Learning to Kill

Evania tried once or twice to talk to Kavil but they were feeble attempts. She didn't particularly want to speak either, not wanting to let complaints slip out. She would feel like a wimp by doing so. Going with Kavil seemed to be a rather big thing for someone who had only started training that morning. Evania didn't want to return to the fortress feeling like she had failed some kind of test. Because, in reality, what if that's what this was somehow? She shuddered at the thought, despite knowing that wasn't the case.

When they arrived to the village, Evania couldn't help but think it quaint. They reached the inn and both of them dismounted, a man coming over and taking their horses into the stables nearby after greeting Kavil. She nodded at the explanation. It made sense for the Order to have some sort of agreement with the closest village. They had to get their supplies from somewhere. Evania was dismayed that they would both be in the same room. Had she not been worried about having an 'accident' as her and Elyan once called them, it wouldn't be a problem. She kept her mouth shut and followed him up to the room where set set her bag aside before looking at the map Kavil laid out. She studied it briefly, noting the spot he pointed out to be the fortress. Evania had never been amazing at reading maps, but she knew the basics of it. Elyan had always navigated.

Evania found Vaglen on the map and tapped her finger at the spot. "And this is where we're heading tomorrow, correct?"
 
Kavil nodded, pleased that Evania knew where Vaglen was. He rolled up the map after Evania was done studying it, stowing the map away. Their one piece of fruit apiece wasn't much of a meal, and Kavil was feeling hungry again.

"Are you hungry?" he asked her. The inn had a dining room, and Kavil usually ate when he came here. He wasn't so paranoid out here. These people were kind to him, and no one here would dare murder the Order's best. They'd be too afraid of being murdered in return.
 
She managed to study the map for a little bit longer before Kavil rolled it up and put it away, asking if she was hungry. The pear earlier had held her off but it wasn't much. Certainly not enough after such a long day and small breakfast. She nodded yes. "Are you going to eat here?" she asked him. Evania was assuming he had brought his own food with him, afraid of being poisoned even away from the other assassins.
 
Kavil nodded. "Here," he confirmed. He did have enough food to last him a few days, but he needed to make sure both he and Evania were fed now. That meant using his rations as sparingly as possible, so therefore he'd eat here. Honestly, he would have camped in the woods if not for Evania's presence.

He led the way to the inn's dining room, then ordered some food from a barmaid. She smiled kindly at him, and took an order from Evania as well before going to prepare their food. In the meantime, Kavil sat down at one of the tables. He did seem more relaxed out here. He was less fearful of being attacked.
 
The raven haired female gave her companion a smile. "Alright then, let's go." Kavil seemed much more relaxed here at this inn, away from prying eyes of other assassins. Evania noticed the change in him on their journey. He'd talked more than she'd expected. She couldn't help thinking how he somehow seemed more human now.

She followed him down to the dining room in back of the bar. Evania could hear the jolly laughter of men and women coming in through the doorway. The atmosphere of the inn was pleasant. They sat down at a table, Evania having ordered some stew and bread when they entered. She sat waiting for their food to be brought out to them, her leg dancing in anticipation and fingers tapping on the wooden table top. When it arrived, her mouth watered just from the scent wafting into her nose. Evania picked up her spoon and started shoveling her food in. She had always eaten more like a man rather than a lady, and this is no exception.
 
Kavil had gotten himself a salad with nuts and apple slices on top. It didn't smell as amazing as Evania's stew, but it looked good. Kavil certainly didn't hesitate to eat it, showing once again that he didn't like meat. That was something Evania should easily be able to pick out at this point. He hadn't gotten any meat from the kitchen at the guild, and he'd gotten himself a salad here.

He noticed how Evania was so enthusiastically eating her meal, and Kavil shook his head slightly at the sight. She certainly wasn't ladylike. Then again, Kavil didn't know many ladylike women. Most of the women he knew were assassins, after all. That wasn't exactly a feminine profession.
 
Evania took a break of inhaling her meal and looked to Kavil, just in time to see Kavil shake is head at her. She wasn't sure if it was disapproval or amusement. But then, she really didn't care. The twenty year old set the spoon in the bowl and wiped her mouth before biting into the hunk of bread that had come with it. "Not a meat eater, are you?" she asked after she'd swallowed. Evania had taken notice that he hadn't eaten any meat since she'd known him. There was nothing particularly wrong with that. Plenty of people chose not to eat meat, or even not eat just red meat. "You're a funny fellow, Kavil, you know that? Silent, not a meat eater. Yet when away from your home you seem... More like yourself." If she knew what Kavil was like.
 
Kavil's expression seemed to soften slightly at Evania's words. It was true that he was more relaxed when he was away from the guild. Away from Loraziah, really. The man always had Kavil on-edge. Scared, even. Kavil spent a lot of time feeling scared. When outside the fortress, he felt like he could breathe again.

"I suppose you are right," he said quietly. He went back to eating his salad in silence, feeling a bit strange from the conversation at hand. This wasn't the first time Evania had said something that affected him like this, and he'd only known her for such a short amount of time. What more would she see of him, and what more would she say, if they spent even more time together?
 
Supposed she was right? Evania knew she was. She simply shrugged at his quiet comment. Kavil went back to eating his salad in silence. She stared at him a few minutes longer, waiting for him to perhaps continue the conversation rather than her thinking of ways to keep it up. Instead she got silence, and the look on his face looked like he wanted to stay silent. Evania could be reading him wrong, it was Kavil after all. She let out a soft, frustrated sigh before she went back to eating.

When she finished, she pushed the bowl away from her slightly, her spoon clattering in the empty dish. She'd had water brought to the table for them, and downed another glass before she got to her feet. "I think I'll go rest a little," she said.
 
Kavil gave a small nod of acknowledgment at Evania's need to rest. She could go and do so. He'd be up shortly, just finishing his salad at his own pace. He did finish it a few minutes later, whether Evania stayed with him or not. Then he returned to the room, paying the girl no mind. He was checking on the amount of food he had for the trip, deciding just how much each of them could eat before they ran low on it.

Afterwards, Kavil glanced over at the single bed. Usually he was in a room by himself, and therefore usually he slept in a bed. He could sleep on the floor tonight, though. He was aware that it was the kinder thing to do to let the girl have the bed. It wasn't like Evania had told him she was fine with sharing the one bed. That would be a bit of a challenge for Kavil, anyway. He had trouble sleeping when he knew someone else was in the room.
 
Evania didn't wait for Kavil. After she saw the slight nod, she headed back to their shared room. She looked around, taking notice of little things. Namely, the bed. It was large enough that they would both fit, but just barely. It was probably best if they didn't, though Evania didn't mind. She wasn't worried about sleeping in the same bed as Kavil in case he chose to try and get frisky with her. She trusted him, and thought he was well above that sort of action. What the twenty year old was worried about was an accident like the one that morning. If they shared a bed and she ignited, Kavil could get charred. Not to mention he would know her little control problem. Evania wasn't planning on sleeping much, but she knew her body. There would be no way she stayed awake all night and then traveled tomorrow.

When Kavil came up, Evania was curled up on the bed, enough room left for Kavil. She was already half sleeping when he arrived in the room and began messing with the food he brought. It took her a little longer than usual to pick up on the fact that he was rationing it. By the time he was finished and looking over at her, Evania was practically unconscious. Still, she moved her arm to pat the bed. "There's room you know," she mumbled. "I don't plan to sleep long either. Too dangerous."
 
Kavil glanced at the bed, uncertain of what he ought to do. She'd offered to share it, but part of him was telling him not to do this. It wasn't often that Kavil's conscience actually spoke to him, and he tended to ignore it when it did. This situation was a little different, though. He had no orders to fall back on. It was just him and Evania, and she'd offered him bed space.

It took several moments for Kavil to make his decision, shaking his head as an answer. He had a blanket rolled up in his bag, which he unrolled on the floor to provide a little padding between his back and the wood. It wouldn't help much, but it was better than nothing. He proceeded to take off his knife belt, setting it beside the blanket. He paused for another moment of consideration before producing two more knives. He kept one sheathed, hidden up his sleeve. Just in case. He never slept without at least one knife on him, and preferably with more around that he could easily reach.
 
Evania was too exhausted to really care for Kavil's decision. She was asleep before she could see he made one. The young woman stayed curled up, sleeping soundly for the rest of the night. Her plan to wake after only a few hours had failed. Sleep had won the battle. Dreamwise, she was doing just fine. There was no tossing or turning, and she would equate that to the level of tired she had been. After all, it had been an unbelievably long day. There were no incidents, either. At least, nothing major. When she finally woke before dawn, it was because a few embers had begun to spark from her fingers as they rested on her side. She must have been close to consciousness to catch as quickly as she did but Evania was glad for it. Her shirt only had a small burn hole, easy to mend.

Kavil seemed to still be asleep when she sat up. He lay on the floor on some blankets, his knives close at hand. The twenty year old felt bad that he had remained on the floor. Glancing at the space next to her, she knew they would have both fit. Then again, she hadn't tried to talk him into it or anything. She'd been too tired and her plan was to rest three or so hours before waking and keeping herself busy until they departed the next morning. Quietly, she moved about the room to her own bag and dug out a new shirt. After taking a peek at Kavil to make sure his eyes were still shut, she quickly changed shirts and threw the old one back into the bag. Evania proceeded to step into the bathroom nearby and clean up a little, fixing her hair into a low pony for the day. Satisfied she left and headed back into the room.

She wondered if it was too early for anyone to be awake yet in the inn. It was a bit before dawn, but she was hungry. This compelled her to sneak from the room and downstairs, looking to see if there was anyone awake. There indeed was, an old woman who quickly came to speak with her. In the end, Evania was able to get two bowls of oatmeal before she returned to Kavil. She set one bowl down on the floor next to his blanket before she perched on the bed to eat.
 
Kavil fell asleep easier than he normally would have in such a situation. He also slept longer than normal, though his dreams were far from pleasant. They didn't have the intensity of the nightmares that he was accustomed to, but they were still unpleasant enough to warrant him moving around a bit during the night. They'd settled by the time Evania awoke, though, so she'd notice nothing strange about his sleep. Well, not in the nightmare sense. It was a little strange that, when asleep and not having a nightmare, Kavil looked so peaceful. He gave off the impression of being normal, perhaps even content. He gave no such indication when he was awake.

The smell of food drew him from his slumber, and he slowly opened his eyes to see a bowl of oatmeal next to him. Evania was eating a similar bowl on the bed, and Kavil was a little surprised that she was awake before him. A glance at the window told him it wasn't yet dawn. It was about the time Kavil would be waking up anyway, but it made him wonder why Evania was awake so early. He'd honestly expected to have to wake her up. This was a pleasant surprise, in one sense. In another sense, though, it made him nervous.

He looked at the oatmeal with a guarded look, unsure if he should eat it or not. His gaze flicked in Evania's direction for a moment, as though Kavil needed the reminder that it was her and not someone else who had brought him breakfast. The big question was if he could trust her. He'd already slept in the same room as her. If she'd meant him harm, she probably could have tried to kill him in his sleep. She wasn't like the others in the guild. Not yet, at any rate. He was sure she'd become like them in time, too. He was sure she'd consider him an enemy before too long. But for now, he decided that he could place enough trust in her to eat this oatmeal.

It wasn't often that Kavil had oatmeal. In fact, it had been years. The taste stirred his memory, and the memories it brought up promptly made him lose his appetite. He'd eaten about a third of the bowl, though. That would have to do for now. He just placed the bowl on the desk before going about his normal routine to get ready to leave, which did involve putting on a new shirt. He did that in the bathroom, though, which Evania may find odd. Most men didn't care if they took off their shirt around a girl.
 
Evania watched Kavil as she ate. Her eating habits were not the same enthusiastic ones as last night at dinner now, and she ate much slower. He had woken shortly after she'd set the bowl beside him on the floor. The guarded look he had as he looked at it made Evania want to giggle. Kavil was so mistrusting by instinct. She wanted to take offense to it, but knew she could not. Kavil's nature had already been explained, and she understood his fears of being poisoned. The two were silent as they ate. By the time Evania was done with hers, Kavil had set his bowl aside with most of it still in it. Had he not liked it? Or was he just not a fan of oatmeal? Evania wouldn't dwell on it. It wasn't important. He left the room, and Evania gathered the bowls together to take down with them. It was then that she decided, against he better judgement which probably wasn't a smart idea given who she was with, that she would have a little bit of fun at Kavil's expense.

He returned with a new shirt on. Evania hadn't paid much mind to that, assuming he went to clean up the same as she had. Evania gathered up her things, packing the bag tightly and closing it up. Casually, she said, "Were you able to taste the poison?" her lips twitching as she tried to keep a straight face.
 
Kavil did not appreciate that question. He strongly suspected that she was just trying to get under his skin like she had in the kitchen, but he wasn't going to so easily rise to the bait. Besides, it wasn't like he could just leave her. She was to stay with him during this contract, and if he left her, it would likely have some nasty repercussions. Mostly for her, if she didn't return to the fortress or catch up to him.

"Considering the favor I have done for you and who I am," he said, his words like ice, "do you really think it wise to toy with me?" If she was serious about the poison, he'd have to be quick about getting the oatmeal out of his stomach. And he'd also have to kill Evania. Joking about poisoning him really wasn't a smart decision.
 
The makings of her smile disappeared at the sound of Kavil's cold voice. It was obvious he took her joke seriously, or at least too seriously. He didn't seem to believe entirely that she had slipped poison into his food. She let out a sigh and rolled her eyes before looking at him. "No, not at all but forgive me for thinking you'd relaxed and started acting like a person who could fool around some. Like I would actually poison you." Evania shook her head again and slung her bag over her shoulder. "I'll be out with the horses."
 
Kavil said nothing, letting Evania leave. She was acting like he had done something wrong and therefore should feel guilty, but Kavil didn't see why. Had Evania completely forgotten everything she knew about him, such that it was? Kavil may have relaxing somewhat, but that didn't mean he truly was a normal person who could joke around. Joking around was something Kavil didn't feel himself capable of anymore. Besides, it was wasted energy.

He packed up his blanket and made sure he wasn't forgetting anything before leaving. It was time to get riding for the day, anyway. They had a lot of ground to cover before they reached their destination. Kavil intended to carry out the assassination tonight.
 
Down in the stables, Evania steered clear of Kavil's horse, as usual. Chip and the black mare were tabled side by side, so it was a little difficult. While she wanted to reach out and pat her on the snout, Evania refrained. No need getting into even more bad graces with Kavil. It seemed like any friendship they would ever have would be a constant up and down. They seemed to be getting on just fine and then the next, Kavil reverts to being his silent, cold self. Evania should have known better when she'd tried to joke with him. His life and position were things Kavil obviously took very seriously, and she couldn't blame him. She couldn't help but think how horrid that position really must be. Killing those who disobey, even if they are a friend (this had to be why Kavil kept to himself, it was the only reason so far that she could think of other than him having committing an atrocity), and having to to worry if someone is going to challenge him for the rank. And if he is challenged, he had to worry about not surviving through the battle or whatever it was that took place. Evania was sure she wouldn't be able to enter an area knowing she may be greeting death.

It was a lot to think about while she was down there waiting for Kavil. Still, she wouldn't feel bad for mistaking him capable of joking around with her. It was something she would remember for the next time the opportunity presented itself. No matter how Kavil seemed to relax with her, he'd never really be relaxed. At least not in her eyes.

Evania was already finished tacking up Chip and was giving him a good pet when Kavil came down. Once Kavil was ready to go, she mounted the horse and followed after him silently.
 
Kavil mounted his horse once he reached the stables. They needed to get on the open road again, and he didn't say a word to Evania as he rode out of the town. He trusted that she'd follow him. She'd be in a huge amount of trouble if she didn't, after all.

They rode for several hours, Kavil keeping silent the entire time. He varied the pace of their travel, alternating between cantering and walking to give the horses a break between runs. It wasn't until the afternoon that Kavil stopped to let the horses have a proper rest and drink. He dismounted and led his horse to a stream, then sat down with his back against a tree. He'd eat soon enough, but for now he pulled out a different map than the one he'd shown Evania in their room at the inn.

This new map was one of Vaglen. He was planning out the route he'd take to reach the target, and he was also choosing an escape route. He'd make sure the paths were available to him once at the town, but this was an initial planning stage.
 
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