A Flower and a Sword (Descending Fire 23, Realm Year 768)

Realm Expeditionary Forces Main Camp
on the outskirts of Great Forks

Cathak Tor's PoV

I find her in the armory, that foolish, irresponsible girl, how can she get herself into this mess? Now, in punishment, she is to be treated like a common servant, polishing the armor of common soldiers, and is forced to wear that... embarrassing dress!

...It looks good on her though...

"You there!" I call her. She comes to me, head bowed, eyes lowered.

"Is there something you need, sir?"

"I need you to polish my sword." I show her my shiny new orichalcum daiklave, which was awarded to me by Commander General Letaal himself after the battle. Such is the prize for honorable and valiant service to the realm.

I hand it to her, and being unattuned to the artifact, she finds it too heavy and drops it on the dusty floor.

"Look what you've done! Now its even dirtier!"

"Good morning, Lady Shima," a voice interrupts. "I thought I'd find you here."

"Valen!" She smiles.

She's very pretty when she smiles.

I turn to that annoying mortal. "What are you doing here?"

"I am a doctor, dragonlord," he replies. "I volunteered to head the medical staff."

"Why?"

"Half the army is sick. Half your troops are sick. I cannot stand by and watch as the plague claims their lives."

He produces a flower from the sleeve of his robe. "I thought I'd pass by and cheer you up a little, my lady." He hands it to Shima. "Here."

"Thank you, Valen." She smiles at him again.

"Pardon me, I must go. I have many patients to treat." He gives her a bow, and leaves.

She is still smiling at him.

Him. Again. That mortal never fails to vex me. What does she see in him, anyway?

I snatched the flower from her hand and crush it in my fist.

"Stop this foolishness! I expect my sword in my office by noon. Now get to work!"

She glares at me, as she did countless of times, those fiery red eyes boring into mine.

"I hate you, Cathak Tor." She turns her back on me, and carefully carries my daiklave from the floor.

She's said that to me countless of times, too. And everytime she does... somehow, it hurts.

I wish I can see her smile at me. That would be nice...

Descending Fire 22, Realm Year 768

Realm Expeditionary Forces Main Camp
on the outskirts of Great Forks

Cutting through the silence of the night, Cathak Rae, Dragonlord of the Realm Expeditionary Forces, screams one name in anger.

"SHIIIIMAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The scream can be heard over the entire camp, even in the quarters of General Tepet Ejava, where Cathak Shima herself was busy polishing the Roseblack's armor.

I'm so sorry for dragging you into this, Cousin Rae. Shima wipes the tears in her eyes with the sleeve of the servant's livery the general made her wear as punishment, before resuming her work.

"This is what happens when you don't think." The general was sitting on a comfortable chair, sipping wine as she watches Shima. She was oblivious to the fact that her dress, unusually short for livery, makes for excellent viewing conditions that the general is currently enjoying.

"Well?" The general continues. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"I'm so sorry, general," Shima says softly. They're the only words she can.

"Well, so what are you going to do about it? Hmm?"

Shima grips her polishing rag tightly, trying so hard to think. Finally, she lets go, and the rag slowly falls to her feet. "I don't know..."

"Think, Shima. Use that highly intelligent brain of yours." General Ejava says, irritation etched in her voice. Then, she sighs. "This is no use. Clearly you will not come up with anything coherent tonight."

She refills her wine glass. "Its such a pity. You are a capable young lady, and you show promise. Your school records said you were an excellent student. I was thinking of training you to be my..." Her voice trails off. "You displayed an utter lack of discipline and self-control. You disappointed me, Cathak Shima."

She sips from her glass. "Go to your quarters. You are dismissed for tonight."

Shima didn't move. She finds herself kneeling on the floor, sobbing silently.

"Fine, I will have the guards escort you then." She drags Shima to her feet.

Ejava grabs Shima's shoulders and shakes her a bit. Looking at the girl's tear-streaked face, she says, "You have better regain your will soon. I have hope for you yet. Do not waste it."