The raucous and wild
cries of the celebrating men did nothing to faze the despondent Lialla. She
stared into the depths of her drink and lost herself in the swirling mixture.
Uncertainty plagued her and the lizardwoman longed for the peace of Tari Dar
and the security of the Grand Spire at her back. So far from home, so far from
her spear-sisters, Lialla again wondered at the wisdom of the Talos Bak Sal in
sending her before berating herself. Ishari Eye-Mother would not require Lialla
in any place beyond where she now sat, hundreds of miles from the marshes and
alone in a loud and strange tavern. The men’s shouts intensified and Lialla was
pulled into consciousness as she listened to their words.
“I’d wager she doesn’t
even speak!”
Lialla remained silent
as their taunts and laughter grew increasingly louder. Many of the other
patrons looked over at the stoic lizardwoman nervously, wondering if she would
respond. Finally having enough of their cruelty the barkeep attempted to
silence the men but was immediately beset upon by their malevolence. One man
drew back his arm to throw his drinking glass and in an instant Lialla was on
her feet. She didn’t attack and she didn’t bellow a battle cry; she didn’t even
look over at the men. Silence reigned throughout the bar as the lizardwoman
simply stood. Rising to her impressive eight feet of muscle and sinew Lialla
commanded the eyes and attention of every soul within the vicinity. Placing a
handful of coins upon the table top the Gale Sal grabbed her spears and made
her way for the door.
“Thank you for the
drink.” The quiet that followed her departure lasted long enough that those who
entered after soon left in confusion, seeking a livelier atmosphere.
Few lizardwoman outside the Sala-Ma of the Talos Bak Sal
ever set foot at the base of the Grand Spire and the high priestesses alone are
ever permitted within the Core. Those who have the responsibility and blessing
of standing guard over the most sacred sites of the Geato Abira make up the
elite warriors of the Gale Sal, the Watchful Eye. The Gale Sal are tasked with
the protection of both the Talos Bak Sal and of the sacred sites of their
people, a duty undertaken by only the most tested and proven of their number.
Lialla Ki-lal remains one of the youngest lizardwomen to
join the ranks of the Gale Sal and though she is not the strongest nor most
cunning among all of the spear-sisters of the Watchful Eye she is among the
most courageous. Lialla showed her strength of spirit early in life when she
lost her way among the marshes. Separated from her tribe the young Lialla
survived for nine days alone in the wilderness and when searchers finally found
her the child showed no signs of distress at having seemingly been abandoned.
Rather Lialla seemed as calm and centered as she ever had been, a trait that
would only grow more noticeable as she grew older. Such an attribute earned
Lialla her surname and nickname Ki-lal, Geato Mar for Quiet Heart.
As Lialla grew in body and mind she learned the spear with
ease and soon proved herself to be a capable warrior. While on the hunt with
her sisters she would show no signs of fear when facing down the beasts of the
wild and at times would stand alone when all others had fled for safety.
Considered reckless by some her quiet courage was instantly recognized and
praised by the priestesses of her tribe. Lialla was frequently called upon by
the Sal Abira when a challenging task needed done. No matter the difficulty or
danger involved Lialla would see any charge through to its completion.
Her unwavering obedience and silent fearlessness impressed
the spear-sisters of the Gale Sal while Lialla was overseeing the transport of
an offering for the Talos Bak Sal in Tari Dar. After sufficiently testing the
young lizardwoman in their own ways the Gale Sal happily extended their order
to embrace Lialla Ki-lal. The Quiet Heart now follows the mandate of the Talos
Bak Sal directly, her unshakeable spirit seeing her through any challenge the
goddess Ishari desires to test her with. Lialla will not falter and will not
fail, the expectation of the Talos Bak Sal and the promise of the Gale Sal.
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