azriel, kymaera, niyah & ashara — the 100 au
@thekymaera & @niiych & @ashoflemonwood
Azriel, Niyah & Kymaera. Trikru — exiled warriors.
Ashara. Sky People — former botanist.
When the people first landed from the sky, the trio had been sent to observe — to learn their intentions and their weaknesses. The two women disagreed on how to go about the situation. One asked for patience, stating that the Sky People meant no harm ( even if they did destroy a village in their descent, it had to have been a mistake ). The other pleaded to destroy them — damned their reasoning for coming from the sky. The sooner they were rid of them, the sooner they could return home.
It was an odd concept really — the idea of home. The trio had been exiled years ago, and this was meant to be their chance to return — to prove themselves worthy. It was both appealing and off putting for the man. Home was an idea they’d clung to for so long, but the woods had become their home.
It happened completely by accident — his first near miss the the sky people. A woman chasing an incandescent butterfly deep into the woods ( completely oblivious of her surroundings ). Azriel had slipped into the shadows easily — escaping her gaze but remaining to do exactly what he’d been tasked to ( observe ). The intense fascination on her face at the hundreds of insects lighting up the dark forest had given him pause and for once he found himself siding with Niyah completely — questioning exactly how someone so naive ( and oblivious to his presence ) could possibly have settled here with ill intentions.
It becomes a habit — watching her, protecting her — from the shadows. He learns she isn’t as oblivious as he once believed, because the next time she returns to the butterflies, she leaves behind a carefully wrapped package. It crinkles beneath his finger ( giving him a bit of a start ), and after careful examination he learns it’s food ( chocolate, she’ll tell him later ). The next time she ventures to the hallow, blue baby’s breath waits where she’d left her gift for him.
He eventually peeled himself from the shadows — careful, cautious, worried that he might scare her. There’s a distance kept between them ( offering them both the chance to disappear should the desire arise ), and it becomes clear there is a slight language barrier between them ( they stumble their way through a conversation, and at her insistence, he promises to return ).
Niyah is the first to learn of his meetings with the Sky woman. She chides him softly, and though there is a look of understanding in her gaze, she begs he stop before Kymaera finds out. There is a stiffness in his spine at her request, but he promises to stop regardless ( he doesn’t ).
It’s nearly two months later that Kymaera follows him from their home to his meeting with the Sky woman. They fight — and while his dear friend attempts to go after Ashara multiple times, Azriel is there to cut her off ( if only just barely several times ). Their native tongue snaps nearly as sharply through their blades.
( why ?! - the question was a loaded one. why betray us? why her? why not tell me? the possibilities were endless, and while he could have given her any number of explanations, Azriel instead shoved her off him — sending them both reeling back several feet, breathing heavily as they stared one another down )
( my wife ! — Kymaera looked as if she had physically been struck, and while his words weren’t entirely true, he meant them nonetheless. He’d claimed her as his and to go after her was an assault of his person ( and in turn Niyah’s and Kymaera’s, as they were his family ) ).
( moron. — he’d watched as she’s shaken his head at time — in disgust or disappointment, Azriel couldn’t tell, but the woman sheathed her weapon and after one last glance at Ashara had stormed away ).
