Carrying the Baggage(Nil,Shai)

[Antar]

75th of fall;

The morning had been a day filled with a bit of turmoil. It had been the third day he had the acquaintance of a small little catling named Nil and this morning had been a series of interesting, if tired occurrences. He'd woken up turned on his side with Nil snug up in a kitty little ball beneath his nose, glaring at him with two cats eyes as a paw seemed to bat at his nose. It was bad enough the falcon woke him up whenever she could by using wind reimancy, but now he had a twenty four pound cat getting in on the act... darn his life. Sighing heavily he was sure he would be quite tired later. After asking if the cat wanted breakfast or not, the furry eared head shook oddly in a sign for 'no.'

So a little game of twenty questions ensued.

Eventually he got the gist that the little varmint wanted to lead him somewhere, so lead she did. All over the southwest of sunberth with a wild chase through the twisting alleyways of all to go find her 'secwet.' 'secwet' the rogue had to climb and manuever through several abandoned houses for just to keep up. But eventually, it had been worth it to see a little Nil in her human form pulling up a snug little backpack out of a hiding place located in a crack in the wall.

A backpack filled with a few items of interest, most notably clothes: which he promptly shoved over the little miscreant's head after telling her to wear people clothes today. A child running around naked in Sunberth was a clear warning sign for predators of all sorts, including slavers, the odd zith, and maybe a rather low standards symenestra or two. Well, at least there was one symenestra he wouldn't consider that risk for. Taking a closer look at the backpack of items as the kelvic finished putting on her clothes like a 'big girl', Antar inspected a small money pouch, filled with 600 gold rimmed mizas. It wasn't the mizas that concerned him so much, but rather the back was marked with a merchant's seal.

A slaver's seal to be exact, and that made his mind wander in all sorts of directions on where his newfound kelvic friend had come from. He promptly placed the money inside the backpack as he considered the implications, If Nil had gotten this money from a slaver, it probably meant she was a slave as well.

He didn't necessarily care for slavery. Opting for it only when someone had stolen or attacked him. Like his own kelvic Ellise. Some might call her a slave, but they'd be wrong though. Ellise was damaged mentally from bonding too young. Throwing her into a slaver or a pet shop's like killroy's arms sent shivers down his spine. Ellise would be unable to last the week, so he had taken the onerous task of keeping her, until her mind developed further, or without end.

Nil's circumstances were sort of the same, but different. She hadn't really 'stolen' anything from him successfully. Rather she'd just been wanting a meal. Her form being entangled by the fence around the camp had been enough of a sight for him to oddly not want to end her life, so he eventually worked on feeding the cat an entire rabbit. Then over the next day he came to know her a little better, to this day now. He was confident though, that unlike Ellise Nil would grow up right, making sure her mind matured enough for her to go her way as she pleased with the bonding process.

This little kelvic wouldn't be bonding to anyone anytime soon. Not until her mind was ready. Until then, he had decided to train her to face the cold wide world. At least enough to ensure she didn't become a slave again. That would be too cruel.

Shaking his thoughts from his head, the rogue gathered up the human form Nil in his arms and began to walk back towards camp. After stashing her gear in his tent, taking care to transfer Nil's mizas into an unmarked pouch, he secured the slaver's marked one in his footlocker. He had a few friends who might look into it to see if the kelvic was in any danger. Noth took a turn to ponder what his actions yesterday might yield today. He had sent out a request for Shai, and Canali to meet at noon near the castle commons so he could ask for 'assistance' with the little problem with Nil.

To his surprise, they both had aquiesced.

Scooping Nil up in his arms, Antar ran his way towards the Castle Commons where he had promised to meet them both...

[Shai]

Shai sat on the edge of a rooftop, her bare feet dangling over the side of the building towards an alleyway. It gave her a nice view of the corner where she was supposed to meet Antar. He apparently had some sort of wardrobe malfunction or something, Shai was a little uncertain about why he needed her help but it was one more chance to find another piece to the riddle of Antar. The little thief began to wonder if Antar would be so interesting to her once she had a clear picture of the puzzle. Well the man was close enough to enigma to keep her attention for at least a few seasons. Any longer than that though would be entirely unhealthy, after all he is a human, a superior human but still fundamentally different from her.

From her perch Shai was able to see in three of the four cardinal directions leading towards the meeting location. Shai didn’t dare wait street side, she wasn’t stupid. Even with her cloak obscuring features she was still diminutive enough to be a target especially if she was loitering around.

Eventually, if later than their appointed meeting time, Shai’s planning was rewarded. She spotted the rogue approaching and carrying an attention-grabbing article. A little girl? What have I gotten myself into? And who entrusted a little girl to that man?! Shai looked down into the alley way and waited for an appropriate moment; when all of its occupants weren’t looking. Once her shot came Shai scampered down the wall.

Hopping the last few feet to the ground, she landed with quiet clap of bare feet on stone. Making her way out of the alley way towards where she’d last stolen a glimpse of the pair, Shai got a better view of the child in question. He was right to contact her, a little girl, even a human one, should not be raised in such a dirty manner. Women required refinement to compete properly in this world such skills men were often incapable of passing on. Shai raising one hand high to get his attention, she trotted towards him pulling on her day slippers in between steps. “So I think I will take a guess, is this adorable little creature the reason you needed help shopping?” She gave Nils a close mouthed smile, no need to scare her with her fangs yet. Let the little girl adjust to Shai’s alien eyes first. “What is your name little one?”

[Nil'Anon]

Nil bounced up and down in Antar’s arms as he ran through the streets. The pair was on their way to meet a woman by the name of Shai, someone that Uncle Noth, as she had grown accustomed to call him, apparently worked with. Her time with Antar had been interesting thus far. He was trying to train her to fight and defend herself and so far, had taken better care of her than the slavers that had had her before. They had only just retrieved the belongings that she had taken with her when she ran away, including her clothes and the money she had taken. Her current set of clothing had been borrowed from the other Kelvic that stayed with Antar, Nil’s own clothing needing some washing and repair before it could be worn again. Mostly washing, since it was the only pair of clothing she had and she had been wearing it off and on since her escape in order to blend in while in her human form. New clothing was part of the reason she was out with Antar and they were meeting this woman, they were going shopping for new clothes, armor, weapons, and the like for her. She’d only been with the man for a few days and he already seemed to be formulating big plans for her.

So, there was Nil, bouncing up and down in Antar’s arms as they traveled through the streets unhindered, up until a woman appeared and greeted Antar. This woman must be the one they were meeting. Shai. Nil watched as Shai spoke of her and then addressed her. “Nil’Anon,” the Kelvic responded to the question as she examined the appearance of the woman. Her strange eyes were interesting to Nil and she couldn’t help but stare at them.

[Antar]

"Now now, Nillie, don't take up all of Auntie Shai's time by staring. We have a lot to do today. Even if she does have pretty eyes."

Antar shifted Nil's weight from one arm to the other as he held her. Only a fool would let a small child walk alone in sunberth and the apparent armor and armature upon his form would hopefully serve to dismay any would be childnappers. If anything, the rogue strangely enough was protective of his friends, such as little Nil, even if he wouldn't bat an eyelash if he had to slaughter several children. Hopefully, none of them would ever be his own... the idea of kids in regards to his uncertain future was a daunting one, and not one to dawdle in the street pondering as it gave one a potential to being shanked in the back. Especially on these streets.

Taking a look at Shai, Antar allowed himself a small smile , simply gazing at her eyes a moment longer then necessary before winking devilishly. Humming to himself he walked ahead just enough to come abreast of the woman, inclining with a slight sign of his head that he wouldn't be remiss to having him walk beside him, or for Nil to talk to her while they did so. They were equals after all, at least in personal terms, even if she was still an associate to be in their guild.

Perchance now little Nillie was too, of a sorts.

Regardless, Antar had taken the initiative to care for her, and that meant right now- clothes, armor, and a weapon. And the best place to find those in one place in all of Sunberth was the Gated Community. This normally for a man meant the droll dreariness of carrying the baggage, and he had no doubt he would be doing that. But the merchant in him loved the sense of playful bartering that was present in negotiations so he didn't mind the excuse. Besides, he was sure Shai would find the perfect accessories for his little caracal friend. Pretty, yet anassuming to blend into crowds, long sleeves capable of hiding weapons as the little one would need. But of more import, something that she could move around in, yet large enough to grow into.

'Yes it would be perfect.' Snaking his free arm about Shai's robed waist Antar ventured to pull her a little closer before he began to whistle slightly off key a mellow tune. They weren't that far from the gated community but it was in prime thieving territory and that alone merited that their surroundings should be watched.

[Shai]

Oh this will be trouble. . . Shai could keep the remark silent but she couldn’t stop the thought. Matching her stride to Antar’s she kept close. The ground was her least favorite way to traverse Sunberth, it wasn’t safe especially not for a woman alone. Although not alone right now, they certainly didn’t look like bad targets. Not to mention the gated community’s proximity to the Slaver’s district. Of course, any such brigands would soon find that they got much more than they bargained for.

As Antar pulled her close, she couldn’t help but recognize the strange picture the trio staged. Shai had to assume the rogue was doing it on purpose and was also aware that he had made them look like some oddball family. The ruse seemed a bit odd in this context, it was only shopping right? Hopefully that man wasn’t planning something more sinister without telling her. Especially not if it put that delightful child in danger.

Sweeping her gaze down to Nil from Antar, the spider took a quick glance behind them. Until they were inside the gates someone had to watch their shadows. Not to say to say it was really any safer beyond the walls but the dangers tended to come from different angles. “It is lovely to meet you Nils’Anon, I am Shai. I do not know what you have been told but I work with Antar sometimes.” Giving the child a quick smile before looking again towards their path before them; the gates only a few paces ahead. “But today is not for work. What colors do you like?” The entrance to the Gated Community was just as crowded as ever, and the wait was abysmally long. Finally the words 'shopping' got them through.


Shai mentally kicked herself; she needed to remain more detached. The Symenestra knew children were her weakness but she couldn’t let Antar know that. If the rogue was supposed to teach her the last thing she wanted was for him to know her preference for children and try to use it against her as some sort of training exercise. Would he even do that? She didn’t honestly know, but it wasn’t worth the risks.

Striding through the gates at her companion’s sides, Shai addressed the matter at hand briskly. “So what exactly are we shopping for today?” This time letting a bit of humor slip into her voice as she recalled their last shopping trip. “Perhaps dresses again? A ribbon would be nice in her hair. ” Redirecting from the rogue to the young lady in his arms, “Do you like ribbons or dresses? That is more important than whatever Antar wants you to wear. Never let a man tell you how to dress Nils, it confuses them into believing they can actually control you.” With the first important piece of womanly knowledge past on Shai waited for them to fill the silence. It was only in the brief following silence that Shai even realized Antar had complimented her.

The dress shop they had visited earlier was just down the road now.

[Nil'Anon]

Nil was shifted to Antar’s other arm as he chastised her for staring at Shai. She paid him no mind as she continued to examine the woman with that curiosity that was said to get cats killed. The woman spoke to her as she stared, and though Nil was paying every bit of attention, she didn’t say very much in response. At least she didn’t until she was addressed with an actual question, to which she responded with the answer, “Green.” Shai continued to discuss their shopping trip and Nil refrained from speaking until she was questioned again, “Dresses and bows,” she questioned, “I’ve never had any,” she trailed off. She didn’t really know what to think of the idea of wearing dresses and bows or if she would like them, she looked to Shai, her head tilted to the side in question and uncertainty. That look remained for the rest of Shai’s womanly advice, which Nil didn’t really understand. A Kelvic’s purpose was to serve, so why wouldn’t she wear what Antar told her to? Even if they weren’t bonded, he was the closest thing she had to a bonded. Following her brief delving into the thought of dresses, her gaze moved down to the hand at Shai’s waist, and suddenly it was like someone had let the cat out of the bag, or opened up some flood gates. “Why are you holding Aunty Shai like that,” she asked as the wheels in her brain started turning, “You’re awfully close together.” Nil blinked up at Antar innocently.

[Shai]

Mentally trying several shades of green on the child, Shai tried to imagine how she could best dress her. It would be extraordinarily helpful if the spider knew why Antar had Nils in the first place and what he planned to do with her. While dresses were beautiful they could easily make the little girl into a target. A bow or ribbon on the other hand couldn’t be nearly so detrimental and still offer some femininity.

As they approached the shop, with subtle thumps of synchronized steps well versed in secrecy, the child voiced her question. It was a natural question for a child to ask. Shai had once years ago been warned of the natural curiosity of children but had never expected it from a human of Sunberth. Regardless the question was directed at Antar and it was his problem as far as the Symenestra was concerned. If he wanted to play surrogate father to a little girl the questions would only become more awkward. Easing out of his grasp, as there was no way they fit through the doorway side-by-side, Shai passed through the tailoring shop’s threshold.

The interior was much as she recalled from their previous visit. The larger storefront had a half partition bisecting the wares into a feminine and masculine half of the shop. Shai had entered into the women’s half and began to search immediately for clothing in a children’s size. Passing by pomped up mannequin’s with unreasonable anatomies and cubbies in the walls containing small accessories such as stockings and gloves. Most notably on the way Shai had to duck to get beyond an aggressive display of ostentatious hats. But eventually, near the dressing area in the rear of the building the petite woman located items made specifically for girls.

Her journey through the shop did not go unnoticed by any means. Behind the desk in the far corner a young, smartly dressed, red haired gentlemen had caught a glimpse of her moving through the hats. It was the same attendant who had helped Shai and Antar on their last shopping trip except this time he wasn’t alone. Lounging next to the young man was distinguished blonde gentleman gently sprawled over an upholstered chair. The older fellow tickled Shai’s memory but she couldn’t place why, she knew for a fact that the man was a stranger. His shirt lay artfully unbuttoned and his hair was mussed perfectly to match the effect. It looked like a great deal of effort to the spider, especially if the goal was only to sit in a chair and be observed.

The red head bent low to speak directly to the gentlemen and let two distinct words carry, “Demoya” and “dress”. In response a tiny cerulean song bird perched upon a hat, which Shai had previously assumed was some sort of strange ornament, let out a fantastic ring of chirps and flittered down to sit upon the dallying man’s shoulder. The man finally stood, with the warbler teetering to maintain its balance, he gave Shai a once over and then gave the same cursory inspections towards Antar and Nils. With a brilliant, charming smirk painted upon his features the man tipped his imaginary hat towards the rogue and kelvic duo. With a flourish he sauntered off through a door hidden behind the clerk’s desk, taking the little bird with him.

A chill ran up the spider’s spine, it felt like she had just been appraised. Shai uneasily turned back to looking for clothing for Nils, unsure what to make of that man or what he had made of the trio. Extracting a small pair of black child sized britches and an emerald shirt with long sleeves in a complimentary size. The Symenesta turned back towards her companions, snatching up a small belt on the way from one of the accessory bins. Her return to the duo was followed directly by the auburn haired clerk.

Announcing his arrival was a clear voice slanted with feigned difference that shop keepers were so often good at. “Returned so soon? And brought a third this time. . .” He let the idea hang in the air as she inspected the two adults and then the complete dissimilarities found in the youngest of the trio. Returning his attentions to Antar, appraising. “No more dresses for the selective lady today? Or perhaps a new coat for you, Sir? If you don’t recall you’re measurements I’d be happy to oblige. ” Briefly glancing down at the clothes in Shai’s hands, “Ah! For the child then?” Finally taking a moment to really exam Nil the young man’s eyes opened wide before the gently genial expression returned to mask his brief surprise. “Something as artful as the Lady’s last purchase perhaps? If so you’ll want something still in the shop. You don’t often find the best pieces on display. Those are usually meant as private orders only.”

[Antar]

Antar smiled at the friendly shop owner, thinking he was vaguely familiar in looks but he didn't know why. No matter, they had come to this shop before it seemed, it was where he had bought the necessary attire for the little problem he had needed Shai's help to settle. Permanently settle that was. He had seen the clerk before, but this shop owner was new to him. As he noticed his gaze at Shai, the rogue quietly gave the man a once over of his own.

Fit, yet lithe, dangerously sauve. A dandy it seemed, and he was unsure of the man's combat capability, though if it was in any form similar to the efforts he put into his 'shaggy dog' fashion setup then it might be higher then Antar knew. Common tales said that a few business owners in the Gated Community held more power with the dragoons, though none knew the pecking order.

Playing it safe the rogue cordially nodded to the man, after their eyes met a moment when the shopkeeper's gaze flicked from Shai to him. The little bird was telling, as the dandy exited and the clerk came back to speak to them all. Taking things in stride, Antar interjected a bit to allow Shai time to compose herself. "Ah yes, Sir. Excellent eye my good man. Yes we are here for the little one today. I'm thinking perhaps something fashionable yet functional. She'll be spending some time in them playing under our supervision of course. Dangerous town Sunberth is we're already teaching her all sorts of useful things including how to defend herself. Though I'm sure my dear Shaisha can tell you more of the exact requirements we might wish to have. Perhaps a second dress for fancier engagements?"

Looking very much amused Antar tilted his head and winked at Shai in order to let her take the lead with this one. He'd be paying for a simple dress for Nil, and perhaps a fancier one for special occasions might be an investment out of the money she had lead him to. The slaver's mark on the coinpurse had rattled him, even if he had changed it out. He might have to get Eridanus to start snooping a little to find out what he could.

The man was another rare person Antar was thinking as 'potentially dependable.' Shai was too... even if things had been tense a little between them due to the last night's discussion with Eryss. Whatever the case, it seemed she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for his actions in the night. Though, this morning's meditation had made him wonder just why he had reacted so strongly to defend the woman. Did he just like having her by his side?

Surely, she was quite pleasant to hold, and his mind would easily drift back to the sensation of her hip against his as they walked there. The puzzlement he felt now was mixed, and if the rogue could he'd like to sort things out a bit. Though, the thought did make him think back to Nil's earlier question. Leaning towards her ear, he whispered conspiratorially , yet loud enough for the symenestran to hear. "You know Uncle Noth does like to say that Auntie Shaisha is quite the pretty lady. Don't you think Nillie?"

[Nil'Anon]

Nil seemed rather disinterested in the store and the wares on display, being as clothes weren’t really her thing. Her interest was piqued by the other living things in the store, including the bird that wasn’t fooling her. Accessory, sure, if potential dinner could be considered an accessory. The bird and the younger of the two gentlemen smelled like a mixture of animal and human. Perhaps they were like her, though it could have just been the environment playing tricks on her nose. Either way, she was unconcerned with them since Antar would probably make a fuss over her trying to eat the bird and the people were just… people. Though, her gaze did linger on the blond gentleman a little longer than the rest, her lips pulling back slightly as if she were still in cat form, trying to growl or hiss at him. It was a rather comical face for her to be making in human form.

Her attention was drawn all over the place as the bird took flight, the child squirming in Antar’s arms as instinct took over and she itched to go after it when it finally moved. The only thing keeping her in place was Antar’s arms. When she settled again, her attention returned to those that remained, who were discussing the clothing that they would be purchasing for her. Her face wrinkled in minor disgust and annoyance at the thought of having to wear more clothes. She decided to turn her attention to something else, preferring to ignore the thought of clothing. Her nostrils flared slightly as she caught an interesting scent and decided to make that the focus of her attention. Antar questioned her about Shai and the child nodded almost absent-mindedly as she questioned him back, “Are you mates? You smell like you want to mate?” Yeah, she could really care less about the clothing in Shai’s arms.

[Shai]

“Yes, something durable too. Children are rarely gentle on belongings.” The Symenestra directed the clerk, sending him off with the clothes she had picked out as references. “Oh, and in green if you have it.”

“I’ll see what I can do Ma’am” was the young clerk’s reply before heading into the back room. He had little to worry about, in the Gated Community thieves often didn’t make it far. Especially not if the thief had stolen from a few choice establishments this one being high on that very list.

Shai had expected to orchestrate the shopping trip from the beginning so when Antar turned the reigns over to her it wasn’t much a surprise. What did surprise her, although, was the use of the alias. The last time he had called her ‘Shaisha’ they had been hunting an assassin. Instantly on edge Shai had to surprise the urge to look for the source of their secrecy. The only physical tell the woman let slip was her straightened posture and the quick and quiet clicks of two hidden talons meeting at a steady tempo. What had he noticed that she missed? Was it the blonde man? He had made her skin twitch. But she was not usually considered important enough to learn about anyways so why would Antar want her identity hidden now? In a tailor’s shop of all places? Whatever the reason she would follow his lead, any information about them was taboo while in the vicinity.

Well, until the child got right to the heart of the under currents that ran between the thief and the rogue. Turning on the pretence of inspecting a mannequin’s attire Shai hid the response she knew would pepper her cheeks. “ ‘Mate’? What exactly have you been teaching her?” Shai interrogated her associate with a palpable air of disapproval, certainly reminiscent of a mother’s scolding. It was an easy tone to take for the Symenestra. . .

Shai had no way to know the word choice was due to Nil’anon’s race; kelvic. The creatures were rare and so far there had been no reason to suspect the child of it. The children of Sunberth were often half-feral in their own right. Consequently, any of her wildness could be excused away as survival instincts necessary for any denizen of Sunberth.

Milo, the clerk, was agonizingly sluggish in returning but eventually he managed it. Bringing with him two distinct shades of fabric draped over his arms. He recalled who had paid on the previous visit and so addressed Antar and Nil who would be wearing the garments in question. Besides, the spider was busy not looking in their direction. “How about this one?” the clerk offered, holding out the first fabric which unfolded into a gently light green day dress. Turning it sideways and placing it on Nil’s level he opened deep pockets hidden in the folders of the fabric beneath the undefined waist.

Turning back around Shai watched the demonstration with only a vaguely embarrassed mien. The little dress he offered first would be roughly what they needed, but she couldn’t help but wonder just how long that color would last before Antar’s teaching and the streets of Sunberth reduced it to a dusky brown.

Handing the dress to Shai, Milo continued with his display; the second piece of clothing turned out to be a much finer dress very similar in design to Shai’s own. The outer layer was velvety forest green that covered a bodice and front gentle cream. The dress had a hood but the sleeves ended at the elbow. The shop keeper held this one out for Nil to inspect before handing it to the spider as well he got to see her reaction to the dress.

Shai frowned, the dress was impractical to begin with. Furthermore it was probably far too delicate for a child to reliably keep intact, but if Nil wanted it that was her choice. Observing as the clerk produced the final piece of clothing the Nerium in her almost purred with approval. It was a cloak, a lovely dark emerald cloak. It had blended in with the fancier dress so she hadn’t noticed it when he first came out.

With a small flourish he exposed the interior of the cloak where to large pockets were stitched in as well as matching rows off three sheath loops lined with a thick leather so that blades could be stored inside them.

Shai wanted to question why they would have such a creation in a child’s size, but then again this was Sunberth, anyone might be prepared to place a knife in your back. It looked a little long for the child but not terribly so, room to grow really. Turning to Nils, “Do you like any of these?”