14th of Saun, 716
Vivian gave annoyed sigh and glared at the rainy sky before pulling her cloak closer around her. She had recieved no word from either Lazuli or Zvezdana since she had sent those letters to her cousin. She supposed that Lazuli could just be taking her time thinking about her response, but she worried that their grandmother was whispering things in her cousins ear that would turn Lazuli against Zvezdana, against Vivian herself. Shaking off the feeling, Vivian reassured herself that Lazuli would make the right choice. Or at least, the choice that would let her get revenge on Cassander. Either way, there was nothing she could do now, aside from finish the patrol she was one. She was going to be up near the Burning Mountains, so she was extra cautious. This was a hotspot for Faction VII, and she had no desire to wind up dead or worse.
After a while, however, she heard a horse behind her. Loosening her sword in her sheath, she turned too look behind her. When she saw who it was, she scowled and turned back to trail, hoping the rider would just keep going. However, Pythera Venora pulled in beside Vivian with that mocking grin that seemed permanently nailed to her face. "Well, well. I see you made Sergeant, Ej'Ufnaj. Enjoying those wings?" she asked, her tone faux-respectful.
Scowling still, Vivian glanced over at the traitorous Venora. Funny that she should now owe loyalty to another Venora who betrayed the King. Yet while Zvezdana genuinely wanted to improve Rynmere, Pythera wanted to see it burn. That was the difference between the two Venoran, and it was a significant one. For now though, she noticed that this time, Pythera was carrying her spear.
She knew of Pythera's reputation as a skilled warrior, and trouble between them could be very bad, so Vivian decided to be cautious. "I did. And I am. So what has you and about so armed, Pythera?" she asked, doing her best to keep her tone polite. Her tone derived a mocking smile from the bloodthirsty Venoran.
"Nervous, coward? Don't worry, I'm on your side this time. I work as a bounty hunter from time to time. There's been some bandit activity in the area that would make a good reward. And since I get the reward anyway if I help the military out, I thought I'd tag along with you on your patrol. After all, us half-Biqaj need to stick together." she said, her tone laced with a mock sincerity that made Vivian scowl.
However, her reason was interesting. Pythera was a bandit herself, why would she be interested in helping Vivian catch bandits? Perhaps she was here to keep Vivian away from a certain group of them? But then why not just kill her? Or was Pythera nervous about fighting her? No, that didn't make sense. Vivian rode in silence, pondering the question. After a while she was Pythera roll her eyes.
"Relax, Ej'Ufnaj. I'm not planning something nefarious right now. With all this political upheaval, I can't afford to do anything that might convince them I'm a Qe'Dreki sympathizer." she said, her tone suddenly incredibly annoyed. Vivian thought about that for a moment, realizing that Pythera was right. The Iron Hand had been looking for any reason to have Pythera dealt with for Arcs, if she was accused of being a Qe'Dreki, her nobility induced protection would vanish like a puff of smoke.
Still, Vivian didn't particularly want the bloodthirsty traitor with her, but she didn't feel it was worth making a fuss about this time. Pythera as an enemy right now would be very bad. "Fine. But keep your insults to yourself." she said irritably. Pythera gave a mocking salute. "Yes, Ma'am, Sergeant Warrick." she said, tone completely serious, though her body language betrayed her amusement at the command.
Vivian sighed and kept her focus on the patrol, her eyes on the trail ahead. Before long, noticed smoke from the trail ahead and Pythera grinned. "Well, well. Looks like we'll have some entertainment today." she said, her tone almost excited. Vivian simply scowled, but urged her horse forward. Pythera did the same, but gave Vivian a look that was surprisingly serious. "You aren't as good in a fight as I am and I have a vested interest in keeping you alive. I see that bow there, you stay back and make good use of it. I'll keep them focused on melee range." she said, her voice serious.
As much as it grated on her, Vivian knew of Pythera's skills and record, and knew the other woman was probably right. Plus, it would be a lot harder for Pythera to stick a spear in her back and blame it on a bandit if they weren't both fighting in melee range. "Very well." Vivian said, taking up her bow and putting an arrow to the string as they rode towards the bandits.
Word count: 826
