The Ruthless [Trial One]

[Valindria]

She had to admit it, without doubt; that they were good.

Ruthless in the face of enemies, who were laid low with alacrity. There was a certain finesse about how Anaie dispatched enemies, how Alakhai smoothly moved from one group to the next. She didn't seem to even bother with showing her disdain. These opponents weren't even worthy of a sneer or roll of the eyes, how quickly they made way for her. Vashni seemed almost bored, though she threw the weight of her will into the spells she cast with as much force as she would have with considerably stronger encounters.

Valindria emulated them as she could while taking their individual and collective measure, respecting anew their continual practice in their chosen roles. To always improve was a trait that was vital to the conquering of all who would oppose the Grim, the ruthless response, final in its execution. Without hesitation, the ending of all comers. She welcomed their assessment of her, willing to demonstrate her own ability to act alone or in harmony with them as the situation required.

It was something to be admired, the simplicity of battle. Win or be lost, succeed or fail. These folk were more than proficient. She smiled slightly to herself, in a nod to their prowess.

[Valindria]

She sat in the Shrine of Two Moons, at a small table near the bar. Leaning her chin on her propped arm, she looked down at the people coming and going. Some milled about, others moved with purpose. Deep in thought, she mused. A glass of water sat before her, waiting.

She felt ready for whatever they may ask of her. Though some doubt remained in her that she would always be up to the tasks, said doubt was balanced lower against her confidence that her best would be sufficient; and more. She knew the moves of the dance, where to step; when to step. The small window to cast the right spell, how to summon the wave of healing while moving. How to call the healing to form a shield; deflecting injury to her fellows. She had trained to do this all her life; and it felt good to exercise the skills she had refined over the many years. Including the skill to rejoin spirit to body.

It didn't matter if she didn't feel ready. She would do it, all in.

The glass of water was half full. Or half empty. Or ready for the addition of alcohol. She rarely imbibed, and it was a myth that priests were to live "dry". With a fingertip idly tracing the rim of the glass, she looked down into it and smiled slightly; pleased that she had done well.

Not everyone did things the same way. The best way to fully integrate into a team, or a guild; was to learn how those folk would do things. Anaie's methods may be different from another rogue's. She honestly could not say, until she saw for herself. Having had some exposure to a few of the Grim, she felt assured of her decision to request consideration. This had been the right choice.

She was up to the task, ready to learn; ready to act. It was that simple.

[Valindria]

Valindria signed the parchment unrolled before her, and dusted the page with a quick scatter of sand before tipping the grains back into their jar. The quill was laid properly on its tray, and the cap was back in place on the inkwell. Moving the small weights off the corners of the page, she blew on the writing one more time; just to be sure. There was no point in rushing, even as she had delayed the sending.

She had double checked where this missive was to go, and already arranged for the courier. By the time he arrived, giving a crisp nod in greeting; she had just placed the sealed scroll in an oiled satchel. Tying the end closed, she handed it over with a nod of thanks.


High Inquisitor -

I have completed the first task you have given me, and presume to inform you of my interest in delivering my report in person, if you so desire. I am ready to learn more of the Grim, and what it means to be one; not just among them.


Valindria

[Awatu]

The Tauren read the words carefully, then flipped the note and looked over the back. He gave a snort and flipped it once more. A great deal of effort went into writing a few sentences, leaving much of the rest of the page blank. Rather than use a new one, he simply wrote on the bottom half of the page.

"Valindria,

Seek me out after one of our assaults in the evening and I will hear of your battles alongside the Tigers.

Awatu, High Inquisitor."

And with that, he re-sealed the note.