Sister…<br/><br/>The word rang of familiarity in her mind as she recalled those women at the Temple.  Harsh mistresses of faith that had overseen her true training and guided her potential, respect was demanded by them and given.  Stigga found some comfort that one of their prestigious number was among them.  Long legs moved her forward at that offering.  Her powerful frame moved with effortless grace of a dancer’s body before she slipped onto the cushion.  Each leg tucked beneath her while she sat cross legged there, one hand reaching out to the back of the couch while the other near grasped Sister Verdania’s arm.  The swaying of something built to cushion rather than support was an odd sensation.  Her people had little such luxuries and her instructors never permitted any comfort.<br/><br/>Once settled her back straightened and her hands rested easily on her knees.  Those blue eyes once more turned to assess the others around her.  Magda became their next victim while her voice seemed directed towards her.  The woman’s name yes and then her tribe, Stigga nodded as she comprehended those bits of information.  Eyes flickered downward to watch the woman, noting the string of tattoos.  For Stigga tattoos were a symbol of accomplishment and status, their painful imprint and permanent nature something she could not imagine doing for beauty.    So the woman was obviously of some status and rank then.  That she touched her knife so quickly either meant she was nervous or dangerous, that fine line something to explore at a later time.<br/><br/>The one still unknown was well dressed as the strangers went.  At least Stigga thought her clothing spoke of wealth and status amongst these people.  Her silence was unknown as the other two spoke so easily.  Stigga tilted her head curiously at the woman and wondered the source of this silence.  Yet she had to respect it, because to do otherwise was to be hypocritical.  Words were not a friend for Stigga, action spoke greater volumes so far as she was concerned.  Her study incomplete, she promised to study the woman later when the doorway opened.<br/><br/>Nostrils flared slightly at the introduction of another scent.  Eyes narrowed ever so slightly when a male entered the room.  Muscles along her shoulders and arms flexed visibly, drawing a tension into the air immediately surrounding her body.  While she had learned to fight alongside men at the Emperor’s order, the notion was still new to her mind.  Men were meant to protect the home and tend to the children.  Their larger bodies made them more able to do the tasks necessary to rebuild the home and fight off attackers.  The sleeker body of women and their agility made them ideal to attack and hunt.  For a man to enter the sanctuary of a hunting party was still a new sensation for her.  Teeth set down as she was filled with a sudden urge to chase him off, but her mind knew that he belonged here.<br/>