1 : Instigation

I jolt up in my cot drenched in a thin layer low sweat. I huff out air as my eyes search wildly around my campsite; searching for something which was never there, to begin with.

Not anymore at the least…

While closing my eyes I take a deep breath, then push the sheets from my lap as I rise to my feet. I brush a hand through my unkempt hair which had fallen free into my eyesight.

I bring my gaze up to the moon, and put a hand below it. Not even a few hours now. The thought passes through my head as I lower my hand.

I walk not even a few feet before a rustle of leaves causes me to snap towards its direction. And without a second thought, I grab both my short-sword and my ash-coloured mask.

Another rustle echoes through the trees as I tighten the masks two straps into place. I then take in a deep breath before unsheathing my blade.

And as if seemingly cue an arrow flies free from the treeline and I spin right as it reaches me. Yet, once my gaze returns to where the arrow had been fired from; four figures loom just outside of the clearing of my camp.

"Ha-ha, look at the moves of this one?" One of them yells out.

"Seems it ain't gonna be a'easy as we thought it'd be," another snickers.

I let a little sigh free, just a small group of bandits, nothing more. I bring my blade closer to my face, then angle it as if ready to lunge at my opponent. Just bandits, nothing more…

You have not been found yet.

"This one's using 'er left hand? Ya do know what 'at means boys?" One states as he steps out into the moon's light revealing not only his heavy set of armour, but also his brandished single-edged blade.

"What-- not gonna talk? Ain't ya know it's rude not to speak when spoken to?" The one farthest to the left throws his nearly empty bottle of ale not that far from me. However, I remain completely still, unmoving to there little theatrics.

"I think she's all stiffened up, could ye be scared of our little merry group? Ha-ha?" The one to the farthest right begins to laugh, him being in the lightest of garbs; with it mainly consisting of leather pieces but mainly just commoner's clothing.

"Well, I think this'll be easy, and definitely easier if ya'd lowa' that blade there, hmm?" The heavy set man takes a step closer, and tries to reach towards me. Leaving his other arm to fall slightly towards the weight of his long-sword.

"Opening…" I whisper and he tilts his head a tad bit, however…

In slight gap that his wrist had created in his armour; my blade cleaves straight through.

His eyes widen through the slits of his helmet as my blade rests back into its ready position. A howling scream escapes from him as both the blood from his wound begins to gush, and his severed hand hits the leafy forest floor.

And as he grips the nub of hid forearm he falls to the ground screams non-understandable words. Yet, not any of his three companions take a step closer to me, which causes a slight smirk to arise upon my face.

"Th-that… what–just–happened?" The lightest man questions, seemingly stunned.

"Y-y-you, you monster!" The semi-plated man growl turns into a war-cry as he begins at me.

"Rage… Opening…" I whisper once again.

"DIE YOU BI–" Shink…

I dunk-spin not only past his swing, but also his flawed guard. Then my blade runs deep into the back of his throat… and his body falls as he gurgles upon his own blood.

A little giggle accidentally slips past my mask as the last two come hurdling themselves at me. I let my blade droop down to my side as the first one reaches me.

His war-axe flies over my head I flip my blade from my left hand into my right. And plunge the reverse blade into his open backside. He grunts before I pull the blade out, then he screams in agony.

"You are the only one left?" I grin as my muffled words reach the frozen man just out of reach.

"Who, what--are--you?" His facial reaction resonates nothing but fear.

"Names are not of the matter at the moment," I grin. "Wouldn't want any loose ends?"

His face freezes up as I flip the blade upright, then bolt towards him. Yet, instead of diving right at him, I slip past him as he swings wildly in front of him.

"Opening…" I whisper one last time as my feet come to a halt.

His arms go limp as I plunge through his lower spine, causing him to yell out in anguish. And so, I drag the blade across his throat and in seconds… he lies lifeless.

Then I turn to the handless goon, who seizes at my gaze.

"P-please… please, please don't kill me!" He whimpers.

"I care for your kind the least… think you're powerful, until you're place has been presented to you." I downcast my sword once more as I put one foot on his chest.

He grabs my ankle as if to pull me off of him, while simultaneously begging for life.

"Your begging disgusts me…" I push the blade down into his jugular until the guard touches his neck.

I then have to jerk the blade free from the earth. To carried away… I think to myself as I begin towards my travelling pouch. Then proceed to pull free the cloth which, although covered in filth and grime, I sit and wipe my blade clean.

I will have to sharpen this once again, I grumble as I pick up the sheath, and as soon as it clicks shut, I lie it next to me and look at the light starting to peak.

"Time to move…" I state before looking down at the carnage lying before me. "Right… a few coins wouldn't hurt."

I pull my mask free from my face, before flipping it to face the blood splotches. Which I easily wipe free… yet, before I put the mask onto my hip, I trace the two main deep slashes.

One across the left eye, yet the mesh behind it had been repaired, some damages we keep…

Isn't that right Claire… a tear rolls down my cheek and hits the second mark with goes from the lower left cheek to the where the bridge of the nose would be.

"I miss you," I kiss the forehead of the mask.