#vailiki al Ghul

[hollyharper]

The King and His Queen

Earth 147 Era 5

Vailiki pulled herself from the bed. Damian whined softly as she left. She crossed to the large balcony. Wrapping a robe around herself, she pushed up the door and settled into the morning light. In the plaza below, young recruits trained with Lady Silvia. Her mother was striking, but far more fear inducing. If it wasn’t for the similarities in build and skin tone, Vailiki would never have believed that fearsome woman was her mother. Rose Wilson strood across the yard. Her silver hair blew loosely in the wind. Ravager lifted her head to the balcony.

The older girl gave a teasing salute. “Are you going to stay in bed all day, or come train?”

Vailiki chuckled.

“Come on, sis.” Rose said with a smirk.

Vailiki froze. She had known of Rose for years, but just like her parents, she had never felt any attachment. Something in her swelled at being called ‘sister’.

“I’ll be down in a minute.”

The robe hit the floor a second after the door closed.

“Beloved?” Damian muttered, triedily reaching for her.

“Not now.” She soothed.

He groaned, barely awake.

“Go back to sleep.” She whispered, trailing a hand across his back.

Damian sighed softly, and rolled deeper into the bed. Vailiki slipped into her armor, the new emerald suit. It was rewarding to finally wear the shining green and gold she had been promised as a child. Guards moved to attention as she passed. Just two days ago, they wouldn’t have paid her mind. Two days ago she was just another in their ranks. Now she was at the top of the pecking order, second only to Damian. She swelled with pride, and for the first time allowed it to show.

Rose leaned against one of the many support pillars. “Didn’t think you’d come hang with the low crowd.” She teased with a hint of affection in her voice.

“I didn’t think you cared.” Vailiki shot back.

“Hey.” Rose warned. “It’s rude to assume.”

“Then clarifly.” Val ordered, her voice taking on a new commanding tone.

“I didn’t know you existed.” Rose stated. “Catch.” She tossed an unsheathed katana Vailiki’s way.

Val extended her arm, and caught the blade. Rose pulled hers from its sheath and slowly started to circle. Val fell into the pace. Rose tossed her mask aside, and playfully stretched, sword in hand. Vailiki lunged forward, swinging her blade as if enraged. Rose easily pareyed. She sidestepped and bashed her knee into Val’s stomach. Val groaned.

“Just because you’re using a sword, doesn’t mean you don’t use other weapons.” Rose instructed.

Vailiki drove foard again, feverishly swinging her blade. Rose continued to effortlessly block the blows.

“You’re letting your emotions get the best of you.” Rose tapped her blade agent Vailiki's neck, just enough to draw blood.

“I thought you would be trained better.”

She was. Vailiki knew it. She was clumsy. That’s what came from nearly two years without a proper sparring partner.

“I am.” She muttered.

Rose nodded. “I can get you up to speed.”

The morning was spent exchanging blow after blow. By the time the sun was high in the sky, and Vailiki’s stomach had taken to growling, they began to tire.

“Val.” Damian called.

Vailiki deflected another blow. She broke away from the combat, and darted to his side.

“Yes?”

“Are your bags packed?”

She nodded. “I packed everything last night.”

He gave a small smile as a thank you.

“Dami, are we leaving?” She asked, glancing back at her older half-sister.

“This afternoon.” He replied. He hesitated, then pressed a quick to her forehead.

“How about you join us for a match?” Rose invited.

“I can’t. There are a few more arrangements I have to make before we leave.”

Val sighed.

“Later, Beloved.” He gave her another loving touch, before marching back inside.

“I’m curious.” Rose said, leaning back against the post. “What’s it like being married to the demon’s head?”

Vailiki sighed. “I don’t really know.’

“Hmmm?”

“He’s been busy nearly the whole time we’ve been here, league business.”

Rose nodded. Val stared after him, before slowly turning back to her opponent. Her stomach roared.

“Let’s go get lunch.” Rose slung an arm over Vailiki’s shoulders. “I want to talk with my little sister more.”