(Story Starts Here!)
"So would you like to confirm what a 'Spiritess' is, just so we all give the same answer," Zalgus asked, just as he dropped a plush towel on top of Aislynn's wet hair. She truly did look like a drowned cat. He turned his gaze to his sister, walking to a trolly delivered by a servant. It had a tea set prepared, as well as small foods to tide them over for the night.
"Well..." Raina said slowly, having not thought about it just yet. She looked around the common room of their suite, noting that everything seemed to be purposefully one step below the absolute best. For someone so sure of his importance, the Duke seemed desperate to remind people of their place below him. Not exactly the qualities she trusted in a leader.
"You've gotten distracted," Zalgus said. He pulled his hair back from his face, tying it into a low ponytail. Then he took the tea set and brought it over to the low table between the seats, noting the intricate detailing on the pot that depicted the greatness of the West. Tall towers and spirits blessing the greatest architects - no mention of the backs that they built those towers on.
"I have not," Raina answered, finally taking a seat. "It was something that I decided to do on a gut instinct and now that I have time to collect my thoughts I'd like to do so. Thank you." She stuck her tongue out at her brother when he simply chuckled at her.
Aislynn worked on drying her hair, keeping the towel over her face for now. She still felt rattled from the non-stop trip and rain, so she didn't want either of the siblings seeing her face. They could both read her easier than they went through books. At least the room was warm, a high fire had been made in the heavily carved fireplace, where their soaked clothing had been set out to dry faster. This was the biggest house Aislynn had ever seen - what did one do with all this space?
"I suppose we can always just remind them how we revere the spirits," Raina was saying, her shorter hair turning wavy as it dried. "So any with a communion with one is respected."
"Simple, I suppose it will do."
"Do you have a better idea?"
"It is better to keep it simple." Zalgus was examining his book for water damage. Satisfied it was unharmed, he set it down on a small, round table next to the couch Aislynn was perched on, and poured the tea. "Less pieces to get confused. Try not to elaborate too much on it then, at least not without informing us."
"Do you think your friends will know anything about the ones after me?" Aislynn asked, pulling the towel from her hair finally.
"It is possible, but we will have to be careful about asking." Raina turned to Aislynn, rotating her arm when the ache returned. The joint was still tender from when she stopped her friend from falling off the horse. "How is your leg?"
"It hurts when I move it, but I'll be okay. Better than the alternative."
"Well," Zalgus said with a wry smile, "isn't that a pragmatic view on the situation." He took a seat after handing off cups to his sister, and then Aislynn. He balanced his own cup in one hand, before switching its location with his book.
"I think we can rest easy here," Raina said. "A lot of guards, and a number of shapers."
"I suggest we not become too comfortable." Zalgus shook his head, letting the book fall open to his last page. "Politics might be even more dangerous than Aislynn's stalker."
"Thank you for being the voice of reason," Raina said, sarcasm dripping from her tone.
Showing posts with label Dawngate Fan Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dawngate Fan Work. Show all posts
Monday, November 17, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
The rain had gotten worse just as Aislynn, Raina, and Zalgus reached the safety of Duke Anzerani's estate. The massive white stone building loomed above them, as if to remind them of their place, and even in the night it was awe striking for Aislynn. The Duke himself did not deign to greet them at such an uncivilized time, a minor dismissal to show his displeasure at their arrival time. However, two familiar faces did hurry at a reserved hustle to meet them.
"Announcing Lady Raina and her entourage," said a portly guard that stood just inside the great doors.
Aislynn sneezed, a cold tremor racing through her chest. She looked up pitifully at Zalgus as he shrugged his cloak off and wrapped it around her. He gave her a quiet nod, but knew at this rate she was sure to catch a cold or worse.
"Shame for such a cute girl to look so washed up," said the guard who had just arrived. He stood tall with a clean shaven, angular face and an appraising twinkle in sharp eyes. His casual grin vanished when the girl accompanying him drove her heel into his foot.
"The storm is predicted to get worse," she said, stepping forward. Unlike the other women of this land, she wore light trousers and a heavy jacket - the top button was still undone. Mikella had rushed to prepare herself when word reached her of the Northerner's arrival - early, in the middle of the night, with an additional number to their party. She maintained grace and composure, but she was concerned.
"Then it would seem we arrived just in time," Raina replied with a bow.
"Zalgus," Varion greeted, once the pain in his foot had ebbed.
"Varion," Zalgus replied, lifting his head a bit higher.
"Who is this?" Mikella asked, quickly weaving her long, dark hair into a braid. "A younger sister?"
"No." Raina swept her hand toward Aislynn, pausing only a moment to consider how to introduce her. "This is Spiritess Aislynn, forgive her as she is not used to traveling."
"Of course," Mikella said. She began to curtsey, only to realize how awkward the gesture was when one was not wearing a skirt. So she bowed, claiming the declared masculine gesture with confidence.
Zalgus glanced at his sister with a raised eyebrow, only to be ignored. There was no such honorific in their land.
"May I introduce Lady Mikella Anzerani," Raina said to Aislynn, who took the cue and bowed.
Varion stayed back, his gun resting against his shoulder as he observed. The girl was clearly no dignitary, at least not one from the North. She had a quiet confidence, but nothing like the power and presence of the Duchess' daughter. It did not concern him, not for Mikella's or his own sake. He did, however, think her quite lovely, despite her drowned rat first appearance.
"I have already sent servants to prepare your rooms," Mikella was saying, welcoming the group deeper into the estate.
Whatever was to happen, Varion was certain it would be very fun. He already had in mind a few bets he would place tomorrow.
The rain had gotten worse just as Aislynn, Raina, and Zalgus reached the safety of Duke Anzerani's estate. The massive white stone building loomed above them, as if to remind them of their place, and even in the night it was awe striking for Aislynn. The Duke himself did not deign to greet them at such an uncivilized time, a minor dismissal to show his displeasure at their arrival time. However, two familiar faces did hurry at a reserved hustle to meet them.
"Announcing Lady Raina and her entourage," said a portly guard that stood just inside the great doors.
Aislynn sneezed, a cold tremor racing through her chest. She looked up pitifully at Zalgus as he shrugged his cloak off and wrapped it around her. He gave her a quiet nod, but knew at this rate she was sure to catch a cold or worse.
"Shame for such a cute girl to look so washed up," said the guard who had just arrived. He stood tall with a clean shaven, angular face and an appraising twinkle in sharp eyes. His casual grin vanished when the girl accompanying him drove her heel into his foot.
"The storm is predicted to get worse," she said, stepping forward. Unlike the other women of this land, she wore light trousers and a heavy jacket - the top button was still undone. Mikella had rushed to prepare herself when word reached her of the Northerner's arrival - early, in the middle of the night, with an additional number to their party. She maintained grace and composure, but she was concerned.
"Then it would seem we arrived just in time," Raina replied with a bow.
"Zalgus," Varion greeted, once the pain in his foot had ebbed.
"Varion," Zalgus replied, lifting his head a bit higher.
"Who is this?" Mikella asked, quickly weaving her long, dark hair into a braid. "A younger sister?"
"No." Raina swept her hand toward Aislynn, pausing only a moment to consider how to introduce her. "This is Spiritess Aislynn, forgive her as she is not used to traveling."
"Of course," Mikella said. She began to curtsey, only to realize how awkward the gesture was when one was not wearing a skirt. So she bowed, claiming the declared masculine gesture with confidence.
Zalgus glanced at his sister with a raised eyebrow, only to be ignored. There was no such honorific in their land.
"May I introduce Lady Mikella Anzerani," Raina said to Aislynn, who took the cue and bowed.
Varion stayed back, his gun resting against his shoulder as he observed. The girl was clearly no dignitary, at least not one from the North. She had a quiet confidence, but nothing like the power and presence of the Duchess' daughter. It did not concern him, not for Mikella's or his own sake. He did, however, think her quite lovely, despite her drowned rat first appearance.
"I have already sent servants to prepare your rooms," Mikella was saying, welcoming the group deeper into the estate.
Whatever was to happen, Varion was certain it would be very fun. He already had in mind a few bets he would place tomorrow.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
A high stoked fire was the only source of light in this office carved out of cave rock. Smoke escaped through a series of narrow channels drilled through the ceiling, which twisted and scattered it so it could not be pin-pointed. A thick, expensive rug woven in the South was spread over the smoothed floor, though the rest of the furniture appeared to be pilfered from the North and West.
Xavier played with a red cavalier hat between his hands, one finger twirling the fluffy white feather. His lips were twisted into a rictus smile of malicious intent; his eyebrow gave the occasional twitch as the only sign of his suppressed rage. The hat smelled like a foreign flower, delicate and tempting to crush. Such a fitting scent for his prey.
"Well," he said to the fire, "this proves that at least you are acceptable at tracking."
"Impatient One underestimates the foolish emotion of empathy," mumbled the Hunter, hiding in a shadow near the ceiling. "Moonlit One inspires such, and so Impatient One would do well to assume there will be more meddling ones."
"So it was this eastern tart that foiled your strike?" Xavier asked, annoyed at how many were willing to assist his prize with such little advantage for them.
"Wild One moves as an animal but speaks with the voice of a wise one," the Hunter answered. "Wild One is champion of predator and prey, and understands the experience of both."
A disgusted sigh escaped Xavier as the firelight glittered off his eyes, the reflection tinted blue. Do-gooding crusaders were the most boring, yet infuriating beings to cross his path. If one did not have the power nor will to pull strings, one should be expected to have one's own strings pulled. To flounce around, cutting the strings of others, was just a momentous waste of time and energy.
"She was a shaper?"
"Wild One is dangerous even without her bond," the Hunter hissed. "Her bond empowers ferocity, but did not make Wild One into the predator."
"It will be too much of a hassle to go after her now then, even to get her out of the way," Xavier said, his annoyance now lacing his tone like poison. "Do you think she will follow to continue interfering?"
"This one is not sure."
Another huff, Xavier tossed the hat onto his desk and snatched up a long pipe. He flicked his gloved fingers so a few sparks spilled out over the dried leaves, igniting them to a slow burn. A long drag filled his mouth with the taste of fire and a sweet undertone of some type of sugary sap. Smoke unfurled from his nostrils, lazily curling for the dark ceiling.
"This all could have been avoided had those idiots completed a very simple job," he growled, more smoke escaping from between his teeth. "My graciousness is over. Take her, and kill any who stand in your way, even shapers."
"Of course," the Hunter whispered. "This one understands."
Reaching over, Xavier picked up the red hat once more as the other presence left the room. A gift given to his prey by an unwarranted friend. It elevated her in the eyes of those around her, though her place was anything but that. The spirits seemed awfully lackadaisical in their chosen. He chuckled, tossing the hat toward the fire and turning back to his work.
A flash of presence tugged on the edge of his perception. He spun to face it, but found himself simply fazing a the fire once more.
A fire that suspiciously lacked the traces of newly granted fuel.
A high stoked fire was the only source of light in this office carved out of cave rock. Smoke escaped through a series of narrow channels drilled through the ceiling, which twisted and scattered it so it could not be pin-pointed. A thick, expensive rug woven in the South was spread over the smoothed floor, though the rest of the furniture appeared to be pilfered from the North and West.
Xavier played with a red cavalier hat between his hands, one finger twirling the fluffy white feather. His lips were twisted into a rictus smile of malicious intent; his eyebrow gave the occasional twitch as the only sign of his suppressed rage. The hat smelled like a foreign flower, delicate and tempting to crush. Such a fitting scent for his prey.
"Well," he said to the fire, "this proves that at least you are acceptable at tracking."
"Impatient One underestimates the foolish emotion of empathy," mumbled the Hunter, hiding in a shadow near the ceiling. "Moonlit One inspires such, and so Impatient One would do well to assume there will be more meddling ones."
"So it was this eastern tart that foiled your strike?" Xavier asked, annoyed at how many were willing to assist his prize with such little advantage for them.
"Wild One moves as an animal but speaks with the voice of a wise one," the Hunter answered. "Wild One is champion of predator and prey, and understands the experience of both."
A disgusted sigh escaped Xavier as the firelight glittered off his eyes, the reflection tinted blue. Do-gooding crusaders were the most boring, yet infuriating beings to cross his path. If one did not have the power nor will to pull strings, one should be expected to have one's own strings pulled. To flounce around, cutting the strings of others, was just a momentous waste of time and energy.
"She was a shaper?"
"Wild One is dangerous even without her bond," the Hunter hissed. "Her bond empowers ferocity, but did not make Wild One into the predator."
"It will be too much of a hassle to go after her now then, even to get her out of the way," Xavier said, his annoyance now lacing his tone like poison. "Do you think she will follow to continue interfering?"
"This one is not sure."
Another huff, Xavier tossed the hat onto his desk and snatched up a long pipe. He flicked his gloved fingers so a few sparks spilled out over the dried leaves, igniting them to a slow burn. A long drag filled his mouth with the taste of fire and a sweet undertone of some type of sugary sap. Smoke unfurled from his nostrils, lazily curling for the dark ceiling.
"This all could have been avoided had those idiots completed a very simple job," he growled, more smoke escaping from between his teeth. "My graciousness is over. Take her, and kill any who stand in your way, even shapers."
"Of course," the Hunter whispered. "This one understands."
Reaching over, Xavier picked up the red hat once more as the other presence left the room. A gift given to his prey by an unwarranted friend. It elevated her in the eyes of those around her, though her place was anything but that. The spirits seemed awfully lackadaisical in their chosen. He chuckled, tossing the hat toward the fire and turning back to his work.
A flash of presence tugged on the edge of his perception. He spun to face it, but found himself simply fazing a the fire once more.
A fire that suspiciously lacked the traces of newly granted fuel.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
A light rain had started once out of the thin cover the three had provided. Vegetation had become low lying shrubs and mostly meadow, and the rain was able to chill one to the bones without proper protection from the elements. Night was oncoming, but with the cloud cover darkness began to rule early.
Raina rode aside her brother now, a heavy shield on her arm and a grim expression of attention on her face. She was going to ensure nothing got by her guard. Aislynn had been moved to Zalgus' horse, seated with both legs to one side in front of him. His arms secured her, holding onto his reigns and surrounding her with his cloak to shield her from the rain. She had lost her hat, so her face was hidden in the material of his cloak against his chest.
"Do you think the rain will help hide the trail?" Raina asked, peering over her shoulder. Everything looked a misty grey, almost blurry.
"If we were being followed by physical tells... I doubt it," Zalgus replied. He could feel Aislynn shivering, but could not tell if it was from cold or fear.
"How else could one track us?" Raina asked, glancing at her brother.
"I am of the opinion our stalker has the ability to tap into more mystical means."
Raina frowned, wondering if that meant they were being tracked by their spirits. They had slowed their pace in order to not over work the horses. They were still a good distance away and couldn't risk having to stop to rest their mounts.
"Zalgus," Raina said, staring forward now, "did you have an idea of this when you took her in? How serious the group looking for her was?"
He remained quiet for a time, sorting his thoughts and forming his words. His sister did not like it when he hid information from her, and her mood was already terse. Aislynn had tensed as she was talked about, her fingers digging into his red jacket under the cloak.
"When I said there was someone with interest in Aislynn," Zalgus explained slowly, "I knew it was someone of some clout and influence."
"Someone from the West?"
"It is possible this person was originally from there, but now is in the shadows." Zalgus shook his head slowly. "As of now I am certain this person is allied with no nation nor tribe. There are so many branches of fate that following one is akin to drawing a single string from a matted mess. Every small decision causes numerous more flows, and as time passes they only multiply, never solidify."
"I'm sorry," Aislynn whispered.
Raina blinked once, before turning her head away from the wind and toward her brother. He also looked a bit caught off his guard. The idea that she was apologizing for someone's actions against her did not sit well with either sibling. They committed to helping, and neither were willing to renege on such an important word.
"You have nothing to apologize for," Raina said, a warm smile appearing on her face despite the chilly air. She considered such a caring, compassionate soul as Aislynn's to be quite rare, most of them never survived in the world.
"Indeed," Zalgus agreed, keeping his gaze off into the misty grey distance. "If I had not intended to help I would not have picked you off the street. If you keep fretting you will give yourself wrinkles, and that is something of which I simply cannot bare the thought. Leave the worrying to my sister."
Raina sighed, but her smile grew when she heard their friend giggle. It was so strange. For the well being of others, Aislynn's confidence knew no bounds, but for her own sake, she was suddenly timid and unsure. In isolation she fended for herself, but perhaps she feared being a burden to those she desperately considered friends.
During Raina's contemplation, Zalgus engaged Aislynn in a very long, convoluted puzzle conversation. He always did enjoy them, though it had been quickly learned when he was younger that the game would last far longer if he was the puzzle master rather than the player. He posed an open situation to Aislynn, and then would inquire as to what she would do or say. This would continue until the player solved the puzzle - be it murder, theft, or scandal. One of Zalgus' favorite themes was intrigue, so the puzzle was for Aislynn to figure out the complicated knots of noble family interactions.
"But did you not say the noble's son had run to the military to try to stake claim to an estate of an exiled Barony?" Aislynn asked, thoroughly distracted from her fear.
"I did," Zalgus replied, quietly pleased that her color had returned and her shaking had settled. She was maintaining eye contact more consistently as well.
"Then he had no interest in marriage for a comfortable, cushy home with the vidame's daughter."
"A very sound theory." Zalgus had a small smile; she certainly made this game far more interactive. "It seems the two gossiping maids have moved on, what do you do next?"
Aislynn's mind swirled as the gears clicked together. She found herself very involved with the game presented to her, comfortable in the puzzle Zalgus spun around her. There was no one out for her in this creation of a brilliant mind, and so she took the opportunity to escape and enjoy the mental exercise.
Even if it was only for a short time.
A light rain had started once out of the thin cover the three had provided. Vegetation had become low lying shrubs and mostly meadow, and the rain was able to chill one to the bones without proper protection from the elements. Night was oncoming, but with the cloud cover darkness began to rule early.
Raina rode aside her brother now, a heavy shield on her arm and a grim expression of attention on her face. She was going to ensure nothing got by her guard. Aislynn had been moved to Zalgus' horse, seated with both legs to one side in front of him. His arms secured her, holding onto his reigns and surrounding her with his cloak to shield her from the rain. She had lost her hat, so her face was hidden in the material of his cloak against his chest.
"Do you think the rain will help hide the trail?" Raina asked, peering over her shoulder. Everything looked a misty grey, almost blurry.
"If we were being followed by physical tells... I doubt it," Zalgus replied. He could feel Aislynn shivering, but could not tell if it was from cold or fear.
"How else could one track us?" Raina asked, glancing at her brother.
"I am of the opinion our stalker has the ability to tap into more mystical means."
Raina frowned, wondering if that meant they were being tracked by their spirits. They had slowed their pace in order to not over work the horses. They were still a good distance away and couldn't risk having to stop to rest their mounts.
"Zalgus," Raina said, staring forward now, "did you have an idea of this when you took her in? How serious the group looking for her was?"
He remained quiet for a time, sorting his thoughts and forming his words. His sister did not like it when he hid information from her, and her mood was already terse. Aislynn had tensed as she was talked about, her fingers digging into his red jacket under the cloak.
"When I said there was someone with interest in Aislynn," Zalgus explained slowly, "I knew it was someone of some clout and influence."
"Someone from the West?"
"It is possible this person was originally from there, but now is in the shadows." Zalgus shook his head slowly. "As of now I am certain this person is allied with no nation nor tribe. There are so many branches of fate that following one is akin to drawing a single string from a matted mess. Every small decision causes numerous more flows, and as time passes they only multiply, never solidify."
"I'm sorry," Aislynn whispered.
Raina blinked once, before turning her head away from the wind and toward her brother. He also looked a bit caught off his guard. The idea that she was apologizing for someone's actions against her did not sit well with either sibling. They committed to helping, and neither were willing to renege on such an important word.
"You have nothing to apologize for," Raina said, a warm smile appearing on her face despite the chilly air. She considered such a caring, compassionate soul as Aislynn's to be quite rare, most of them never survived in the world.
"Indeed," Zalgus agreed, keeping his gaze off into the misty grey distance. "If I had not intended to help I would not have picked you off the street. If you keep fretting you will give yourself wrinkles, and that is something of which I simply cannot bare the thought. Leave the worrying to my sister."
Raina sighed, but her smile grew when she heard their friend giggle. It was so strange. For the well being of others, Aislynn's confidence knew no bounds, but for her own sake, she was suddenly timid and unsure. In isolation she fended for herself, but perhaps she feared being a burden to those she desperately considered friends.
During Raina's contemplation, Zalgus engaged Aislynn in a very long, convoluted puzzle conversation. He always did enjoy them, though it had been quickly learned when he was younger that the game would last far longer if he was the puzzle master rather than the player. He posed an open situation to Aislynn, and then would inquire as to what she would do or say. This would continue until the player solved the puzzle - be it murder, theft, or scandal. One of Zalgus' favorite themes was intrigue, so the puzzle was for Aislynn to figure out the complicated knots of noble family interactions.
"But did you not say the noble's son had run to the military to try to stake claim to an estate of an exiled Barony?" Aislynn asked, thoroughly distracted from her fear.
"I did," Zalgus replied, quietly pleased that her color had returned and her shaking had settled. She was maintaining eye contact more consistently as well.
"Then he had no interest in marriage for a comfortable, cushy home with the vidame's daughter."
"A very sound theory." Zalgus had a small smile; she certainly made this game far more interactive. "It seems the two gossiping maids have moved on, what do you do next?"
Aislynn's mind swirled as the gears clicked together. She found herself very involved with the game presented to her, comfortable in the puzzle Zalgus spun around her. There was no one out for her in this creation of a brilliant mind, and so she took the opportunity to escape and enjoy the mental exercise.
Even if it was only for a short time.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)
(Story Starts Here!)
"Nosy One allowed this one's prey an escape," the Hunter growled from behind the mask.
A strong breeze rustled Nissa's hair as Tal'ah scaled his way up her leg and regained his perch on her shoulder. She didn't even flinch as the short, sharp stings of his claws.
"I have said my said," she replied, tightening her grip on the birraga. "Stand down, or I will make you."
"This one was told not to kill Moonlit One, but Nosy One is not protected." The Hunter shifted, and the ruby eyes of the mask started to shine.
Then there were three, coming in at Nissa from all sides. She swung down under the branch, holding on with her left hand as she flung her barriga at the one to her right. It passed through the figure and rounded back to her as if she had hit nothing. The branch snapped without warning, and Nissa had to kick off the trunk to flip and land on her feet. The three figures landed above her, red eyes glowing and tranquil masks belying the intent to kill.
"This one wonders if Nosy One will realize Nosy One's fatal mistake." The figures talked in unison, and each one now had six-inch long needles between their fingers.
"Do not think I will be defeated so easily," Nissa replied as she gripped the Henj-Men's Wing in one hand. Her entire body was wound tight, ready to spring, and she dug her feet into the soft grasses for a more stable foundation.
Brief, dull blinks of light were the only warning that the needles were flying at her. She turned and used the broad body of the Wing to block, hearing soft thumps as the needles buried themselves into the sacred wood. She pulled the great barriga off her back and launched it up into the air with a yell.
It hit all three figures as they jumped at her, yet only the one to the left rebounded. The Hunter slammed back into a tree, shaking it with the force. The other two vanished in puffs of smoke. The remaining one caught a branch and dropped gracefully to the one below, perching.
Nissa caught the Wing and replaced it on her back even as she began to run. Now that she had one target, she sprang into the air and launched two more barrigas. They swept out before scissoring together at their target. Her body moved automatically, spinning to the side and ducking behind another tree.
Needles slammed into her cover, sending a small shower of broken bark over her. There was a tremendous crack, and Nissa tensed as it was followed by en entire chorus of smaller crashes. A trunk smashed down to her right, sending leaves, nuts, and twigs cascading over the ground.
Then silence filled the air, making Nissa's chest feel hollow. She was entirely alone.
Cautiously, she peered around the side of the tree, one hand resting on Tal'ah to keep him still. A few ragged shaped leaves fluttered to the ground, followed by one more nut bouncing off the fallen trunk with a hearty plunk! It was the tree the figure had perched in after Nissa connected with the Henj-Men's Wing. She approached the remaining stump, glancing around and keeping an ear on the quiet that was now around her.
The rings of the tree varied from dark to light, some thicker than others. The stump was not splintered, as if broken, but instead very smooth and even. Resting a thickly gloved hand on the wood, Nissa could come to only one conclusion.
Something had sliced through the tree as easily as a blade to a fresh kill.
"Nosy One allowed this one's prey an escape," the Hunter growled from behind the mask.
A strong breeze rustled Nissa's hair as Tal'ah scaled his way up her leg and regained his perch on her shoulder. She didn't even flinch as the short, sharp stings of his claws.
"I have said my said," she replied, tightening her grip on the birraga. "Stand down, or I will make you."
"This one was told not to kill Moonlit One, but Nosy One is not protected." The Hunter shifted, and the ruby eyes of the mask started to shine.
Then there were three, coming in at Nissa from all sides. She swung down under the branch, holding on with her left hand as she flung her barriga at the one to her right. It passed through the figure and rounded back to her as if she had hit nothing. The branch snapped without warning, and Nissa had to kick off the trunk to flip and land on her feet. The three figures landed above her, red eyes glowing and tranquil masks belying the intent to kill.
"This one wonders if Nosy One will realize Nosy One's fatal mistake." The figures talked in unison, and each one now had six-inch long needles between their fingers.
"Do not think I will be defeated so easily," Nissa replied as she gripped the Henj-Men's Wing in one hand. Her entire body was wound tight, ready to spring, and she dug her feet into the soft grasses for a more stable foundation.
Brief, dull blinks of light were the only warning that the needles were flying at her. She turned and used the broad body of the Wing to block, hearing soft thumps as the needles buried themselves into the sacred wood. She pulled the great barriga off her back and launched it up into the air with a yell.
It hit all three figures as they jumped at her, yet only the one to the left rebounded. The Hunter slammed back into a tree, shaking it with the force. The other two vanished in puffs of smoke. The remaining one caught a branch and dropped gracefully to the one below, perching.
Nissa caught the Wing and replaced it on her back even as she began to run. Now that she had one target, she sprang into the air and launched two more barrigas. They swept out before scissoring together at their target. Her body moved automatically, spinning to the side and ducking behind another tree.
Needles slammed into her cover, sending a small shower of broken bark over her. There was a tremendous crack, and Nissa tensed as it was followed by en entire chorus of smaller crashes. A trunk smashed down to her right, sending leaves, nuts, and twigs cascading over the ground.
Then silence filled the air, making Nissa's chest feel hollow. She was entirely alone.
Cautiously, she peered around the side of the tree, one hand resting on Tal'ah to keep him still. A few ragged shaped leaves fluttered to the ground, followed by one more nut bouncing off the fallen trunk with a hearty plunk! It was the tree the figure had perched in after Nissa connected with the Henj-Men's Wing. She approached the remaining stump, glancing around and keeping an ear on the quiet that was now around her.
The rings of the tree varied from dark to light, some thicker than others. The stump was not splintered, as if broken, but instead very smooth and even. Resting a thickly gloved hand on the wood, Nissa could come to only one conclusion.
Something had sliced through the tree as easily as a blade to a fresh kill.
The Dawngate Will Not Close
In light of news that Dawngate would be shutting down its servers, I took the time to carefully consider the best course of action for my fan work. I wondered if it would hurt too much to continue writing this work for the world that I love, knowing that its life was so short. However, I considered that there are others, you, that read and enjoy my work, and that I would not be able to take away another piece of Dawngate that you all loved. So from now on, this writing will be my way of saving Dawngate for as long as I am able. I will hold open the Dawngate, and I hope you all will help me by continuing to read and support both myself and Waystone.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work)
(Story Starts Here!)
Zalgus saw a female figure block the shadows, a massive, curved object on her back. Another shaper. He was, for now, unsure of the relation, but he did not need his spirit to know she stood against the thing hunting them. Stars raced across his vision, showing a scene of courage, then exile, and then heroism that had been rewarded with violence.
She had a hard journey to this point, and yet she still chose to protect others regardless of the personal consequences. A highly admirable trait, one that Zalgus could not honestly claim he shared at all times. Remaining quiet, he decided to take her kindness for all it was worth, spurring his horse from a canter to a gallop.
His sister did the same, tightening her thighs to her horse's flanks to keep herself stable. With Aislynn clinging on to keep her seat, it was more difficult to move with the motions of the horse. It was an obstacle she was not about to complain about, even if she was sore later.
It had been so long since Raina saw her brother move with any kind of urgency that she was surprised he did not fall off his horse. She was thankful for it though, since she'd trample him. Now was not the time to snark at him though.
Aislynn was in a state just shy of panic. Though the horse's gait was smooth, the speed and her lack of experience made her feel like she would fall at the smallest jostle. Her body felt cold as her fingers ached and muscles shook from stress. She squinted ahead, nervous even as she heard her spirit's excitement at the rush.
Zalgus was in the lead, the wind knocking his hood back again from his features as he focused on keeping them on the path. His cloak and red jacket billowed in the air behind him, creating a dire chiming from his trinkets and chain being disturbed. He nearly lost his seat when his horse vaulted a high arching root, and he saw a flash of Aislynn crashing to the ground from the very same jump.
"Raina!" was the only warning he could shout as his sister's horse took the jump.
Even before she heard the yell, Raina felt Aislynn's weight become dislodged. Everything silenced around her as she half lost her posture, spinning into a precarious perch on her saddle. Her left hand came around as Aislynn slid in that direction. Terror-filled eyes met ones hardened with determination as Aislynn's feathered hat was swept away on the wind.
Aislynn felt like her body was detached from her mind, an intense cold racing through her before the searing heat of shock burned her to her bones. Her voice fled, betraying a thought of crying out in fear. Darkness filled her peripherals, eager to claim her vision and her conscious completely, but even as it tried, a single, sweet chime filled Aislynn's heart. She wasn't alone.
Raina seized hold of her friend's right ankle in a bruising grip, refusing to let her fall an inch more. A pain wrenched through Raina's shoulder, but she grit her teeth and held on as Aislynn's head came scant centimeters from cracking on a protruding rock. With a cry of exertion, Raina pulled Aislynn back up and draped her over the saddle in front of her.
It was a most unceremonious position, but all that mattered was that she was now in a much more stable place.
In the brief moment it took Aislynn to realize she was not abandoned and in pain on the forest floor, her eyes had become hot with tears. She was certain the only reasons she had not passed out was Raina's diamond-strength perseverance buoying her emotional landscape. Still, her heart was beating so hard it hurt, and she sputtered out her gratitude. It was a struggle to wipe the tears away.
Lifting a hand toward his glasses, Zalgus paused to notice his hand was shaking. He clenched it into a fist, bringing it down before either of his companion's saw. A swift scene of the shadow pouncing on an injured Aislynn on the forest floor and dragging her away before they could respond played before him. He could hear her scream. He knocked the stars away with a jerk of his hand and took a deep breath.
The sounds of bird songs and general animal chatter had returned, and Zalgus eased his horse down from the intense pace, and looked around. He removed his glasses to clean them with a handkerchief from his pocket, regaining his full composure and usual smug eloquence.
"Well then," Raina said as she caught her breath. "How much further until our destination?" Her horse seemed to be in a better mood after that lovely jaunt through the woods.
"If we do not stop to rest, day after tomorrow," Zalgus glanced at the sky to determine basic information.
"I vote we do that then." Raina checked on Aislynn, who still looked pale. She could blame the younger girl. Nearly tumbling from a gallop was bad enough, but when it was while something was on the hunt it had to be much worse.
Zalgus saw a female figure block the shadows, a massive, curved object on her back. Another shaper. He was, for now, unsure of the relation, but he did not need his spirit to know she stood against the thing hunting them. Stars raced across his vision, showing a scene of courage, then exile, and then heroism that had been rewarded with violence.
She had a hard journey to this point, and yet she still chose to protect others regardless of the personal consequences. A highly admirable trait, one that Zalgus could not honestly claim he shared at all times. Remaining quiet, he decided to take her kindness for all it was worth, spurring his horse from a canter to a gallop.
His sister did the same, tightening her thighs to her horse's flanks to keep herself stable. With Aislynn clinging on to keep her seat, it was more difficult to move with the motions of the horse. It was an obstacle she was not about to complain about, even if she was sore later.
It had been so long since Raina saw her brother move with any kind of urgency that she was surprised he did not fall off his horse. She was thankful for it though, since she'd trample him. Now was not the time to snark at him though.
Aislynn was in a state just shy of panic. Though the horse's gait was smooth, the speed and her lack of experience made her feel like she would fall at the smallest jostle. Her body felt cold as her fingers ached and muscles shook from stress. She squinted ahead, nervous even as she heard her spirit's excitement at the rush.
Zalgus was in the lead, the wind knocking his hood back again from his features as he focused on keeping them on the path. His cloak and red jacket billowed in the air behind him, creating a dire chiming from his trinkets and chain being disturbed. He nearly lost his seat when his horse vaulted a high arching root, and he saw a flash of Aislynn crashing to the ground from the very same jump.
"Raina!" was the only warning he could shout as his sister's horse took the jump.
Even before she heard the yell, Raina felt Aislynn's weight become dislodged. Everything silenced around her as she half lost her posture, spinning into a precarious perch on her saddle. Her left hand came around as Aislynn slid in that direction. Terror-filled eyes met ones hardened with determination as Aislynn's feathered hat was swept away on the wind.
Aislynn felt like her body was detached from her mind, an intense cold racing through her before the searing heat of shock burned her to her bones. Her voice fled, betraying a thought of crying out in fear. Darkness filled her peripherals, eager to claim her vision and her conscious completely, but even as it tried, a single, sweet chime filled Aislynn's heart. She wasn't alone.
Raina seized hold of her friend's right ankle in a bruising grip, refusing to let her fall an inch more. A pain wrenched through Raina's shoulder, but she grit her teeth and held on as Aislynn's head came scant centimeters from cracking on a protruding rock. With a cry of exertion, Raina pulled Aislynn back up and draped her over the saddle in front of her.
It was a most unceremonious position, but all that mattered was that she was now in a much more stable place.
In the brief moment it took Aislynn to realize she was not abandoned and in pain on the forest floor, her eyes had become hot with tears. She was certain the only reasons she had not passed out was Raina's diamond-strength perseverance buoying her emotional landscape. Still, her heart was beating so hard it hurt, and she sputtered out her gratitude. It was a struggle to wipe the tears away.
Lifting a hand toward his glasses, Zalgus paused to notice his hand was shaking. He clenched it into a fist, bringing it down before either of his companion's saw. A swift scene of the shadow pouncing on an injured Aislynn on the forest floor and dragging her away before they could respond played before him. He could hear her scream. He knocked the stars away with a jerk of his hand and took a deep breath.
The sounds of bird songs and general animal chatter had returned, and Zalgus eased his horse down from the intense pace, and looked around. He removed his glasses to clean them with a handkerchief from his pocket, regaining his full composure and usual smug eloquence.
"Well then," Raina said as she caught her breath. "How much further until our destination?" Her horse seemed to be in a better mood after that lovely jaunt through the woods.
"If we do not stop to rest, day after tomorrow," Zalgus glanced at the sky to determine basic information.
"I vote we do that then." Raina checked on Aislynn, who still looked pale. She could blame the younger girl. Nearly tumbling from a gallop was bad enough, but when it was while something was on the hunt it had to be much worse.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work)
(Story Starts Here!)
It seemed like the walking mouth had quieted to tend to his little sister, and set up camp. The birds' song had gone, yet the seasoned hunter could not immediately tell why. There were no marks, nor sounds of a predator, yet she sensed something was there. It was how the hairs on her neck stood up, how the very air seemed thick with intent and danger. If Nissa was any less experienced, she would be having difficulty breathing.
Silently running between the trees, it did not take long for her to hear two horses moving at a swift pace. She crouched on a tree branch, adjusting one of her heavy gloves and pulling out a birraga. The trio on the mounts looked well off, and she wondered if bandits were targeting them. She brushed that notion aside as she loosened the clasp on the Henj-Men's Wing. Bandits would not be able to hide from her so perfectly - they were clumsier than an Altai newborn kitten.
"That one," she whispered, examining the woman perched behind another on the palomino horse. That one had the look of a rabbit with a wolf sniffing at her hole. Nissa's attention shifted as she followed, to the tall man with the glasses and a focused glint to his eyes. He kept looking off in what appeared to be a random direction - the same direction each time.
Nissa hopped over several branches, ignoring the light taps against her forehead and shoulders from small twigs that remained undisturbed by her movement. Everything simply felt wrong, and she had always been one to trust her instincts. Even if it ended with her exiled from her home. She tilted her nose to the air, and finally managed to get a sense of something.
It was a cloying scent, yet it only seemed to be half there. She wondered if she was only imagining it, but woe to a hunter who did not take even the most ephemeral of senses seriously. So, she stalked in the direction of the not-quite-there scent.
Her comfortable leather clothing let her move in any manner she needed to as she twisted and leaped from tree to tree, leaving even the most obstinately placed leaves untouched. The Henj-Men's Wing did not hinder her movement. She used every sense, listening, searching. An unnatural wind passed her face, and she turned in its direction with a grimace. It smelled like blood.
She sent Tal'ah to follow the targets for a distance. If she let her guard down at all, the strike would happen. A prickle raced through her bones, making the muscles in her back pull tight. Her lip curled as her sharp eyes locked onto a shadowy figure a few levels down from her in the tree tops. All she could make out was black and dusty green leather and well-spun cloth. The face was covered with a mask of tranquility; the rest of the head obscured by a cowl. It was perched on a lower branch, reminding Nissa of a great owl.
Although the figure was simply observing for now, Nissa disliked the soft growls and mumbles that escaped. She moved closer, and felt her spirit infuse her birraga.
"I do not know your intentions," she said, standing firm as the figure whirled to face her with a snarl, "but I suggest you turn your eye elsewhere."
Ruby stones set in the eyes of the mask glittered at her, and she saw needles slip between the figure's fingers.
"This one wonders who nosy one is to get in this one's way," the figure spoke from the throat, making it hard to determine gender.
"You are targeting those people with malicious intent." Nissa pointed in the general direction of the trio with her free hand.
"Ah, nosy one is hunting one," the figure growled. "This one wonders why hunting one is so swift to side with prey. Prey might deserve this one's intentions."
"I will not let you hunt them, now stand down." Her instincts guiding her, Nissa prepared to route this figure, this predator. The girl so cruelly labeled as 'prey' did not have the eyes of one deserving to be stalked. Nissa would trust her own judgment before the words of a malicious stranger.
It seemed like the walking mouth had quieted to tend to his little sister, and set up camp. The birds' song had gone, yet the seasoned hunter could not immediately tell why. There were no marks, nor sounds of a predator, yet she sensed something was there. It was how the hairs on her neck stood up, how the very air seemed thick with intent and danger. If Nissa was any less experienced, she would be having difficulty breathing.
Silently running between the trees, it did not take long for her to hear two horses moving at a swift pace. She crouched on a tree branch, adjusting one of her heavy gloves and pulling out a birraga. The trio on the mounts looked well off, and she wondered if bandits were targeting them. She brushed that notion aside as she loosened the clasp on the Henj-Men's Wing. Bandits would not be able to hide from her so perfectly - they were clumsier than an Altai newborn kitten.
"That one," she whispered, examining the woman perched behind another on the palomino horse. That one had the look of a rabbit with a wolf sniffing at her hole. Nissa's attention shifted as she followed, to the tall man with the glasses and a focused glint to his eyes. He kept looking off in what appeared to be a random direction - the same direction each time.
Nissa hopped over several branches, ignoring the light taps against her forehead and shoulders from small twigs that remained undisturbed by her movement. Everything simply felt wrong, and she had always been one to trust her instincts. Even if it ended with her exiled from her home. She tilted her nose to the air, and finally managed to get a sense of something.
It was a cloying scent, yet it only seemed to be half there. She wondered if she was only imagining it, but woe to a hunter who did not take even the most ephemeral of senses seriously. So, she stalked in the direction of the not-quite-there scent.
Her comfortable leather clothing let her move in any manner she needed to as she twisted and leaped from tree to tree, leaving even the most obstinately placed leaves untouched. The Henj-Men's Wing did not hinder her movement. She used every sense, listening, searching. An unnatural wind passed her face, and she turned in its direction with a grimace. It smelled like blood.
She sent Tal'ah to follow the targets for a distance. If she let her guard down at all, the strike would happen. A prickle raced through her bones, making the muscles in her back pull tight. Her lip curled as her sharp eyes locked onto a shadowy figure a few levels down from her in the tree tops. All she could make out was black and dusty green leather and well-spun cloth. The face was covered with a mask of tranquility; the rest of the head obscured by a cowl. It was perched on a lower branch, reminding Nissa of a great owl.
Although the figure was simply observing for now, Nissa disliked the soft growls and mumbles that escaped. She moved closer, and felt her spirit infuse her birraga.
"I do not know your intentions," she said, standing firm as the figure whirled to face her with a snarl, "but I suggest you turn your eye elsewhere."
Ruby stones set in the eyes of the mask glittered at her, and she saw needles slip between the figure's fingers.
"This one wonders who nosy one is to get in this one's way," the figure spoke from the throat, making it hard to determine gender.
"You are targeting those people with malicious intent." Nissa pointed in the general direction of the trio with her free hand.
"Ah, nosy one is hunting one," the figure growled. "This one wonders why hunting one is so swift to side with prey. Prey might deserve this one's intentions."
"I will not let you hunt them, now stand down." Her instincts guiding her, Nissa prepared to route this figure, this predator. The girl so cruelly labeled as 'prey' did not have the eyes of one deserving to be stalked. Nissa would trust her own judgment before the words of a malicious stranger.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/2014}
(Story Starts Here!)
Aislynn had grown accustomed to traveling all day. She no longer fell asleep half way to the next lodging, finding her interest peaked by small animals she spotted. It had become something of a game, one that was more than adequate to pass the time as they traveled with the sun.
"Ooh what's-"
"A sun spitter lark," Zalgus answered, not looking up from his book. He had it cradled in his palm, the other hand holding the reigns of his horse.
"See that-"
"A silver back racoon."
Aislynn rested a hand to her head as Raina chuckled. They had been at this for a few hours now. Never the same animal twice. This sparse forest seemed to be full of diverse life.
"How about-"
"Sky ripper heron."
"But it's not like-"
"Female sky ripper heron."
"She's awfully pretty, look at those blue feathers!"
"No where near comparable to the beauty of my company." Zalgus turned the page of his book with his thumb. He paused when he heard his sister laugh outright, and realized he had spoken that last sentence.
"You could have easily fooled us by keeping your nose in that book," Raina teased, drawing her attention away from an oddly twisted tree.
"Ah, but it is considered improper to stare, so I clearly must distract myself," Zalgus replied with a flair of sarcasm.
Aislynn shook her head with a fond smile, still entertained by the minor sibling squabbles. She had no brothers, nor sisters, and so she had to wonder if all siblings acted with each other the way Raina and Zalgus did. How would parents get a moment's rest?
The grass below was a pale green, the veins a more vibrant variation. The trees were narrow, and all of them seemed to have a corkscrew twist to the left. There were no stress fractures or cracks, but all of them twisted at the same spot. A series and symphony of bird calls had become a constant music, very different from anything Aislynn had heard before. Then it occurred to her;
No bird song.
A warm, strong breeze rushed by, knocking Zalgus' hood off and making Aislynn grab her hat to avoid losing it.
"My page!" Zalgus lamented, but no sooner than he complained did he turn right back to his lost spot. He lifted his gaze over the top of the book, blue eyes narrowing sharply.
Immediately he saw every creature in the forest around them. They were all very still, some holed up. But there were no creatures - no predators - to cause that kind of defensive response. He raised an eyebrow, even the weather was fair and was going to be for some time. He was missing something. Then he focused on a tiny detail that he had dismissed previously.
At the edge of his perception, through many trees, was a shadow. There was no definite silhouette to it, but it was distinctly there for something that should have been divulged by his vision. It was moving, back and forth, taking a very wide berth as if gauging defenses.
"Raina," he said into his book, pulling his mount to a stop.
"What's wrong?" Raina knew the tone. He had just caught sight of something problematic.
"I believe we have two options."
"Which one causes less injury?"
"I... cannot tell."
A chill shot down Raina's spine at those words. It was the last thing she expected to come from his mouth. She adjusted her seat, moving the reigns to one hand while dropping her left to her side. Stones and thick roots coiled with vines rattled around them.
"Something is hunting us," Aislynn said softly.
"How can you tell?" Raina glanced over her shoulder, noting Aislynn's pale complexion and nervous eyes.
"I've felt this sensation before."
"What does it feel like?" Zalgus asked, his eyes following the shadow as his head turned as if still reading his book.
"Every bone in my body is telling me to run and hide, but my heart tells me it's too late." Aislynn shivered, remembering the deep sensations of foreboding that would fill her during cold nights on the streets. Her mother would have eyes everywhere, looking for the wayward daughter who would make a liar out of her time and again.
The thud of a book slamming shut made Aislynn jump. She held on tightly to Raina's cloak to not lose her perch on the horse. Her heart was beating in her head now, trying to make amends with logic and hide within reason.
"Our options are to run or to fight," Zalgus said, sliding his book into the leather case attached to his saddle.
"Can we out run it?"
"Even if we do, it will track us," Zalgus answered. It was stalking slowly closer.
Links to a chain started to build around him, draping over the horse's croup.
"Then let's prepare for a fight," Raina said, "but make for a run."
"Sound decision, dear sister."
Aislynn had grown accustomed to traveling all day. She no longer fell asleep half way to the next lodging, finding her interest peaked by small animals she spotted. It had become something of a game, one that was more than adequate to pass the time as they traveled with the sun.
"Ooh what's-"
"A sun spitter lark," Zalgus answered, not looking up from his book. He had it cradled in his palm, the other hand holding the reigns of his horse.
"See that-"
"A silver back racoon."
Aislynn rested a hand to her head as Raina chuckled. They had been at this for a few hours now. Never the same animal twice. This sparse forest seemed to be full of diverse life.
"How about-"
"Sky ripper heron."
"But it's not like-"
"Female sky ripper heron."
"She's awfully pretty, look at those blue feathers!"
"No where near comparable to the beauty of my company." Zalgus turned the page of his book with his thumb. He paused when he heard his sister laugh outright, and realized he had spoken that last sentence.
"You could have easily fooled us by keeping your nose in that book," Raina teased, drawing her attention away from an oddly twisted tree.
"Ah, but it is considered improper to stare, so I clearly must distract myself," Zalgus replied with a flair of sarcasm.
Aislynn shook her head with a fond smile, still entertained by the minor sibling squabbles. She had no brothers, nor sisters, and so she had to wonder if all siblings acted with each other the way Raina and Zalgus did. How would parents get a moment's rest?
The grass below was a pale green, the veins a more vibrant variation. The trees were narrow, and all of them seemed to have a corkscrew twist to the left. There were no stress fractures or cracks, but all of them twisted at the same spot. A series and symphony of bird calls had become a constant music, very different from anything Aislynn had heard before. Then it occurred to her;
No bird song.
A warm, strong breeze rushed by, knocking Zalgus' hood off and making Aislynn grab her hat to avoid losing it.
"My page!" Zalgus lamented, but no sooner than he complained did he turn right back to his lost spot. He lifted his gaze over the top of the book, blue eyes narrowing sharply.
Immediately he saw every creature in the forest around them. They were all very still, some holed up. But there were no creatures - no predators - to cause that kind of defensive response. He raised an eyebrow, even the weather was fair and was going to be for some time. He was missing something. Then he focused on a tiny detail that he had dismissed previously.
At the edge of his perception, through many trees, was a shadow. There was no definite silhouette to it, but it was distinctly there for something that should have been divulged by his vision. It was moving, back and forth, taking a very wide berth as if gauging defenses.
"Raina," he said into his book, pulling his mount to a stop.
"What's wrong?" Raina knew the tone. He had just caught sight of something problematic.
"I believe we have two options."
"Which one causes less injury?"
"I... cannot tell."
A chill shot down Raina's spine at those words. It was the last thing she expected to come from his mouth. She adjusted her seat, moving the reigns to one hand while dropping her left to her side. Stones and thick roots coiled with vines rattled around them.
"Something is hunting us," Aislynn said softly.
"How can you tell?" Raina glanced over her shoulder, noting Aislynn's pale complexion and nervous eyes.
"I've felt this sensation before."
"What does it feel like?" Zalgus asked, his eyes following the shadow as his head turned as if still reading his book.
"Every bone in my body is telling me to run and hide, but my heart tells me it's too late." Aislynn shivered, remembering the deep sensations of foreboding that would fill her during cold nights on the streets. Her mother would have eyes everywhere, looking for the wayward daughter who would make a liar out of her time and again.
The thud of a book slamming shut made Aislynn jump. She held on tightly to Raina's cloak to not lose her perch on the horse. Her heart was beating in her head now, trying to make amends with logic and hide within reason.
"Our options are to run or to fight," Zalgus said, sliding his book into the leather case attached to his saddle.
"Can we out run it?"
"Even if we do, it will track us," Zalgus answered. It was stalking slowly closer.
Links to a chain started to build around him, draping over the horse's croup.
"Then let's prepare for a fight," Raina said, "but make for a run."
"Sound decision, dear sister."
Monday, October 27, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Start 9/21/2014}
(Story Starts Here!)
"O-ouch!" Aislynn yipped as she tripped on her own foot. The only reason she did not have an intimate encounter with the floor was Raina's quick catch around her waist. "S-sorry."
"You're improving!" Raina gave an encouraging smile. They had spent the last few hours after dinner going over basic dances. They had arrived on the next stop in the journey just after lunch, though this haven was much smaller than the one previous. Only one inn. "You keep looking at your feet though, try not to."
Aislynn pouted, rubbing the fresh bruise on her knee. Learning to dance was hard, she kept second guessing herself with the steps and directions. She'd have to learn to do this well while people were all around and watching her. A little intimidating. With a sigh, she brushed her skirt smooth and looked around at all the deep red wood this suite had in it, most of it carved with images of birds of prey.
"Zalgus!" Raina turned on her brother, who for the entire lesson had been on the window seat, completely absorbed in his book.
"Hm?" He rested his fingertips under the line he was on and looked over. The sun was setting behind him, casting a gold sheen on his red hair.
"Come and assist me," Raina said. She gestured to the cleared out space in the center of the room. All the furniture had been relocated to the walls, mostly by a few sturdy laborers who were glad for the extra coin for easy work.
"What? Me?"
"It is difficult to correct her when I am the one dancing with her," Raina answered. She put her hands on her hips, giving her brother an intense stare.
"But--"
"You already know you're going to lose this argument, so come here and help me!"
Zalgus snapped his book shut, sighed, and gave up his comfortable seat in soft sunlight to stand with Aislynn. She just came up to his nose in terms of height. Not incompatible for dance partners.
"You do realize the agreement was I teach her reading and you court manners?"
"You do realize that I am still the one teaching, you are just being a convenient learning tool," Raina replied happily, stepping away so she could observe.
Aislynn muffled her giggle at the bickering, her head bowed. Still, the intimidation in her stomach grew, filling her chest and shoulders as Zalgus relented and turned to face her.
"Very well, let's start with proper posture again," Raina said. "Back straight, head level or turned toward your partner... Aislynn, dear, you're slouching again."
"You most certainly are shy at the most unforeseeable of times," Zalgus commented.
"Nothing is unforeseeable to you," Raina mumbled, shaking her head as he ignored her.
Zalgus moved his hand from Aislynn's hip to her back, pressing on it to force her to straighten. Her head bowed a bit more, and she felt red filling her cheeks.
"S-sorry," she mumbled, one hand on Zalgus' shoulder, and the other cradled in his palm. Never grasped.
"Okay, well, for now Zalgus keep your hand there then," Raina said with a shrug. Her body would naturally begin to maintain the posture on its own. Eventually. "Aislynn lift your head."
"But what if I step on his feet?"
"With how often he reminds us he can see things coming, if you step on his foot he deserves it."
"Excuse me!" Zalgus protested.
"Not excused, stay right where you are." Raina took the book her brother had been reading and set it on Aislynn's head. "If you keep your head straight, the book won't fall to the floor and lose Zalgus' place."
"Eep..." Aislynn swallowed. It was hard to suppress the natural instinct to run away and hide. She knew the first step to becoming good at something was to make mistakes, but typically she didn't do it with an audience.
"I will be quite cross if you lose my place," Zalgus warned. He wondered if there was a way to balance the book open so he could continue reading. The thought went by the wayside when he felt her breathing pattern through her back. It was shallow and rapid.
It was taking all her courage to remain in her spot. He remembered the constellations of her past, and close contact was not her forte. Still, it was something she had to overcome.
He squeezed her hand.
"Just breathe, I know everything will turn out well." He watched as she continued to avoid looking at him. "Learning to dance is quite tedious," he then lamented rather loudly, "but I suppose another reading lesson right after would make it more bearable."
Aislynn relaxed somewhat, reminding herself that these were her friends. Her spirit peeked over her shoulder, cooing in a supportive manner in her ear.
"For now," Raina said, "Zalgus will lead."
Zalgus stepped, and Aislynn followed. He moved forward, and she back. He turned and she rotated. Her movements were still hesitated, and it was clear she was thinking far too much on each step, but there were no crunched toes.
"O-ouch!" Aislynn yipped as she tripped on her own foot. The only reason she did not have an intimate encounter with the floor was Raina's quick catch around her waist. "S-sorry."
"You're improving!" Raina gave an encouraging smile. They had spent the last few hours after dinner going over basic dances. They had arrived on the next stop in the journey just after lunch, though this haven was much smaller than the one previous. Only one inn. "You keep looking at your feet though, try not to."
Aislynn pouted, rubbing the fresh bruise on her knee. Learning to dance was hard, she kept second guessing herself with the steps and directions. She'd have to learn to do this well while people were all around and watching her. A little intimidating. With a sigh, she brushed her skirt smooth and looked around at all the deep red wood this suite had in it, most of it carved with images of birds of prey.
"Zalgus!" Raina turned on her brother, who for the entire lesson had been on the window seat, completely absorbed in his book.
"Hm?" He rested his fingertips under the line he was on and looked over. The sun was setting behind him, casting a gold sheen on his red hair.
"Come and assist me," Raina said. She gestured to the cleared out space in the center of the room. All the furniture had been relocated to the walls, mostly by a few sturdy laborers who were glad for the extra coin for easy work.
"What? Me?"
"It is difficult to correct her when I am the one dancing with her," Raina answered. She put her hands on her hips, giving her brother an intense stare.
"But--"
"You already know you're going to lose this argument, so come here and help me!"
Zalgus snapped his book shut, sighed, and gave up his comfortable seat in soft sunlight to stand with Aislynn. She just came up to his nose in terms of height. Not incompatible for dance partners.
"You do realize the agreement was I teach her reading and you court manners?"
"You do realize that I am still the one teaching, you are just being a convenient learning tool," Raina replied happily, stepping away so she could observe.
Aislynn muffled her giggle at the bickering, her head bowed. Still, the intimidation in her stomach grew, filling her chest and shoulders as Zalgus relented and turned to face her.
"Very well, let's start with proper posture again," Raina said. "Back straight, head level or turned toward your partner... Aislynn, dear, you're slouching again."
"You most certainly are shy at the most unforeseeable of times," Zalgus commented.
"Nothing is unforeseeable to you," Raina mumbled, shaking her head as he ignored her.
Zalgus moved his hand from Aislynn's hip to her back, pressing on it to force her to straighten. Her head bowed a bit more, and she felt red filling her cheeks.
"S-sorry," she mumbled, one hand on Zalgus' shoulder, and the other cradled in his palm. Never grasped.
"Okay, well, for now Zalgus keep your hand there then," Raina said with a shrug. Her body would naturally begin to maintain the posture on its own. Eventually. "Aislynn lift your head."
"But what if I step on his feet?"
"With how often he reminds us he can see things coming, if you step on his foot he deserves it."
"Excuse me!" Zalgus protested.
"Not excused, stay right where you are." Raina took the book her brother had been reading and set it on Aislynn's head. "If you keep your head straight, the book won't fall to the floor and lose Zalgus' place."
"Eep..." Aislynn swallowed. It was hard to suppress the natural instinct to run away and hide. She knew the first step to becoming good at something was to make mistakes, but typically she didn't do it with an audience.
"I will be quite cross if you lose my place," Zalgus warned. He wondered if there was a way to balance the book open so he could continue reading. The thought went by the wayside when he felt her breathing pattern through her back. It was shallow and rapid.
It was taking all her courage to remain in her spot. He remembered the constellations of her past, and close contact was not her forte. Still, it was something she had to overcome.
He squeezed her hand.
"Just breathe, I know everything will turn out well." He watched as she continued to avoid looking at him. "Learning to dance is quite tedious," he then lamented rather loudly, "but I suppose another reading lesson right after would make it more bearable."
Aislynn relaxed somewhat, reminding herself that these were her friends. Her spirit peeked over her shoulder, cooing in a supportive manner in her ear.
"For now," Raina said, "Zalgus will lead."
Zalgus stepped, and Aislynn followed. He moved forward, and she back. He turned and she rotated. Her movements were still hesitated, and it was clear she was thinking far too much on each step, but there were no crunched toes.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
(Story Starts Here!)
A wet drip echoed through the seeming endless caverns. There was a clear, clean scent in the air. Short stalks of moss clung to rocks and walls, emanating a pale blue light that reflected off sprays of water. Small streams and pools of water were filled with the light of plants growing beneath the surface.
For all the rhythmic beauty of the scene, it did nothing to improve Xavier's mood. The light was bleak, the sounds of water insistent and irritating.
"You'd best have a very compelling reason for dragging me all the way out here," he snarled to the empty cavern. He knew he was not alone.
"This one brings Impatient One news," said the familiar voice from a deep shadow, void of plant life.
"If this news is not that you have acquired the girl..."
"Moonlit One travels, and she does not travel alone." The Hunter seemed to purr, excitement tinging the usually tranquil tone.
"She...what?" Xavier felt a flash of aggravation flare to life in his mind, running red hot through his temples. A heavier plunk of water sounded to his right. "Where is she now?"
"Moonlit One travels south west." Giggling filled the cavern from collection of darkness. "This one warned Impatient One, but Impatient One still believes in controlling everything."
Xavier wrinkled his nose with a deep sigh. It was always at the most simple joints of his plan that his subordinates utterly failed him. Obtaining a toy from a child, snatching an isolated girl from a dirty, crowded street. Neither of which should be all that difficult, he must have grievously over estimated his help.
"You have confirmed her movements? I only have so much patience for failure." He brushed his hand along the hem of his jacket, annoyed at how filthy this place was. Bits of moss and dew clung to the fabric.
"Oh, this one did, yes," whispered the shadows. "This one found many informative ones. Informative ones said Moonlit One departed with two companions. One male - tall, regal, arrogant. One female - protective, kind, fierce. This one assumes traveling ones are the same as Moonlit One."
"The same?" Xavier's eyes lit up with a cunning glow that promised only misfortune to his target. "You mean to tell me you believe them to be shapers?"
"This one feels the pulls and tugs that makes this one believe so..." Ripples broke over one of the still pools on the rocky ground, but there was no sound to accompany the reaction.
A low chuckle escaped Xavier as he rested a curled index finger over his mouth. It escalated to a pleased laugh, as instead of wrenching his plans, this only furthered them. A cruel smile slashed open the shadows on his face, eager. Excitement pricked at his bones and all his limbs.
"Impatient One should take care," whispered the shadows. "Impatient One does not know the powers of Moonlit One's friends. This one thinks Impatient One does not understand the extent of Moontlit One's powers."
"If I cared about your opinion I'd ask for it," Xavier snapped, his smile transforming into a scowl. "This changes little. The target has become three. Who do you gauge to be the easiest to ensnare?"
"This one's reconnaissance leads this one to believe Moonlit One is the best prey."
"Then focus your attention on her. Once captured, we will use her to trap the others."
A low growl answered.
"This one thinks Impatient One intends to use Moonlit One for more than bait." The Hunter struck to kill, not capture. Torturing and tormenting one's prey was disgusting and weak. A quick, clean, painless death was the right of every being.
Xavier smirked, enjoying the sound of his lackey's mental turmoil appearing in the voice. It was delicious.
"It you are successful, I have a few targets that require a swift, silent end."
The growling stopped. A drip of water chimed, echoing along the stone.
"If you do not move quickly, however, I will have to give the hunts to someone else."
Suddenly, Xavier was alone. This didn't bother him. Truly, it was so easy to manipulate people. Those ones made the best minions. He cast his eyes over the dimly glowing moss, for once allowing himself to wonder about his prey.
A prison did not always require bars and shackles. Xavier was sure it would be easy to imprison the girl within her own circumstances. A threat, a warning to be fulfilled should she be a bad girl.
The prospect made a shiver run down his spine, and he chuckled, darker than the last.
A wet drip echoed through the seeming endless caverns. There was a clear, clean scent in the air. Short stalks of moss clung to rocks and walls, emanating a pale blue light that reflected off sprays of water. Small streams and pools of water were filled with the light of plants growing beneath the surface.
For all the rhythmic beauty of the scene, it did nothing to improve Xavier's mood. The light was bleak, the sounds of water insistent and irritating.
"You'd best have a very compelling reason for dragging me all the way out here," he snarled to the empty cavern. He knew he was not alone.
"This one brings Impatient One news," said the familiar voice from a deep shadow, void of plant life.
"If this news is not that you have acquired the girl..."
"Moonlit One travels, and she does not travel alone." The Hunter seemed to purr, excitement tinging the usually tranquil tone.
"She...what?" Xavier felt a flash of aggravation flare to life in his mind, running red hot through his temples. A heavier plunk of water sounded to his right. "Where is she now?"
"Moonlit One travels south west." Giggling filled the cavern from collection of darkness. "This one warned Impatient One, but Impatient One still believes in controlling everything."
Xavier wrinkled his nose with a deep sigh. It was always at the most simple joints of his plan that his subordinates utterly failed him. Obtaining a toy from a child, snatching an isolated girl from a dirty, crowded street. Neither of which should be all that difficult, he must have grievously over estimated his help.
"You have confirmed her movements? I only have so much patience for failure." He brushed his hand along the hem of his jacket, annoyed at how filthy this place was. Bits of moss and dew clung to the fabric.
"Oh, this one did, yes," whispered the shadows. "This one found many informative ones. Informative ones said Moonlit One departed with two companions. One male - tall, regal, arrogant. One female - protective, kind, fierce. This one assumes traveling ones are the same as Moonlit One."
"The same?" Xavier's eyes lit up with a cunning glow that promised only misfortune to his target. "You mean to tell me you believe them to be shapers?"
"This one feels the pulls and tugs that makes this one believe so..." Ripples broke over one of the still pools on the rocky ground, but there was no sound to accompany the reaction.
A low chuckle escaped Xavier as he rested a curled index finger over his mouth. It escalated to a pleased laugh, as instead of wrenching his plans, this only furthered them. A cruel smile slashed open the shadows on his face, eager. Excitement pricked at his bones and all his limbs.
"Impatient One should take care," whispered the shadows. "Impatient One does not know the powers of Moonlit One's friends. This one thinks Impatient One does not understand the extent of Moontlit One's powers."
"If I cared about your opinion I'd ask for it," Xavier snapped, his smile transforming into a scowl. "This changes little. The target has become three. Who do you gauge to be the easiest to ensnare?"
"This one's reconnaissance leads this one to believe Moonlit One is the best prey."
"Then focus your attention on her. Once captured, we will use her to trap the others."
A low growl answered.
"This one thinks Impatient One intends to use Moonlit One for more than bait." The Hunter struck to kill, not capture. Torturing and tormenting one's prey was disgusting and weak. A quick, clean, painless death was the right of every being.
Xavier smirked, enjoying the sound of his lackey's mental turmoil appearing in the voice. It was delicious.
"It you are successful, I have a few targets that require a swift, silent end."
The growling stopped. A drip of water chimed, echoing along the stone.
"If you do not move quickly, however, I will have to give the hunts to someone else."
Suddenly, Xavier was alone. This didn't bother him. Truly, it was so easy to manipulate people. Those ones made the best minions. He cast his eyes over the dimly glowing moss, for once allowing himself to wonder about his prey.
A prison did not always require bars and shackles. Xavier was sure it would be easy to imprison the girl within her own circumstances. A threat, a warning to be fulfilled should she be a bad girl.
The prospect made a shiver run down his spine, and he chuckled, darker than the last.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
(Story starts HERE!)
"I have had enough of your mouth," Zalgus snapped, his patience gone. "I will not stand here and let you leer at, or victimize any lady. The fact that you seem so bold and arrogant to continue to target my companion is almost praiseworthy for your ambition if it was not so stomach churning. You create a lack of confidence in a woman, and then manipulate it to use them in any way you please. Then you dump them into the street at a whim. You sicken me--"
"No more slander from you!" Sleazar cried, pointing a finger at Zalgus' face. He only lost a modicum of his composure at seeing Zalgus' eye illuminated with a ghostly blue light. "Who are you but some random nobody traveling through this haven? I make my living here, and I won't entertain no high nosed snot flinging lies with no proof-"
"It's true," said a sudden, almost miniscule voice. It was only due to Aislynn's shaping that the teenaged girl with blond hair and a button nose was heard at all. A heavy silence reigned as the small, nameless girl shuffled forward. She stood like a bird, turning her head back and forth at all the faces on her.
Aislynn slowly inhaled, in sync with the nervous girl, and then released it steadily just as the girl did. A timid girl hiding from attention, because no one would believe her. No one would ask if she was okay. They'd ask what she said, what she did. It was her fault. Aislynn banished all those thoughts from her own mind and reinforced confidence in the truth and innate goodness people's hearts.
It will all be okay.
The girl lifted her head higher, squaring her shoulders as she announced to the gathered crowd her wretched story of being humiliated, tricked, and then betrayed. Her voice and her gaze did not waver as the man who victimized her lost most of his bravado.
"Futhermore--" Zalgus began, but a gentle hand on his elbow stopped him. He turned to look at Aislynn, who shook her head with a quiet look of reservation on her face.
"Words have power," she said softly, "don't abuse it."
She gestured to the crowd. Disgust, anger, and hate emanated forth like a wall against Sleazar. For wanderers, plucking victims from one's own kind was beyond reprehensible. No one else would protect them, so they had to stick together. Havens were their only temporary homes, and woe to the one who used that minor bit of safety and relief as a hunting ground.
"I think it is time we retired to the inn," Raina said, rejoining them. She nodded to her brother, who turned and took Aislynn's arm. He lead the way through the press of bodies. Traveling certainly was very interesting, the journey was just as eventful as their destination would be.
"I am sorry," Aislynn said as they climbed the stairs back to their rooms. "I seem to keep creating fusses."
"In my opinion," Zalgus answered, "the vermin brought it on himself. Calling attention to one's self without proper control of the possible outcomes is simply begging for trouble the longer one does it."
"Was that girl truly one of his victims?" Raina inquired as she pulled her heavy traveler's jacket off and hung it on the back of a dark wood chair.
Her answer was a nod from both Aislynn and Zalgus.
"It seems that she had carried the burden for some time now," Zalgus explained, shaking his head. "But once it was someone else making the initial accusation, it became much easier to find her voice. No doubt it was even easier with Aislynn's subtle support."
The mentioned shaper turned her head away from the window, having had her nose nearly pressed to the glass. She found both siblings staring at her - one curious, one knowing. Her cheeks flushed at the attention, before she shuffled her feet and worried her hands.
"How did you do it, Aislynn?" Raina asked, sitting in the chair she had placed her jacket on.
"Indeed," Zalgus added, clarifying the question further, "the girl had the vocal power of a mouse, yet she was heard over everyone. Do tell."
Aislynn bowed her head, brushing her foot over the thick carpet below her.
"Everyone who is scared and alone want the same thing," she said, feeling the burden of experience filling her chest. Water trimmed her eyelashes, knowing she had been incredibly lucky to find her own. "All we ever want is for someone to extend a hand, and tell us it's all going to be okay."
"I have had enough of your mouth," Zalgus snapped, his patience gone. "I will not stand here and let you leer at, or victimize any lady. The fact that you seem so bold and arrogant to continue to target my companion is almost praiseworthy for your ambition if it was not so stomach churning. You create a lack of confidence in a woman, and then manipulate it to use them in any way you please. Then you dump them into the street at a whim. You sicken me--"
"No more slander from you!" Sleazar cried, pointing a finger at Zalgus' face. He only lost a modicum of his composure at seeing Zalgus' eye illuminated with a ghostly blue light. "Who are you but some random nobody traveling through this haven? I make my living here, and I won't entertain no high nosed snot flinging lies with no proof-"
"It's true," said a sudden, almost miniscule voice. It was only due to Aislynn's shaping that the teenaged girl with blond hair and a button nose was heard at all. A heavy silence reigned as the small, nameless girl shuffled forward. She stood like a bird, turning her head back and forth at all the faces on her.
Aislynn slowly inhaled, in sync with the nervous girl, and then released it steadily just as the girl did. A timid girl hiding from attention, because no one would believe her. No one would ask if she was okay. They'd ask what she said, what she did. It was her fault. Aislynn banished all those thoughts from her own mind and reinforced confidence in the truth and innate goodness people's hearts.
It will all be okay.
The girl lifted her head higher, squaring her shoulders as she announced to the gathered crowd her wretched story of being humiliated, tricked, and then betrayed. Her voice and her gaze did not waver as the man who victimized her lost most of his bravado.
"Futhermore--" Zalgus began, but a gentle hand on his elbow stopped him. He turned to look at Aislynn, who shook her head with a quiet look of reservation on her face.
"Words have power," she said softly, "don't abuse it."
She gestured to the crowd. Disgust, anger, and hate emanated forth like a wall against Sleazar. For wanderers, plucking victims from one's own kind was beyond reprehensible. No one else would protect them, so they had to stick together. Havens were their only temporary homes, and woe to the one who used that minor bit of safety and relief as a hunting ground.
"I think it is time we retired to the inn," Raina said, rejoining them. She nodded to her brother, who turned and took Aislynn's arm. He lead the way through the press of bodies. Traveling certainly was very interesting, the journey was just as eventful as their destination would be.
"I am sorry," Aislynn said as they climbed the stairs back to their rooms. "I seem to keep creating fusses."
"In my opinion," Zalgus answered, "the vermin brought it on himself. Calling attention to one's self without proper control of the possible outcomes is simply begging for trouble the longer one does it."
"Was that girl truly one of his victims?" Raina inquired as she pulled her heavy traveler's jacket off and hung it on the back of a dark wood chair.
Her answer was a nod from both Aislynn and Zalgus.
"It seems that she had carried the burden for some time now," Zalgus explained, shaking his head. "But once it was someone else making the initial accusation, it became much easier to find her voice. No doubt it was even easier with Aislynn's subtle support."
The mentioned shaper turned her head away from the window, having had her nose nearly pressed to the glass. She found both siblings staring at her - one curious, one knowing. Her cheeks flushed at the attention, before she shuffled her feet and worried her hands.
"How did you do it, Aislynn?" Raina asked, sitting in the chair she had placed her jacket on.
"Indeed," Zalgus added, clarifying the question further, "the girl had the vocal power of a mouse, yet she was heard over everyone. Do tell."
Aislynn bowed her head, brushing her foot over the thick carpet below her.
"Everyone who is scared and alone want the same thing," she said, feeling the burden of experience filling her chest. Water trimmed her eyelashes, knowing she had been incredibly lucky to find her own. "All we ever want is for someone to extend a hand, and tell us it's all going to be okay."
Monday, October 20, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
(Story Starts Here!)
The crowd was transfixed by Zalgus' easy and assured manner, taking silent queues from Aislynn. She had regained her senses and confidence, and now she stood at Zalgus' shoulder, subtly amplifying his tone and presence. It didn't take much; he obviously knew how to have people cling to his every word. A few women leaned closer to each other, whispering behind their hands.
"Now stand up out of the dirt and bugs, have a bit of self respect. I am about to tell everything. The respect of those around us is going to vanish faster than my sister laid you low," Zalgus said, folding his arms behind his back.
Sleazar yanked his boots back on and rose to his feet. His shoulders were set, and he lifted up both his hands with a laugh. The performing persona had returned, all too happy to leer at Aislynn and Raina openly now that his minor game had been divulged.
"Look here," he said with another laugh, fighting for the approval of the crowd. "We have an amateur who wants to test his mettle. Go on my good man, give it a try!"
Zalgus adjusted his glasses, causing a few of the whispering women to giggle to each other. He ignored them, and fixed his stare on his opponent. This ruffian harassed Aislynn to entertain others, and that was beyond reprehensible, but that had not been his only intent. All the little things - gaze, stance, twitches - flooded Zalgus' mind, swiftly connecting together.
"First of all," he said, maintaining his regal posture even as his opponent played to the crowd, "you have been cold reading people since you were a child. I will be bold and say that you started by claiming you commune with the spirits, and by doing so you can communicate with the dead."
The corner of Zalgus' mouth curled up as he saw Sleazar's eye give the slightest of twitches. Spot on. He found he was enjoying this. Not that his two companions needed him to step in to defend them, but it had been so long since he last put an insufferable ingrate in the proper place. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"Interesting tale, good sir," Sleazar answered, rubbing his thumb against his flat nose. "But nothing so impressive, a child would conclude the very same!"
"Not so fast, please," Zalgus held up one hand, silencing not only his opponent but the whispering crowd as well. Some additions had joined, and now the guard was starting to become interested. He would have to deal with this vulgar excuse of a man quickly.
He drew himself up to his full height, and spared at glance at his sister. She was observing with a tranquil face, but her eyes - as always - spoke to her concern.
"In addition to a young start," Zalgus then said, "I know your pattern has evolved. You did it for money, but now your intent has become carnal above all else. You play your childish game until you spot your perfect mark. Simply waiting for the reaction of a young woman you can sink your disgusting claws into." It took a lot of his control to not have his feelings of revulsion show in his tone and face, though he did not bother to hide the cold glare. "You proceed to compliment her, gathering a crowd with your... impressive... ability." A sharp sting of sarcasm laced his voice. "Then once you believe the crowd to be at the greatest it will be," Zalgus raised his hand before swiping it through the air like the blade of a guillotine, "you humiliate her in front of everyone, even if you tell a bold faced lie to do it."
A sour taste had entered his mouth by now, and he crinkled his nose in antipathy. He knew he spoke the truth, and his precise manner was convincing to others with little help from Aislynn. It seemed that she projected her intent into the air, her emotions syncing and soundlessly convincing the emotions of those around her. She created an inkling, one that might be referred to as 'gut instinct.'
"Once humiliated," Zalgus let anger creep into his tone, "and once the crowd has dispersed, you squirm your way into this created hole in her defenses." His hands clenched behind his back, hidden.
Murmuring kicked up, breaking out like hissing fires all through the crowd. The con-artist's face had grown pale, but he maintained a facade of good humor and intent.
"Very creative, sir," he said, forcing out a laugh and clapping as if Zalgus had told the most hilarious joke. "You have quite the perverse mind to come up with such slander!"
"Zalgus isn't perverted!" Aislynn blurted out, her hands clenched at her sides. She figured the man would say anything to get people on his side, but that nearly broke her temper. Silver light bled from her hands, forming a subtle mist around her. "You just--"
Zalgus's hand out in front of her stifled her words. His expression was unreadable, but calm. Sleazar wasn't entirely wrong, but wasn't right either. The red-headed young man felt somewhat insulted at being lumped together with this assaulter of women.
"How would you know that, you pretty little thing?" asked Sleazar, a charming yet lewd smiled spreading his face.
The crowd was transfixed by Zalgus' easy and assured manner, taking silent queues from Aislynn. She had regained her senses and confidence, and now she stood at Zalgus' shoulder, subtly amplifying his tone and presence. It didn't take much; he obviously knew how to have people cling to his every word. A few women leaned closer to each other, whispering behind their hands.
"Now stand up out of the dirt and bugs, have a bit of self respect. I am about to tell everything. The respect of those around us is going to vanish faster than my sister laid you low," Zalgus said, folding his arms behind his back.
Sleazar yanked his boots back on and rose to his feet. His shoulders were set, and he lifted up both his hands with a laugh. The performing persona had returned, all too happy to leer at Aislynn and Raina openly now that his minor game had been divulged.
"Look here," he said with another laugh, fighting for the approval of the crowd. "We have an amateur who wants to test his mettle. Go on my good man, give it a try!"
Zalgus adjusted his glasses, causing a few of the whispering women to giggle to each other. He ignored them, and fixed his stare on his opponent. This ruffian harassed Aislynn to entertain others, and that was beyond reprehensible, but that had not been his only intent. All the little things - gaze, stance, twitches - flooded Zalgus' mind, swiftly connecting together.
"First of all," he said, maintaining his regal posture even as his opponent played to the crowd, "you have been cold reading people since you were a child. I will be bold and say that you started by claiming you commune with the spirits, and by doing so you can communicate with the dead."
The corner of Zalgus' mouth curled up as he saw Sleazar's eye give the slightest of twitches. Spot on. He found he was enjoying this. Not that his two companions needed him to step in to defend them, but it had been so long since he last put an insufferable ingrate in the proper place. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"Interesting tale, good sir," Sleazar answered, rubbing his thumb against his flat nose. "But nothing so impressive, a child would conclude the very same!"
"Not so fast, please," Zalgus held up one hand, silencing not only his opponent but the whispering crowd as well. Some additions had joined, and now the guard was starting to become interested. He would have to deal with this vulgar excuse of a man quickly.
He drew himself up to his full height, and spared at glance at his sister. She was observing with a tranquil face, but her eyes - as always - spoke to her concern.
"In addition to a young start," Zalgus then said, "I know your pattern has evolved. You did it for money, but now your intent has become carnal above all else. You play your childish game until you spot your perfect mark. Simply waiting for the reaction of a young woman you can sink your disgusting claws into." It took a lot of his control to not have his feelings of revulsion show in his tone and face, though he did not bother to hide the cold glare. "You proceed to compliment her, gathering a crowd with your... impressive... ability." A sharp sting of sarcasm laced his voice. "Then once you believe the crowd to be at the greatest it will be," Zalgus raised his hand before swiping it through the air like the blade of a guillotine, "you humiliate her in front of everyone, even if you tell a bold faced lie to do it."
A sour taste had entered his mouth by now, and he crinkled his nose in antipathy. He knew he spoke the truth, and his precise manner was convincing to others with little help from Aislynn. It seemed that she projected her intent into the air, her emotions syncing and soundlessly convincing the emotions of those around her. She created an inkling, one that might be referred to as 'gut instinct.'
"Once humiliated," Zalgus let anger creep into his tone, "and once the crowd has dispersed, you squirm your way into this created hole in her defenses." His hands clenched behind his back, hidden.
Murmuring kicked up, breaking out like hissing fires all through the crowd. The con-artist's face had grown pale, but he maintained a facade of good humor and intent.
"Very creative, sir," he said, forcing out a laugh and clapping as if Zalgus had told the most hilarious joke. "You have quite the perverse mind to come up with such slander!"
"Zalgus isn't perverted!" Aislynn blurted out, her hands clenched at her sides. She figured the man would say anything to get people on his side, but that nearly broke her temper. Silver light bled from her hands, forming a subtle mist around her. "You just--"
Zalgus's hand out in front of her stifled her words. His expression was unreadable, but calm. Sleazar wasn't entirely wrong, but wasn't right either. The red-headed young man felt somewhat insulted at being lumped together with this assaulter of women.
"How would you know that, you pretty little thing?" asked Sleazar, a charming yet lewd smiled spreading his face.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
( The Story Starts Here!)
"I see you do not believe me," Sleazar laughed, not at all bothered. "I would expect nothing less from such obviously intelligent and clever ladies. But you will at least give me a chance?" He clapped his hands, cutting off an answer so he could barrel ahead. "I can see you are not sisters, though you do share a bond."
The crowd ooh'd while Raina suppressed a sigh. Even Aislynn knew he was being purposefully vague, trying to tease out a reaction from either of them. It was one of her mother's favorite tricks. Nothing was more mysterious and alluring than a lady who knew one innately. Star-crossed.
"Very impressive," Raina said politely, relaxing her stance marginally. The performer seemed harmless, just trying to put on a show and make some coin. However, despite the more casual stance, she still kept herself firmly in place between him and Aislynn.
"Isn't it a marvelous ability?" He brushed his vibrantly colored, but poorly-cut shirt off. "Ah, but what is this I see now? It seems a shadow of sadness hangs over the air."
Aislynn bit her lip, try as she might to not react at all. Raina stared calmly.
"Ah! My lady, tell me it is not true that this sadness comes from you?" Sleazar locked his gaze onto Aislynn, scanning up and down swiftly. "It cannot be~!"
Aislynn grit her teeth, trying to prepare for some horrible guess of his to be taken as truth by the crowd. It should not have any impact on her, as they would be leaving tomorrow, but Aislynn did not like to be lied about.
"A lady with such marvelous figure should not be sad! Indeed, I would have to say you measure at 34-26-33 no?"
Aislynn's eyes widened in surprise as her face burned.
"Oh~? You are surprised!" Sleazar grinned now, launching in for the true strike. "Why so? I suspect many men are quite intimate with that figure of yours--"
A blurr of movement. Aislynn had been so focused on the myriad of eyes on her - trying to gauge the truth of the measurements - that the sudden rush of cloth and light weight armor blind sided her.
Raina launched forward with surprising speed, throwing her fist upward and caught the man right under his smug jaw. The force of the blow knocked him straight up into the air, and he even left his boots on the ground. Her expression was still calm, though now stern, ignoring the gasps from the crowd.
"I was amused before," she said, standing over him after he hit the ground. "But that was just much too far. You could be a bit more eloquent with your leering. If you were even half so intuitive as you were claiming, you would have seen that coming."
"Of course, I did see this coming," Zalgus' voice came from behind Aislynn, who flipped around. He stood with one arm folded over his ribs, elbow resting on it so he could push his glasses up the bridge of his nose with one finger.
Another gasp and chattering raced through the crowd, and some murmurs kicked up, inquiring, betting, that this was all part of the show. Zalgus' pose certainly seemed a bit dramatic, and a wind passed by - perfectly timed - to ruffle his hair and play with the hem of his long coat. He took a few steps forward, coming alongside the still blushing Aislynn, and smirked at the prone man.
"It seems you made a very grievous error, picking my lovely sister and our dear friend as marks," he said. A stark hush went out in the area, just the snaps of torches and fires left. "Very valiant attempt at what is known as a cold read, if you had been just a bit more subtle you would not have provoked my sister's ire. However..."
He paused to let the tension rise, knowing the majority of the crowd were eager to see where this went. Aislynn's restlessness was permeating through their thoughts, coloring their emotions. Zalgus smiled confidentially, pretending to not notice the few giggles from girls that were triggered in the crowd.
"Now it is my turn."
"I see you do not believe me," Sleazar laughed, not at all bothered. "I would expect nothing less from such obviously intelligent and clever ladies. But you will at least give me a chance?" He clapped his hands, cutting off an answer so he could barrel ahead. "I can see you are not sisters, though you do share a bond."
The crowd ooh'd while Raina suppressed a sigh. Even Aislynn knew he was being purposefully vague, trying to tease out a reaction from either of them. It was one of her mother's favorite tricks. Nothing was more mysterious and alluring than a lady who knew one innately. Star-crossed.
"Very impressive," Raina said politely, relaxing her stance marginally. The performer seemed harmless, just trying to put on a show and make some coin. However, despite the more casual stance, she still kept herself firmly in place between him and Aislynn.
"Isn't it a marvelous ability?" He brushed his vibrantly colored, but poorly-cut shirt off. "Ah, but what is this I see now? It seems a shadow of sadness hangs over the air."
Aislynn bit her lip, try as she might to not react at all. Raina stared calmly.
"Ah! My lady, tell me it is not true that this sadness comes from you?" Sleazar locked his gaze onto Aislynn, scanning up and down swiftly. "It cannot be~!"
Aislynn grit her teeth, trying to prepare for some horrible guess of his to be taken as truth by the crowd. It should not have any impact on her, as they would be leaving tomorrow, but Aislynn did not like to be lied about.
"A lady with such marvelous figure should not be sad! Indeed, I would have to say you measure at 34-26-33 no?"
Aislynn's eyes widened in surprise as her face burned.
"Oh~? You are surprised!" Sleazar grinned now, launching in for the true strike. "Why so? I suspect many men are quite intimate with that figure of yours--"
A blurr of movement. Aislynn had been so focused on the myriad of eyes on her - trying to gauge the truth of the measurements - that the sudden rush of cloth and light weight armor blind sided her.
Raina launched forward with surprising speed, throwing her fist upward and caught the man right under his smug jaw. The force of the blow knocked him straight up into the air, and he even left his boots on the ground. Her expression was still calm, though now stern, ignoring the gasps from the crowd.
"I was amused before," she said, standing over him after he hit the ground. "But that was just much too far. You could be a bit more eloquent with your leering. If you were even half so intuitive as you were claiming, you would have seen that coming."
"Of course, I did see this coming," Zalgus' voice came from behind Aislynn, who flipped around. He stood with one arm folded over his ribs, elbow resting on it so he could push his glasses up the bridge of his nose with one finger.
Another gasp and chattering raced through the crowd, and some murmurs kicked up, inquiring, betting, that this was all part of the show. Zalgus' pose certainly seemed a bit dramatic, and a wind passed by - perfectly timed - to ruffle his hair and play with the hem of his long coat. He took a few steps forward, coming alongside the still blushing Aislynn, and smirked at the prone man.
"It seems you made a very grievous error, picking my lovely sister and our dear friend as marks," he said. A stark hush went out in the area, just the snaps of torches and fires left. "Very valiant attempt at what is known as a cold read, if you had been just a bit more subtle you would not have provoked my sister's ire. However..."
He paused to let the tension rise, knowing the majority of the crowd were eager to see where this went. Aislynn's restlessness was permeating through their thoughts, coloring their emotions. Zalgus smiled confidentially, pretending to not notice the few giggles from girls that were triggered in the crowd.
"Now it is my turn."
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
Raina watched as Aislynn nibbled on her roast bird. Big chunks of poultry and vegetables had been speared on a narrow skewer and then rotated over a fire. It was certainly different, but very tasty. She wasn't sure her brother would deign to eat food off a stick, but she considered it his loss.
"Are you certain you are well?" Raina finally asked, plucking a bit of bright red vegetable off with her fingers. "Meal times have become your favorite, it is strange to see you so quiet..."
"I must be getting used to them." Aislynn managed to smile, even if she still felt a bit uneasy. She was sure that there had been a stall there, and the words of warning from the small statured woman weighed on the edge of her mind.
"Well you seemed to have learned to pace yourself." Raina saw a blush enter Aislynn's face, but left it alone.
"Food doesn't tasted as good coming out as going in," Aislynn mumbled.
Raina giggled at Aislynn's petulant expression, placing the back of her hand over her mouth politely to hide the food in her mouth.
The two girls wandered their way through the crowd toward the northern end of the haven. This section was dominated by games and performers trying to ply on the purses of others. Some were good, and others mediocre, but Aislynn appreciated them all doing their best.
"Ah! Two beautiful ladies!" A man of average height and athletic build skidded to a halt before them, smiling a winner that would be seared in Aislynn's mind for a time to come. She could tell it was charming and charismatic, but there was something... cruel in it.
"Can we help you?" Raina side stepped to put herself between the man and Aislynn. There was a leer to his dark green eyes that she didn't trust.
"Please, my name is Sleazar, and I simply must thank you ladies for brightening the night with your grace and charming smiles," he replied with an overly elaborate bow. Pale brown hair did not even budge since it was slicked so tight to his head it was uncertain even a good blow to the head would tousle it.
Aislynn couldn't stop her embarrassed giggle, try as she might. Zalgus had become exceedingly good at drawing that out of her at the least provocation. However, the only response from Raina was a polite smile. The taller woman maintained her guarding posture.
"That is very kind of you," she said diplomatically.
"Please! You must allow me a moment to entertain," Sleazar continued, stepping around to face both women. He bowed again, holding both arms out, before tilting his head back to flash a boyish grin. "It would be my great honor!"
There was a small crowd gathering to watch by now, curious as to what the bombastic man was shouting about. Some of the people had smug grins on their faces, as if aware of what was going to happen next. Most just observed, wide-eyed and inquisitive. Raina half-stepped to still have a position blocking Aislynn, who felt comforted by the dynamics of crowds and audiences that she recognized.
"You see ladies," Sleazar said, walking around to stir up his crowd and off balance his marks, "I have outstanding powers of observance and intuition."
Aislynn and Raina both snorted behind their hands. Both of them had thought the same thing;
Where was Zalgus when one needed him?
"Are you certain you are well?" Raina finally asked, plucking a bit of bright red vegetable off with her fingers. "Meal times have become your favorite, it is strange to see you so quiet..."
"I must be getting used to them." Aislynn managed to smile, even if she still felt a bit uneasy. She was sure that there had been a stall there, and the words of warning from the small statured woman weighed on the edge of her mind.
"Well you seemed to have learned to pace yourself." Raina saw a blush enter Aislynn's face, but left it alone.
"Food doesn't tasted as good coming out as going in," Aislynn mumbled.
Raina giggled at Aislynn's petulant expression, placing the back of her hand over her mouth politely to hide the food in her mouth.
The two girls wandered their way through the crowd toward the northern end of the haven. This section was dominated by games and performers trying to ply on the purses of others. Some were good, and others mediocre, but Aislynn appreciated them all doing their best.
"Ah! Two beautiful ladies!" A man of average height and athletic build skidded to a halt before them, smiling a winner that would be seared in Aislynn's mind for a time to come. She could tell it was charming and charismatic, but there was something... cruel in it.
"Can we help you?" Raina side stepped to put herself between the man and Aislynn. There was a leer to his dark green eyes that she didn't trust.
"Please, my name is Sleazar, and I simply must thank you ladies for brightening the night with your grace and charming smiles," he replied with an overly elaborate bow. Pale brown hair did not even budge since it was slicked so tight to his head it was uncertain even a good blow to the head would tousle it.
Aislynn couldn't stop her embarrassed giggle, try as she might. Zalgus had become exceedingly good at drawing that out of her at the least provocation. However, the only response from Raina was a polite smile. The taller woman maintained her guarding posture.
"That is very kind of you," she said diplomatically.
"Please! You must allow me a moment to entertain," Sleazar continued, stepping around to face both women. He bowed again, holding both arms out, before tilting his head back to flash a boyish grin. "It would be my great honor!"
There was a small crowd gathering to watch by now, curious as to what the bombastic man was shouting about. Some of the people had smug grins on their faces, as if aware of what was going to happen next. Most just observed, wide-eyed and inquisitive. Raina half-stepped to still have a position blocking Aislynn, who felt comforted by the dynamics of crowds and audiences that she recognized.
"You see ladies," Sleazar said, walking around to stir up his crowd and off balance his marks, "I have outstanding powers of observance and intuition."
Aislynn and Raina both snorted behind their hands. Both of them had thought the same thing;
Where was Zalgus when one needed him?
Monday, October 13, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
As the Tallund siblings conversed -and bickered - Aislynn walked through the bar and exited the tavern, still feeling responsible for the row. She hadn't thought she'd react that way to someone touching her shoulder in her sleep; she hadn't for a very long time. Then again, she always found safe, isolated places to rest to avoid others. Or was it something else?
There were not only performers that had set up among the tents, but vendors as well. Some tents had small fires or wood stoves to cook food, and others had blankets with an array of handmade goods displayed. People were arguing over quality, or bartering for better prices. Some were excited to see their ethnic food so far away from home, and others curious as to dishes that had never graced their flavor pallet.
Although very accustomed to bustling crowds, the mixture of language and foreign smells left Aislynn a bit on edge. She let herself fall into the flow of people moving, her hand remaining on the small pouch hidden in her skirt pocket. Peddlers called for her attention, proud of wares they had to sell. Her clothing only garnered a modicum more effort thrown her way, but there were so many potentials they didn't risk to ignore too many.
A small collection of smooth, pebble shaped glass drew Aislynn over to a tidy looking stall. There was no tent accompanying it, but they didn't seem too strange. There were other little trinkets, inscribed with strange images that Aislynn did not recognize. They were not words.
Sitting seiza, calves folded directly under her thighs and sitting on her heels, was a small woman with a powerful presence. Her ebony hair was pulled into two high pigtails on either side of her head, and had first been carefully twisted into the shape of wolf-like ears. Her face was hidden by a porcelain mask, painted with sweeps of varying purples falling down the right side of her face. Her hands were folded in her lap, resting on the intricate uniform of purple brocade and black leather.
"Hello," Aislynn greeted, resting her hands on her knees to peer at the charms for sale.
The woman canted her head, before bowing forward in her posture.
"This one bids curious one welcome," she said.
Aislynn had never heard someone speak in such a peculiar way. It was not hard to understand, but it was certainly unique!
"I'm Aislynn."
"This one thanks curious one for honoring this one with name," the woman responded cheerfully. "This one will gift the one named Aislynn with a new name. This one is called Tsuki, and now this one will call the one named Aislynn, Moonlit One."
"Oh... well." Aislynn wondered if that was normal where Tsuki came from. She was not learned enough to know where that might be. "It's nice to meet you Tsuki."
"This one echoes the sentiment! This one is pleased to have met Moonlit One." Tsuki giggled, clapping her hands together. She then held out her hands toward the items spread out before her. "Does Moonlit One see something? This one will give good price."
Aislynn examined the trinkets, adjusting her stance as others jostled by her. Some were natural formations, while others looked crafted, the crystal-like material molded into intricate shapes.
"What are they, exactly?" she asked, hoping she did not insult the quirky woman.
"Charms of protection and blessings," Tsuki answered, a smile in her voice. "This one will include chords to create necklace, or bracelet. This one also has chords for hair or chains for single ornament."
Aislynn was fairly sure she had followed along, but Tsuki showed her examples anyway. She picked out three; an owl, a stag, and a bear. There were other animals she didn't recognize, and delicate shapes that were lovely, but she liked the three she picked the best. She knew what these ones were. The idea of Zalgus asking her what it was and her responding that she just liked the look of it made her blush a bit, especially because she knew he'd tease her about it after.
"Does Moonlit One want charms on the same chord?" Tsuki asked, gathering the coin sized charms in pale, delicate hands.
"Actually, could I have them each on a separate chord?" Aislynn bounced on the balls of her feet as she pondered her new friends' reactions to the small gifts. Even if they were purchased with money Raina gave her.
"This one thinks Moonlit one is not keeping all the charms." Tsuki canted her head to the side. The serene visage of her mask obscured the smile behind it, the amethyst stones set in the eyes glittering from torchlight.
"Well, no. I'm giving two of them to who I'm traveling with."
"Ah! Moonlit One travels with friends," Tsuki said, her smile now in her voice again. She clapped her hands together, making the bell shaped sleeves of her outfit flutter down to expose her slender arms to the elbow. "This one is relieved. This one knows there are nasty things in the night looking for ones that travel alone."
"O-oh?" Aislynn felt a lump swell in her throat, and she glanced around nervously at the great crowd of people around her. All the faces were unfamiliar, doing their own things and minding their own business.
She became aware of all the different accents filling her ears, an words she recognized became unfamiliar as strangers' tongues used them. Still, even as nervousness settled into her belly, Aislynn found her enjoying to listen. Some voices were angry, others playful. She could hear one couple who were obviously flirting, even if she couldn't understand what they were saying. It was the tones and giggles.
She was in a place far from what she might have called home, traveling with two people she had barely known a week. Her stomach had not been empty, and her mind had been engaged for the entire time. Though they far outclassed her in intellect, Raina and Zalgus made an effort to include her in discussion. Zalgus had even upheld his promise to help improve her reading!
Even though she was scared, she was glad to be here.
"This one knows about Lost Ones," Tsuki said, leaning forward and lowering her voice. "Lost Ones accepted the dark. Lost Ones strike like spiders. Moonlit One would be considered perfect prey to Lost Ones."
Aislynn swallowed, feeling a might less comfortable now.
"Lost Ones take pride in extinguishing Ones Who Bring Light," Tsuki continued. She braided several lengths of leather together, maintaining her proper kneeling posture. "Moonlit One is a more gentle light, but this one does not take things for granted. This one thinks Moonlit One should not either."
"I'll try my best not to," Aislynn replied. She poked through her pouch and plucked out several silver coins.
"This one is glad. This one wishes Moonlit One best luck and blessing."
Aislynn wandered away from the strange, masked girl in a somewhat perplexed state. The three trinkets had been wrapped in a heavy, rough-spun cloth to protect them, and she slowly tucked it into her satchel, unsure of when Tsuki had actually handed it to her. The girl was odd, but her words weighed heavily. Perhaps this was what Zalgus meant when he said there were people who were interested in people like them.
"Aislynn!"
The sound of a familiar voice felt better than those sweet cakes tasted. The better part was there was no threat of vomiting it back up again, so Aislynn let herself indulge in the sensation as she watched Raina maneuver her way gracefully through the crowd. The red head casually excused herself as she brushed by a few bystanders interested in a nearby food stand.
"Well you seem to be full of color!" Raina closed the distance between herself and her newest friend, resting her hands on her hips. "Did you find anything noteworthy?"
"Oh yes!" Aislynn turned to the side, ignoring the jostling at her back when someone passed by with gusto. "There was a small shop with the strangest--" Her words died away as her mouth fell open, and her blood felt cold.
Tsuki's spot was completely empty.
There were not only performers that had set up among the tents, but vendors as well. Some tents had small fires or wood stoves to cook food, and others had blankets with an array of handmade goods displayed. People were arguing over quality, or bartering for better prices. Some were excited to see their ethnic food so far away from home, and others curious as to dishes that had never graced their flavor pallet.
Although very accustomed to bustling crowds, the mixture of language and foreign smells left Aislynn a bit on edge. She let herself fall into the flow of people moving, her hand remaining on the small pouch hidden in her skirt pocket. Peddlers called for her attention, proud of wares they had to sell. Her clothing only garnered a modicum more effort thrown her way, but there were so many potentials they didn't risk to ignore too many.
A small collection of smooth, pebble shaped glass drew Aislynn over to a tidy looking stall. There was no tent accompanying it, but they didn't seem too strange. There were other little trinkets, inscribed with strange images that Aislynn did not recognize. They were not words.
Sitting seiza, calves folded directly under her thighs and sitting on her heels, was a small woman with a powerful presence. Her ebony hair was pulled into two high pigtails on either side of her head, and had first been carefully twisted into the shape of wolf-like ears. Her face was hidden by a porcelain mask, painted with sweeps of varying purples falling down the right side of her face. Her hands were folded in her lap, resting on the intricate uniform of purple brocade and black leather.
"Hello," Aislynn greeted, resting her hands on her knees to peer at the charms for sale.
The woman canted her head, before bowing forward in her posture.
"This one bids curious one welcome," she said.
Aislynn had never heard someone speak in such a peculiar way. It was not hard to understand, but it was certainly unique!
"I'm Aislynn."
"This one thanks curious one for honoring this one with name," the woman responded cheerfully. "This one will gift the one named Aislynn with a new name. This one is called Tsuki, and now this one will call the one named Aislynn, Moonlit One."
"Oh... well." Aislynn wondered if that was normal where Tsuki came from. She was not learned enough to know where that might be. "It's nice to meet you Tsuki."
"This one echoes the sentiment! This one is pleased to have met Moonlit One." Tsuki giggled, clapping her hands together. She then held out her hands toward the items spread out before her. "Does Moonlit One see something? This one will give good price."
Aislynn examined the trinkets, adjusting her stance as others jostled by her. Some were natural formations, while others looked crafted, the crystal-like material molded into intricate shapes.
"What are they, exactly?" she asked, hoping she did not insult the quirky woman.
"Charms of protection and blessings," Tsuki answered, a smile in her voice. "This one will include chords to create necklace, or bracelet. This one also has chords for hair or chains for single ornament."
Aislynn was fairly sure she had followed along, but Tsuki showed her examples anyway. She picked out three; an owl, a stag, and a bear. There were other animals she didn't recognize, and delicate shapes that were lovely, but she liked the three she picked the best. She knew what these ones were. The idea of Zalgus asking her what it was and her responding that she just liked the look of it made her blush a bit, especially because she knew he'd tease her about it after.
"Does Moonlit One want charms on the same chord?" Tsuki asked, gathering the coin sized charms in pale, delicate hands.
"Actually, could I have them each on a separate chord?" Aislynn bounced on the balls of her feet as she pondered her new friends' reactions to the small gifts. Even if they were purchased with money Raina gave her.
"This one thinks Moonlit one is not keeping all the charms." Tsuki canted her head to the side. The serene visage of her mask obscured the smile behind it, the amethyst stones set in the eyes glittering from torchlight.
"Well, no. I'm giving two of them to who I'm traveling with."
"Ah! Moonlit One travels with friends," Tsuki said, her smile now in her voice again. She clapped her hands together, making the bell shaped sleeves of her outfit flutter down to expose her slender arms to the elbow. "This one is relieved. This one knows there are nasty things in the night looking for ones that travel alone."
"O-oh?" Aislynn felt a lump swell in her throat, and she glanced around nervously at the great crowd of people around her. All the faces were unfamiliar, doing their own things and minding their own business.
She became aware of all the different accents filling her ears, an words she recognized became unfamiliar as strangers' tongues used them. Still, even as nervousness settled into her belly, Aislynn found her enjoying to listen. Some voices were angry, others playful. She could hear one couple who were obviously flirting, even if she couldn't understand what they were saying. It was the tones and giggles.
She was in a place far from what she might have called home, traveling with two people she had barely known a week. Her stomach had not been empty, and her mind had been engaged for the entire time. Though they far outclassed her in intellect, Raina and Zalgus made an effort to include her in discussion. Zalgus had even upheld his promise to help improve her reading!
Even though she was scared, she was glad to be here.
"This one knows about Lost Ones," Tsuki said, leaning forward and lowering her voice. "Lost Ones accepted the dark. Lost Ones strike like spiders. Moonlit One would be considered perfect prey to Lost Ones."
Aislynn swallowed, feeling a might less comfortable now.
"Lost Ones take pride in extinguishing Ones Who Bring Light," Tsuki continued. She braided several lengths of leather together, maintaining her proper kneeling posture. "Moonlit One is a more gentle light, but this one does not take things for granted. This one thinks Moonlit One should not either."
"I'll try my best not to," Aislynn replied. She poked through her pouch and plucked out several silver coins.
"This one is glad. This one wishes Moonlit One best luck and blessing."
Aislynn wandered away from the strange, masked girl in a somewhat perplexed state. The three trinkets had been wrapped in a heavy, rough-spun cloth to protect them, and she slowly tucked it into her satchel, unsure of when Tsuki had actually handed it to her. The girl was odd, but her words weighed heavily. Perhaps this was what Zalgus meant when he said there were people who were interested in people like them.
"Aislynn!"
The sound of a familiar voice felt better than those sweet cakes tasted. The better part was there was no threat of vomiting it back up again, so Aislynn let herself indulge in the sensation as she watched Raina maneuver her way gracefully through the crowd. The red head casually excused herself as she brushed by a few bystanders interested in a nearby food stand.
"Well you seem to be full of color!" Raina closed the distance between herself and her newest friend, resting her hands on her hips. "Did you find anything noteworthy?"
"Oh yes!" Aislynn turned to the side, ignoring the jostling at her back when someone passed by with gusto. "There was a small shop with the strangest--" Her words died away as her mouth fell open, and her blood felt cold.
Tsuki's spot was completely empty.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
It took ten minutes of cat-and-mouse around the divan for Zalgus to explain the situation well enough for Raina to calm down. She gave him a stern look, before turning to Aislynn, now unbound. Her brother remained behind the couch, keeping Aislynn between himself and his - rather justifiably - angry sister. The last thing she had expected, or wanted, to see was Aislynn chained on the divan with Zalgus reaching for her.
"I'm 'kay!" Aislynn insisted, flustered, and waving her hands in front of her defensively. More in defense of the man hiding behind her. "H-honest!" Her face felt like it was about to melt from the ferocity of her blush.
"It's not proper, Zalgus," Raina said, her hands planted firmly on her hips in a power stance.
"What else did you expect me to do?" Zalgus sniped back, pushing his glasses back into their proper position. "Merely touching her caused an adverse reaction, it was the only option to keep her still and prevent additional injury to the both of us."
Raina's disapproving stare did not waver.
"I found no enjoyment in it," he continued, flicking his hair out of his face in a flippant gesture. "I was in the process of releasing her, as she had calmed down enough to be reasonable. Honestly, she hit me harder than what I did to her."
"Raina--" Aislynn started, only to find a small pouch of coins to be set into her hands. Just from the weight she could tell that Raina had just given her more money than she had seen in her lifetime.
"There are entertainers beginning their performances outside," Raina said, helping Aislynn to her feet. "They are very different from what you may have seen at home." She encouraged the smaller girl toward the door with a light tap on the back. It would be too embarrassing for Aislynn to be present for the next part of the conversation. Raina would spare her the indignation of being discussed as if she had voice of her own, but it was for the better.
With a guilty look back at the source of Raina's ire - who was maintaining his composure spectacularly - Aislynn pulled her hat on and headed for the gazelle-embossed door. She had never intended to cause this much strife between them, even though most of it had been in good humor. At the door she paused, looking back at the siblings. One smiling, and the other reserved, but confident.
"We will join you shortly," Zalgus said, shooing her with a sweep of his hand.
Once the door clicked shut, and her fay-like steps faded down the hall, Raina rounded on her brother.
"Do not play with her Zalgus," she said, frowning in disappointment. "It is cruel."
"I can assure you beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am attempting every effort to acclimate her to our society, and not my personal desires."
The siblings maintained eye contact, both searching for all the little signs they knew so well. Tension remained in the air for a few moments more, before Zalgus huffed and tilted his nose to the air.
"Whatever you may think of the situation, we have far more pressing matters to discuss. Let's be civil, shall we?" He gestured for his sister to take seat across from him.
"I am more than happy to be civil," Raina replied, taking the offer of a seat. She folded her hands in her lap and then leveled a piercing stare at her brother. "First tell me all of your intentions when you brought Aislynn with us."
Zalgus sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could already feel the oncoming headache. His sister meant well, but it was a waste of precious time. He could be reading right now, if she would just let him tell her what she needed to know.
"My spirit showed me a young, isolated woman with the ability to shape," he said, leaning on the back of the divan. He could see a white feathered hat bobbing through the crowd out of the window to his left. "Her only defense is to spur others to do the right thing. She creates an army with her voice, but if there are none who stand with her, she will be crushed under the weight of mechanisms too large for her to comprehend."
"So you have done it to protect her?"
"Indeed. She has a lovely smile. I would be amiss in my duties as a gentleman if I were to so easily let her fall prey to some brutish rogue."
Raina released the tension in her shoulders. She knew her brother well, but not perfectly. There was just an instinct within her to be certain of their dynamics - to know there was not something underhanded going on.
"My apologies," she said softly, focusing on the small swirls of color within the fabric of the rug. "I made an awful assumption."
"One that I might have made of myself, without the proper information." Zalgus let himself smile affectionately at his sister, dropping his pompous air for her comfort and reassurance. "Now can we move on from the mystery of whether or not Zalgus is eagerly manipulating a naive shaper to his whim and talk about what our plan for the next several weeks might be?"
"Of course! So we shall discuss your pressing matters, and then clarify your crush afterward."
Zalgus tried and failed to stop his mouth from dropping open, though he prided himself on managing to snap it back shut quickly.
"I'm 'kay!" Aislynn insisted, flustered, and waving her hands in front of her defensively. More in defense of the man hiding behind her. "H-honest!" Her face felt like it was about to melt from the ferocity of her blush.
"It's not proper, Zalgus," Raina said, her hands planted firmly on her hips in a power stance.
"What else did you expect me to do?" Zalgus sniped back, pushing his glasses back into their proper position. "Merely touching her caused an adverse reaction, it was the only option to keep her still and prevent additional injury to the both of us."
Raina's disapproving stare did not waver.
"I found no enjoyment in it," he continued, flicking his hair out of his face in a flippant gesture. "I was in the process of releasing her, as she had calmed down enough to be reasonable. Honestly, she hit me harder than what I did to her."
"Raina--" Aislynn started, only to find a small pouch of coins to be set into her hands. Just from the weight she could tell that Raina had just given her more money than she had seen in her lifetime.
"There are entertainers beginning their performances outside," Raina said, helping Aislynn to her feet. "They are very different from what you may have seen at home." She encouraged the smaller girl toward the door with a light tap on the back. It would be too embarrassing for Aislynn to be present for the next part of the conversation. Raina would spare her the indignation of being discussed as if she had voice of her own, but it was for the better.
With a guilty look back at the source of Raina's ire - who was maintaining his composure spectacularly - Aislynn pulled her hat on and headed for the gazelle-embossed door. She had never intended to cause this much strife between them, even though most of it had been in good humor. At the door she paused, looking back at the siblings. One smiling, and the other reserved, but confident.
"We will join you shortly," Zalgus said, shooing her with a sweep of his hand.
Once the door clicked shut, and her fay-like steps faded down the hall, Raina rounded on her brother.
"Do not play with her Zalgus," she said, frowning in disappointment. "It is cruel."
"I can assure you beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am attempting every effort to acclimate her to our society, and not my personal desires."
The siblings maintained eye contact, both searching for all the little signs they knew so well. Tension remained in the air for a few moments more, before Zalgus huffed and tilted his nose to the air.
"Whatever you may think of the situation, we have far more pressing matters to discuss. Let's be civil, shall we?" He gestured for his sister to take seat across from him.
"I am more than happy to be civil," Raina replied, taking the offer of a seat. She folded her hands in her lap and then leveled a piercing stare at her brother. "First tell me all of your intentions when you brought Aislynn with us."
Zalgus sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could already feel the oncoming headache. His sister meant well, but it was a waste of precious time. He could be reading right now, if she would just let him tell her what she needed to know.
"My spirit showed me a young, isolated woman with the ability to shape," he said, leaning on the back of the divan. He could see a white feathered hat bobbing through the crowd out of the window to his left. "Her only defense is to spur others to do the right thing. She creates an army with her voice, but if there are none who stand with her, she will be crushed under the weight of mechanisms too large for her to comprehend."
"So you have done it to protect her?"
"Indeed. She has a lovely smile. I would be amiss in my duties as a gentleman if I were to so easily let her fall prey to some brutish rogue."
Raina released the tension in her shoulders. She knew her brother well, but not perfectly. There was just an instinct within her to be certain of their dynamics - to know there was not something underhanded going on.
"My apologies," she said softly, focusing on the small swirls of color within the fabric of the rug. "I made an awful assumption."
"One that I might have made of myself, without the proper information." Zalgus let himself smile affectionately at his sister, dropping his pompous air for her comfort and reassurance. "Now can we move on from the mystery of whether or not Zalgus is eagerly manipulating a naive shaper to his whim and talk about what our plan for the next several weeks might be?"
"Of course! So we shall discuss your pressing matters, and then clarify your crush afterward."
Zalgus tried and failed to stop his mouth from dropping open, though he prided himself on managing to snap it back shut quickly.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
The sun was sinking in the sky by the time the trio had reached a minor traveler's outpost. It had a guard post, two taverns, and a good collection of tents pitched within the relative safety of the palisade. Some were rag-tag and thrown together, others sturdy and large. Most of them would be gone by day break; hunters and merchants setting off to work or travel to the next hopeful money pot. There was one main road that the guard were constantly patrolling, both to keep order and to keep people from setting up right in the only clear space left.
"We're lucky to have made it in time," Raina said, half aware that their newest party member was fast asleep against her back. Traveling all day was hard to those not used to it. "They're getting ready to close the palisade."
"I was not worried," Zalgus answered, adjusting his cravat so it sat just so. "In places like this, even the illusion of a well off customer ensures an ever open door."
He pulled his horse to a stop, taking in the scene as Raina came up alongside him. There were interested gazes on them, but nothing outside of what he expected. No one dared to hassle the well-off folks, because if one was banned from one traveler's haven, one would be banned from them all. None of the havens wanted to be known for harboring thieves. The tavern owners were the law, and they were not kind to those who broke it.
"She is asleep?" Zalgus quirked his eyebrow at the clearly worn out girl. How did she sleep on a horse?
"She has been for the past few hours." Raina glanced back, before moving her horse toward the tavern with the flag unfurled under a sign that said The Sleeping Gazelle. "I'm sure she will wake up when she smells supper."
"I am going to request that you do not feed her so many sweets tonight," Zalgus said as he dismounted, careful to avoid landing in a shallow puddle. He brushed his coat behind him, giving his bay colored horse a pat on the neck.
"It was sweet of you to hold her hair when they all came back up again."
"It is not an experience I care to repeat."
"She's a clever girl," Raina said as she pulled Aislynn into her arms from her own palomino. The great, gentle horse snuffled, and then flicked his tail. "She won't repeat that mistake."
"She would have heeded you warning her," Zalgus replied. "I fail to understand why she would have had to experience it."
"Teach you to pay more attention to your reflection than the conversation," Raina snipped serenely.
A small grimace. It was true he had been more lost in thought than normal that night. He had been pondering their current situation, trying to tease out any more information through his spirit. The next thing he knew, he had felt Aislynn crash into the back of his shoulder. He had swiftly flung open the very window he had been staring into so she could empty her stomach on the street and not the expensive carpet. He was certain the rather burly laborer below did not appreciate the near miss.
"Considering the girl has had less than optimal nutrition for most of her life," he said as he set down money on the tavern's fight scarred counter for a room, "it seems in poor taste to let her vomit what food she is able to have now."
Raina stared at her brother, a bit surprised at the comment. He engaged himself gracefully with the tavern owner, who's ruddy, oil smeared face seemed more than eager at the sight of the well dressed trio. Zalgus had glasses which were not exactly a trinket the every day person could afford, even if their vision was poor. Raina couldn't see her brother's face, but he seemed sincere. Zalgus wasn't as flippant of the consideration of others as he often came across, but it was rare for him to voice them so blatantly.
"You seem a bit more open at the moment," she commented, following him up the stairs and away from the quickly filling bar. Curious eyes followed the odd group of the siblings, one of which was carrying a sleeping girl, as they vanished to the upper floors. They would no doubt be able to hear the bar crowd through the floor.
"Not at all," Zalgus pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he stepped over a cracked board in the stairs. "I prefer to be in the right, it is the proper dichotomy."
"Ah, is that what is it?" Raina rolled her eyes, a mannerism she reserved for her brother's particularly bloated statements.
The floor their suite was on was decidedly more maintained than the rest of the building. The wood was polished, and there were no holes between the floorboards. A few waist-high wood statues of gazelles flanked the walls, positioned under glittering metal-work sconces. The door to their room even had the image of a gazelle grazing in the brush on it.
"At least they know where to focus their investments," Zalgus said. He unlocked the door, but just after he pushed it open he found Aislynn being deposited into his arms. "What is--"
"I am going to get the rest of our things from the horses," Raina said, making sure Zalgus didn't drop the girl from the surprise load on him. She lifted the weight, moving her brother's arms to support the knees and back. "Just get her settled on the divan and we will wake her for supper when I return."
Zalgus gave a deep, long-suffering sigh as his sighed darted back down the hallway. She was far more pleased with herself than she had any right to be. He was not some porter, and yet here he was carrying a girl who had two proper working legs, and slept far too deeply for her own good. If he was of any poorer breeding, he might have considered dropping her, but as he had a gentleman's pride - and a sister who would physically reinforce lessons of etiquette - he brought Aislynn into the room.
It was well set, with comfortable furniture that was out of fashion and worn, but maintained and clean. Some of the paintings Zalgus was sure would fetch a good price from the sheer age of them, but he doubted the owner had any kind of means or connections to know that. Only one of them was of gazelles though, much to his relief. He walked over to a low green velvet upholstered couch, set just a few feet in front of a broad window, and carefully laid Aislynn down on it, making sure to sweep her skirt under her so it fell properly.
Removing her hat, Zalgus took the opportunity to examine Aislynn's sleeping posture. She naturally curled into herself; her hand folded together nestled under her bust. It reminded him of how Raina would sleep when they were both much younger. Back when they thought their destines were to be used as tokens for trade, or already laid out before them step by step - unable to be changed. At the same time, it was far more defensive than how his sister would sleep.
"Aislynn, my dear, it is time to wake up," Zalgus said softly, laying his hand on her shoulder.
Blue light filled his vision with the constellation of Aislynn lashing out, but he was too confused by it to realize what it was telling him.
"I don't want it! It hertz!" Aislynn's fist caught Zalgus in the stomach, knocking him onto his ass. His back nearly slammed into the low tea table.
"Aislynn!" The indignation of the humiliating posture was greater than the pain, but he pushed himself away from the table quickly.
"No more!" She had already vaulted the back of the couch, slamming her shoulder once into the thick glass of the window.
Zalgus reached out and clenched his hand into a fist. A golden chain coiled around Aislynn, sweeping her legs out from under her as the young man yanked back on the ethereal binding. Stars flooded his eyes, drawing the images of a small girl squirming from the grip of a fully grown man. The constellations blasted away, just as the girl scampered out of an open window.
Apparently he had made a grievous error in not using his spirit to find out more about her previously. However, her steady - if often shy - cheer had given no clue to her unstable interior. Zalgus cursed himself for being so foolish to make such dangerous assumptions. Rising to his feet, he pulled the struggling Aislynn away from the window. She was going to hurt herself before there was even a chance of her breaking through it.
She was whimpering quietly as Zalgus got her seated back on the couch. He wasn't confident enough in her stability to release her yet, so the chain remained for now. Obviously she was still rattled from whatever had been triggered when he touched her shoulder. So he moved slow; he moved carefully. He slid his hand up over her head to push her tousled hair out of her face.
Aislynn stared at him with a dazed expression, before her eyes focused and started to become lined with water.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, knowing she must have done something wrong. "Please don't send me away."
Zalgus took a deep breath and released it through his nose. His hands and rear smarted from the ungraceful meeting with the floor, but he brushed the sensation aside as best he could. He wondered, was his dream a reflection of her past or a warning for the future? Or was the answer simply, yes?
"I am not going to send you away," he answered her, lowering himself to one knee to gaze up into her face."We will have to have a small heart-to-heart talk, however. If you have calmed yourself, I will let you go now."
"I'm calm. Sure as sure!"
"Brilliant."
Just as he lifted his hand to break the chain, there was a thud as if some type of luggage had hit the floor near the doorway.
Raina's voice came next.
"ZALGUS! What do are you doing to her!?"
"We're lucky to have made it in time," Raina said, half aware that their newest party member was fast asleep against her back. Traveling all day was hard to those not used to it. "They're getting ready to close the palisade."
"I was not worried," Zalgus answered, adjusting his cravat so it sat just so. "In places like this, even the illusion of a well off customer ensures an ever open door."
He pulled his horse to a stop, taking in the scene as Raina came up alongside him. There were interested gazes on them, but nothing outside of what he expected. No one dared to hassle the well-off folks, because if one was banned from one traveler's haven, one would be banned from them all. None of the havens wanted to be known for harboring thieves. The tavern owners were the law, and they were not kind to those who broke it.
"She is asleep?" Zalgus quirked his eyebrow at the clearly worn out girl. How did she sleep on a horse?
"She has been for the past few hours." Raina glanced back, before moving her horse toward the tavern with the flag unfurled under a sign that said The Sleeping Gazelle. "I'm sure she will wake up when she smells supper."
"I am going to request that you do not feed her so many sweets tonight," Zalgus said as he dismounted, careful to avoid landing in a shallow puddle. He brushed his coat behind him, giving his bay colored horse a pat on the neck.
"It was sweet of you to hold her hair when they all came back up again."
"It is not an experience I care to repeat."
"She's a clever girl," Raina said as she pulled Aislynn into her arms from her own palomino. The great, gentle horse snuffled, and then flicked his tail. "She won't repeat that mistake."
"She would have heeded you warning her," Zalgus replied. "I fail to understand why she would have had to experience it."
"Teach you to pay more attention to your reflection than the conversation," Raina snipped serenely.
A small grimace. It was true he had been more lost in thought than normal that night. He had been pondering their current situation, trying to tease out any more information through his spirit. The next thing he knew, he had felt Aislynn crash into the back of his shoulder. He had swiftly flung open the very window he had been staring into so she could empty her stomach on the street and not the expensive carpet. He was certain the rather burly laborer below did not appreciate the near miss.
"Considering the girl has had less than optimal nutrition for most of her life," he said as he set down money on the tavern's fight scarred counter for a room, "it seems in poor taste to let her vomit what food she is able to have now."
Raina stared at her brother, a bit surprised at the comment. He engaged himself gracefully with the tavern owner, who's ruddy, oil smeared face seemed more than eager at the sight of the well dressed trio. Zalgus had glasses which were not exactly a trinket the every day person could afford, even if their vision was poor. Raina couldn't see her brother's face, but he seemed sincere. Zalgus wasn't as flippant of the consideration of others as he often came across, but it was rare for him to voice them so blatantly.
"You seem a bit more open at the moment," she commented, following him up the stairs and away from the quickly filling bar. Curious eyes followed the odd group of the siblings, one of which was carrying a sleeping girl, as they vanished to the upper floors. They would no doubt be able to hear the bar crowd through the floor.
"Not at all," Zalgus pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he stepped over a cracked board in the stairs. "I prefer to be in the right, it is the proper dichotomy."
"Ah, is that what is it?" Raina rolled her eyes, a mannerism she reserved for her brother's particularly bloated statements.
The floor their suite was on was decidedly more maintained than the rest of the building. The wood was polished, and there were no holes between the floorboards. A few waist-high wood statues of gazelles flanked the walls, positioned under glittering metal-work sconces. The door to their room even had the image of a gazelle grazing in the brush on it.
"At least they know where to focus their investments," Zalgus said. He unlocked the door, but just after he pushed it open he found Aislynn being deposited into his arms. "What is--"
"I am going to get the rest of our things from the horses," Raina said, making sure Zalgus didn't drop the girl from the surprise load on him. She lifted the weight, moving her brother's arms to support the knees and back. "Just get her settled on the divan and we will wake her for supper when I return."
Zalgus gave a deep, long-suffering sigh as his sighed darted back down the hallway. She was far more pleased with herself than she had any right to be. He was not some porter, and yet here he was carrying a girl who had two proper working legs, and slept far too deeply for her own good. If he was of any poorer breeding, he might have considered dropping her, but as he had a gentleman's pride - and a sister who would physically reinforce lessons of etiquette - he brought Aislynn into the room.
It was well set, with comfortable furniture that was out of fashion and worn, but maintained and clean. Some of the paintings Zalgus was sure would fetch a good price from the sheer age of them, but he doubted the owner had any kind of means or connections to know that. Only one of them was of gazelles though, much to his relief. He walked over to a low green velvet upholstered couch, set just a few feet in front of a broad window, and carefully laid Aislynn down on it, making sure to sweep her skirt under her so it fell properly.
Removing her hat, Zalgus took the opportunity to examine Aislynn's sleeping posture. She naturally curled into herself; her hand folded together nestled under her bust. It reminded him of how Raina would sleep when they were both much younger. Back when they thought their destines were to be used as tokens for trade, or already laid out before them step by step - unable to be changed. At the same time, it was far more defensive than how his sister would sleep.
"Aislynn, my dear, it is time to wake up," Zalgus said softly, laying his hand on her shoulder.
Blue light filled his vision with the constellation of Aislynn lashing out, but he was too confused by it to realize what it was telling him.
"I don't want it! It hertz!" Aislynn's fist caught Zalgus in the stomach, knocking him onto his ass. His back nearly slammed into the low tea table.
"Aislynn!" The indignation of the humiliating posture was greater than the pain, but he pushed himself away from the table quickly.
"No more!" She had already vaulted the back of the couch, slamming her shoulder once into the thick glass of the window.
Zalgus reached out and clenched his hand into a fist. A golden chain coiled around Aislynn, sweeping her legs out from under her as the young man yanked back on the ethereal binding. Stars flooded his eyes, drawing the images of a small girl squirming from the grip of a fully grown man. The constellations blasted away, just as the girl scampered out of an open window.
Apparently he had made a grievous error in not using his spirit to find out more about her previously. However, her steady - if often shy - cheer had given no clue to her unstable interior. Zalgus cursed himself for being so foolish to make such dangerous assumptions. Rising to his feet, he pulled the struggling Aislynn away from the window. She was going to hurt herself before there was even a chance of her breaking through it.
She was whimpering quietly as Zalgus got her seated back on the couch. He wasn't confident enough in her stability to release her yet, so the chain remained for now. Obviously she was still rattled from whatever had been triggered when he touched her shoulder. So he moved slow; he moved carefully. He slid his hand up over her head to push her tousled hair out of her face.
Aislynn stared at him with a dazed expression, before her eyes focused and started to become lined with water.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, knowing she must have done something wrong. "Please don't send me away."
Zalgus took a deep breath and released it through his nose. His hands and rear smarted from the ungraceful meeting with the floor, but he brushed the sensation aside as best he could. He wondered, was his dream a reflection of her past or a warning for the future? Or was the answer simply, yes?
"I am not going to send you away," he answered her, lowering himself to one knee to gaze up into her face."We will have to have a small heart-to-heart talk, however. If you have calmed yourself, I will let you go now."
"I'm calm. Sure as sure!"
"Brilliant."
Just as he lifted his hand to break the chain, there was a thud as if some type of luggage had hit the floor near the doorway.
Raina's voice came next.
"ZALGUS! What do are you doing to her!?"
Monday, October 6, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Starts 9/21/14}
"Perfect," Raina said as she set a red cavalier hat on Aislynn's head and fluffed the white feather.
"I like it!" Aislynn rested her hands on the hat with a smile. Her new outfit matched, based colored creme-white with red accents on the cuffs and hems. The skirt fell to her knees, and her ankle high boots were covered by buckled legwarmers. Her jacket stopped at the waist, but had a bustle that fell in line with the hem of her skirt.
"Well you certainly look like you do." Raina laughed as Aislynn swung her hips back and forth to make her skirt flutter. She had wondered if the hat was a bit much, but if the girl liked it there was no reason to worry.
Aislynn stopped her minor twirling and blushed. Most of her old clothing had been tossed, too worn down to be able to mend. She felt overwhelmed, by the kindness, knowing that it had been a great stroke of luck to end up under the wing of the two siblings.
"T-thank you," she mumbled, bowing with her hands folded over her thighs.
Raina gave her a supportive grin, and rested her hand on the back of her shoulder. It had been a delight to discuss a new outfit for the girl with the local tailor - indeed it was lucky they had found her in a slightly larger town, as any of the others wouldn't have been able to accommodate the need. There was a bit of a clash over color and cut; Zalgus had been more than adamant about the fit being correct. Aislynn never wore clothing tailored to her own body, and so they butted heads a bit - more over the topic of her comfort rather than fashion.
Still, even though Zalgus won in the end by running rings about Aislynn's head with words and rules of etiquette he made up on the spot, the clothing did look very good on her and she seemed to be content with how fitted the tailor had made it.
It was nearly midday; they were going to leave late due to picking up Aislynn's "proper clothing." She had protested being purchased new clothing at all, but had been summarily shut down.
"Not to sound cruel, but with that outfit, you look like you are our servant," Zalgus had said, his glasses sliding down to the tip of his nose as he peered over them. That remark had silenced her, even as Raina clapped a hand to her forehead. "I think we can do a bit better."
The taller man was in a bit of a languished state, "Now we are even more behind schedule," he lamented.
"We had taken into consideration what happened last time," Raina said, cupping her hands to give Aislynn a boost onto her horse, "it's a good thing we left home early. So we are actually still ahead of schedule."
"What happened last time?" Aislynn held tight to the saddle as Raina pulled herself up and settled in front.
Both siblings went quiet for a moment, and all three seemed to become lost in the crowd. People hustled around, carrying heavy loads or rushing about. They had a lot to do and not enough hours in the day to do it in.
"We had received a disturbing report that required a closer investigation," Zalgus finally said, shaking the memories out of the forefront of his mind. "So we had been delayed."
The somber air that had so swiftly come down unnerved Aislynn. Her mother had a fast mood trigger, but it was nowhere near as soft and eloquent as Zalgus and Raina's trigger.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a veritable jackpot! Aislynn had found three whole pages of hand written words in the gutter. The hand was pretty and clear, but at twelve years old and unable to read them, that was all she knew about the pages. She moved down a tight alley, avoided a dog that looked like he wanted to be left alone, and clambered through an open window of a ground floor apartment. There were three rooms; the kitchen, the sitting room, and her mother's bedroom.
Aislynn drooped to the floor of the kitchen and scurried to the corner near the stove were she made her bed. Hidden under a lumpy pillow was a satchel of clumsily stitched together, cast off pieces of leather and twine. Inside were more papers, and a cracked, round pebble of glass. Bundling herself in her patchwork quilt, the young Aislynn looked through her new-found treasures. There were a few words that she could make out from seeing them so often on the streets, or sounds that she often heard and knew what letter went with it. One word caught her attention. She didn't know that word.
"Ec" - eh-kuh. "Lip" - she knew that! "Se" - see?
"Ek-kuh-lip-see?" Saying the word helped to develop the proper pronunciation. For she knew that word from a group of well-dressed people with complicated tubes aimed at the sky that had used her home's roof a few weeks back. "Eclipse!"
Were these notes from those people?
The kitchen door swung open, and a sudden gust of wet air ruffled Aislynn's pigtails. She panicked, rushing to stuff the paper into her satchel and hide it under her pillow. She had just managed to throw her blanket over it when a hand clenched her shoulder in a painfully tight grip. It made the bruise already there twinge, and forced Aislynn to whimper.
"Hullo deerrest," said her mother, an angry smile on her face. She was a woman that many might have thought lovely; high cheek bones and soft blue eyes. Her nose was slightly too small, and her lips too big and wide.
Behind her was a tall, broad shouldered man whose dull eyes were focused on her mother's back. He looked like someone who would take one bite from an apple and then throw the rest away. Judging by the ring on his finger, he could afford to do it. Her mother leaned down further over Aislynn, and the man's eyes dropped lower.
"Hullo mum," Aislynn answered meekly.
"We haft a gueest," her mother said, wrenching her up onto her feet and pushing her toward the man. "Say hullo."
"H-hullo..."
"Hello," the man answered. He leaned over her, and she could smell the sharp punch of alcohol on him. His face was mean, round and used to watching the labor of others.
She flinched and bowed her head, already feeling scared and overwhelmed. Heat started to gather in her eyes.
"You are quite adorable. You will be beautiful just like your mother soon." The ringed hand grabbed her chin and lifted her head. "Perhaps pretty enough for me to take you out of this dirty hole."
Aislynn cowered, but at the same time felt insulted and indignant. She didn't want to be like her mother. She didn't want to be unable to read, unable to better herself, relying solely on the pockets of men and women who didn't care for her. Aislynn's jaw locked tight, and her cheeks flushed.
"Deerrest," her mother cooed, "go un entertain owr gueest."
"Okay..."
As she was lead from the room, Aislynn glanced back. Her mother was rifling through her bed. It didn't take long for her to find the hidden trove, and then toss it into the stove. A few minutes later, out of the kitchen and near the bedroom window that never shut quite right thanks to an odd shaped stone, Aislynn could smell burning leather and the melting glue made from animal fat.
Both of those scents were imprinted in her senses, just as the innate instinct to feel the escape routes from a room before she even entered it.
She would learn how to read. One letter at a time if need be.
"I like it!" Aislynn rested her hands on the hat with a smile. Her new outfit matched, based colored creme-white with red accents on the cuffs and hems. The skirt fell to her knees, and her ankle high boots were covered by buckled legwarmers. Her jacket stopped at the waist, but had a bustle that fell in line with the hem of her skirt.
"Well you certainly look like you do." Raina laughed as Aislynn swung her hips back and forth to make her skirt flutter. She had wondered if the hat was a bit much, but if the girl liked it there was no reason to worry.
Aislynn stopped her minor twirling and blushed. Most of her old clothing had been tossed, too worn down to be able to mend. She felt overwhelmed, by the kindness, knowing that it had been a great stroke of luck to end up under the wing of the two siblings.
"T-thank you," she mumbled, bowing with her hands folded over her thighs.
Raina gave her a supportive grin, and rested her hand on the back of her shoulder. It had been a delight to discuss a new outfit for the girl with the local tailor - indeed it was lucky they had found her in a slightly larger town, as any of the others wouldn't have been able to accommodate the need. There was a bit of a clash over color and cut; Zalgus had been more than adamant about the fit being correct. Aislynn never wore clothing tailored to her own body, and so they butted heads a bit - more over the topic of her comfort rather than fashion.
Still, even though Zalgus won in the end by running rings about Aislynn's head with words and rules of etiquette he made up on the spot, the clothing did look very good on her and she seemed to be content with how fitted the tailor had made it.
It was nearly midday; they were going to leave late due to picking up Aislynn's "proper clothing." She had protested being purchased new clothing at all, but had been summarily shut down.
"Not to sound cruel, but with that outfit, you look like you are our servant," Zalgus had said, his glasses sliding down to the tip of his nose as he peered over them. That remark had silenced her, even as Raina clapped a hand to her forehead. "I think we can do a bit better."
The taller man was in a bit of a languished state, "Now we are even more behind schedule," he lamented.
"We had taken into consideration what happened last time," Raina said, cupping her hands to give Aislynn a boost onto her horse, "it's a good thing we left home early. So we are actually still ahead of schedule."
"What happened last time?" Aislynn held tight to the saddle as Raina pulled herself up and settled in front.
Both siblings went quiet for a moment, and all three seemed to become lost in the crowd. People hustled around, carrying heavy loads or rushing about. They had a lot to do and not enough hours in the day to do it in.
"We had received a disturbing report that required a closer investigation," Zalgus finally said, shaking the memories out of the forefront of his mind. "So we had been delayed."
The somber air that had so swiftly come down unnerved Aislynn. Her mother had a fast mood trigger, but it was nowhere near as soft and eloquent as Zalgus and Raina's trigger.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a veritable jackpot! Aislynn had found three whole pages of hand written words in the gutter. The hand was pretty and clear, but at twelve years old and unable to read them, that was all she knew about the pages. She moved down a tight alley, avoided a dog that looked like he wanted to be left alone, and clambered through an open window of a ground floor apartment. There were three rooms; the kitchen, the sitting room, and her mother's bedroom.
Aislynn drooped to the floor of the kitchen and scurried to the corner near the stove were she made her bed. Hidden under a lumpy pillow was a satchel of clumsily stitched together, cast off pieces of leather and twine. Inside were more papers, and a cracked, round pebble of glass. Bundling herself in her patchwork quilt, the young Aislynn looked through her new-found treasures. There were a few words that she could make out from seeing them so often on the streets, or sounds that she often heard and knew what letter went with it. One word caught her attention. She didn't know that word.
"Ec" - eh-kuh. "Lip" - she knew that! "Se" - see?
"Ek-kuh-lip-see?" Saying the word helped to develop the proper pronunciation. For she knew that word from a group of well-dressed people with complicated tubes aimed at the sky that had used her home's roof a few weeks back. "Eclipse!"
Were these notes from those people?
The kitchen door swung open, and a sudden gust of wet air ruffled Aislynn's pigtails. She panicked, rushing to stuff the paper into her satchel and hide it under her pillow. She had just managed to throw her blanket over it when a hand clenched her shoulder in a painfully tight grip. It made the bruise already there twinge, and forced Aislynn to whimper.
"Hullo deerrest," said her mother, an angry smile on her face. She was a woman that many might have thought lovely; high cheek bones and soft blue eyes. Her nose was slightly too small, and her lips too big and wide.
Behind her was a tall, broad shouldered man whose dull eyes were focused on her mother's back. He looked like someone who would take one bite from an apple and then throw the rest away. Judging by the ring on his finger, he could afford to do it. Her mother leaned down further over Aislynn, and the man's eyes dropped lower.
"Hullo mum," Aislynn answered meekly.
"We haft a gueest," her mother said, wrenching her up onto her feet and pushing her toward the man. "Say hullo."
"H-hullo..."
"Hello," the man answered. He leaned over her, and she could smell the sharp punch of alcohol on him. His face was mean, round and used to watching the labor of others.
She flinched and bowed her head, already feeling scared and overwhelmed. Heat started to gather in her eyes.
"You are quite adorable. You will be beautiful just like your mother soon." The ringed hand grabbed her chin and lifted her head. "Perhaps pretty enough for me to take you out of this dirty hole."
Aislynn cowered, but at the same time felt insulted and indignant. She didn't want to be like her mother. She didn't want to be unable to read, unable to better herself, relying solely on the pockets of men and women who didn't care for her. Aislynn's jaw locked tight, and her cheeks flushed.
"Deerrest," her mother cooed, "go un entertain owr gueest."
"Okay..."
As she was lead from the room, Aislynn glanced back. Her mother was rifling through her bed. It didn't take long for her to find the hidden trove, and then toss it into the stove. A few minutes later, out of the kitchen and near the bedroom window that never shut quite right thanks to an odd shaped stone, Aislynn could smell burning leather and the melting glue made from animal fat.
Both of those scents were imprinted in her senses, just as the innate instinct to feel the escape routes from a room before she even entered it.
She would learn how to read. One letter at a time if need be.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Spirit of Aspiration (Fan Work) {Begins 9/21/14}
Ever since bonding with his spirit, Zalgus had trouble sleeping. Falling asleep was as it ever was, but the problem became remaining asleep. He had to assume it was an aspect unique to his spirit, as tonight, like the past few, he checked in on his sister and their new friend to find them both in repose. He leaned against the door frame, pinching the bridge of his nose in fatigue.
Aislynn and Raina had been sharing sleeping arrangements. Now they were both fast asleep - Aislynn having borrowed one of Zalgus' shirts that was too large for her to wear normally. Raina's arm was draped protectively over her smaller friend's waist, but that was no surprise. His sister had a very powerful compulsion to tend to and defend.
Content that his two companions were at ease, Zalgus stepped back and slowly closed the door over. He did not latch it, knowing Aislynn felt uneasy in a completely sealed room. An assumption on his part - since he didn't feel the need to tap into his spirit to figure it out - was that Aislynn was terrified of not having an escape route. Leaving a window open was out of the question - especially with the threat of thugs - so they had compromised on the door of the bedroom to the sitting room of their suite where Zalgus now stood. The entire building was quiet, and perhaps the young man was the only soul awake at this hour.
His dream had split in two. One of a happy, eager Aislynn full of promise and confidence. She consumed knowledge from books nearly as quickly as he did, basked in the well being of those around her, and remained a powerful ally for his sister and him. That had not been what bothered him so much he had awoken. The idea of a more educated, literate Aislynn with stronger, steady voice projection - willing to debate with him on any point - was a very welcome prospect.
Much better than leaving her to rot and struggle with ignorance.
No, it was not that scene that had stirred him from otherwise sound slumber.
A shadow had come. To Zalgus, it had taken the hulking, haunting form of a creature with too many legs, too many joints, and too many eyes. It had only been noticeable by the absence of everything else, and seemed to drink Aislynn's silver light through its skin to protect the eyes. Her color had waned, eyes lost their curiosity, and as the monster crashed over her she had unleashed a scream that struck Zalgus dumb and twisted his thoughts until they were inside out. It had rattled him from the inside out, but what triggered his mind to escape from the horror was when the monster drained away.
Aislynn's hair was white, and her eyes were black. Her skin had a ghostly pallor. She was the very image of a dying star. Clothed in a flowing gown of dead gray, there was a panel cut out of the bodice over her heart. Implanted there was a frosted window. Zalgus could see a partially obscured image of her heart. Despite the stillness of the rest of her body, her heart was beating fast, desperately. As he watched - her heart struggling to bring her back to life - those black eyes closed, and a single, red tear rolled down her cheek.
Then he was awake, already on the move, and then he was gazing at the sleeping figures of Raina and Aislynn.
Now he walked the sitting room, his eyes darting as if reading words only he could see. He had been right. Something much bigger - much more dangerous - than a group of ruffians had Aislynn in its sights. He wondered if they could cope with this as well as their other duties. A small smile of reservation turned his fair features into a quiet facade.
"We will have to," he muttered. A pause, and then he said with more conviction. "We will."
There was no possible chance of his sister abandoning Aislynn with no explanation. Once the reasoning was given, she would be even more adamant about keeping her with them. Indeed, no doubt she would break his arm for considering it.
Zalgus found himself before the bay window, which had been turned a mirror by the night beyond. He examined his own handsome face, instinctively lifting a hand to fix his tousled hair into something a bit more presentable. A chill entered, and he tugged his light robe close around him to shut it out.
"I must be honest with myself." He was speaking aloud to cement the reality of his own emotions. "I would be unable to look myself in the face ever again if I even tried to reason myself into such an action. I would be a right monster for considering it after seeing what I have seen." His dreams were not just random images spurred by a sleeping mind. His dreams fell directly under the territory of the spirit bonded to him.
A deep hoot sounded in his ear, and pushed back the chill. The spirit of fate peeked over his head. Zalgus had the strangest impression that it was smiling at him. Its massive, all seeing eyes were closed in a cheerful expression. Maybe it would let him sleep the rest of the night now. They were still on the move, and their destination was still a week away.
A yawn caught him by surprise, so great that it cracked his jaw.
"Gus-gus?"
The nickname that Aislynn had graced him with on the second morning caught him even more by surprise. He cleared his throat and looked at her reflection in the window. She was peering out at him from the open crack in the door. It was obvious she had just woken up; her eyes were squinted from sleep.
"Is something amiss?" he asked, noting her own spirit poking its head over her shoulder. Its massive ears drooped from their own weight.
"I was going to ask you that." She stepped partially into the room, the sleeves of the shirt falling over her hands. "This is the third night I've heard you up and about at this hour." It wasn't just a trip for a glass of water either.
"I do my best thinking at this time," he answered evasively. "It is quieter, and my sister won't bother me." Now wasn't the time to be worrying her when there was little anyone could to do to change outcomes. There wasn't enough information, and based on the clear look of concern on Aislynn's face, it wouldn't take much to worry her.
"Am I bothering you?"
Zalgus almost bit his tongue as he realized the unintentional implication of his previous words. Still, there were signals he needed to remain in control over. He enjoyed playing with her head, not her heart. So, maintaining grace, he replied.
"Tomorrow we are leaving. The horses are fully rested and ready to continue." He turned to face her with a relaxed posture and neutral tone. "You have quite a bit of catch up to do before we arrive."
"Oh?"
"Well, for one thing, you will have to learn how to ballroom dance."
"W...wot..?"
Aislynn and Raina had been sharing sleeping arrangements. Now they were both fast asleep - Aislynn having borrowed one of Zalgus' shirts that was too large for her to wear normally. Raina's arm was draped protectively over her smaller friend's waist, but that was no surprise. His sister had a very powerful compulsion to tend to and defend.
Content that his two companions were at ease, Zalgus stepped back and slowly closed the door over. He did not latch it, knowing Aislynn felt uneasy in a completely sealed room. An assumption on his part - since he didn't feel the need to tap into his spirit to figure it out - was that Aislynn was terrified of not having an escape route. Leaving a window open was out of the question - especially with the threat of thugs - so they had compromised on the door of the bedroom to the sitting room of their suite where Zalgus now stood. The entire building was quiet, and perhaps the young man was the only soul awake at this hour.
His dream had split in two. One of a happy, eager Aislynn full of promise and confidence. She consumed knowledge from books nearly as quickly as he did, basked in the well being of those around her, and remained a powerful ally for his sister and him. That had not been what bothered him so much he had awoken. The idea of a more educated, literate Aislynn with stronger, steady voice projection - willing to debate with him on any point - was a very welcome prospect.
Much better than leaving her to rot and struggle with ignorance.
No, it was not that scene that had stirred him from otherwise sound slumber.
A shadow had come. To Zalgus, it had taken the hulking, haunting form of a creature with too many legs, too many joints, and too many eyes. It had only been noticeable by the absence of everything else, and seemed to drink Aislynn's silver light through its skin to protect the eyes. Her color had waned, eyes lost their curiosity, and as the monster crashed over her she had unleashed a scream that struck Zalgus dumb and twisted his thoughts until they were inside out. It had rattled him from the inside out, but what triggered his mind to escape from the horror was when the monster drained away.
Aislynn's hair was white, and her eyes were black. Her skin had a ghostly pallor. She was the very image of a dying star. Clothed in a flowing gown of dead gray, there was a panel cut out of the bodice over her heart. Implanted there was a frosted window. Zalgus could see a partially obscured image of her heart. Despite the stillness of the rest of her body, her heart was beating fast, desperately. As he watched - her heart struggling to bring her back to life - those black eyes closed, and a single, red tear rolled down her cheek.
Then he was awake, already on the move, and then he was gazing at the sleeping figures of Raina and Aislynn.
Now he walked the sitting room, his eyes darting as if reading words only he could see. He had been right. Something much bigger - much more dangerous - than a group of ruffians had Aislynn in its sights. He wondered if they could cope with this as well as their other duties. A small smile of reservation turned his fair features into a quiet facade.
"We will have to," he muttered. A pause, and then he said with more conviction. "We will."
There was no possible chance of his sister abandoning Aislynn with no explanation. Once the reasoning was given, she would be even more adamant about keeping her with them. Indeed, no doubt she would break his arm for considering it.
Zalgus found himself before the bay window, which had been turned a mirror by the night beyond. He examined his own handsome face, instinctively lifting a hand to fix his tousled hair into something a bit more presentable. A chill entered, and he tugged his light robe close around him to shut it out.
"I must be honest with myself." He was speaking aloud to cement the reality of his own emotions. "I would be unable to look myself in the face ever again if I even tried to reason myself into such an action. I would be a right monster for considering it after seeing what I have seen." His dreams were not just random images spurred by a sleeping mind. His dreams fell directly under the territory of the spirit bonded to him.
A deep hoot sounded in his ear, and pushed back the chill. The spirit of fate peeked over his head. Zalgus had the strangest impression that it was smiling at him. Its massive, all seeing eyes were closed in a cheerful expression. Maybe it would let him sleep the rest of the night now. They were still on the move, and their destination was still a week away.
A yawn caught him by surprise, so great that it cracked his jaw.
"Gus-gus?"
The nickname that Aislynn had graced him with on the second morning caught him even more by surprise. He cleared his throat and looked at her reflection in the window. She was peering out at him from the open crack in the door. It was obvious she had just woken up; her eyes were squinted from sleep.
"Is something amiss?" he asked, noting her own spirit poking its head over her shoulder. Its massive ears drooped from their own weight.
"I was going to ask you that." She stepped partially into the room, the sleeves of the shirt falling over her hands. "This is the third night I've heard you up and about at this hour." It wasn't just a trip for a glass of water either.
"I do my best thinking at this time," he answered evasively. "It is quieter, and my sister won't bother me." Now wasn't the time to be worrying her when there was little anyone could to do to change outcomes. There wasn't enough information, and based on the clear look of concern on Aislynn's face, it wouldn't take much to worry her.
"Am I bothering you?"
Zalgus almost bit his tongue as he realized the unintentional implication of his previous words. Still, there were signals he needed to remain in control over. He enjoyed playing with her head, not her heart. So, maintaining grace, he replied.
"Tomorrow we are leaving. The horses are fully rested and ready to continue." He turned to face her with a relaxed posture and neutral tone. "You have quite a bit of catch up to do before we arrive."
"Oh?"
"Well, for one thing, you will have to learn how to ballroom dance."
"W...wot..?"
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