Smoke and Splutter

by **Sami** on June 30th, 2013, 3:02 pm

Sami mulled over his words for a chime or two, her tongue being kept in place as she listened. His words were true, not that she wanted to admitted to it. She did not need people. She did not need friends. No one needed her back home in Wind Reach, she was just a stupid Yasi after all. A trouble maker in its finest form. And no one had time for that sort of person. Her cheeks puffed out slightly, a momentary act of defiance until his explanation of Riverfall came. A city on the cliffs, overlooking the great blue. It was an image that seemed so far and distant in her mind, and one that she could not quite conjure up. Then again he did not give her a lot to go buy short from his own stated opinions “I bet Wind Reach is better.”

“An Aka-la-k?” her eyes narrowed as she tested the word and rolled it around in her mouth. She gave a frown, and shook her head. As far as she knew, Wind Reach had never had such visitors come to their isolated mountain. Then again they never really did have any visitors at all, and those that did get to see the outside world were the Endal. Watching the Drykas, Sami tapped at the ground with a small sense of annoyance and then spoke “So I guess you’re going to tell me all about these Akalaks now then?” Her arms folded as she leaned right back to the dirt, and released a loud and unwavering yawn. It was going to be a long time indeed, more so if this near stranger was to talk at her about life and the world that now surrounded her.

"Either way... it sounds like there is going to be the next stop. Unless you have other plans and consider feeding me to something," there was a brief smirk, before the eyes turned once more to the fire.

by **Vanator** on July 3rd, 2013, 12:15 pm

The Drykas tossed the waterskin down next to Sami and moved back to the fire to stoke it. Wriggling sparks lifted into the air, losing their glow in the light of the setting sun. The Drykas glanced at the reclining girl, the long shadow of the small tree stretching out over the redhead. His less-than-willing companion finally made an off comment about the superiority of Wind Reach. Aside from a shrug, Vanator ignored her, they were the words of a pouting child. But Sami soon followed up with a sarcastic assumption that a lecture on Akalaks was inevitable. The teenager emphasized her anticipated boredom with a yawn. The Drykas' dark, gold-speckled gaze darted to the youth. Sami was aggravating. But, Vanator admitted, the girl had spirit, and with a few firm swats and some manners, the Inartan could grow into a good, strong woman.

The man answered her, not looking her way as he gathered up the pot and utensils. "No, if you want to know about the Akalaks, you can ask. And yes, I am going to Riverfall. You are too, unless we find someone along the way that can take you in. Unless I determine it is Caiyha's will that you become part of the circle of life, I will only feed you to something if that prevents something from eating my horse first."

Van stepped over to the reclining girl, dropping the pot and utensils at her feet with a clatter. "Now, earn your keep and go wash those in the stream." He turned to walk away, then looked back over his shoulder, pointing a finger at the teen. "And be careful with your fire. Don't mess around with it out here. Wildfires can ignite easily." Whether intentional or not, the young reimancer's destruction of the slaver's camp proved she was capable of wreaking havoc.

by **Sami** on July 5th, 2013, 8:06 pm

Sami pulled a face at the comment about the potential of becoming food for something else should the need arise. She could hardly tell if he was joking or not, but she was not about to question him on it. He could be serious after all. And that was a risk she could not afford to take. She turned her head away, tilting it up to the changing sky. Dusk was approaching, the stretching shadows snaking their way across the ground. She only had time to give a frown, before the clatter of pots sounded at her feet. There was a look of disgust upon her face, followed by a raising of an eyebrow. She looked far from impressed by his words, her lips pursing together into a pout. But before she could object the stern words of the Drykas emerged. Of course, his intentions seemed to be largely made clear after that, so begrudgingly the Inarta sat herself up to analyse the utensils with care. Thoughts churned over as she was directed to the stream, and easing herself up she did as she was instructed.

Not out of respect, but instead that nagging fear that she would become something to be devoured. At least that was what she told herself.

Releasing a snort the Inarta tromped her way over to the stream, the low clattering of noise marking her steps to her target. She could hear the words still going round in her head, to be used as bate over the horse, the warning on her fire, and the earning of her keep. It kept her torn, on edge on what she should exactly do next. He did not care, he only cared of himself. She was just dirt to him, just like she was to everyone else. Kneeling she released a grunt and a groan, and filled the pot with the stream water.

“Petching son of a…” she mumbled in Nari as fingers clawed at the insides of the pot. It was filled, it was rinsed, her fingers wiping round the inside of it before the contents was sloshed about and finally released. The process was repeated, a low mumble of curses chirping under her breath, with a firm scowl on her face. Clattering a utensil against the inside of the pot, the Inarta gave a sigh. She did not fancy the idea of being in servitude to Vanator for too long, it would be nothing but trouble. Or more correctly, she knew she would be nothing but trouble to him and whoever else she associated herself with, “What a pain.”

by **Vanator** on July 18th, 2013, 12:32 pm

Vanator watched the sullen Inartan stalk off to the stream. He shook his head slightly to himself before setting about erecting the tent, his mind mulling over Sami. Though she was irritating and snarky, the Drykas could hardly fault her. Had the girl been found outside a luxurious home, garbed in fine clothes and her mouth filled with delicacies, he would certainly revile her for her sour attitude. But Sami was far from that child. She was damaged, she had to be. She was far from home, about as far as one could get he imagined. She had been abducted, doomed to enslavement. Even the veteran Drykas could not stomach the thought of what others may have already done to the young teen.

Sami also possessed a dangerous magic, one which she already showed an inability to control, even though it lead to her freedom. What was his responsibility here? Pausing a moment from standing the tent poles, Van glanced again at the small redhead. He could take her in, if she was willing, be the father she didn't have. The Drykas was not sure he was ready to take on another teenager, especially one that needed as much attention as Sami. The Drykas still had the desire to pick the mouthy kid up by her collar and toss her across the grass. He could take her in as a servant, or slave. Though he bristled at the word, Van knew he could be a kind and nurturing master, yet instill the discipline the girl would certainly require. But Sami would never be a good slave, she was trouble from head to toe... too much work. Maybe Kav would hire her. Again, Vanator didn't think Sami, or his sister, were ready for that.

He would take her to Riverfall. She would not be safe on her own, but Van and Kavala knew people there, maybe someone could take Sami under their wing. Van could make sure she got on her feet, or on her way. Looking again as the girl walked back towards the camp, he nodded to himself. She was going to Riverfall.

by **Banickle** on August 7th, 2013, 1:49 am

And the Mozcars for Best PCs in Leading Roles go to... :

"May I swing you a lullaby? Shall I slay you a tune? It will be fun, I promise, to fear my croon!"

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