, and she certainly didn’t mind the extra warmth. Besides, after the night’s events she did not wish to be alone. She shuddered to think of the dark assassins and the blood… all that blood. Though it was washed from her skin and clothing, it was not gone from her memory.

[Daishira]

Glad that Synthira agreed, Daishira gladly lay down beside her, although... it was rather tight and personal. Even if the somewhat lovestruck Kelvic did want her to be this close, it was far too soon, they had only just met! Talk about forward.

I did not realise it would be quite this...

Daishira tried readjusting himself in the bedroll to gain more comfort, but to no avail as all he did was shuffle for a few seconds.

...Awkward...

Then, Synthira spoke about her mother. The laugh concealed the shadowing sadness, Daishira picked up on this, but did not act straight away. He continued to analyse the beautiful Konti for a few moments more, for both learning what she was feeling and the fact that she was extremely good looking. After the short reign of silence, the two found themselves making eye contact. When they were this close, Daishira could see the intricate details in her eyes. The reflective, glassy coating reflecting his own eyes, mirrored the shape of her iris, the lavender colour of which was more radiant than before. Something about her eyes drew Daishira closer.

"I..." she started, then trailed off into a small smile again.

Nervous, scared, uncomfortable, disturbed. Sad. After a night like that, Synthira predictably showed these feelings. Daishira felt compelled to protect her.

"Hey. Tonight was not the best thing for you to see, I know," a long pause brought calm to his words as he slowly wrapped his arms around her petite frame, offering warm protection. Comforting words were not his strong suit in any way. Before now, he only had to think about himself, for no outsider had ever been in involved in his dark affairs. "You... I will be here for you. So, relax."

The faint but persistent heat given off by the fire licked Daishira's back whilst Synthira warmed him from the front. Never before had he been this close to a woman, maybe he was nervous himself whilst trying to comfort the Konti. He did not allow himself to show this though. His gentle arms preserved Synthira's warmth and her body was pressed against his, not too firm, but at the optimal pressure for comfort. His pure intention was to calm her nerves. After what happened, it was the least he could do for her. To try and take her away from the horrible world for a night and indulge herself in a friendly cuddle.

With a finishing smile of reassurance, Daishira said, "Good night."

[Synthira]

Daishira took her in his arms, and she allowed herself to relax a little. She barely registered the warmth of the fire from where she lay, but Daishira served as a heat source in his own right. The tent kept out most of the frigid winter air, and she began to thaw from her little ice bath earlier. Her hair and clothes were nearly dry, and she'd stopped shivering. The kelvic spoke softly, his words comforting. "Hey. Tonight was not the best thing for you to see, I know. You... I will be here for you. So, relax." I will be here for you… His words meant more than he knew. She had been so terribly lonely for so long, and though they had only met hours prior she felt a connection with the kelvic. Her fear melted away as minutes passed, and she felt safe. She didn’t speak, as she felt there was nothing to say. Words had never been her strong suit, and for now the silence was comfortable. They were close, but not too close. She felt his heart beating, and to her relief it was nearly as rapid as her own. She pushed the thoughts of blood and dead men and wounds out of her mind, instead focusing on happier thoughts. Like kelp beer, she thought with amusement. Never again. She could still taste the thick, fishy liquid at the back of her throat. "Good night." He said with a reassuring smile. Slowly, almost hesitantly, she reached up and linked her arms around his neck, moving to rest her head on his shoulder. This was nice, just… being held. Synthira decided that her prayers could wait. It was already morning, after all, and she was contented in the position she was in. She did not want to go back outside into the cold, or leave Daishira’s embrace. This once, she would ignore the ritual. “Good night,” She murmured. Despite everything, she began to feel sleep creeping up on her. She had relaxed completely, allowing her breathing and heart to slow down. Her eyes drifted shut, and she was caught in a state between sleeping and waking, her thoughts drifting and muddled. The konti sighed happily. All is well.