[IC] Decus Latro

[AddyBunny]

Kyona stared out the window, into the courtyards. Vast was the land owned by the Decus Latro; miles of land stretching far as the naked eye could see, all confined behind barriers to keep out invaders. This had been the only land she'd ever known, never having stepped beyond the walls surrounding the area.

The sun was freshly risen, as the skies were painted in shades of orange, pink, and yellow that only ended upon meeting with the horizon. Her attention was broke the the sound of tapping at the door. "Kyona?" a voice called softly, "Are you awake yet?"

"Uhm, yes father!" she called from inside the room, turning around quickly. The doorknob turned, and with a click, the barrier between her room and the hall was broken.

"Early bird as usual, I see," he smiled at her.

"Yep!" she chirped. "Can I help you with anything?"

He smiled warmly, "Not a thing, just wanted to be the first to wish my daughter a happy birthday." He answered, "And," he continued, "Give you this." He handed her a gift wrapped box.

"What is it?" she questioned curiously.

"Just your birthday present." He replied, "Remember to be in the dining hall for breakfast on time, alright? I'll see you then; I have some arrangements to go through for tonight's ceremony."

Kyona smiled, "Alright, daddy! I'll be there!" He walked out as she sat on the bed, and unwrapped the box. Inside was a little pink ribbon, attached to a small bell, resting on a piece of paper that read "Look outside your door." She cocked her head curiously, and when she got up to open the door, she spotted a small grey kitten sleeping on a pillow inside a basket.

She grinned, kneeling down to pet it, waking the kitten. The small creature eyed her curiously, before letting out a small mew. Lifting the ribbon, to which enticed the kitten to swat at it playfully, she secured the ribbon around his neck, in a little bow, lifting him from the basket, and kicking the basket into her room. She cradled the little kitten as she proceeded towards the dining hall.

[AddyBunny]

Alezae walked, barefoot, across the grass, moist with morning dew. Her slender fingers, traced the gentle softness of the petals of the flowers in the gardens, hesitating on the deepness of the blue roses. There was something precious about the rare roses, and their deep meaningful blue pigment. Her fingers traced down the stem, carefully avoiding a prick from the thorns, snapping the stem, and bringing it to her nose. Fragrant and sweet. She smiled carefully, resting on the bench as she heard soft steps behind her. "Morning, mother." She said sweetly, almost in a sing song voice.

Her mother, without speaking, sat beside her on the concrete bench, vines and moss growing up and entangling around the legs. "Beautiful day," she finally said, taking the rose from her daughter's hands, "Good day to be training a young mercenary." She put the flower in her daughter's smooth ruby hair.

"A student." She clarified. "I don't think much of it."

"You father and I were talking." Her mother started, now sternly. "We were thinking it's time we stepped in... We had originally wanted for you to have the freewill to choose who you start your own family with... But you've shown no interest. You'll have a child of your own one day to train in the arts of becoming a valued member of this great society."

"Why do I need one of my own, when I'm provided a child to keep after as they come of age?" She asked carelessly, standing as if to turn away.

Her mother took her hand gently. "You'll understand. We'll talk more on it later." And she too rose to her feet and departed.

Alezae simply sighed, looking to the rising sun as if for deeper understanding she was somehow missing.