The Taming of a Matriarch [NDE/R/Closed JT]

[Aia Kristal]

Training for SP

Within the depths of Silbern, there are quite a few Vandenreich members who seek to train. Large halls within the training grounds that allow for anyone to just go crazy and practice to their hearts content. Well within these halls we can find only one Quincy. One who spends countless hours within these halls to always get better. It is of course the new Vandenreich Captain, Aia Kristal. Her eyes red with determination.

As the targets line up one by one, Aia repeatedly bolts them with quick arrows. Her aim simply to improve not only her aim, but also her overall power. She grits her teeth as she repeatedly fires arrows that are clearly filled with some form of anger. Not literally, but that is to say that there is serious emotion behind every shot. The red-haired girl is surprisingly silent, her motions quick yet lethal as she shakes her head. 

In a sudden change, she allows reiatsu to flow throughout her body and the effect shows within her arrows. Originally blue arrows now become a searing red color very much like the girls hair color. Firing three arrows at three separate targets, they collide with their respective targets splashing reaitsu across the point of impact clearly leaving a visible mark. A clear sign of heat as some of the weaker ice around the arrows begins to melt slowly.

The arrows cool down and eventually dissipate as Aia's arrows also lose their red color as Aia drops a property. Of course this begs the question? What was the young Quincy so livid. Her thoughts would reveal a number of things. Pain, loss and hate. Losing those close to her and the pain that accompanies it. The arrows filled with the cruel hate of those wretched Shinigami. Envisioning anything as a Shinigami gave Aia the motivation to kill without remorse.

Now was not the time for that, however. Aia let her bow dissapear into nothingness as she slowly lowered herself to the floor. Despite being a Captain within the Vandenreich, Aia still needed some degree of rest. Regardless, the same cruel memories kept flowing through her mind, endlessly torturing her as her voice of reason also broke. What was left was a woman with only the desire to kill. To main. To torture all those that would do her wrong.

A tragic tale indeed, but of course Aia tried to look past it all. She couldn't help thinking about it now and then, but when she did, the results paid off in combat. It, however, did not make her the best person to be around. In fact, sometimes it would be quite a trip. Aia knew when to hold herself back, however. Mainly with superiors and with those who she actually cared about, but those were few and far between.

There was one group that Aia did look up to of course. There was of course the Emperor, but that was a given as a Vandenreich Quincy anyway. No, the group that Aia respected and sought guidance from were the Sternritter. Illustrious champions of the Vandenreich who represented the finest that the Empire had to offer. Out of all the Vandenreich, however, there was one she had heard tales about, but never got to meet personally.

The Sternritter who was designated the letter of P, Amalia. To Aia, the P Sternritter seemed like a symbol of beauty and grace attainable by few. What Aia wouldn't give to meet the woman in person. Most of all, Aia believed that this one could give her guidance and above all else, an interesting relation. She did like creating relations with those she respected, but more than just a professional one. Someone she could truly count on all the time. Perhaps it was only a fleeting dream? Aia was possibly going to find out soon, but for now, she remained on the floor, lost in thought.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

OOC: Training for that glorious CTP.

Amalia sat quietly at her make-up vanity, staring closely at her reflection. Her body was still and her gaze empty. It seemed all the life and emotion that typically resided in her eyes had vanished. Her extremities were lifelessly resting, frozen while her mind wandered through space. It felt like seconds were hours and her own thoughts had trapped her inside her mind. Her consciousness felt chained to this space she visited only in moments of solitude. In the depths of her mind, beyond the vast tundra of defenses and raging inferno of emotions was a space of balance.

There dwelled a calm, but deep basin of memories. Glimpsing into the vast pool would yield memories from every part of Amalia's life. Each memory was reflected in the water's surface. Some were innocent and pure while others were dark and foreboding. A single drop of water fell from the bright, milky fog from above. This single droplet struck the pool with great force, causing a cascade of ripples to spread from the point of impact. In that moment Amalia's took a gasp of air as life returned to her eyes. 

This same life returned to the rest of her body as shown by her fingers tightly clenching a brush. Her fingers ran across the edge of the table as she took in her reflection. Visiting that space wasn't always peaceful. It housed just as many terrible things as it did pure. That single memory was a reminder that life can be chaotic and not even Amalia, who wields chaos with great precision, can tame it entirely. She, too, is burned by the same fire she so joyfully throws at others. Amalia lowered her head for a moment, glancing at the vanity.

She took several shallow breathes and began raking her hair with her fingers. Each stroke of her hand loosened the chunky braids she had styled. Her gaze returned to the mirror, but this time her face was decorated generously with expressions of rumination and doubt. Amalia had spent her life cultivating her influence in the Vandenreich. She had been a member since before she was an adult. It had been her life for centuries and she had successfully risen to the highest echelon. 

She was so careful and meticulous. Every word, every action, and reaction was calculating and refined. It seemed like no one could be trusted. No one could do as she did. There were too many traitors. Too many people unwilling to make sacrifices and do what needed to be done. No one makes a fool of Amalia, and that is precisely what happened. To think that such a thing would happen to her. Did they not believe her? Was she not convincing enough? Did she truly need to be more heinous and murder even more to prove her point. 

Did she really need to slaughter more people to ensure they feared her? Fear could accomplish practically anything, but for some more pressure needed to be applied. Apparently she needed to be more sinister and cruel. Threaten their families. Kill their children, siblings, and parents. Force them to watch as their friends burn in raging flames. What would it take to invigorate their spirit and ensure their loyalty?! Amalia's body began to quake as she contemplated this very thing. She clenched her fists and  angrily lifted herself from vanity.

She walked over toward a large dressed, leaning against it as anger and grief built in her body. "TRAITOR!" She shouted angrily as she chucked a large item at the vanity mirror. "Fine. I'll do it myself." She  announced bitterly. A servant stood cautiously in the doorway, unsure of Amalia's ferocity. Amalia looked at the door and gestured for the servant to enter. Amalia walked over to a nearby stand and began fussing with a number of papers. She forcefully approached her vanity and swung her hand across the surface, sweeping the glass onto the floor. A calm came over her as she wrote.

A moment later she closed the blue card, revealing the front was embossed with her family crest and the letter P. She simply held out her head and said nothing. A couple seconds went by before she peered into the broken mirror, her eyes spotting the servant. The young girl jumped excitedly and hurried over toward Amalia, grabbing the note from her hand. "Deliver this to person whose name I wrote below the crest. Do it quickly. I want her to be in my garden in an hour." The woman swiftly exited the room. Amalia suddenly turned around and shouted, "And get someone to clean-up this mess." She peered into a portion of the broken mirror and slid her hand through her hair. "You'd think it was my job to clean it up."

[Aia Kristal]

Aia was still on the floor, a great sigh leaving her lips as she was still wrapped up in her thoughts. They were all flowing madly through her head. Dreams, aspirations, and more serving only to remind her who she was. A Captain of the Vandenreich seeking companionship among her fellow Captains and even then, rising higher in the ranks so that she may have the power to eliminate all those that stood before her. Naturally those wretched Shinigami.

Now more focused and determined, she stood up and once again began bolting targets with arrow. No longer red nor having anything else applied to them, she just continued firing. Performing some fancy maneuvers she eventually dispelled her bow once more so that she may calm herself. Her arrows were no longer filled with anger or anything of those sorts. Instead, she only sought to try to calm herself so that she may not lash out at the next person near her.

Well speak of the devil and he shall appear because the courier that Amalia sent was right behind Amalia. As the courier suddenly made her presence clear, Aia quickly turned on the balls of her feet and yelled loudly. "What is it that you want?! Huh?!?" Quite the temperamental answer as she quickly dropped the note addressed to Aia out of shock and fear. Aia knelt down and picked it up, her robes getting in the way somewhat, but she always manages.

Her heart sank as she noted the crest along with that letter. Could this mean...? Aia quickly read over the note and she was quite in shock. The P Sternritter...asking to see her? Aia quickly looked at the courier and thanked her, apologizing for her earlier outburst. With that, Aia made a quick dash for the garden she was looking for. Never actually being there, but having heard about it, Aia quickly made her way there, successfully circumventing many obstacles.

As Aia entered a garden, she was absolutely bedazzaled by it. A place of outer beauty. Aia kept getting confirmation on why she respected this woman so much. However, Aia did wonder what she was like in person. The young captain was walking about aimlesslesly, more taking in the beauty. Dozens of trees, flowers such as a poppies. bell flowers, and so on. She could not help, but be mesmerized. If anything Amalia would see her walking around.

Aia decided to take a halt, looking upon a pond that was too much for Aia to take. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of being in a place of utmost tranquility. In fact, she could not help, but enjoy herself here. As she opened her eyes, she began to walk around on her search for Amalia, still a little frightened of how she would be in person. On one hand, she could represent the beauty of this garden, but on the other, perhaps she was not so nice as she let on. Time would tell soon as Aia soon began to take another halt, taking one last gaze around and perhaps waiting to hear the orders of a particular woman.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Amalia's lips gently pressed against the edges of the teacup as she sipped on a small amount of the jasmine tea. She glanced from her periphery as she pulled the teacup from her lips. She delivered a faint smile before setting the saucer and teacup on the table. Amalia's gaze focused on the honey-colored tea as she addressed Aia. "Should I have provided you with both a map and compass?" She said in jest as she had taken note of Aia's lingering. She gestured for Aia to sit at the table, her gaze now tracking her every step.

She carefully watched Aia before readjusting the cloth napkin on her lap. She delicately refolded it and pressed her fingers along the creased edges. "I do appreciate you taking the time to visit and arriving promptly, no less." Amalia said in a honeyed tone as she gestured to a nearby servant. She delicately waved her fingers in the air and two servants immediately descended upon the table. They would promptly attempt to place a napkin in Aia's lap should she not do so herself and pour some jasmine tea into her teacup. 

"Oh!" She abruptly exclaimed as a servant head the sandwich tray near her. "I do so love when he makes me salmon-cucumber tea sandwiches." She said with a smile before the servant placed multiple sandwiches on her plate. "Manchego-Quince." She noted with some surprise in her voice. "That's ambitious, but certainly welcome." Amalia let out as sweet chuckle as she took a small bite from the sandwich. Her expression remained neutral as she chewed the sandwich, her mouth examining the delicacy. 

Amalia let out a beaming smile and reached out to touch the servant on the hand. She gently patted him before speaking. "Please send Fredrik my regards. These are truly divine." Amalia said. The man smiled and nodded. "Right away." She looked at Aia and gestured for her to enjoy. "Go on. Enjoy this wonderful selection of tea sandwiches." Amalia took another bite from her sandwich, remaining silent as she chewed. Her eyes settled on Aia before leaning back in her chair. She lifted the cup and took in the aroma of the tea. She delivered a warm smile as she indulged in another sip. She held the saucer and teacup near her mouth and simply examined Aia.

Amalia's gaze was free of insult and her expression delicate and unimposing. She felt there was a lot you could glean about a person by simply looking at them. A careful eye and ears that can hear beyond words are powerful tools. A persons words were important, but sometimes the way in which they said something could be far more insightful. A smile crossed her lips and she set her teacup on the table. "What are your thoughts on being a Captain within the Vandenreich?" She asked. "Do you find it fulfilling? Perhaps there is something you wish were different." Amalia raised her eyebrows in anticipation of Aia's response before she took a sip of her tea. 

[Aia Kristal]

As she walked aimlessly through the garden, Aia would hear a voice that immediately caught her interest in the otherwise silent area. Her head immediately twisted and her eyes rested upon the woman who had called her here. "Should I have provided you with both a map and compass?" A blush of emberassment immediately overtook the young woman as she scrambled into an honorary bow that must have lasted no longer than two seconds.

Aia's voice illuminated with respect and a clear sense of adoration. "O..of course not Miss Amalia.." Aia wished to keep a naturally formal tone with a hint of joy in getting to meet someone she had heard so much about, but yet knew little about. All she heard about Amalia were accomplishments. Marks of approval, but Aia wanted to get to know the woman underneath the title.

Aia began to listen to the way she had addressed her servants. It was with a tone that would not imply condescending behavior or beliefs. Instead, she actually seemed to care. Funny since she was told to remain wary of the Sternritter. Instead the rumors seemed to be false and underneath a shroud of ambiguity seemed to be a gentle woman. Atleast that is what Aia gathered for now. She knew better than to rest her watchful eye.

In the meantime, Aia herself would enjoy some nearby tea. An aroma of what Aia perhaps derived as rose tea. A gentle smell touched her nose and she smiled as she also indulged herself with the sandwiches, eating them cautiously yet enjoying their rich taste. Amalia was certainly right about one thing. Whoever made them surely outdid themselves. Aia would continue to close her eyes, savoring food and tea.

As she opened her eyes once more, she looked upon Amalia as she was offered a very interesting question. "What are your thoughts on being a Captain within the Vandenreich?. Do you find it fulfilling? Perhaps there is something you wish were different." The curious question surely had Aia thinking as she set her tea down. Finally done chewing, she placed her finger onto her own chin. All she was trying to do is not be cynical nor psychotic as she sometimes normally was.

Aia sighed and gave a straight answer. "If I might be so blunt Miss Amalia, it certainly comes with its perks. I trust that I would not have met the people I have on my climb to becoming a Captain. Moreso my security within the Vandenreich as well due to my elevated status. On the other hand, it seems very secluded at times. Never simply being able to relax although that responsibility is to be expected with higher ranks." Aia gave her a gentle smile as she also added, "This lovely garden has been my first destressor in a while."

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Pouring herself more tea, Amalia took a sip before placing it on the table. She lined the edge of her cup with her finger, vaguely grinning as she listened. "Couldn't have been that remarkable of a climb, otherwise we would have met sooner." Amalia delivered a disarming smile. "Yes," she said while taking in her vast garden, "it is a beautifully tranquil place. In fact, I come her to get away from everything. I find it is the opposite for me. There is always someone around, which can be rather annoying." 

Despite the inviting nature of her garden, it does little to curb her sharp tongue. And true to form, Amalia delivered a playful jab with a smile. Perhaps is the playing field was more level, she'd have a more active sparring partner. Amalia wondered if Aia would playfully come back at her. Truthfully, while she demanded loyalty, she could appreciate boldness. As long as the boldness was within reason. Wander too far from your designated area and risk injury. Regardless she wondered if what she had heard was true. 

"What are your thoughts on disloyalty?" She asked abruptly. Looking up from her cup, she stared directly at Aia. "Say, for example, someone fails to deliver on their end, and they split their allegiance between the Vandenreich and their former life. Would you offer them a reprieve? Maybe you'd administer a non-lethal punishment." She leaned back and smiled. "Or are you someone who is rather forgiving?" Amalia did not scoff at this idea because she knew Aia would think otherwise if she did.

[Aia Kristal]

Aia listend intently to the Sternritter. The atmosphere was quite a welcome one, providing a certain ambience that was incredibly difficult to match. She did definitely enjoy how the conversation was progressing. It was when Amalia pointed something out that Aia became curious. "Couldn't have been that remarkable of a climb, otherwise we would have met sooner." Aia raised an eyebrow at this disarming smile that Amalia was giving her.

The young Quincy returned a smile as she offered a small retort. "If I may be so bold, Miss Amalia, if I hadn't made the climb to becoming a Captain, I may not be here enjoying a lovely chat with you." Aia was one to probe the surrounding participants. Not to challenge their beliefs, but simply to explore new grounds with them. This was the first time Aia had met Amalia and this left her with the oppurtunity to learn more about this remarkable woman.

"it is a beautifully tranquil place. In fact, I come her to get away from everything. I find it is the opposite for me. There is always someone around, which can be rather annoying." The opposing view of Amalia was an interesting one to Aia as her general disposition was one to try and relax when she could. Becoming a Captain brought some interesting perks with it, but really it did add busy work.

"What are your thoughts on disloyalty?" The abrupt question was as curious as it was sudden. Aia eyed Amalia for a brief second as she further explained. "The topic of disloyalty is a fickle one. I would argue that disloyalty is simply a manisfestation of ones own wants to either get ahead or to protect oneself if the disloyalty is encountered in a dangerous situation. Both are curious when encountered." Aia paused for a moment as her eyes flared with the red color of her iris. "No matter the context of why it occured, disloyalty can only be met with one type of reprieve. Death. To disobey is to disrespect and disrespect to me is categorized with dishonesty and cowardice which are both shameful. As such, disloyalty can only be with death."  She smiled and finished off with one of her favorite personal sayings. "Better to face death than live a life of dishonesty." She looked up in the air for a moment. "May I know your view on it, Miss Amalia?"

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Better to face death than live a life of dishonesty. Amalia let out a short, breathy laugh. "Plenty of people are comfortable living a life of deceit and dishonor. It is, of course, made easier by the lies we tell ourselves." Amalia fell silent as she listed to Aia. She smiled into her near empty cup before her eyes rose from the brim and focused on her guest. Amalia gently placed the cup on the table and with a sultry gaze addressed Aia's inquiry. "There is no need for pretense." She said with a honeyed voice.

She playfully smiled before casually resting her chin on the back of her hand. "I'm as much aware of my reputation as you are. We both know how I'd respond to disloyalty. I'm sure you've heard the stories about my unforgiving nature and how that often manifests into particularly creative, yet gruesome methods of punishment." Amalia chuckled at the thought. "Surely if you're familiar with said work you'll realize you already have many of the answers. Though, I will admit, my position has been slowly shifting on related matters." She said before pausing.

Amalia's eyes drifted to the base of her cup as her distorted reflection peered back at her. A carousel of thoughts and memories circled inside her mind just before her expression flat lined. "The world is rife with impurities." She said softly. "That's why the Silbern is a true sanctuary. A place intended to preserve and nurture the pure." Amalia's austere gaze fixated on Aia. "There are some who believe purity can be gifted to those who are not Quincy by blood." As she spoke her fingers slid across the edge of a nearby knife, gently grazing the edge.

A drop of blood pooled at the tip of her finger as her tone intensified. Without flinching, she carefully lifted her hand and examined the rich, crimson bead of blood. "The truth of the matter is simple. Purity cannot be gifted for it is something you are born with. It resides in the very blood that courses through our veins." She continued with a velvety timbre. Her words were calm and deliberate, possessing an eerily subtle wickedness. "Conversion is believed to grant others the purity we echt inherit upon birth."

Amalia rubbed her thumb over her finger, smearing the blood. "Such awful lies." She nearly whispered before extending her hand off to the left. A nearby servant approached her and almost instinctual knew what to do. He patted her finger before lightly brushing away the blood with a damp cloth. "Only a true Quincy can appreciate the majesty of this wondrous place. One might also reason that only Quincy can truly fathom the plight of their people. You see, there's a difference between loyalty and obedience." Amalia said as her voice deepened.

Amalia slowly leaned into the table as she delivered a demanding gaze. "While they are two sides of the same coin, they manifest through different motivations. Loyalty is allegiance and sacrifice. A call to duty that resonates from the soul. Obedience, on the other hand, is stubborn. And often needs convincing through force and conquest. Their investment is purely conditional and therefore cannot be trusted. I'm comfortable using a convert until their usefulness has waned, but do not want to share my home with them." Amalia smiled as her cup was filled with more tea. "Unless you have hordes of faithful converts at your beck and call." She said with a chuckle. 

[Aia Kristal]

Aia was the kind of woman to smile at the speech that Amalia was giving. If truth be told, she couldn't agree more. For others to share the same living space as them. Those that were never born as Quincy is almost a mockery. As disposable objects, it did seem that they served some form of use or purpose. In the end, however, they were just that. Pawns in a complex game to be used and discarded once they served their purpose. 

With a smile, Aia returned a short yet sweet chuckle. "Dare I say, Miss Amalia, your worldly views on our civilization and those that would dare enter it are rather agreeable. I did once believe that we could all live peacefully. That there should be some way for all races to maintain some form of harmony if you will. An agreement. As I moved closer to the moment of becoming part of the Vandereich, that idea faded away quicker and quicker."

If Amalia paid close attention, she would see that Aia's hand was visibly shaking. "Foolish of me to believe so, but my past. My...mothers death proved to me one thing." As she continued to talk, the cup that Aia held began to visibly crack, Aia's grip on the cup becoming a little over the top as she began to explore her past. "You can't change a person. For that matter, you can't change a race. The only left for me is to kill...no. Rather do this world a favor, by purging every other ounce of filthy blood in this world."

It was rather clear that Aia had a distinct distaste towards every other race imaginable. To her only the Quincy meant something. Everything else was disposable. Was it their fault that they weren't born Quincy? No. She could blame them, however, for the horrific things they do and if Aia had to stoop to what most would consider murder and torture, then so be it. She wouldn't have one ounce of doubt in her mind. "Well...do excuse my digression. May I ask as to why you asked me to meet you this afternoon, Miss Amalia?" Her expression and tone once again changed to a pleasant one as she placed down the slightly cracked cup.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Amalia gave Aia a pleased grin. “I’m glad you agree. You know,” she said tapping her temple with her finger, “I have a sense about these things. Even from afar I felt as though we were kindred spirits. We need more members of the Vandenreich who think the way we do. Unlike Hadrian who would have our sanctuary filled to the brim with degenerates and commoners with absolutely no sense of Quincy pride.” Amalia sighed and leaned back in her chair. “We’re the means by which the Emperor will reshape the universe. We are the children of a God and so our role is absolutely vital.”

“There are others out there,” she said while gazing and gesturing into the distance, “who do us harm and whose goals include our destruction. You know of some, most notably Shinigami and Arrancar. Even the human world is host to flies that need swatting..” Well...do excuse my digression. May I ask as to why you asked me to meet you this afternoon, Miss Amalia? “All of that is precisely why you were asked her today.” She said cryptically. She bared her teeth with a smile and playfully gestured at Aia. “You’re a smart girl. Surely you knew I didn’t request your presence just to chat.” She jested.

“I requested your presence to ask whether you’d be willing to accompany me to the human world. We need to swat some flies.” She said with a chuckle before her expression became more grim. Amalia lifted herself from her chair and began walking toward a balcony overlooking the Silbern.She plucked a pink chilean bell flower and smelled it, a sense of relaxation washing over her face. “I am guilty of converting a lesser being. I thought he’d be useful. My mind exploded with all the possibilities if I used him effectively. He was around for a while…” She said before pausing and crushing the flower in her hand.

Amalia tossed the flower off the balcony and turned to face Aia. “I thought his skills in stealth would prove useful. He has a talent for going unnoticed and that is what I needed. Before his betrayal, he managed to procure me a modicum of intelligence on a number of individuals which had piqued my interest in one way or another. We’re going to finish one of the jobs he failed to.” Amalia said with a cold expression. “For anyone else it would prove dangerous, but for us it’ll be an absolute steal. Should there be resistance, they certainly aren’t prepared for the likes of us. After all, we're the children of a God.”

[Aia Kristal]

Aia's demeanor through this sequence remained to be one of patience. Amalia did seem to have quite a way with words, but this would never actually bore Aia. No in fact, she was rather amused and captivated by the determination, fierceness and general resoluteness of this woman. She had a certain commanding aura around her. One that could easily be respected and admired. What better role model to have is what Aia was mainly thinking.

Aia was buzzing with curiosity upon hearing Amalia. “I have a sense about these things. Even from afar I felt as though we were kindred spirits. We need more members of the Vandenreich who think the way we do. Unlike Hadrian who would have our sanctuary filled to the brim with degenerates and commoners with absolutely no sense of Quincy pride.” Such specific wording riled Aia up with pure and utter excitement.

“I requested your presence to ask whether you’d be willing to accompany me to the human world. We need to swat some flies.” There it was. The crème de la crème of the Vandenreich asking her to accompany her into the human world. Aia saw no greater honor than what she was just offered. With a quick motion the girl stood up quicker than she ever has before and her entire body was buzzing, but she attempted to keep herself composed.

With an exclamation, she chanted, "I don't think there would be a greater honor than accompanying you into the human world to take care of things Miss Amalia.." The young girl smiled and did wonder slightly. "I must ask, however. If there is resistance of any form outside of the Soul Society or heavens forbid, Hueco Mundo, will you still fill the need for elimination? I understand that an obstacle is an obstacle, but must human blood be spilt if it came it?" There perhaps the innocent and pure naivety that separated Aia from the irrational.