Private To be Filled with purpose

[Desdemona Killesa]

It was not easy to stand before her Uncle and listen to his endless discussion on the condition of House Killesa and how all of their allies had become bottom feeders of the great oceans too heavy to lift their own heads.

But this was her duty to listen, learn and react when cued. She half listened all while entertaining her own ideas of what she wanted to do. Her training with the Master at Arms had been going well. It was a work out every day it worked her body and her mind. Where to put the blade, where to find the weakest point, and to size up a new opponent. Today's class would be just that the Master at Arms was bringing in two new partners for her. He said she needed a change, she needed a challenge.

She tried not to sigh at the thought of it all when she realized her Uncle was standing before her. Slowly she looked up Duke Anton Killesa head of her house. He had replaced her father when he died unexpectedly. She half suspected her Uncle to have a hand in his death but it was hard to prove. If it took her to her last breath she would know the answer.

"You weren't listening Des"

Feth caught, "No sir I was contemplating my training today."

The man before her stood 6 foot even he was imposing with his piercing gray eyes that looked through her. His jet black hair slicked back made him look odd what was it she didn't know but he was odd in that respect, but still he had broad shoulders like her father, a commanding voice, and an spirit that pushed all those that served their house to do their duty without question.

At her side she heard her Aunt snicker, "Training for her, what good is it. All she can do is make a good marriage and bring an alliance to our house. Most of this is time wasted Anton."

Des's chin touched her chest for some reason her Aunt never approved of anything.

"Perhaps" her Uncle studied her she knew it because he had not yet moved away. "Right now though I think we have another plan. The lands of House Thul have not been claimed, if there are any heirs they have been banished from Alderaan. We will seek to gain the lands and preserve them in case an heir can redeem them. But we'll work them and gain the benefit of them while we can. Des you will carry our request to the Court of the Organa Queen. "

"Court" she whispered, "I have never been there, will she see me?"

Anton laughed, "Oh yes she will see you she has a son, make friends."

Of course she thought powerful marriage alliance. they will attempt to put her close to the throne. Power. "yes sir"

In the time before her Uncle had gone to House Thul to make a marriage with one of the male children, after all House Killesa had strong ties to Thul.

 

[Desdemona Killesa]

The dress down was complete her Uncle had made his point and now she was free.

She shook off the invisible weight from her shoulders she never could figure out why her Aunt did not like her, or maybe it was just that she didn't want to raise a child that was not hers, or competed with her own children.

Her Aunt and Uncle had two children, Ella and Mathias. Both we tall like her Uncle but both were like their mother they took any opportunity to run down someone or belittle them to make them lesser than they were. They were dark haired like their father while Des shone like a dusky sun. Des couldn't help it. She was just who she was she didn't ask for anything and she remembered not to be in the way.

Perhaps the one thing that her Uncle had gifted her was to ensure she was educated, and able to defend herself. She made the best of both. They sent her to the Academy for Young Ladies to polish her and learn the ways to act in society. It was the details of how to smile without being too open, the art of manner, yes they taught ettiquette.

It was there among the best and brightest young noble women met, formed alliances, and talked about what they would do one day. Des watched and listened and began to play the game. She understood too well.

There was a rumor that House Antilles was rising again, Tycho Antilles had become part of the Queen's staff. Des would keep that in mind. Just because a house served the Organa Queen did not mean they believed in her or her methods. It just meant they found a way to get close to her. Des needed to do this too.

She had no interest in marrying the Prince it was rumored that he was pompous and a partier. He had no dedication to anything other than himself. But that was later.

Today was training. She smiled at Master Scrambas, "Well Master what to do today?" Whatever it was it would be the best day ever

 

[Desdemona Killesa]

"Step back to make sure they can't get to you only press when they are on the defensive"

She stepped in then stepped back it was a dance of sorts if it was real there would be a higher stake her or the attacker. She shook her head, sweat slowly dripping down her brow as she stared at the target before her. It shot out one more jolt in her direction Des jumped left then spun to her left extending her arm to slice towards the target.

"Good, you must swing harder someone attacking you isn't made of metal they are flesh you will need to damage them enough to either kill them or stop them"

She tried to shake her head that she understood. She stood straight for a moment looking over to Master Scrambas, "Is it easy to take someone's life?"

"The act of taking a life should never be considered easy but when it is personal combat you are up close and person, it is then you understand it is either you or them. When you make that decision then you'll know if it is easy"

It was personal every step that she took every movement took her in close. There was a rumor going on in the House that Des was to be sent to Avirandel a rocky barren world. What for she had no idea.