Our Hidden Blades

In the Forest

Katarina rolled over in her waking state, stretching out her arms and legs and letting out a quiet, comforted murmur. 

A voice seeped into her unconsciousness, bringing her closer to reality. "Katarina," it said, "you are one complicated woman... beautiful, decisive, strategic.... deadly. Yet you sleep like any other human would, as if you were equally as purehearted and enlightened as an Ionian who knows nothing."

A hand ran across the wine-red hair of the assassin,causing her to stir, yet only fall closer to her sleepy state.

 Though she was just awake enough to listen, in her eyes there was still the threat of sleep. The hand continued to caress her hair and it served for some sort of comfort the assassin had never quite experienced. 

Though the words that sunk into her mind had left her with many questions, the hand relieved her. She drifted, sleep touching her eyes and bringing her to pass into unconsciousness again.

Katarina awoke, rubbing her eyes and surveying her surroundings. She lay in a clearing, though it appeared she had not left the forest. Along the diameter of the clearing there sat many animals, all watching very attentively for the assassin's awakening. She found herself with bandages wrapped securely around differing parts of her chest, arms, and legs. On her bottoms she wore black leather shorts, which she questioned but gave up on once the sound of footsteps touched her ear. 

She stood up quickly, getting into a defensive stance.The animals scurried away frantically. Katarina's weapons were no where to be seen, yet she took in her surroundings, looking for anything she could use as a weapon. The assassin stamped her foot into the ground and a sharp and sturdy branch flew into her hand, held ready for the attack. 

She stood, rigid and prepared, though she could feel her energy still: so much less than there was before. 

"Don't worry about me." The voice spoke from the forest. Familiar, welcoming. He stepped from the forest and his eyes met with those of Katarina's, kind eyes which told her just what he told her with his words. She faltered for a second, but her guard was back up in a second.

He had no weapon, or any armor. He wore a black shirt and some typical pants. His legs looked strong, even under the material. His chest shape was clear, large and hard-looking. She'd never seen him like this: without so much armor, without even a bit of armor.

"What are you doing here?" Katarina asked, standing still as he began to walk toward her slowly, as if she was a timid animal that may run.

Garen spoke lowly and in a very calming voice. "I found you at the edge of the forest. You were passed out, on the ground."

Katarina looked up into his eyes as he came within a yard of her. "I don't believe you," She said, yet she could remember that she'd seen him when she'd run out of her energy. The energy that seemed to never run out had left her weak, and she could remember the black fog that covered her mind before she'd awaken.

He smiled a bit, only making Katarina hold the branch with more power and take a quick step back. "I won't hurt you. I'm taking care of you."

A skeptical look passed through the young woman's eyes. "Taking care of me?" She scoffed, "I don't need to be taken care of. I am not your sister. I'm not a damsel in distress."

She could see annoyance on his face, but only for a moment. He was being extremely patient with her, making her just a little more annoyed because, in her mind, she saw it as slightly sweet. 

"You've been with me for four days." He said, stopping his advance towards her.

The grip upon the branch lightened. "Four days?" She asked incredulously.
"Four days." He repeated.