RP: Kindness Returned

Raederlea's eyes looked over the reports of the dead and injured. Clearly much blood was spilling, some of it needless. Battles would be battles and war would be war. The one thing that was clear to Rae was the dead would never be useful. There was simply nothing to gain after death had taken their souls.

"Baton Noir." were the soft words that escaped her lips.

Her mind ran back to the talks she had with him when he was in Tecmilco. Eurydice, a very close friend, was having problems with him. Eury had a simple request for him,to leave. He was not on the same page with Eury and didn't seem to be going anywhere. Rae's diplomatic skills were strong so she had conversations with him and the next day he left. While she had heard what a vile evil man he was, he had shown her nothing but kindness. He had spoken softly to her and actually ended on a pleasant note. She had told him if she could ever be of help to him, to let her know.

"It's time to return your kindness M'lord." Raederlea said with a slight grin.

Rae shook her head with a slight giggle. Zagig. Of course the Lord of Chaos had been the one to do the damage. Who else? Her mind went back to the ship she had hidden away on as a 17 year old. She needed to get away, couldn't take anymore and knew she would die if she remained where she was. Zagig had been the one to find her. Rae was young and beautiful, but smart and cunning. Zagig had admired all of those qualities and had quickly taken her as someone he watched out for. He protected her and always would. She had always loved the man as if he were a father.. a protector. This would never change.

"Zagig." Rae said a tear rolling down her cheek.

Getting up Raederlea quickly arranged for two ladies to get ready for a journey. One of these would go with supplies to Zagig and help Kandy to mend him. The other would go to Baton Noir. She had a favor to repay and this would be a way of doing it. She would repay the kindness he had shown her, by making sure while injured he was cared for.

Celendina stood before Raederlea waiting for Rae to explain what she needed. She looked much like Rae. When Rae needed to go out and safty was an issue Cel stood in for Rae. She and Cel had become good friends and she would dearly miss her.

"The gentleman you are going to is Baton Noir. He was all but killed by Zagig. Batonnoir had once shown me kindness and by sending you to help heal him, I am returning the kindness. Do what you can for him and please give him this." Rae said as she handed her a letter. "I shall miss you my friend. I will send my favored guard with you to keep you safe." Rae added giving her a hug.

The letter read as followed:

Baton Noir,

I hope this letter finds you in better health than what I have heard. I am Raederlea. Hopefully you remember me. I am sending my lady to help attend to your wound. I am repaying the kindness you once showed me. Please send her back safely when you are no longer in need of her services. My sending her was an act of faith. Should she or her guard be harmed it would deeply wound me which is something I know you do not wish to do.

Raederlea

Celendina looked down at Batonnoir. She kneeled beside him and began to unpack her bags. He needed much care. She was not sure why Raederlea had asked for him to have special care. This was not a typical request, but one Cel would honor as it was requested by Rae.

"This may hurt." Celendina said cringing as she would see the change of expression. She continued cleaning the wounds and the skin around it. She was careful and gentle as she made sure a complete job had been done.

"I have been commanded by Raederlea to care for your wounds. Her favored guard and myself are to stay with you until you have no need for us. Hopefully your wounds will heal fast" She said quietly. "I will sit over there until you need me." She quickly got up and moved away her fear was clear for all to see.

"Should you have any questions, just ask." Cel said meekly.

Lying down over the carpet, he felt unsecure when something started to touch his skin. Raising his head, looking up his body, Batonnoir watch the woman cleaning his legs, in a gracefull way. Then, once the job accomplished, she turned back and sat down.




I have been commanded by Raederlea to care for your wounds. Her favored guard and myself are to stay with you until you have no need for us. Hopefully your wounds will heal fast...I will sit over there until you need me.


She got really humans skills in healing, and looked as a very quiet woman, apparently reserved. She was definitively not a punk, and has probably trained herself for years. As she was sitted nearby, he could be able to scan her face for a while. Then, he put his right hand up.


Sorry...please bring me paper. Something has to be revealed. It can't wait for long.
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Pochteca occidental et Calpullec d'Amecameca

Celendina moved back over to her guard. Perhaps it was time to get dinner, so she took him by the arm and walked out the back to speak with one of Baton's men.

Walking in she looked down noticing he was not there.

"What the ..." She said looking at the guard. "He was here 15 minutes ago." She walked back to the front and looked out. Using cruches, limbing with another male with him was Batonnoir walking towards the "Hall of Law".

"Zagig's trial." She said shaking her head and grabbing something to write with for herself.

Raederlea woke up with a jolt. She could hear fighting all around her. She couldn't tell who was screaming. Women were running with their children. Chaos was everywhere. In an attempt to wake quicker she was shaking her head. She could see clubs flying.

"God be mericful" She whispered to herself grabbing her club heading outside to defend.

As she exited her room she felt a club hit her. Blackness. Completely blackness. She could hear no noises, and see no people. The silence was deathening. It was as if she was in a sleep she could not wake from.

"Raederlea.. Rae.. Wake up." were the voice she finally heard.

"What happened? What's going on? My head... urg.." Rae whispered softly resting in her own blood.

"Tecmilco was taken. Occidentale, that is the group that did this." The person who was tending her wounds said.

Raederlea's eyes opened wide. Occidentale was where Batonnoir was from. Not only did they have Zagig, but now they had the town she was chief of.

"We take this town back tonight." Rae said sitting up feeling the pain of the battle run thru her body.
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Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

Celendina had excused herself to use the rest room and clean up after she had felt his forhead. His eyes, there was something about his eyes. She hated looking into them. This man was the devil himself. She just knew it.

Cel listened at the door hearing a giggling that was so strange and so evil she could not bring herself to leave the bathroom. She knew that Raederlea wanted her to stay and care for him, but she just couldn't.

She climbed up and out the window. The guard left inside could take care of herself, or atleast she hoped he could. It was time for her to leave. The only people she knew were here was Kandy and Zagig. She knew where they were and began to run as fast as she could not stopping until she reached them.

Celendina was out of breath and crying when she reached them. She explain to them that Raederlea had sent her and she knew she would be upset, but she also knew she was not safe. The man was wicked and evil.

"And worst off, I left Raederlea's favorite guard behind." she said with a scared look on her face.

Instead of asking somebody, Batonnoir decidec to do it by himself. While he got back in the rest room, celendina was no longer nearby. Only some guards of him remained. He let his crutches away and sat down on the carpet. Then, he hold his breath and opened a vein : blood drops started to flow down to the wood cup.

Once the task been accomplished, he toke a parrot's feather in order to write to Raederlea. He used his own blook as ink.






He fold the letter and linked it in a very secret way. If someone tried to open it, Raederlea will be automatically aware of this intrusion.


Suddenly, Batonnoir heard some screams outside. His guards stand up instantly, keeping their arms close to the waist.

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Pochteca occidental et Calpullec d'Amecameca

Dreams made Coza's sleep fitful.

A pillar of smoke with the shape of a man dangled warriors by strings looped around his fingers. The strings cut into his fleshless hands and blood made of smoke dripped to the ground where smaller versions of himself sprang from the earth.

Across the field, a great, blackened stick beat senselessly at the small humans around it, prodding them forward to join against the tethered warriors in a bloody battle.

The two sides met and many fell. The Man of Smoke released some of his strings and fell to the earth in a crash of dust and debris. Warriors of the Black Stick surrounded him and took him prisoner, though even in her dreaming, Coza could see the futility of trying to capture smoke. In the battle, the enormous black stick was hacked nearly in half, it's wooden frame lying crooked in the dirt, sap oozing from its cuts. The stick, though it had no mouth, laughed in a maniacal voice and chased after Coza, beating her about the legs.

Coza woke up, sweat covering her body and her breath hitching in her chest. When her heart returned to a normal pace, she rose and made tea, pouring it into two cups. She carried the cups out the door and made her way to Rae's hut.

Without knocking, she pushed the door open with her foot and let herself in.

Drink this, she said, handing Rae the steaming cup. Your distress woke me. It's very loud.
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When keeping brains in jars, here’s a tip: why not add a slice of lemon to each jar, for freshness?.

Your troubles reach out across the village and rattle in my head like dead bees in a dried gourd, she said. The Voices brought me dreams and visions to answer your questions. I will not sleep again tonight. I assumed you would not be asleep either.

Coza plopped down on the floor and poked at Rae's dying fire with a stick. Her eyes narrowed and she examined the stick closely, suspicious that it might come to life and try to beat at her. She grunted at it and tossed it in the fire, watching it turn black and be swallowed by smoke.

You must learn to control what you can control, and let the gods deal with the rest, she said. Badger would never get his den dug properly if he spent his energy helping Squirrel gather nuts. It would waste Badger's time, and Squirrel doesn't need the help. Even if she thinks she does.

Coza rose from her place by the fire and began rummaging through Rae's cooking area. She opened boxes and jars, sniffing and snorting her approval or dismay at the contents.

I don't see how anyone can work in this kitchen, she said, her arm up to its elbow in a bag of beans. No snails, no lizard tails...no tongues of any kind. I suppose it's no secret now why you're skin and bones.
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When keeping brains in jars, here’s a tip: why not add a slice of lemon to each jar, for freshness?.

With one eye brow raised she looked down at her body hearing Coza. She looked at her arms, legs, body. Everything appeared to be fine.

"I'm not all skin and bones" Rae muttered softly so Coza wouldn't hear her.

Rae lay down again trying to rest. It had been so long since she had gotten a good nights sleep. Rae was talking to Coza, but unsure if Coza could hear her.

"I want to go home. Tecmilco is great... just not home." She said as she was drifting off. A few more comments came out of her mouth as she drifted off.

Almost right away it was noticeable Rae was breathing harder and trying to get away from something. This went on for nearly 30 minutes. Coza could hear whimpers come from Rae as she thrashed around then woke up sitting up quickly.
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Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

The tea had taken effect nearly immediately, putting Rae in a deep sleep. Coza nodded her head in approval as Rae's eyes closed and her breathing became even. It wouldn't help with the dreams, but the girl needed to get some sleep.

Coza spent the next hours sitting quietly nearby, humming softly and polishing a human skull so it shone brightly. It would make a wonderful vase to keep dried herbs. Coza was thrifty like that. Always make use of what you have. Throw nothing away.

Rae's sleep became fitful. Coza kept one eye on her and listened to Rae's garbled murmurs of protest. Rae cried out and sat up in bed, her face wet with tears and her eyes wild.

She waved her hand dismissively as she fixed a plate of beans and fruit for Rae.

Since when has death ever stopped that one? she asked, licking papaya juice from her fingers. It is nothing to him. Eat. If you aren't going to sleep, you need food for strength. This day will be long.

She handed the plate to Rae, tilting her head in thought.

Nothing in this world is permanent. The gods watch us with jaded eyes, pushing and pulling to keep us interesting to them. Death is no more permanent than life, unless we choose it to be so. Zagig understands this and lives his life fearlessly, knowing all can be rewritten in a night. Be fearless, Rae. Nothing can be taken that cannot be replaced.
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When keeping brains in jars, here’s a tip: why not add a slice of lemon to each jar, for freshness?.

The guard had took the letter as requested by Batonnoir to Celendina. They both rested and talked to Kandy for some time. Finally it was time to leave. Celendina hugged Kandy one last time.

"I am going to tell Rae when I get back what is going on. She needs to know Zagig will die. Perhaps she will come here and help you bring him back." Cel said to make Kandy feel better.

With that said, they left taking the long journy back. Celendina and the guard traveled without sleeping until they reached Tepy. Once safely in Itzo the guard took Celendina to Xuchi. Xuchi had given the guard to Rae when he feared for her safty. They stayed there that night and moved on the next morning.

The food and rest had done them both good.

"Thank God for the break" Cel said as they were close to Raes home. "How do you tell someone that a part of them is dying?" Cel asked the guard as they knocked on the door Rae and Coza were on the other side of.

Kandy was no longer in control of her world and because of this, her dreams turned dark. The day after Zagig was sentenced she woke up drenched in sweat, fighting against a formidable but shapeless enemy who left her defeated and bloody. In another dream she sat in an empty arena, the sole spectator of a drama about her life, where she was played by a doll that the other actors danced around.

Early on she had learned to take control of things. There were no helping hands to assist her, no benevolent influences from which she could receive anything she was not willing to work and fight for. And because of that she became the master of her own destiny. For years this is how she lived, in control and afraid of nothing. But now she dreaded the night because dreams would haunt her sleep and leave her feeling powerless.

Zag had sent word that he wanted to see her the next morning and she didn’t want to be depressed or downtrodden during the visit, so she felt compelled to abandon the sparse hut she now occupied alone. She wasn’t sure where she was going, but she had to find a way to come to terms with all that was happening around her, and within her. Before long she found herself in the desert, away from the noise and confusion of Ameca. There, with a flask of water and a small blanket, she laid down hoping that she could find a peace and regain control of some part of her world.



The heat of the sun woke her long after she would normally have gotten up. Feeling somehow rejuvenated, she walked towards Ameca, headed to the prison where Zagig was being held until the execution. As she got closer, she saw Oula and greeted her with a warm embrace. Oula had been so helpful during the trial, and she knew that the pretty Tlax woman had grown to care for Zagig too.

When they entered his cell, Kandy’s heart skipped a beat. Those green eyes would always make her tingle when she saw him. But she couldn’t allow herself to think about what lay ahead. She had to focus on him smiling at her now, and his child that she carried. Then he began to speak of magic, and the power that it held.

Smiling as the dove landed on his shoulder, she did want this power. She wanted control of her life back. Zagig had taught her so much, but she knew that there was so much more she could learn from him. Moving to sit by his feet, she beamed up at him.

“I do want to learn of magic, Zagig,” and she proceeded to tell him of her night in the desert and the tickle on her cheek.

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NK=NK, RK=RK, here it's NK don't forget it-NK=NK, RR=RR, ici c'est NK, ne l'oubliez-pas!

Zagig looked from Kandy's face to Oula's and back to Kandy's. They were both attentive to him. Concentrating on his every word. He needed them as much as they needed him. Perhaps they didn't realize that yet, but soon they would. Putting a smile on his face, he said, “Then let us begin..”

In a basket next to him, Zagig removed some short pieces of braided hemp rope. And placed them on the small fire he had burning between them. The rope smoked instantly, and the heady fumes left everyone slightly light headed in the matter of just a few minutes. Slowly Zagig started swaying back and forth, watching the girls as they began to mimic his motions. Somewhere in the distance a slow drum beat began. And Zagig began intoning some words that only he knew. Words that once heard would not stay in your memory. And the smoke grew thicker...

The room was filled with the smoke, as Zagig kept feeding sections of rope to the fire. The smoke climbed the walls, and meandered its' way through the hole in the ceiling. Inside, the three of them were all chanting the same words together..rhythmic in cadence, yet slipped from the mind.

Oula and Kandy both began experiencing visions...so with a strong steady voice, Zagig steadied them. “Look into the eyes of the vision. See that which is only being revealed to you. Learn from them. They will be your guides. They will teach you to find the first step...” And then he went back to the slow rhythmic chanting as before...

What the girls envisioned was their own private thoughts. What Zagig saw of them, he did not share. But each was shown their guides. They were each assigned their first tasks, and each had to retrieve their familiars. They had been shown the first step in a long stairway.

But that is not where the evening ended. For Zagig feed even more fuel to the fire. Special treated logs, that had been soaked in special mixtures of grotl and pulque. He also added some mushrooms to the fire, and a log that had laid in the damp til it had grown molds of blues and greens. All these things he added til the fire blazed up brightly. And the smoke billowed from the vent in the roof.

The smoke stretched out across the land, driven by small breezes into all directions. It sailed across rivers and open plains. It carried over mountains, and across canyons. And it went to some very specific houses. Places were people that Zagig cared about lived.

And as the smoke entered their homes, the three of them in Ameca began seeing visions of them. Visions that seemed so real, that it felt as though they came to them. Raederlea, friend and confidante, Marslynn, sister and friend. Dajia and Thalassa, daughters. Keyra, lover and friend. SkyKat, his daughter's mother and close friend to him. Atotoztli, friend. And into the houses of three others. All close friends. Until the little cell seemed over crowded with people. And yet, the drumming never stopped. And the smoke never ceased.

Reaching into the pouch out his side, Zagig withdrew tortillas. And began breaking them into pieces. These he soaked in tequila to soften. Then he arose from his position, and present one piece to everyone there. “Take this as a token of my love for each of you. Consume it, and remember me.”

After giving a piece to everyone, he moved to the center of the room, and addressed them all. “Tomorrow they take my heart from me. And I begin a terrible journey that I may not return from. But, with your love and support, I will find my way home. But, I know not how long it may take. So, for my last meal, I wanted to share it with you all.” Raising his piece of tortilla as if toasting, Zagig took it into his mouth and savored the flavor. “I will not forget you my dearest of friends and family...do not forget me.” Then he raised his tequila, again toasting them and swallowed it down in one drink.

The smoke hung heavily in the room. And no longer was there silence, as everyone could be heard speaking at once...

Zagig listened to each of their words...
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Kandy sat as the smoke began to rise and engulf each of them. She could no longer see Oula or Zagig. Though she could hear his voice, she could not understand the words. Her perception lost focus, all her senses became fuzzy. Her sight, hearing and sense of smell began to blur. Her hands tingled and her mouth went dry.

She sensed someone next to her... it was Keyra, leaning in to kiss Kandy's cheek. Keyra began to nibble on her neck as she so often did when they were together. Giggling, Kandy went to embrace her, and then she saw Rae's eyes smiling back. Her long dark curls fell around her shoulders like a waterfall, and when Kandy went to touch them her fingers went through them like smoke. And as the smoke curled she heard the rattle that had lulled her to sleep the night before and the snake appeared and wrapped itself around her.

Forget him??? Her existence revolved around him, he was the reason she lived. Only he understood how true that was. At first she started to laugh, and then the essence of his words struck her and she began to sob. Without him there would be nothing, nothing! She felt herself falling into a void, complete emptiness surrounded her. Then she was awakened by the kicking of the child that grew inside. Her hand went to her belly as the smoke began to clear.
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Many changes happened in a short time.
Place, responsibility and even the times she lived in seemed to change.
Keyra was confused, she felt lonely as she did often in the last couple of weeks but on the other hand she felt home.
A feeling she never experienced before.
She felt good here in Quecholac, surrounded by people belonging to the same family she belongs to in some ways.
At first she was even a bit shocked by this as she was not used to feel home at any time in her life.
But still she missed Zag and Kandy ..her family ... being away from both made her feel sick.
Although she was surrounded by friends she felt incomplete.
Marslynn offered her to sleep in her hut.
Keyra was thankful for that and tried to get some sleep in her first night in Que.
Restless dreams catch her soul.
She was in the forest and she knew the sorcerer was calling her but this night was different from others another "call" was stronger.
She slipped through dimensions and time it seems like and felt Kandy close to her.
Kandy... she was not able to refuse to kiss her cheek.
She nibbled on her neck and whispered soft words into her ear.
Keyra felt Kandy needs her and she would need Kandy.
She was not sure what was going on and what took her here, were everything felt real and unreal at the same time.
But the taste of Tequila on her tongue revealed the answer to her and she drifted away...crying...waking in the hut in Quecholac.
Tears run down her cheek, she knew it happened and it was not a dream but yet she was still here and had no chance to get to Kandy to be close to her in this hard time.

Keyra knew he would return but now he was gone and she felt he is missing.
As if part of her life was missing, part of herself.
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NK=NK, RK=RK, here it's NK don't forget it-NK=NK, RR=RR, ici c'est NK, ne l'oubliez-pas!

_________________
Pochteca occidental et Calpullec d'Amecameca

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Pochteca occidental et Calpullec d'Amecameca

From Amecameca's arena...


Batonnoir was sitting uperside of the arena : there was a nook which permitting the referee to watch everything happened on the field. At this day, Amecameca's arena was full about 3000 people.






As a break occured during the contest, Batonnoir toke his time to read carefully raederlea's message.

He didn't know what to think about. All these wars around here, these political conflits includind high ranked people, even in tepeyacac. Those events put Batonnoir in trouble, denying him to think right, to reflect quietly about matters.


Well, raederlea could travel with a small escort, though. Tlaxcallan roads are not secured : they never did. Unlike some countries from suburbs, chasing was totally approved and even considered as "act of bravery". Batonnoir did it several times, and has also been robbed. Doesn't matter really. "Warriors's insigna". But he wouldn't Raederlea get entangled in that for the time being.


Then, raising his face up, he was looking forward for some new about the war front, and some new from raederlea. As a brave Tlaxcallan warrior, Batonnoir has ever would to share his life with someone. Even if he got his first wife sooner, he would know that he could do it for one hundred women and men if he felt passion, trust and love for all of them.
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Pochteca occidental et Calpullec d'Amecameca

As darkness fell Raederlea decided to start out on her journey. Her head was spinning. So many things were going on and 90% of her supports were not here. Rae rolled her shoulders realising exactly what position she was in.

Fred had been a strong support. Now quite honestly she was not sure what he was. Would he support her or would he stab her in the back and take pleasure in watching every drop of blood drain from her. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Betrayal was that exactly. Arching her back, it was almost as if she would feel warm beads of blood flowing down her back sucking the very breath out of her.

After the two had split, Rae never showed any emotions or gave reasons to anyone. One day they were happy, the next day ... it was over. Perhaps this trip would help her to put the demon to rest.

When she thought of the news that Zagig was alive she couldn't help but thank the Gods. She needed to make a trip to see him. She needed to feel his strong arms wrap around her and have a good cry, then a few laughs in his arms. While Zagig had many lovers, Raederlea had never been one of them. He had molded her into a female version of himself. Rae was up front, honest and "in your face" when she was going to attack. She wanted people to know the attack was coming and to watch the victim sweat. She would prowl around them like a hungry lioness licking her lips seductivly until they were no more.
She had been asked by Batonnoir if she was a great warrior. Her first response had been no. But perhaps that was the wrong answer. Rae was friendly, smart and effective leader. Her diplomatic talents were second to none. She didn't need to bring her fighting abilities out often, but was happy to have it when it was needed.

Tecmilco was not far ahead. Her mind had been working overtime. She had traveled this very road many times, hense it didn't bothered her to move along it alone. She had snuck out while her guard remained sleeping at her place. She giggled softly knowing that both the guard and Xuchi would be beside themselves when they figured it out but in reality she did not care.

Her mind went back to her one of her last conversations with Xuchi. Her soft full lips moved into a frown as she remembered him telling her he would not back her. Arching her back she could feel again, the blood slowly running down her back. Betrayal. Was there any direction she could turn and not feel it?

Shaking her head as if to shake the thoughts out of it she whispered to herself..."I may get knocked down, but I get up again, you'll never keep me down."
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Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

From Occidental headquarter - Amecameca



He was studying again and again armies disposal and though about several possibilities. He had been studying those plans for hours by now, and he need a break.

He went outside and started to smoke weed. The sky was unclouded and birds - especially toucans - were flying from one tree to another, doing a sort of ballet. Gorgeous.


Then, appeared a messenger who, quickly after bowing, ask the right to talk with Batonnoir.


I may tell you two news, Batonnoir loxetla Tlaxcallan.


Raising his right hand, he invited him to talk.


Raederlea is in Iztochan. She's awaiting to begin nopa's journey, and she is trying to get rid off her guards.


Nice, I hope she will sucess in getting rid off these xuchi's spies.


Then, the messenger opened a letter, which contained some drawings.


I have to tell you that your nephew, Atecoatl, is taking over Tlaxcalla, the Oriental capitale. You nephew chuichianoc will be fired soon from the tlatoani's office.


Batonnoir was thinking about it for a short while.


Excellent. You can dismiss now.




The messenger was bowing a second time and running away from the headquarter entrance.
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Pochteca occidental et Calpullec d'Amecameca

"My king." At hearing those words, Xuchimatzatzin turns around. A kneeling warrior in front of him. Making eye-contact he speaks again. "A Tlaxcalan messenger has brought this letter."

Taking the letter, and reading it Xuchimatzatzin frowns. Is the messenger still here? He asks.

"Yes, my king."

Good, I shall write a response now.



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Raederlea was happy to back in Itzo. She had grown quite attached to the town and the people while she was living there before she moved to Huax.

Walking up to Coza's hut Rae smiled remebering the first time she had gotten there. It was in the last war when Occidentale and Orientale had attacked. She giggled remembering some of the odd things Coza had in her hut, wondering if any of them were still around.

"knock knock knock" was heard at the door as Rae waited hoping Coza was around.
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Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

Raederleas eyes grew wide as as watched Coza franticly running around the room. She didn't understand what Coza was talking about, but this was nothing new. She often didn't understand, she always attempted, but something usually got lost in the translation.

Coza was a good listener. Well, there was never any proof she was listening, but she didn't interupt, which was nice. Sometimes she even gave advice on the topic she was asked about which was also nice. Rae just hoped this was one of her better days.

"Coza, I need to talk to you." Rae said not stopping to see what Coza was doing. "When Zagig died, I became more chaotic, more willful and more stubborn." Rae said then paused while thinking. She knew Coza understood the connection between Rae and Zag so she did not feel the need to explain.

"I believe the time has come for me to take my rightful place in Tepy. Perhaps I have been putting it off. Situations plex me. They called to me." Turning away Rae says softly almost in a whisper,"The emperor calls to me."

"We need to create peace." Rae says turning to look at Coza.
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Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

"Peace takes more than a steady hand and creativity. To survive for very long, it can rarely be passed hand to hand without losing its structure. It is easy to create, but nearly impossible to sustain for long. It is so with the web of a spider, the bubbles of a fish nest, and it is doubly so with man. It is the Aztec way."

This made sense to Raederlea. As new people touched the peace it would change and become different. It would be not at all what they had intended and someday disolve. Not all people liked or wanted peace. This would also have an impact on how long it lasted.

"Your willful and stubborn ways are not a reflection of an external fight. Stop fighting yourself and the way becomes easy. Answer the call of the Emperor - or not. We all hear the call. And we all answer in our own ways. Even if the answer is no. But it is not the Emperor or duty to tribe you fight. Raederlea fights with Raederlea. Neither can win over the other."

It was clear Raederlea and Coza were not talking about the same thing. Raederlea never fought her duty to the tribe. She had been trade minister for 3 terms and had always done her job to the fullest of her ability. She needed to think of another way to say the same thing.

"Coza, do you love Dan? Love in your heart? Would you die for him?" Rae said watching Coza closly for her reply.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

"I am to marry Dan!" Coza said, her face lighting up with delight. "I must love him very much, for that is tradition." She paused, her face scrunched up with worry. "Isn't it?"

"Yes.. Yes it is. To love someone that fully, that completely doesn't happen every day. Sometimes only once in your life." Rae said still smiling at Coza. "I'm going to tell you something few know. I would have given my life for Zagig. I would have died and not come back. I don't have the same powers as he does." Rae said knowing Coza would understand.

"Perhaps that is not a good way to measure love, but that is how I think about it. I believe I have been blessed enough to have those emotions for someone else as well. Remember shhhhhh this is girl talk, you can't tell anyone!" Rae said with a giggle.
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Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

Raederlea rolled over the morning dew touching her face. She awakened to see the water below her. She had slept throu the night under the large tree. She was not worried or concerned even in the slightest. The only person likely concerned was Yaotl.

This quiet time away had been good. It had helped her get her plans for the upcoming future settled. A lot had gone on in the last few days. Some of it had been good, and some bad. Opinions had been expressed and questions answered. People were digging their heals in.

This fasinated Rae. It was much like watching a puppet move around as commanded as it's strings were moving. This approach would have worked if Rae's emotions were fear based, but they were not. This only made her want to poke the puppet back. It was really like watching a cat play with a mouse that was almost dead. Cat and mouse, the oldest game in the book, but one of the most rewarding.

Raederlea was in no hurry to leave her green lush heaven so she sat. She sat thinking about the past, the present and what the furture was about to bring.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

Raederlea was watching what was clearly a slave walk towards her. She was on the river bank as he ran panting and puffing holding the note out with his head bowed.



She tilted her head reading the letter. Did he say what she thought he said. She had opened her mouth as if to speak. When she did, she looked up to see the young slave boy running and her guard running over to her.

"Rae, are you OK? Did he attempt to harm you." He said.

"He was a child." She said shotting him a confused look.

"I'd ask you where you were last night, but it doesn't matter. We need to get our things. Looks like Epatan is being attacked. We must defend." He said helping her up.

"Who's army will we be in?" Rae said as her and the guard started to run back.

"You know exactly where you'll be put. Let's hurry, You'll likely lead a group." He said as they started to run back.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

They were back. They had just gotten back from patrol. It was now time to relax. Everyone was going to the tavern to have a few drinks, but Raederlea needed some quiet time. She went over and total the guard she would be by the lake if she was needed. He never bothered her there as she was in site and he understood her need for some time alone.

Arriving at the lake Rae slowly removed all her clothing and dove into the water. The water felt so good, so refreshing and cool running over her body that she thought she'd died and gone to heaven.

After getting out of the water, she picked up the letter she had gotten from Batonnoir again and read it. She was intrigued. She was sure the last line was meant to be "I love you" but it only said.. I lo. This man was such a mystery. Everything she heard about him had been not good, but the man she was getting to know was completely different. He was noble, sweet and warm. He was very sure of himself. He was almost magnetic. Truth was she was looking forward to seeing him. She was loosing her desire to wait. He was only two days travel. But she had much to learn before she could venture into Occidentale alone.

Picking up the book she had brought with her, she began to slowly study it. The book was about tonamotl. She felt like she wanted to understand not only him better but why he is what he is. There could never be peace between the two lands until they understood each other. This was a good first step.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

The celebration had just finished. Everyone had a great time. Raederlea wanted to go to the lake but was quite tippsy. Yaotl, her guard, had agreed to go with her.

"It's finally over. Let's hope it was worth all the protests and heal digging. You know, not everything we fight for is worth having, Yaotl." Raederlea said her eyes stopping and resting on her long time guard.

Yaotl nodded silently watching Rae as she walked off towards the water. She didn't actually want or expect an answer. She was just expressing herself outloud. He knew this. She had been spending a significant amount of time at the lake lately. He was unsure why, but most importantly why she slept here.

"Raederlea, we can't be to long tonight. The emperor asked me to escort you to his home tonight." He said pausing,"He has many things to talk to you about he said."

Rae looked back and nodded as she sat on the bank with her quill and paper and begin writing.



Finishing the letter Rae handed it off to her guard with instructions on delivery. The guard paid an errand boy and lead Rae to her destination.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

Raederlea's eyes opened. She looked around noting the surroundings she had at one time been quite familuar with. She had stayed in her room at the palace on this evening. The meetings last night had gone long. She felt like her head was going to explode. There were so many thing which needed her attention, she decided perhaps a good nights sleep was in order before attempting anything.

Raederlea felt she needed to do some traveling in the province. She would ask the Captain, Kandy, to join her. It had been sometime since she had spent time with Kandy so the relaxation would be good. She had not seen her or Zagig since they returned from Occidentale, so she was very interested in catching up a bit on what had happened over there. This would also give her the chance to ask some questions about things she could not ask Zagig. Zagig was overly protective at times which lead to an arguement and not always the answers she desired.

Raederleas eyes twinkled with mischief as she plotted the corse which they should follow. This would allow them to see all the clans in the province in the shortest amount of time. They had just visited Huax, Tecmilco and Itzo so the other four were in her scoop. Of course this all depended on the the happenings and where she needed to be.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

Rae walked out of the palace and instantly headed for the lake. Her stuff had never been unpacked from the last trip into out of the province with Xuchi so she didn't need to repack.

The walk seemed faster then normal. She arrived at her usual spot and sat down. The grass was so green. The lake was calm. Not one way or ripple could be seen. It was like a sheet of glass.

Leaving the lake seemed almost symbolic. She was leaving so much of what she had gotten use to. She was leaving Itzo with Xuchi and the army. They were going to places she had never gone,to do things she had never done. She would miss the lake and what it had ment to her.

The timing was perfect. One of the things she admired about some of the past leaders was they didn't ask people to do things they would not do. Rae was willing to do what she asked others to do hense it was time to leave home and defend the province.

"I'll miss you." She whispered to the lack as she turned and ran back to the palace.

**********************

Xuchi had just finished a meeting with the platoon leaders when she walked in. She nodded and offered each a smile as they were leaving.

"Perfect timing." Xuchi said as he took her hand. "Do you have things ready to go?"

"Yes, Everything is ready. All you need to do is say the word." She said giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

"The time has come, go get your things." He said offering her a wink.

"Yes Sir." She said with a playful grin. Leaning in she gave him a quick kiss then ran off to get what she was taking with her.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac

They arrived in Que. She had missed Que so much. Celendina was there as well as Dajia and Mars. She couldn't wait. Keyra was about ready to have the baby. She couldn't wait.

Xuchi gently took Rae by the arm. He had nodded to one of the guards who was removing Rae's things. Rae got an annoyed look on her face about the time Xuchi started to talk.

"Lea, you know you must stay in Tepeyacac as the Tlatoani." Xuchi said to her. "When I return to Tepeycaca again, you will join up." He said giving her hand a squeeze.

She knew better then to argue. It was not going to do any good. And worst off, she knew he was right. She had been so angry when Zumo attacked, she really wanted to go and tend to make sure it wouldn't happen again. But argueing with Xuchi, or going against him was not going to do that.

"Of course." Raederlea said offering him a smile and a gentle squeeze on his hand.
_________________


Goddess of Controversy
Tlatoani for Tepeyacac
Prior 3 Term Pochteca of Tepeyacac