Our situation isn't easy. This place makes me feel small and fragile. There are no laws that need to be followed. All who dance in the dark practice things that should never meet the eyes of a child, for we are the only ones who roam the streets during the day. No one could tell you which one was more dangerous, but either way, we remained together, especially for the elder's sake. For magic isn't the only thing that is practiced here.
The inn that we resided in was only a few minutes away from the church, a beautiful cathedral, even if its worshippers were unwell. A day hasn't even passed, and the children are already getting sick. In order to make our keep here, the adults and I fish the invested waters, help unload the shipments that come from the docks, as well as become Cattle service dogs. It is the only way we can learn the ins and outs of the city.
Plus, the talk of war on the lips of sailors leaves us unsteady. More questions plague my mind as I remember the day I wanted to come to this city, but now all I want to do is leave, for I feel it will truly eat me alive and finish the job by taking my soul. But my people had other plans for me; somehow, I became the leader, someone who hasn't truly done enough for them as they've done for me.
Before we knew it, a year had passed in our absence. And the very city that made me feel small became my aspiration. Its charms and spells excited me, the chaos inspired me, and above all else, it felt like home. It could never compare to what we had in Valyria, but for the first time in a very long time, we finally knew how to feel safe in our own skin. We learned many stories of different cultures and languages, but the ones that truly stuck with us were our own. How they twisted our history to fit their narrative inspired us to question all that we had learned before.
For the very first lesson, we were taught in the mountainside. A cold, desolate rock that carried the wisdom of old. It was there that we heard stories of dragons, and it was there that I began to ponder their creation. During the night, the black river ash would light up the cloudy night sky; it was the only time we were allowed to heal the body and mind of the broken. Many claim that the only way a bloodmage can succeed is if they understand the ailments of men and the whispers of women.
We were finally descending down the mountain to begin our training, and it also happened to be my seventh name day as well. When my mother was alive, we would go into town to celebrate. The villagers cooked and danced around the fire as the music played. But here in Asshai, music was deadly, an enchantment meant to kill.
Food that was brought from the port only lasted two days before rotting, which seemed to explain some of the reasons Asshai is so depopulated. Their children were raised in Asshai for the first time in known history. Just like she hoped, the flask had saved them again. It was because of the blood they've lived another year, though the sickness still lingered, it still made them sing.
So it had become a habit for everyone to drink from the flask before one falls sick. None of the mages seem to understand, but continue to fall into deeper worship and praise to the lord of the Light. Experimenting and causing more mayhem to their already declining population. It was then that they learned from Cattle what a mage was truly capable of if they're desire to pass by human nature was gone. "He told them that blood demands sacrifice". Vhaera understood this phrase too quickly as her rage once again consumed her. "What he truly meant to say was that magic always comes with a price". (OUAT quote)
Vhaera was also delighted that her brother had also reached his name day. A boy of four, who has grown up so much since, leaving behind his innocence as his sickly appearance was being replaced by strange advances and knowledge of all kinds, she could only comprehend how much it hurt him to see her the same way. It had become harder for them to practice with the others; it seemed the air around them drained them more each day. They soon had to stay indoors as danger lurked around every corner.
The people who gave them an uneasy feeling were the church; they had to be wary of them, since it was they who had spied on them the first time they came to Asshai. Cattle seems to be in the works with them some diplomatic agreement about they're hatred for the fire mages. Their constant pestering to join them has remained unanswered.
The mountain top was steep and shallow; she remembered making many misplaced steps countless times already, which caused her to twist her left ankle in the process. If it wasn't for her brother's pet, she would have died tumbling down in the snow. She lay in bed as cattle tended to her wound, her brother's eyes never leaving her side. He's become more protective of her as he learns of men's twisted desire for women's flesh. He told her once that nothing in Asshai goes unheard..." She has to admit that she fears his mind is outgrowing his age, but then again, so was she.
As time passes, her brother and everyone who is able practice the sword. The women are quite good, the men are constantly challenged by their wit and power. She was the only odd one out as she kept sticking to her spices and herbs. It was understandable, though, the clash of swords made her ears ring and her eyes ache even more. So she would watch from afar.