A Plan, A Thug & A Punishment [Charlotte Sunfall]

[Cezar Boguslaw Volkova]

Enden. How the very name made Cezar feel uneasy. This once troubled land was a rival to his parents for a time and had been the pawn in a schemers plot. But that was then and this was now. Over a thousand years later to be precise and Cezar could not go there holding that against them. By now the humans had no clear memories of those events but the history and scripture passed down through the generations to one another. The journey had been a long one though a series of stops along the way had added length to it. Each kingdom he spoke to the ruler or those who spoke for them. By now he'd seen most of Sioure and the kingdoms he'd spoken to previously he would simply stay in their taverns in plain sight. It was no secret mission he was on. Yet the further from his land he got the less they cared who he was. After all, why should they care? They weren't near enough to matter.

Passing through the Nhava kingdom, once ruled by his parents, he took a little longer to sight see and visit the places of importance to his parents history. The ruler was friendly to him and took great interest in meeting the son of a ruler that ruled a thousand years ago. To him Cezar represented history. Cezar didn't know what to make of this however he went along with it. The man seemed nice enough and he didn't want his first enemy to be his parents old lands. It was here he sent his first few letters back to Kaja informing her of his return to the mainland. With many of the kingdoms now visited, only a few remained and after that it would simply be a case of seeing who came to them first. The whole point of him travelling around was reminding people that there was an army of rajeghs without a war to fight. Give them a war to fight, and a war with the human species and the beliefs of racism against the human species spread by the Bervenhall clan would begin to fall apart.

Reaching the port of Anaxes they boarded a trade simply that was bound for the Enden isles. The ruler was a high king but there were lords there. Cezar saw lords as ideal places to go as it only took one to desire more power and call for an army. And even if they didn't, a rajegh going around discussing his clan and their power would surely make the others paranoid to the point of hiring them first. Just simply so the others didn't get them to attack them. Chaos would be a good business. The journey across the sea was rough and there were moments where Cezar and his men were prepared to bail and fly the rest, even with the risk of getting lost at sea and tiring. Finally they reached the shore and he got to work in the first kingdom. After some visits, he got some of his own where lords came to him to see why he was there. A man of his size stood out.

By the time he'd been there a week he had no idea where on the isles he was any more. It all looked the same to him; it wasn't home. Spotting a harbour town in the distance he set off for it with his men in the hopes of a warm bed and some idea to where he was. Walking into the town, he was greeted to whispers and stares. Every person he asked either ignored, fled or did both. Coming to a rest in the town square, some of the men went in search of taverns and inns as Cezar and the rest walked around the market that had set up shop there. Having to bend down to look at most stalls Cezar found he didn't see an awful lot of interest. As he was looking at some fish freshly caught, there was a shout and a cry of pain. With his men he made his way towards the noise as a small crowd had gathered. Within it a heavily scarred man was beating one of the merchants with the hilt of his sword, cursing at him and demanding money from him.

As he lifted the sword once more, he suddenly felt his hand go light and turned in time to see Cezar's fist come down on his face. Stumbling back, he snapped out insults at Cezar as he draw a dagger from his belt. Giving the sword to one of his men, Cezar simply walked up to him, dodged a swing of the dagger and picked the man up by his throat. Pulling the dagger from his hand, Cezar threw it to the side before slamming the man down onto the paved ground. Stepping over him, he raised his foot and brought the heel down upon the man's head. With a twist of the heel, he began to walk to the merchant. Lifting him to his feet, he checked him over and simply said ”You'll be ok” before walking back to his men and making his way through the crowd to continue shopping.

[Lady Charlotte Sunfall]

The girls were some of the most sought after maidens in the town, spoken of for their grace, youth and beauty. All of them relished the attention that came along with those notions. They flirted with any male who looked their way and paraded themselves around in order to have all eyes on them. All of them, that is, except for one.

Charlotte Sunfall stood out from among them all. Not only for her delicate appearance, but for her attitude. She was not like the companions she spent her time with. While they flirted, she spoke with children. While they sought attention, she looked to help those around her. Anyone who watched the group could see it, especially at the market. While the girls gathered about, giggling and flashing smiles, Charlotte spoke with the sellers. She purchased what she needed here and there and gave genuine smiled towards those who offered kind words to her. Her name was all that was needed to explain who she was. From her golden hair to her golden heart, she was the sun to many people.

A few sudden shouts and hollers caught Charlie's attention. Leaving behind the others she followed the sounds. What could possibly be causing such a ruckus, she thought. Charlotte soon got her answer. Not far from her gaze she watched as a merchant take a beating from another man. Her heart dropped at that moment. Charlotte hated thinking about what experiences could have pushed someone towards those types of actions. She had had a privileged life and was extremely grateful for it. She knew, however, that many others were not so lucky. Watching the outbreak her smile fell from her face.

A huge man then stepped in. At first, she thought he would make the situation better. That would not be so, however. The attacker was dispatched quickly, with nothing but the hands of the third man. It was surprising. The man was quite large and obviously strong. Charlotte looked down for a moment, this was not something she was comfortable witnessing.

Not a moment later it was as though nothing had happened, or so it seemed to the man who had just so easily ended the life of another. A confusing situation, Charlie thought. His intentions were noble, even if his choice in correction left some to be desired. A voice filled her ears then as one of her companions appeared behind her. Margaret, the girl's name was. "I hear he's been asking about." Margaret said to her. "If you ask me, the sooner he's gone the better. We do not need men like that around here." Charlotte let the words pass through her mind. She couldn't truly blame Margaret for those words. It was her parents influence over anything else.

"Excuse me." Charlie said, taking her leave from Margaret. Making her way over to the towering man Charlotte had no fear. She held her head high and weaved through the crowd with ease. At least the man is easy to spot, she thought to herself. She walked until she was just in front of the man, looking up at him with a smile she spoke. "Excuse me Sir, I've heard you are looking to have some questions answered. Is there anything I might be able to assist you with?" She asked. Charlotte was aware that people were watching her. Lady Lottie talking with the tower was something people would no doubt be interested in. She could feel the stares of the girls boring into her back with jealousy of the attention.

[Cezar Boguslaw Volkova]

Strolling through the crowd, they parted out his way once more whispering about him and staring with fear. By now his journey around Enden was becoming common knowledge and it was hard to spot him arriving. Had he been a normal size he'd have stilled stirred interest with the battle hardened Novosi along side him. It was hard for people to tell if he was a ruler, a noble or a bandit. He could easily be any of them. Cezar himself did not know which he was closer to as he had the power a noble did yet not the desire to act so pompous. With a pat on his back from one of the Novosi, along with a joke and a laugh amongst the men, he returned to the stall he'd been stood at. Looking at one of the most beautiful fish, a large one he'd never seen before, he asked the merchant ”How much for that one?”

”Normally it would be expensive but today, for you, it is free. A thank you. That man you just.....stopped has been hounding us all for money and beating those who didn't. We owe you” the merchant replied, as he packed the fish up for Cezar to take with him. Taking the fish with a nod of thanks and handing it to one of the Novosi to pack up, Cezar thanked ”Thank you. But you don't owe me anything. I'll take the fish and just the fish.” Bidding a farewell to the man, he turned to leave but halted to a stop almost stepping on a small girl that stepped in front of him. Close to cursing, he went from surprised to quietly listening to the young lady. She had an air of nobility to her and a confidence like he'd never seen. It was admirable and Cezar had to try not to smile, so not to creep her out.

Around them Cezar noticed some of the crowd watching them and he began to wonder exactly who he was talking to. The Novosi had also stopped to watch, some making jokes about Cezar getting more rewards for his actions which resulted in some laughter amongst the men. Cezar, who was having to really duck his head to face her, replied politely ”I travel the lands asking only one question. Do you fear the Rajegh? The rest of the conversation depends on what they answer.” With a smile, he paused expecting to listen to her response but was rudely interrupted by some guards who came barging into the crowd demanding to know who was responsible for dead man. ”Excuse me my dear” he stated to the young lady before turning to face the guards.

”I am responsible. That man sought to take money from these merchants by force. I showed him that force would eventually meet force.” As the guards came closer they began to realise his size and Cezar could see them placing their hands on their swords. Behind his men were doing the same. ”And who the bloody hell are you to do such a thing?!” one guard nervously demaned. Lifting his head up high to answer, he introduced ”I am Cezar Boguslaw Volkova, of the Ajurah clan. If you want demands. Here's one. Swing that sword at me. Go on. Because when you do, you get to see what thirteen rajeghs can do to a small town.” Behind him his men slowly walked closer, each with a glint of colour in their eyes revealing their true nature. With a stutter, the guard backed off, motioning for the others to do so. ”Well....don't do it again” he struggled to command, before he stumbled back over his feet as he turned to leave with the other guards.

Making sure they'd gone, Cezar turned back to the young lady. ”My apologies. A lady of your beauty should not be witness to such brutish discussions. However, they did answer my question. And the answer here would seem to be yes. You all do fear the rajegh.” Looking up from the young lady, he stared at the crowd and some turned to leave, including some of the women who'd come with the young lady. Some remained and Cezar knew somehow he'd be the topic of discussion tonight. Returning his gaze to her, he asked ”So now you know my name. Might I ask you for yours? There is a question for you to answer after all.”

[Lady Charlotte Sunfall]

The man before her was straight forward, cutting to the chase without a second thought it seemed. He knew what he wanted, that was for certain.Charlotte was about to reply to his question when the two were interrupted. Of course it was the guards inquiring about the events that had transpired moments before. She was a bit surprised when the man before her confessed immediately. She had never seen anybody so conflicting before. One moment he was taking the life of another to assist a merchant and the next he was confessing his crime and threatening the guards. Having grown up in Enden, she had become accustomed to seeing petty crimes, hearing of unnecessary murders, or the crimes of pirates. If she thought the man in front of her was not Endenese before, she was certain now.

Charlotte’s life was simple. There rarely was conflict or trouble within it. She was happy for that simplicity and never sought the thrills of adventure others seemed to gravitate towards when by the sea. She had to admit to herself, however, that he had made the day much more interesting for her. It was an experience that would surely remain in her mind for weeks to come.

The man introduced himself to the guards as Cezar Boguslaw Volkova and with his next for words much became clear to her. Charlotte had been well educated. She was literate and new a good deal of history. She had read books on politics and the geography of the land. It was the latter that she was concerned with now. The Ajurah clan was one of the two feuding clans in the West. She did not know much about them, however she did know the origins of them. Charlotte knew the Ajurah clan were rajegh and she knew that they were not known for solving issues through lively, polite discussion. The question he had asked her now made more sense, even if she did not understand the purpose in asking it.

The guard backed of and motioned for the others to do the same. Charlie could see the fear in his eyes and wondered why they let the threats slide. Had another man made similar threats he would have not been treated as Cezar was. Maybe it was the intent. Cezar did not seem like the type of man who bluffed.

Never anger a sleeping Rajegh, she thought to herself. It was a common saying amongst people. It had been something she couldn’t understand before. Charlotte did not see how naive she was. She had never believed she had the right to judge another being and as far as she saw no one would wish her harm simply because she had never wronged them. It was a dangerous thing to assume that about people, however it was her nature. She wanted to believe that there was no good or bad, just people acting on experience. However it was possible that that thought may one day be the cause of problems for her.

As Cezar turned back to speak to her once more, Charlotte knew what she was going to say. She had seen the fear the guards had had and she knew it was common amongst the people around her. However, she also knew that she did not fear the man before her. The question was did she fear the race as a group? How could she? To Charlotte they were faceless. She did not know them nor how they acted. She had no cause for anger or fear as much as she had cause for great love of them. The answer was no. “My name is Charlotte Fontaine, although most people know me as Charlotte Sunfall and I do not fear the faceless.” She said to Cezar. Her voice was straight and clear, she knew what she was saying and she would not waver from it. “Nor do I fear you.” She added. He was no longer faceless to her, so she felt the need to make that part clear as well.

[Cezar Boguslaw Volkova]

She was well spoken and knew exactly what she wished to say with little rambling. It was a pleasant change from the mainland nobles. Towering over her, he listened to how she spoke carefully and when she finished, he paused to think of his response. How strange to meet someone who spoke without error and so clearly. With a bend of his knees, he crouched down besides her so that his head met her eye level. ”Well Charlotte Fontaine, also known as Charlotte Sunfall, your courage is admirable and I wished your people shared your convictions. The faceless. I like that. Perhaps I might use that some day.” There had been things he had learnt on his travels and there was plenty he had intent to bring into his own clan. Assassins were one such thing and as with all reputations, an assassin's was one that started with a head's start. Add the clan reputation to the mix and you would have quite the feared. The faceless he would call them.

”I am glad you do not fear me. I have no desire for you to do such a thing. Would believe that in my home land there are some that love me instead of fear me. But a wise one like yourself also knows of my true enemy. I hope that should Enden fall into a war between the two sides, your intelligence and clarity should find my side with ease. There is plenty of room for a human like yourself in our good graces.” It was the closest thing to a compliment he could muster with the short time to think. There was no doubt about the beliefs of the Ajurah rajegh race was rather racist yet this did not mean they hated the other species. It was just very hard to take threats from humans seriously as they only really applied to the present and short periods of time ahead. A rajegh could easily see fifteen generations of one family come and go in their lifetime. After a few generations it all becomes a bit repetitive.

”If it pleases you” he began, attempting his best impression of a noble speech, ”I would like to see the world as you do. I have just witnessed a man beating others for the outcome of gold. It interests me to see how a delicate beauty like yourself can be so brave in such a world. My men shall meet me later on. I believe they can trust you not to bring harm to me.” He spoke with a smile and he found himself enjoying the joke slightly too much. Nearby his men waited for his word. They would prefer to be with him as that was their duty yet his command was final and it would mean some time to relax. Even a battle hardened soldier enjoyed some down time. ”If you have the spare time to spend with me, I would be in your debt. Where I come from there is a goddess of beauty. I shall have to return home knowing that there is someone that rivals her beauty. How can I return without at least getting to know you?”

There was something about how she maintained her, the way she spoke and the way she truly did not fear him. It wasn't naïve at all. She was able to tell that he meant her no harm and stepped past that gut feeling that he was just another monster from the stories. It was hard for him to tell how old she was however he assumed she was a lady if not near to being one. He wasn't sure if it was of how she looked or how mature she seemed next to the giggling, gossiping groups that lingered nearby but there was something about her. But he feared that despite her ability to step past the fear, she might not share an affection for the moment like he did. After all they'd barely spoken and she'd seen his darker side already. Not to mention the scars and tattoos that covered his body that lay under the leather armour and weapons that hung from his back. Something inside just told him that she was someone he'd remember a few centuries on in his life. A lifetime of regret for a human could cripple a man. For a rajegh, it was hell on earth.

[Lady Charlotte Sunfall]

Charlie smiled as Cezar’s words filled her ears. It was the first time, as far as she could remember, that someone had complimented on something other than her beauty or kindness. Yes she was kind, but she liked to think that there was more to herself than that. She found that many people, men and women alike, looked at her face before anything else. People judged her by it, which was one of the reasons she tried her best to give people the benefit of the doubt.

As Charlotte listened to Cezar, she attempted to take every word in. He was a powerful man, that much was obvious. For some reason, she knew she needed to remember his words. There was something to be learned here, something she had a feeling that she would need one day. “I appreciate your words and intent.” She said to him with a nod. Some of his words struck her strongly, should Enden fall into a war between the two sides. War seemed to be brewing everywhere. Her brother said it was only a matter of time before it began.

“They can.” She said, as Cezar made a slight joke. Nobody viewed Charlotte as a threat. However, that was because she wasn’t. She may be able to protect herself in some cases, but she could never imagine herself harming another. No matter what they were doing to her...

“I would be honoured to share with you that which you would like to know. I do hope, however, that you would be willing to do the same for me in return.” Charlotte said, her voice pleasant and welcoming. This was an opportunity. One that she would likely never have revealed to her again in this lifetime. Cezar was more than he seemed. It seemed he held the view that the ends justified the means, but he did not seem to think about it. For the first time in a while, Charlotte was a bit curious. Oh if her brother saw what she was doing...

Charlie had time, her mother would not expect her home for a while yet and it wasn’t as though anyone was coming to get her. Charlotte found herself beginning to trust the man who seemed to be at least twice her size. She turned her head for a moment and looked straight at Margaret. Margaret would know what she meant. Charlotte needed Margaret to explain to the others where she was going. Margaret was a gossip and an exaggerator who would undoubtably concoct some story to buy her friend more time.

[Cezar Boguslaw Volkova]

Around them the Novosi gathered up their belongings and began to move onto an inn found just down the road and within the crowds whispers spread like wildfire amongst the prying eyes of the young ladies of the town. He had no idea what was being spread yet it seemed to feed the hunger for gossip they all seemed to have. A cart pulled up on the edge of the crowd and two grubby men in peasant type clothes picked up the dead man and flung him onto the cart with no real respect. After a moment to pick up any spare bits from the ground they concluded their job to be done and set off once more. By now many of the crowd had returned to their own business as if nothing had just happened. Cezar struggled to see how some called him the monster when a man's death got so little reaction from a town such as this.

”I believe it would be best for us to leave the prying eyes of your townsfolk. If you have any kind of reputation I am surely putting it in the limelight ready for frenzied rewriting. Though with enough courage, you can do without a reputation. How I miss those days when I could walk into a room and my name had not beaten me there.” With a glance at some of the girls, he then added ”However sometimes a reputation can be good. Character is what you are and reputation is what people think you are. I think today you will see my character rather than the monster people fear.” Motioning for him to join her, he began to walk in a direction. Which way he did not know. He was so very new to these streets.

”It would best if you led us somewhere for I don't know my way around here. Even with my view of the horizon, I can't see everything that comes to me. Somewhere private is always good. There I will tell you anything you wish to know. As we walk I will learn about Enden first hand. Like you, I seek the character not the reputation. Enden knows not to mess with me but with the rest of Dheynor? That is yet to be seen. I fear the reputation of this nation is a repeat upon itself of invasions upon the mainland. You are the first to make me think otherwise.” Being sure that his strides weren't too wide, he matched her pace and kept an eye on the world around them.

Whilst looking around he noticed a few guard like men keeping a distance and watching. They didn't scream bandits as they made themselves know and did not hide in the shadows. An escort? Cezar began to wonder exactly who he was talking to and once more his curiosity went into hyper drive. ”I see that you have admirers. Are they here to watch me with you or are they here to watch you? I'm afraid I don't know who's protecting who right now.” His hand found itself around the hilt of a knife at his side and he kept an eye on the men around them. He'd encountered bodyguards before however he'd not seen them in the market. There was no desire in him to fight them. He truly wanted to just talk with the young lady. Awaiting her word on the matter, he felt his heart beating at a steady pace as it prepared for a fight yet longed for an explanation.

[Lady Charlotte Sunfall]

Charlotte listened and followed Cezar. She was interested to see where this conversation would lead. He spoke of reputations. She supposed she had good one. People spoke of her in conversation she wasn’t present in, sometimes their gaze fell upon her as well. She had been aware of it, but never found it that significant. Charlie did not care so much about how she was viewed in that sense. Yes, she believed presentation was important. However, when it came to matters of action she would never base anything upon the ideas of others.

Cezar suggested she take the lead and so she did. She knew where to go. It was very rare that Charlotte was able to be close to the water and so that was where she headed. It was an open space, which was what she felt most comfortable in. Not to mention it had a good degree of privacy. No one would be able to hear them really. “I know a place, just follow.” She said to Cezar simply.

He looked around and pointed out a few men in the distance. “People watch.” She said without concern, “I do not know of their intentions and do not care to presume them. I do have a reputation and that leads to the interest of others. Little is secret here and what is does not remain so for long.” Charlotte said. That was how it had always been for her. Maybe it had been good in a sense. She had learned that it was challenging to hide things and if she failed devastating consequences would occur.

“What has led you to Enden?” She asked him, seeking more than a simple answer. Charlotte could see the coast now, she could see the water lapping up against the shore. She walked out towards it and sat on the sand close enough that she could reach out and touch the waves. “Few visitors that pass by find their past lying in the West.” Charlie said. The statement was spoken in passing, just an observation. However it was one she felt she should vocalize.

[Cezar Boguslaw Volkova]

Letting his hand drop from his weapon, he took his gaze from the men near them and listened to the lady's words. She was to the point yet there was so much depth to what she said. In the west they loved to talk. Whilst actions always spoke louder than words, a well worded barrage of insults before a fight made it all that more spectacular. It was all for show and both sides always played up to it. The louder, the stronger and the wittier often found great status as a local celebrity. Should the winner be the less witty they would be known as someone who puts down those who speak too well and if the witty one puts down the other they were simply toying with lesser beings. ”I never trust the intentions of those who watch from the shadows. I understand it of course but I don't like all the hiding. Then again I don't fear anything.” There was an element of bravado in his voice and it was clear he was showing off to her.

They soon approached the shoreline and it was an odd feeling for him. The mountains were his home and he rarely saw the ocean. To fly over the land there was a feeling of safety, always knowing you could land somewhere. Over water there was no such feeling. It was a constant awareness and a constant push to reach land. It was simply an object to get past. Taking a moment to take in her question, he sat down besides her with a slight thud of the sand. ”We come here because we want to see who is friendly to us. Least that's what we say. We're here to see who is looking for war and who is happy. The lands I've seen so far confirm the predictions. War is definitely coming. Everyone is after everyone else's land. The armies grow and the alliances are being made. A man like me walking around. I get the full show of force. Makes my job easier.”

Looking out to the sea, he took it in and without intention to do so snarled slightly at the salty smell. ”The war will come soon. Maybe this year or perhaps the next but soon. Enden is known for war. It is the ideal place to see the thoughts of the nation. The islands may seem peaceful to you but I've seen what happens when Enden declares war. I know what tricks are used. Like plague being sent to the mainland. A weapon that would backfire in the end. And there's the little issue of the pirates in these waters. I'm no expert, far from it yet everyone says it's strange that they hunt so openly. A sign of war? I don't know. I assume it is. I assume everything is.” He was honest if not deadly aware how brutal he must sound. It wasn't the picture he wanted to paint for her however he wanted her to known the truth. She seemed the type to understand it even if she didn't agree with it.

After a moment's silence, a random thought entered his mind and he found himself speaking its words before he even realised what he'd been saying. ”To many of the people here the sea is freedom. It is where you go where you have no problems follow you. To me the sky is that freedom. There is no war in the sky. You don't fight wars for the sky. No one claims the sky as their own. Yet it is bigger than all the world. There is more of it. War is something I do because it keeps my clan strong. But in the sky we are free to rule as we like. There are people out there who hate my species just because we claim to be better than everyone else. This is not true. We know we are the superior race and will openly say so. Yet do you see us enslaving the other species such as yourself? No you don't. We don't need to. We have the sky. We have our own freedom.” Looking to her, he asked ”If you want, I can show you your lands from the skies. I can show you what it is to be the highest thing in the sky.”

[Lady Charlotte Sunfall]

“Everyone fears something. You just have yet to find it.” Charlotte said. No being was perfect except for the gods. Everyone thus had flaws and fears, it was a simple fact. As much as she sometimes liked to think that people were perfect, she knew they were not. She choose to believe that people intended to make the best decision they could. Charlie listened once more to Cezars words. The man seemed to have a tendency to talk. “I do not presume things about you Cezar. I hope you do not mean to presume things about me. The world cannot be peaceful forever, just as the winds cannot always blow the same direction. I know it is coming. Conflict always seems to build, time of ‘peace’ or no.” Charlotte looked out onto the water. She didn’t really know what freedom was anymore.

It hadn’t been long since she had met someone who had twisted her thoughts in on themselves. A pirate who would have her believe her life was a prison. She tried not to think of James. She tried to focus on the life she had, the life she would always have. There was no use spending time thinking of fantasies that would never and should never, come to pass. She did catch herself opening a particular drawer now and again however. The one that held three blood red rubies on a circlet of gold.

“That is an offer I will have to respectfully decline. The air is my place probably about as much as the sea is yours.” She said with a small smile. She wouldn’t feel comfortable in the sky and most certainly would not do it on the back of a man she had just met. The risk in that was to much for her. She couldn’t accept it and in truth did not want it. “ You have said much, do you have any questions for me?”