[ P ] It only takes a spark

For once, Ismailia would be thankful for Winter's approach. For once, she did not like the heat that felt like fire upon her skin... though repeatedly, she told herself that this was what her kin were accustomed to: that her ancestors walked the fiery paths of sun-burnt lands, she found it gruesome. Tiresome. It made her lethargic and slow. But worse of all, it was the disease of starvation that tainted the lands. It was the wails of young children that kept her up at night. Despite Kvothe's teachings, Ismailia could not get rid of their voices. She could not sleep peacefully knowing that there were empty stomachs, crying children, vulnerable wolves that she could not protect. So, she rose when the moon was full, the searing heat of a nightmare clung to her skin. Her mouth was dry from her own wails and a bark that had pulled her back to consciousness. The stars shone bright that night; blinking, twinkling in the endless navy blue. The moon was bright, and though the temperature did drop, there was only a small amount of relief when a gust of wind blew in from the coast, even then, the air was humid and hot. Not like the brisk winters that she was accustomed to. Slender paws carried her further away from the thrum of the Camp, into the quiet. Where rustlings and the thrums of a well-oiled machine dulled and birds chirped their nightly calls. She walked and walked until she no longer felt the prescience of the barracks. It was there where she crested a small hill: exposed to the bright stars above. Ismailia took a moment to simply stare at the world around her; doing just as Kvothe had taught her, allowing the sounds of nature to pass her by. Wash over her, embrace her. Her ocean eyes closed; breathing in deeply. “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart ."

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@Ramses

R

amses hadn’t ever felt a pressure like this weighing on him before—it was as suffocating as the air he breathed. While he knew it wasn’t his responsibility alone to bring peace to Rionnach, he felt as though he wasn’t doing enough. Especially when the problem they faced remained prominent as ever. It chased him from the comforts of his home that night, finding he would rather wander aimlessly than pace within his den until a permanent path was worn into the stone from his paws. He didn’t want to linger anymore where his thoughts could torment him. He was doing everything he could to lessen the suffering of those around him, but the sorrow was too much to take.

He didn’t know how long he walked, or where exactly he ended up. Ramses simply zoned out whilst his paws carried him forward, the drive to escape the suffocating atmosphere pushing him further, and further away from familiar lands to areas he was less sure about. It was here he felt more in control, though. There were no crushing expectations, nor were there any desperate cries for help he couldn’t answer. There was only the rustle of the grass as it waved in the breeze, and the gentle tug from the wind in his fur.

Pools of sunshine looked ahead to note the small rise of a hill with a starry back drop beyond it. It was a gorgeous display, but there was another there with him. He didn’t know why he hadn’t seen them before; perhaps he had simply been entranced by the beauty of the surrounding earth. Once again, intimidation was fed by the awkwardness social interaction brought him, but he stamped it down beneath a firm paw. He could face this head on and conquer it without too many mishaps.

At least, that was the hope.

White paws carried him up the slope until he reached the top. He cleared his throat to announce his presence, his eyes catching the bright colors her coat bore. Like fire dancing among wisps of cloud, her markings and coat were striking. He had seen her at least once before during the hunt, where they searched for food to feed the population. He’d seen her a handful of times before that, but had never had the luxury of speaking with her. ”Good evening,” he greeted, coming forward until his form occupied the space beside her, though a respectable distance remained between them. ”Lovely evening for a stroll, isn’t it?”

He cast a glance in her direction before looking back toward the starry canvas that promised a brighter future. Or maybe he was simply wishing for something out of reach.

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@Ismailia

Slowly as the seconds passed, her heart began to slow. It was no longer galloping at the pace of a race horse. But yet her mind still played tricks upon her, she could still hear the wails as if she was still living in that moment. As if they were crowding around her once more. Her icy brows furrowed, flickering anger boiled from within: frustrated at herself that she could not control it. Could not subdue the guilt she felt. A soft rumble, paired with an air of awkwardness brought her slowly back into the present. Quickly, ocean eyes flickered open. ”Good evening,” A formal voice greeted her. Ash-rimmed ears that once flattened to her fiery crown, now perked as she turned her attention to the voice in question. “Hello." She offered quietly, with a polite dip of her head. Her mind seemed to suddenly snap back into gear as he stood beside her. Ocean eyes glazed over his distinct markings; that stood bright under the caress of moonlight, paired with the dark earthy tones that cloaked him. Yet his eyes caught her-they were almost the akin to her kin's fiery orange, golds and yellows. Yet when she looked upon them she did not feel intimidated, no... his was a softer, mellower, kinder shade that immediately made her feel... welcome. ”Lovely evening for a stroll, isn’t it?” “Yes." Confirming, feigning the smallest of smile upon her fatigued features. Her attention wavered towards the painted dark night. "The moon is quite spectacular, do you not think?" Indeed, it was at its zenith this night; bright and foreboding. “I often come out here on the nights when..." Icy brows furrowed as she took in a deep breath. She could feel the panic sprawl across her spine; of the terrors that plagued her dreams. “I am restless." A small scoff whispered from her jaws, returning her attention back towards the male. She had seen his face before: a familiar within the many enlisted within the Army...he been present at the most recent hunt she had embarked upon, yet she had never had the fortune of crossing paths directly. “Forgive me, I have yet to know all the members within the camp, Mister...?" Perhaps changing the subject would quell the uneasy anxiety clawing within her stomach. “Lieutenant Ismailia Tiamat ."She finally offered her name, with a slight wave of her fire and ice kissed tail. “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart ."

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@Ramses

T

he offered greeting was to the point, but so was Ramses’. He wasn’t at all offended by the blunt response he received. She was an officer with the Imperial Army as well—perhaps she shared his inability to relax even when conversation was nothing more than civil. Rams opted to remain silent, though he was sure to return the courteous head dip with one of his own. The movement felt mechanical, but he hoped the longer he lingered from the barracks, the more he’d be able to shed this sense of responsibility that loomed at his back like a shadow. His golden pools returned to the vast sky above, roaming about the stars that shone so brightly until he located the largest source of light above them.

He hummed in agreement, those golden pools remaining locked on the silver disc whilst his haunches folded beneath him. His posture remained rigid as he sat down, head tipped back so he could more easily star gaze alongside his fellow officer. ”It is truly fantastic,” he agreed quietly, his head turning toward her once more as she continued to speak. He was no stranger to restless nights, nor was he unaware of the demons that may plague one of their own. They faced many pressures of the world that could not easily be relieved. Perhaps, though, they could find relief in each other? Ramses didn’t respond to the first portion of her speech, if only because he could tell she didn’t truly wish to dwell on it.

Who would want to talk about the reasons one might feel restless? He certainly didn’t want to speak of the fear and pressure that wore heavily on his shoulders. Ramses had, like many he’d interacted with, chosen this life on his own. The lady of fire introduced herself properly, which only earned another polite dip of Ramses’ head. ”You’ve no reason to apologize, my lady. The Imperial Army is vast—to know everyone you come across would be a daunting feat indeed. All that matters is we recognize each other as brother or sister-in-arms when we cross paths, no?” He could recall several soldiers who came to his aid during the assassination attempt at the Winter Ball. Ramses didn’t know any of them intimately, but they had come to assist.

’Lieutenant Ismailia Tiamat.’

The last name was enough to draw the attention of anyone who called the barracks home. He turned his head to regard her more closely, though not to cast judgment or scrutinize her. ”It appears I am destined to meet the entire Tiamat lineage,” he mused, the corner of his mouth turning up into a small smile. ”’Tis a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, Lieutenant Tiamat. I am Captain Ramses Tarek,” he introduced himself, his voice radiating warmth despite his formal mannerisms. ”Just how many are there of you?” He asked, attempting to keep the conversation light for both their sakes.

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@Ismailia

PLEASE DELETE.

Though there was a calm demeanour about him, there was tension within his muscles. She could see how tightly they strained under his ebon' cloak. He sat down with such rigidness. Much like herself, a dim to bright eyes, a hollowness. Was he too, plagued by those they failed to help? Did the wails of those starved haunt his dreams? Ismailia pondered this for a moment as her oceanic eyes watched as he sat. ”You’ve no reason to apologize, my lady. The Imperial Army is vast—to know everyone you come across would be a daunting feat indeed. All that matters is we recognize each other as brother or sister-in-arms when we cross paths, no?” Ivory brows raised at such a devout comment, perhaps he was higher up within the Army? Even so, it soothed part of her to know others thought like her and so agreed: they should all be in this together. Waging the King's peace as a united front. “Agreed. It is nice to know you think like I do." Perhaps, that small smile began to grow and eventually, she felt relaxed enough to sit beside him. Her fire and ice-twisted tail wrapped neatly around her right side. Oh so perfectly placed. Yes, she had seen that look many'a time before. Her Surname was one to be reckoned with, a powerful, righteous fiery clan that had served the many Kings and Queens... it was indeed a heavy weight to live up to. ”It appears I am destined to meet the entire Tiamat lineage,” Her gaze faltered, then. Breaking to her icy paws briefly. There was oh so much confliction when it came to the mantle of her name. Pride and worry. “Ah, Yes..." A small, nervous chuckle fell from her icy jaws. “I suppose you cannot go far, without crossing paths with one of us." ’Tis a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, Lieutenant Tiamat. I am Captain Ramses Tarek,” Dark-rimmed ears perked as her eyes settled back upon his own once more. Now she had a name to a face. One that was kind and friendly, much like Colonel Kvothe. It seemed her haunch was right. She gave a small dip of her head. Captain was a rank she would hopefully rise too soon. “Fancy giving me some tips?" Humour was not her strong suit, but she did try every so often. ”Just how many are there of you?” A small scoff rasped from her tongue. “Not as many as there once was... the war took a toll upon us all." She had never met Khol, but had only heard the many stories. But of course, she had to dampen the mood and not play along. “And you? Do you have any family here, or close?" Quickly, she turned the subject back upon him. “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart ." “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart ."

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@Ramses

I

t seemed the conversation with the fiery woman was soothing her nerves as well. She finally moved to take a seat beside him, and Ramses noted the small smile she wore on her lips. He was glad to be able to assist somewhere, even if it was helping a fellow officer relax in the dead of the night when they should have been resting. Ah, but then the stars would have surely lamented, for who would have been awake to gaze at their beauty? His own frame relaxed as he remained seated with his head tipped back toward the vast canvas overhead. He found he couldn’t quite stop himself from glancing toward her the lady, not so much in interest, but curiosity.

There was something different in her demeanor when he mentioned the Tiamat lineage, if the break in their eye contact meant anything at all. Still, Ramses pondered whether he should question the Lieutenant about it. He had never been a man who wished to delve too deeply into business where his nose didn’t belong. However, asking a generic question shouldn’t be frowned upon, right? He parted his maw to ask, but she beat him to it by asking for some tips. A brow quirked over one of his golden pools whilst his head tilted to the side just so.

"Tips pertaining to what? I’ve no qualms with giving advice, but I’d like to know what information you’re seeking,” he pointed out, his words remaining warm. His ears twitched on top of his skull when she answered his question, his humor seemingly going over her head. He wasn’t sure if he wasn’t good at conveying humor, or if she simply didn’t understand it herself, but he chose not to ask her. Instead, he offered a brief nod. ”Yes, the war didn’t spare anyone, I’m afraid. Everyone was touched by how horrible it was,” he said quietly, his gaze flicking down to the valley spread beneath them. When the question was turned on him, he remained silent for a moment.

”I had a mother and a father once. My father left to serve when I was still a pup, though I don’t think he ever arrived. He never sent word back to us, and I’ve not heard the existence of another Tarek before me. My mother grew ill when I was but a yearling.” He exhaled slowly through his nose before clamming up on himself. There was only so much vulnerability he could allow himself. He didn’t wish to dwell too long on it. ”She passed away. That’s the long-winded answer. I should have simply told you I was alone.”

The only family he had left was the Imperial Army.

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@Ismailia

Ismailia did not have the luxury of a prestiged social life. She was a Warrior first and foremost. Her training and reputation had taken over her life once she re joined with her family. As a child, she remembered one or two faces her age, though she was rarely close to them: always preferring the company of her mother and father. Safe to say, there was an air of awkwardness that clung to her when it came to small talk. "Tips pertaining to what? I’ve no qualms with giving advice, but I’d like to know what information you’re seeking,” Dark rimmed ears pinned to her skull. “Oh, it was more of an ill-attempt at humour." Rather embarrassed to admit that her humour was not understood; her ocean gaze wavered. “But maybe... what to expect?" Perhaps she could savour this part of the conversation and stter away from the awkwardness. ”Yes, the war didn’t spare anyone, I’m afraid. Everyone was touched by how horrible it was,” She had not recalled most of it, she had arrived shortly in the aftermath. “I joined the Army in the aftermath." The grief and sorrow clung to the air like a heavy cloud. She watched his expression; saw the sorrow linger upon his warm features. Such a kind soul, a rare spark within the Imperial Army. ”I had a mother and a father once. My father left to serve when I was still a pup, though I don’t think he ever arrived. He never sent word back to us, and I’ve not heard the existence of another Tarek before me. My mother grew ill when I was but a yearling.” A small sigh flared through dark nostrils. It sank her own broken heart. She thought her tale to be tragic; a wimpy father and dead Mother. Yet no... his was somehow worse. “Oh, Ramses..." Her tone was lower, softer. “I am so sorry." And she truly meant it. Icy brows furrowed over sorrowful pools of ocean blue. “I truly am... my Mother also passed at the same age." It seemed they both grew up without true parental figures. “Yet despite that loss, you still manage to be so kind." She offered a small smile, one full of empathy. Indeed, she shared his pain. “You are never truly the same." Her tone was but a whisper, lifting her head towards the stars. “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart ."

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@Ramses

A

h, he hadn’t realized Ismaila was simply trying to make a joke. He thought she was serious about wanting some advice. Ramses could feel heat burning beneath the fur coating his cheeks, but he opted not to reveal his embarrassment. She did, however, decide to make an inquiry despite initially asking out of humor. He hummed in response, his earthen brow furrowing momentarily between gold pools. ”My promotion wasn’t terrible. I earned it after a tournament. I had to prove to a few others that I was worthy of my title,” he recalled, his gaze tracing the patterns in the sky before finding her features again. ”I met with Lieutenant Major Tiamat and was immediately assessed. I don’t doubt I had a lot to improve on, but I wasn’t berated for my short-comings,” he recalled.

The sparring session with Nassar had been insightful. ”As long as you don’t buckle easily under doubt and scrutiny, I don’t think you have much to worry about.” Besides, she had done well during the hunt. He had been a captain following her lead, and never once did he think he needed to direct her differently. She had held herself the way he expected an officer to compose themselves. Level-headed, passionate, determined. These were all traits that made an officer remarkable.

”We were both young when we joined,” he said aloud, his lips turning down into a small frown. What would life be like if he hadn’t joined the Army? Would he be living without a purpose, or would he simply have found a new one? His musings tapered off as their conversation drifted from the sorrows of the war to his personal struggles. Ramses didn’t enjoy being so vulnerable, but he wasn’t displeased with her response. It was nice to hear sympathetic words. He never allowed himself the luxury before, if only because he didn’t want pity. Empathy, though? He could accept empathetic condolences.

”I am sorry you had to endure the same pain. It seems we are cut from the same cloth.” He exhaled slightly through his nostrils as she spoke the last words, and while kindness brimmed each syllable that slipped past her lips, there was a sadness beneath it. He hadn’t come out here to wallow in sorrow, but had sought asylum from the pain that tortured his thoughts. Determined to relieve them both of the pain that plagued them, Ramses stood up. ”This hilltop is nice, but I think I want to explore the lands beyond this point more. What do you think, Lieutenant? Shall we see what else is out there?” He questioned, his limbs lifting him out of his sitting position.

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@Ismailia

She was thankful that he did not press what was truly upon her mind. It seemed that much like herself-he was out here to forget. To find solstice in the peace and quiet of the night, away from the ever turning machine of the Imperial Army. ”My promotion wasn’t terrible. I earned it after a tournament. I had to prove to a few others that I was worthy of my title,” Surprise danced upon her fiery features, icy brows raised. She had always wanted to participate in such a tournament, she was not quite ready last time. She followed his wavering gaze back to the stars. ”I met with Lieutenant Major Tiamat and was immediately assessed. I don’t doubt I had a lot to improve on, but I wasn’t berated for my short-comings,” She held back a scoff. Of course Nassar was fair and if impressed she was known to give out compliments... however Ismailia had never crossed such a path. Her jaws clamped tightly shut. It was best not to retort the feelings that flickered like flames from within. So instead, she simply nodded; forcing a small smile. ”As long as you don’t buckle easily under doubt and scrutiny, I don’t think you have much to worry about.” As if she was expelling withheld air, a hiss slithered from her jaws. A deflating balloon. “I am used to that pressure." Though none of her kin had said it out right-she could see their scrutiny within their fiery gaze. “But thank you, I shall keep that in mind." She added quickly, with a flicker of her ear. ”We were both young when we joined, I am sorry you had to endure the same pain. It seems we are cut from the same cloth.” Her head lowered and ocean gaze returned to focus upon Ramses, her smile was soft and yet her eyes shone with empathy. “If you ever need a shoulder...I am here." It was rare and new for Ismailia to offer such companionship, yet she felt like it was... right. They could share their pain. Finally, she had someone that shared a similarity in grief. Knew what she was going through. ”This hilltop is nice, but I think I want to explore the lands beyond this point more. What do you think, Lieutenant? Shall we see what else is out there?” Ears perked at his statement, the rims of her lips curled into a wider smile. “I am always up for something new, Captain. Lead the way." She threw in a dose of formality for humorous effect. With bright eyes did she watch him, before rising to her slender paws. She shook out her fiery pelt and began her descent, tail swaying slowly behind her. -Exit Ismailia.- “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart ."

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@Ramses