Scarlet Warrior

one

575 BC

Babylon

The night sky was adored by shining stars, making her armor shine under the light. The woman sitting in the corner of the room, sheltered from attention, observed the people around her. Her long fiery red hair was cascading down her back in intricate braids she had made by the refugees of the city that captured her heart. Babylon was not her first mission but it was her toughest by now. Seeing the people pour in every day made her heart burn with sorrow. So many of them were forced to leave their homes and seek help from her and her companions in pure terror. The burden was heavy, pressing on her chest making it difficult to breathe from day to day. This is my purpose, she thought to herself.

Aurora was adored by the townfolk, not only for her immaculate beauty that overshadowed any woman but first and foremost for her warrior spirit and confidence. With her sword in hand she could face any danger, never bowing her head to anyone. It got her in trouble quite often with her fellow warriors but she only cared for the people she was protecting. No plan behind her actions, no plotting.

Sprite was keeping the people of Babylon distracted from the horrors behind the stone walls. The horrors she alongside her fellow Eternals fought every day. The days were long and heavy with burden but Aurora seemed to be the only one to feel that way. Her companions drinking heavily into the night, dancing with the clueless people.

The sudden gush of wind followed by her golden aura pulls the woman out of her thoughts. „My beautiful Makkari! You are late!" The redhead rolls her eyes at their conversation, it only brings frustration to her already aggravated mind. „I needed to get enough artifacts to make a good trade!" She answers in sign language. The language Aurora taught them. From the moment she can remember she possessed the knowledge of it. So teaching everyone was her first task. But who would have thought she would grow to resent it at times. Aurora knew it was selfish but sometimes she wished they couldn't communicate.

Shaking her head to rid herself of the devilish thought she gets up, ready to get rid of her anger the only way she knew was possible. Walking towards the exit she tightens her armor, relishing in the feeling of her second skin. The fiery red metal was beaten up, marks of the battles she has participated in carved into its flesh. But the stubborn woman refused to have it repaired. The state of it a reminder to her of the only thing she had in this world.

„Come and have a drink with me," Ikaris catches up to Aurora before she can leave. „No." She knew what he wanted. „I can't let you go and fight Deviants on your own." He turns stepping in her way, making her halt to look up into his stern yet pleading eyes. „We need to guard the city." He hated fighting with her, she held a special place in his immortal heart. One he would never admit to. She examined his sculpted face, wondering if she could ever really truly trust him. She admired his loyalty but was smart enough to fear it at the same time. „Get out of my way." The woman smirks at him, his eyes slipping down to her crimson-colored plump lips. „I didn't come to this planet to cower behind walls love."

„We need to trust Arishem's design for this planet." Her glowing hazel eyes roll at his blind devotion. Reaching up she places a soft kiss on his cheek whispering in his ear after. „Are you always so devoted?" Pulling back she grins at his flustered state and steps back waiting for him to move out of the way.  

 „She is not alone," Thena's voice breaks the tension. Looking around Aurora notices others have picked up on their discussion. Her eyes meet Druig's and she shivers under his intense gaze. Breaking eye contact he focuses back on his Makkari. „As long as I live Aurora will never be alone," Thena pushes past Ikaris making way for both women to leave and Aurora follows her stride. „Aurora!" The warrior halts and turns around to face her friend once again. „It is an honor to fight alongside you." Taking in his words she was not really sure how to feel about them. „And you," finally decided to just push down the suspicion she nods in his direction.