Desire is Death

(Si puedes obtener cien victorias en cien batallas, eres un buen guerrero. Pero si eres capaz de derrotar a tu enemigo sin batallar, entonces eres un verdadero Maestro.)

If you can win one hundred victories in one hundred battles, you are a good warrior. If you can defeat your enemy without fighting, then you are a true Master.

On the edge of the abyss, there is desire , taut as a drawn bow, muscles trembling in anticipation, desire is a prowling beast. Desire haunts you dreams, it is a nightmare smile as it rips into your soft parts. Desire is a crawling insinuating all killer. Desire cripples and coaxes, it is the song of sirens in the deep waters, making you crash your ship for a brief kiss of death. Desire is death. Desire is death. Desire is death.
Le Noir Destiny, drew the sword against the soft cloth, as she repeated the mantra that had been beaten into her as a child, desire is death. She remembered the stinging fury of the Master's lash, each punctuated by the lesson: Desire is death. Le Noir was a killer, she had been trained in all seven high martial arts, like her Matsahai blade, she had been honed by masters to become the perfect tool. She was the highest level assassin in all Seven Kingdoms. Le Noir was as a legend named the Lotus Death for her looks and her deadly nature, only those who could tell no tales knew she was real, to others she was as the dark of her name, easily banished by light. Le Noir was raised by the Guild of Knives, she did not know of love, she did not know of family, Le Noir knew of killing, of war and of quest. Le Noir was cold, desire is death, she wanted nothing, silk or sack, desire is death, she neither loved nor hated, desire is death. The Master had once shown the apprentices an ice dagger, with it he had slain a slave boy, in a few moments the dagger was gone, Le Noir remembered the boys body looked like it had simply chosen to rip open and bleed. A good assassin is like the ice dagger: cold, deadly and invisible. As Le Noir has progressed through training, all the other apprentices had left the lodge or been killed before they graduated to Master level. It was only then that Le Noir had learnt the true business of the Guild was not blades but death. Even as they placed the tattoos upon her skin, Le Noir had felt neither surprise, nor pain. It was as if, she was crafted for this, as if this was a secret she had known deep inside her always. Le Noir Destiny was a death bringer. And as all the bards sang, not even Death himself could save you, should she have taken your death price.
Le Noir slid the sword home in its scabbard with a soft snick, the blade sliding home. She then stood still as a pale shadow on the roof of the fine country mansion. Le Noir was petite, her skin like warm caramel, her long black hair, her only vanity flickering outward in the night air. She was dressed in assassin black, the ornate tattoos of her guild levels snaking on her arms and down her back to flow down her bare legs. Her wide silver arm torques, held death stars and blow darts. On her belt two short stabbing daggers, and on her back her blade. In the locket around her neck was the vial containing The Deadly Poison of Jeaod. As a Guild master, she could not die at the hands of others, a death of honor was in combat or by her sanctified poison. All her checks complete, Le Noir began to walk across the roof, her soft soled boots making no noise, as she reached the edge, Le Noir jumped seemingly into the night. Soundlessly she landed in the courtyard below. Tonight The Guild had sent Le Noir Destiny, to take the life of High Lord Amatheon. His brother, the spare, would have the kingdoms and the lands and had paid the hefty price smiling at the guild master. Le Noir advanced through the dark elaborate gardens, the sounds of the concubines music filling the air. Le Noir felt the familiar night breeze on her skin as she felt her breathing level, it was always this way, Le Noir felt at peace with the world as she made the kill. She saw the first of the guards at his station, Le Noir smiled to herself : as usual the guards were too distracted by the arrival of the concubines. Le noir vaulted the small wall, before the guard could open his mouth to shout warning, a death star was lodged in his throat, she easily spanned the space between the watchtowers, her dagger quickly silencing the guard there. Le Noir did all with nary as much as a footfall sounding, the night birds continued undisturbed, whilst in the spangled courtyard below the music played. From her vantage point Le Noir could observe the gathering of Royals in the King's court, the very man who paid High Lord Amatheon's death price sat breaking bread with him, smiling amiably. Le Noir wondered if any of the many men and women she had killed had even known that it was often those most close to them who ordered their death. They placed a high cost on loyalty, chivalry and love but Le Noir knew these noble sentiments were often as masks for the true faces of lust, avarice and undiluted evil that envy birthed. Lord Amatheon's brother had even pressed The Guild Master to insure Lord Amatheon would suffer a painful death, knowing the name of the one who ordered his death. For a moment Le Noir felt emotion roil in her belly, as she watched the court, the duplicitous nature of men. Le Noir, stilled her mind, Desire is Death. She must be cold and deliver her duty, it was not her place to judge, an arrow does not judge whether to fell its target, it followed the direction it was loosed in. Desire is death.

From her high vantage point Le Noir watched all the court, their mechanisms and machinations all aimed at pleasing the king who sat on the dias draped with silks. All the court games would soon not matter for the High Lord would be dead. As she watched, the musician's signaled to end the evening's revellery, Le Noir felt her muscles prepare for the strike, her mind cleared and here hearing sharpened, through the night air she heard snippets of conversation, a courtesan trying to tempt the High Lord to leave with her, merchants discussing trade, Fine ladies laughter and then finally the same high voice that had ordered her : 'make my brother suffer' rose in the evening air : ' Goddnight brother, may your sleep be long and undisturbed' . Finally Le Noir knew the High Lord was left alone. Le Noir drew her sword and leaped, the long fall into the courtyard below, sending the night wind rushing through her hair , as she landed she drew the long sword from it 's place on her back, it fit in to her hand like the hand of a lover, its pommel and cross guard smooth with use. Le Noir knew what would happen, when she appeared, some begged, other cried but all died. She knew Lord Amatheon was a Veteran of the Battle of Souls and he was reputed as a fearsome warrior, but Le Noir feared none, death walked in her wake and she advanced to the throne.

As she finally stepped into the light, Le Noir felt the full brush of moonlight on her skin , holding the sword at strike position in the air behind the left shoulder. Le Noir lifted her grey gaze to the throne. The High Lord was seated in his throne, his black eyes watching her. Le Noir stood straighter, and returned his gaze, he was a noble and all of the 7 Kingdoms knew what her tattoes meant and her legend walked before her yet High Lord Amatheon was watching her calmly from his throne. Finally High Lord Amatheon stepped up from his throne, as he advanced, Le Noir could feel her blood sing in her veins, she tightened her grip on her sword. The Lotus Death was moments away from befalling this place. High Lord Amatheon stepped into the light and Le Noir felt the air leave her lungs. Le Noir Destiny had killed many men, both elf and mortal but High Lord Amatheon was something she had never seen before. He was tall, tall as the considerable reach of her long sword. His hair was white, not with age but simply because that was it's colour, His skin was bronze and golden , he was dressed in armor, the considerable width of his shoulders enclosed in silver with his arms left bare, and on his back a Matsahai blade. Le Noir knew that holding such a blade, meant that he could wield it, the elven craftsmen who made these blades , crafted them for only swordsmen who passed rigorous tests. He had his own markings, on his arms the regimental markings and battle kills for all the wars he had waged and won to gain the lands he now owned. Lord Amatheon did not look ready to die, his face looked possessed by a ferocious fierce joy, Le Noir knew this look, this man was like her, he came alive in battle and Lord Amatheon Would not die for her, he meant to fight for his life. Le Noir knew he would kill her to live, he was hungry for life, his skin crackled with it and he was rode with blood lust as wild as her own. Le Noir felt something sizzle to life in side her, She no longer just wanted him to die, she wanted victory, she would try her blade against his, match their strengthens, for the first time, Le Noir Destiny felt life's hunger inside her, now with an opponent who would take her life, she wanted it, She desired her Life! Desire was Life!
Lord Amatheon contemplated the woman before him, her legend preceded her and truly death wore a face of exceeding beauty, yet he was not ready to make his brother a king.

'The Lotus death, I am no soft lord to die, I won my lands to war and I will end this legend, cutting throats does not a fighter make'

She advanced on High Lord Amatheon,. her lips curling in a smile,
'Draw your blade, Amatheon, words will not break my skin'

With a deadly snick his blade was free, a beat and the fighting began, Le Noir using her flexibility and speed to match his brute strength. They advanced and withdrew locked in a deadly waltz. Even as Lord Amatheon saw a gap and struck, Le Noir would evade him drawing him of his footing. Even as Le Noir would strike, so Amatheon would parry. They struck numerous small bows, Amatheon's upper arm was laid open and bled afresh each time he wielded his sword, but it did not slow his arm at all. Le Noir's shoulder was split open and her armor straps darkened with blood, yet she fought. They pushed each other to the limit, like a pair of matched blades, ones weakness was another's strength. They were relentless. Le Noir had never come upon one who matched her blow for blow, who mind seemed to create parries before she thrust her blade. She knew she should be scared, fearful as Amatheon could actually kill her, but she felt more alive than ever. As Le Noir pivoted and bracing herself against the wall propelled her body into the air, Amatheon was spellbound, her jet hair swirled like a whirlwind, the silk kimono top she wore lifted revealing her legs in motion, her teeth bared, her shoulders braced, The Lotus Death was like a battle God, Amatheon caught himself just in time to block a strike that would have surely scalped him as she dropped gracefully to her feet and thrust upwards. all thought vanished, The Lotus Death could kill him. In countless battles, Amatheon had never felt imminent threat to his life, even facing the dread demon army of the South. Now in this fight he felt his spirits rise, in ten years of sitting on his throne, he had felt no excitement, now he felt himself come alive. Still they fought on, none wanting to admit weakness, each fighting for their lives. They ran with sweat and blood, dusty from the courtyard floor but none would admit defeat. Amatheon threw off Le Noir and as she landed catlike she prepared to strike again, he hefted his sword but as if they were of one mind , Le Noir spoke:
' A passing swordsman, yet I would not wait till dawn to kill you, I challenge you to single combat!'

Amatheon arched his eyebrow:
'Unarmed single Combat?'

'Yes, armistice to disarm?'

Le Noir asked for the customary 15 minute of no attack, in which they both could disarm.

'Done!'
Amatheon drew his sword scabbard and set the sword therein. Never taking her eyes off him, Le Noir put her sword down. Amatheon only carried his short stabbing dagger besides his sword and once he removed this, he turned to watch The Lotus Death relinquish her weapons. From her shoulder armour she drew two sharp and deadly bronze sai knives. From braces the sides of her boots she drew a wickedly pointed stiletto and from the left and bristling brace of darts and a slender miniature cross bow. She undid her armour and her black padded kimono. The klinking at the fall of the silken armour told Amatheon that even more knives were hidden therein. Amatheon relinquished his armour and stood bare chested in his golden torques. Le Noir turned to him ready to fight.

'your wrist braces Lotus Death'

Faster than a viper, Le Noir reached into her braces flinging five death stars into the wall behind Amatheon, so close he could feel the air shift at their passing. The last of the five sheared his hair before burying itself in the wall, a long lock of his white hair hanging there.

'You missed'

Le Noir smilled:
' I do not miss, single combat was the challenge!'

That said Le Noir drew her arms through the air and attacked. They went through all of the 7 martial fighting styles from each kingdom. Each trying to best the other, now combining one style with the other, sometimes moving so fast a mortal eye would not be able to discern their movement, others slow as if struggling through syrup. Where Amatheon was raw strength and power, Le Noir was flexible, fast and skilled. The fight was interminably brutal, they bloodied their hands and their opponents faces. Still none would withdraw. The first light of morning was coming as the inky black of the night sky started to grow light, they were still locked into combat. Amatheon saw no way, no out and he could not be found in single combat like this. The Lotus Death was giving no quarter and no mercy, they would truly kill each other and even then she had the determination to walk with him as a righteous spirit after death. Amatheon watched her in fascination, truly she was his equal in all forms of combat, The Lotus Death was not only beautiful but she was more dangerous than any single mortal or god he had encountered in the 7 kingdoms. Amatheon had many women, as a High Lord, chiefs and small merchants would send their daughters to him, yet none was as fascinating to him as The Lotus Death. When he had heard her legend, he had been fascinated, now to fight her and find she was power unsurpassed, it was more temptation than a mortal man should bear. Even as he contemplated her, her hand struck his ribcage, taking full advantage of his distraction, Amatheon was sure that had cracked some ribs.

'You wane Amatheon'
Le Noir spat the words at him, wiping her bleeding lip on the back of her hand.
'It is time to die!'

Le Noir felt something she never felt before, she felt pity at having to kill Amatheon. He truly was a magnificent beast of a man and skilled indeed to match her in single combat. His brother was a betraying snake, yet Le Noir belonged to the Guild and Lord Amatheon's brother had paid fair gold for his life. As a Guild Master Le Noir had to take his life or die herself and after him she could not embrace death. He had made her desire life yet he must die, Le Noir Was for the first time in 35 years worried at killing.

Amatheon was confused and he felt his breath burn as the cracked ribs attempted to shift with his inhalation.
'Peace! Lotus Death Peace!'

Le Noir was stilled, she had not expected Amatheon to beg his life from her. Yet he had called for peace, Le Noir was taught by old masters and she would wait, she could honor the old ways, even though he did not call peace using her true name, he had proved his worth as a warrior. She bowed and withdrew to the side opposite where he was standing.

Amatheon watched the Lotus Death , he did not know whether assassins honored the old code when he called peace but she waited, which spoke training with old masters maybe even the same masters. He needed to think, he could not bring himself to kill her and he knew she would not withdraw with out killing him or she would pay her own life as a forfeit. He though on the guild, on the betrayer who had ordered his death, on his life, on the Lotus Death but only one solution was possible. He watched her, she was standing utterly motionless as the song of the first morning birds sounded, her hair dancing in the breeze her moonlight skin splattered with his blood and his own.

'I would speak Lotus Death, I would offer you..'

Before he could finish, he hand went up.
'No amount of gold you would offer me would buy your life'

Amatheon had known this already
'This is known to me Lotus Death, but since we as matched blades made by the same masters, you would consider.

Le Noir was disappointed, she expected Amatheon to go to his death in honor, his head held high.
'I can not consider, I am Guildbound'

She lowered her gaze to her boots, choosing and measuring her next words:
'You are a warrior, true, I have never faced my equal, had I not been guild bound, I would not take your life, but now it is a matter of honor and my honor Lord Amatheon is a thing of Legend. But for you I will Do this, I will take the life of the man who ordered your death, Your own Brother, I will not let him sit on the Jade throne. On this you have my word.'

Amatheon knew that for her to promise this to him, meant that their exchange had not gone without marking the Lotus Death. She would let him live if she could. Amatheon Looked straight in her silver gaze.

' I offer you the Jade Throne, it comes with gold enough to silence the guild and lands enough to make the union of my men and the guild the most feared force in all the 7 kingdoms'

This gave Le Noir pause, the Jade Throne would satisfy the guild but she did not see how he could ensure she had it.

'You can not have a guild assassin inherit, it can not be done'
Amatheon knew she was right , there was only one way, even if she didn't see it now.

' Lotus Death I offer you the Jade throne but I offer it to you as My Queen'

He watched her eyebrows take wing. Le Noir was shocked , he was offering her his hand. She had never contemplated marriage, or even lovers as all men were afeared of her and her legendary martial skill. Amatheon watched the emotions play across her face.

'It will solve all concerns , The Guild will see its master assassin on a throne with power and gold , they would expand their influence. My brother would die at your hand or mine. I would have my honor and you retain yours. You are a singular thing, I was fascinated with your legend, now I am fascinated by you, I would give you my strong arm and all my treasury.

Le Noir watched him, her years of experience tested the truth of his words. He meant every word of what he said. Le Noir contemplated life without the business of death, she could fight in the sun not hide like a coward in the dark. She could walk with honor in the light not reserve her business for night. Yet she had seen other queens, mere beautiful pawns decorating their husbands arms.

' consider your words carefully Amatheon, in a lust to keep your life, do not forget, I am not a ornament wife, I would be a true queen, your equal, I would ride into battle besides you, I am who I am, all the world would know you have the Lotus Death as a wife.'

Amatheon smiled,
'I would all the world know that a legend is my lady, you would have full powers as a co- regent. Who would dare oppose me, when the Lotus Death is with me'

Le Noir Destiny had been schooled in controlling her emotions, but now she could not resist a triumphant smile. She contemplated Amatheon, before her, she doubted that forever with him would be at all boring. He was a beautiful man, a brutal fighter and an equal, Le Noir knew he feared her, but she also feared him. This thing between them sparked with potential. She stepped toward Amatheon.

' I accept you proposal, but first'

Amatheon felt like the first rays of morning sun, like the vaults of heaven had opened to him. For the first time since he had won his throne, he could envision a future that was not long and tedious, He opened his mouth to speak, but all at once, the Lotus Death had run from the room.
The palace erupted into screams and the sound of trays falling, all of a sudden Le Noir appeared with his brother in front of her. From the door way she pushed him to his knees before Amatheon.

' I Le Noir Destiny Guild Master of the Knives, name him traitor, My lord Amatheon, as Queen, as your lady I claim his life as forfeit'

So saying Le Noir cleanly broke his neck. Amatheon watched her in wonder as she stepped over his body to stand before him. By this time half the keep was awake and stood around the courtyard, she they began to recognize who she was and the weight of what she had said, whispers rose. The Lotus Death ! the sound of her name echoed in the courtyard. Amatheon, took her hand drawing her to his side.

'Free people of Azazul , I give you my queen and true regent, The Lotus Death Guild Master of Knives , Le Noir Destiny'

Amatheon, drew Le Noir to his chest as he smiled at her. The courtyard erupted in cheers, the people recognized the power Amatheon had brought to them in Le Noir. Le Noir smiled at the people of keep, she would enjoy this alliance. As the people retreated Le Noir Let Amatheon guide her through the courtyard to the chamber beyond. The lush crimson and gold colors draping the chamber and the warm wood finishes, told Le Noir she stood in Amatheon's Chamber. Through the far window, she could see the emerald waters of the Azulian sea.

'All the land further than you see, is yours, Le Noir.'

Le Noir smiled at his use of her given name. The other Guildmasters had well placed spies, they probably already knew the moves she had made. They would be waiting only for her instructions now, the gold and lands she held would silence any and all objections, not to mention Amatheon's fury and his unrivalled army! Le Noir contemplated Amatheon, his ice white hair hung loose on his shoulders, Hi shoulders were wide and bare, his skin the color of polished copper, he had the muscles of a fighting man, she could see scars roped around him along with new marks dealt by her. His face was a study of angles and planes, some would hesitate to call him fair but he leaked life and vitality through his very pores. He was more alive than any person Le Noir had ever met and after her dealings with death Le Noir wanted to submerge herself in all that life. Amatheon stood still under her regard, he knew women desired him, but she was the Lotus Death. Le Noir crossed the space separating them with long slow strides, Amatheon watching her like tiger studying his mate unsure whether she came to kiss or kill him. Le Noir now stood close enough to Amatheon that she could smell the copper of her blood mixed in with her jasmine fragrance from her hair. Le noir placed her hands on his shoulders and looked him dead in the eye.

'You hold concubines Lord Amatheon'

Amatheon nodded in the affirmative, he was fast loosing his ability to reason with Le Noir this close to him. She took hands and placed them around her waist, as his fingers interlaced in the small of her back, Amatheon felt excitement curl in his belly. Le Noir braced herself on his shoulders and raised herself to whisper in his ear

'Get Rid of them, by dawn tomorrow or I will kill them all'

Amatheon arched his brow at her.
'I do not share, my Lord!'

Le Noir was mere hair breath away from him, He could feel the butterflies of her lashes fluttering against his check. Amatheon tightened his arms around her, lifting her feet of the ground so she could stare straight in his eyes.

'There is not danger of that, Le Noir, who can ever match the Queen Of Azazul, whose flames burn higher than any other, who can match you? I take you to wife, I will kill any who dare challenge my claim, I will be only man to touch your skin'

Le Noir felt a her blood rise to drum in her ears, as Amatheon spoke his last words his mouth was a kiss distance from her own, Le Noir could feel his whiskers on her cheeks.

'none before you my lord, and none after you'

Amatheon could not believe Le Noir's words, as he closed the distance between them and tasted her mouth, he felt something inside him slot into place, his bond with Le Noir snapped tight and perfect. Le Noir decided that desire may not be death, instead this desire may be immortality. As the dawn came and the Guild Of Knives contemplated a rich coffer and the people of Azazul prepared for a royal wedding, Amatheon and Le Noir were engaged in warfare of a far more ancient nature, one where surrender was victory. . .