It's not how it looks (Finished)

[Vala]

37th Day of Winter, 510 AV 23nd Bell Vala looked up; she thought she heard a noise: nothing. Vala was wary since the storm had grounded all the eagles, too many Endals walking about all the time now, she had to be more careful. She turned back to the cowering Dek. It’s name was Taik and it was severely malformed: a product of inbreeding. Vala had singled him out just that morning; Taik had caused a hold up in the kitchens; Vala didn’t know what he had done but she knew he had wasted precious food during the Winter season; that was more than enough reason to teach the Dek his place. It had been more than 40 days now, since Vala had started her search for a Glassblowing Master, and her efforts were for naught: her frustration was starting to wear on her nerves. She was going off on anyone, and everyone at the slightest provocation. Taik was unlucky enough to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. “Pwease spare me, pwease, I’m sowy, I won’t do it again, p-p-pwomise.” Vala giggled childishly as she mocked the Dek, emphasizing Taik’s lisp. “Oh please, stop talking before you anger me further.” She kicked the Dek in the ribs as he tried to open his mouth, before he could make anymore disgusting pleas for mercy. It felt good, venting her frustrations out on a worthless creature who didn’t deserve to live in Wind Reach anyway. A single tear rolled down Vala’s cheek as she scratched the Dek’s face with her nails, drawing bright, ruby red drops of blood. [/color]

[Fois]

Fois has been walking around the Wind Reach for nearly the whole day now. His walk didn’t have a purpose or a destination. He was rather putting off the time when he will have to go back to the aerie. Fois was even considering staying in the Commonrooms. It was difficult to be around Seleer when he was grounded due to storms. He has always been that way, and Fois learnt that it is best to leave the eagle alone for a while, until he gets used to the idea of not flying for a while. May not be a best way for Seleer, but definitely best for Fois. Usually he had Rapon, his raven, to keep him company at times like this, but not anymore. However, Fois liked and valued some time alone, so walking around the caves and tunnels for fairly long periods of time didn’t bother him too much.

Fois wasn’t too keen on meeting fellow Endal, who during such storms too were quite short tempered and proved to be poor conversationalists, therefore, he kept his walking routes away from places where he was most likely to run into one. That also meant that he saw and passed by more Dek than he would otherwise like to, but, compared to the alternative, he could deal with that. The Dek were only one word away from disappearing out of his sight.

The time, when he had to make a decision whether to go back to Seleer or having a night of good sleep away from the irritated eagle, was nearing. Suddenly a noise that Fois assumed was some kind of moaning reached his ear. He figured it was a Dek, and even though it didn’t sound like moans of pleasure, a hint of disgust ran through his face. Unfortunately for Fois, it seemed like he was walking closer to the source of the sound. Turning around and walking back didn’t look appealing to him, since that would result in a significantly longer distance towards both, Seleer’s aerie and the Commonrooms, and Fois felt that he did his share of wandering for today. He heard some talking and giggling that were followed by additional moaning. It was coming from around the turning, which was quite close by now. Fois entertained idea of turning around one last time, but decided that it’s best to just ignore the deed, that he knew was happening all the time.

What Fois saw was not exactly what he expected. He wasn’t sure what was actually happening, since the female, who was leaning over a lying Dek, had her back facing Fois, but judging from the fact that they were both dressed, his previous assumptions were wrong. Probably.

”What are you doing?” he asked. And even though he was a bit curious about whatever was currently taking place, it was and sounded like a command for immediate answer.

[Vala]

It was late; the storm outside the city had basically trapped the entire population: the angry noises of the grounded Eagles could be heard everywhere. And like the Eagles, Vala suddenly felt very, very cornered. Her first instinct was to try and cover up her deed. Her face transformed in seconds, from the furrowed mask of rage and frustration to the smooth, clear mask of childish innocence. She cleared her throat, preparing her voice for honeyed sweetness. “I uh…” Her bell like voice stuttered, words falling flat, refusing to come. Vala’s mind drew a total blank, this was completely impossible. It was late; everyone was supposed to be asleep; only Dek’s walked here; this was impossible; this couldn’t be happening, not to her. Vala desperately wanted to throw up the humiliation bubbling within her; it felt like a monster, growing, feeding on all her negative energy, threatening to destroy her from the inside out. She pictured her death, quick and quickly forgotten. The Endal would have her pushed into the Tomb of the Fallen; she would have no ceremony, no honors; she would never become an artist. She should have faced him; it was the right thing to do: own up to her crime. After years of being used, being manipulated, she was sick of the Inarta way. She was her own person, and she deserved her own life. She wasn’t going to die for honor, honor meant nothing dead. “What are you doing?” He had asked. Vala knew the Endal wasn’t stupid. He probably knew what she was doing, the question was, did he care enough to chase her down? It had been at least a chime by now, if she took any more time thinking she would lose her chance. Vala’s mind, pumping full of adrenaline and rage – she was angry at the Endal for making her feel shame, what right did he have to judge her, she was a useful member of society, unlike that stupid Dek – her mind reeled at the options, at the possibilities. She didn’t know if he had a weapon, if he did, it would make things a lot more difficult, but she probably knew these passage ways much better than him. Since she was nine, she had prowled these tunnels, she knew each dark corner: she was surprised that someone had actually found one of her hiding spots. He was close enough, about four paces. She was glad she chose a spot with multiple exits. She dropped to the ground, hard and fast, onto her knees; it hurt, but it was the only way. She began to sob, “I-i-I’m so so-so-sorry, ple-eas-se do-,” Sobbing usually confused men, especially Endal men. Her show of cowardice was probably disgusting him: all the better. With her head bowed low, her hands curled around a pile of dirt and pebbles. She stopped sobbing, her voice sobering to a sharp, clipped tone. “I hope you can forgive me…” Vala threw the handful of dirt and pebbles at the Endal, as she sprung up, running into one of the many dark unlit tunnels.

[Fois]

Clearly the girl didn’t expect visitors. She mumbled something incomprehensible. Fois couldn’t really figure out what kind of strange mixture of embarrassment, fear and anger the girl was showing. She was what? A Yasi? At least judging by that pretty, childish face she was. And why would she be here punishing this Dek? Was she even punishing him at all? Was she ashamed of that because she was a mere Yasi herself?

Fois’s thoughts were interrupted by the girl dropping on her knees. She was sobbing and trying to squeeze out some kind of apology. His eyes went towards the Dek beside the girl. He was groaning quietly, holding one hand across his chest and covering his face with another one. Fois could see some scratch marks and blood on his face. Dek’s foot didn’t seem right either. Was the ankle twisted? He couldn’t tell, but if so, the Dek was completely useless now. What should he do about it? And what should he do about this girl? Fois didn’t care much about the Dek in general, but he wasn’t sure if crippling the Dek for no good reason is a behaviour that Yasi should be engaging in. So should he hear her out and let her go? Punish her? Perhaps just warn her?

These various questions were running quickly through his mind, but, before any of those could be paired with some sort of answer, he was interrupted again. The girl issued a more coherent apology. Fois focused his attention back on her and just in time to see her springing up, throwing his hand towards him. This took him by surprise. But even more surprising was that he immediately felt something getting into his eye. Fois grunted. He caught a glimpse of the girl disappearing in one of the tunnels and, being almost blind now, Fois lunged after her.

Now this was too much. A child treating Endal like that? Unacceptable! Fois was rubbing his eyes, which were full of tears now, as he was running behind the girl, trying not to bump at the walls. This was embarrassing. Fois was determined to catch the brat, though he wasn’t yet too sure what he will do, once he did. One thing for sure, though. He was not telling about this to Seleer.

[Vala]

Vala cursed, silently, in her head. She naively wondered why the Endal was following her, didn’t he know that when someone threw sand in your eyes, they don’t want you to see/follow them. Vala turned into another dark and narrow tunnel, but she still couldn’t shake her tail. She shook her head, to clear her thoughts. She was wearing all black: hopefully she was harder to see, she also hoped she was making it hell for the persistent Endal. He was starting to gain on her, even though he was stumbling into a couple walls. Vala now regretted skipping all the runs the said she would go on. And to make it worse, Vala’s hip long hair was whipping her in the face as she tried to run faster, slowing her down further. Her scarf was also beginning to choke her. Trying to kill two birds with one stone, Vala pulled her scarf off to tie her hair, which was yet again, another stupid move. Vala’s attempt to fumble with her scarf while running blinded her. Her scarf and hair wound around Vala’s face until she couldn’t see. And just like a terrified animal she continued to run, straight into a wall at full speed. Vala crumpled to the ground. Everything hurt, and everything was spinning. She had lost track of where she was, she wondered if the Deks would try to kill her in her helpless state. Her tangled hair was also beginning to choke her. Vala was very close to passing out. Vala had definitely not expected this when she woke up this morning. She tried to remember what she had for breakfast, a random thought, but it helped her forget about the pain for a moment. After a tough day at work, she had just wanted to let off a little steam tonight, maybe kick a few worthless Deks; she had never expected to get caught, especially by an Endal. The few Deks who had tried to fight back were easily subdued; now she was the one being ‘subdued’: oh the irony. As she lay prostrate on the ground, hair and scarf wrapped around her face and neck, Vala smiled: At least the chase was over. She knew, in her heart, that she was going to be punished, if not killed. If it wasn’t from torturing the Dek, which the Endal obviously didn’t care about because he had left it lying in its own blood, it was from throwing dirt in his face. She wondered if he was going to hurt her physically, it was scary to think about it, but Vala began preparing herself. She emptied her mind, ready for fate to put her in her place. Vala felt empty inside.

[Fois]

Fois finally managed to get the sand out of his eyes and wipe off the tears. At least enough so that he could see almost as good as couple minutes ago, and run avoiding unnecessary collisions with walls on turns. Fois was getting more and more furious with each step. He could hear the girl running ahead of him, but didn’t make it far enough to escape him. And now with his vision back, he was confident that the Yasi will soon be caught. After all, he was an Endal. Letting a girl get away from him would be the final element of his utter humiliation.

Suddenly Fois heard a thud followed by a groan. The running ahead of him had stopped. Fois slowed downed and started walking towards the silent moaning. It was hard to see in the dark but he could tell by the sound that the Yasi wasn’t far away. Soon he saw someone lying on the ground before him. It was a girl with a scarf and hair covering her face. ’An interesting hiding method,’ Fois thought. But humour did little to disperse his anger. Catching his breath, Fois quickly approached the girl, harshly grabbed her by the shoulders and stood her up against the wall. He removed the scarf to see her face. It was definitely the girl he was after. Fois took a step back and slapped the Yasi with the back of his hand. At the same time a pebble in his eye decided to let Fois know that it was still there. He cursed loudly and tried to get it out. Fortunately, the procedure was simpler and quicker than the first time. With his eye better again, Fois turned back to the girl.

”Why did you assault the Dek?” he asked crossly. It wasn’t really the thing he cared or was angry about the most, if at all. Fois just tried to keep the things he had to ask and say in somewhat chronological order.

[Vala]

“Why did you assault the Dek?” The Endal asked her roughly; a thin, airy giggle escaped Vala’s lips. She tried to raise her hands to cover her mouth, to stop the escaping hysteria, but she had lost the strength to do so. She continued to giggle, but it transformed into weak cough: she was still having trouble breathing. Thankfully he had removed the scarf from her face and neck, her hair was still a bit tangled but it wasn’t throttling her anymore. Her face still stung from his hard slap; she wasn’t use to being hit, and if she was, they were usually considerate enough to avoid her face. She giggled even harder when she imaged what her life would be life if her face was as deformed as the Deks: if she was ugly. “Why?” She asked, her voice turning sharp and cold. “You’re asking me why?” She was caught, and she had obviously angered the Endal, she had passed the point of no return, she decided to have some fun, the last fun she was probably going to have before being removed like common trash. “I thought you were an Endal. Why don’t you use your telepathic powers and find out, eh? Hahahaha-“ Vala giggled even wilder. As if it was a completely different person, Vala’s face morphed. She stopped laughing. Her crazed smile transformed into a petulant frown. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to throw dirt in your eyes.” She pouted her lips even more. “Are you ok? They look pretty red. Do you want me to help get everything out?” She smiled winningly. “I think your earring is very beautiful, I think the blue of the bead complements your handsome blue eyes.” In the narrow tunnel, where the only light came from a sole, dim lantern a few feet away, Vala’s face took a pale, almost ghastly tone. Her usually cute smile was distorted into a pointed snarl, even her small, pearly teeth, seemed sharp and jagged. Her long red hair was tangled and somewhat matted with dirt: giving her a wild, feral look. The blood from a gash on her forehead began to trickle down, dripping onto her teeth. Vala continued to smile, licking her lips when enough blood pooled. Vala liked the feel of the warm blood on her skin. The sweat from her run was beginning to cool, making her shiver. The air in the tunnel felt chilly even though it was still the regular temperature. With her head spinning from the collision, and the rough handling, Vala was starting to lose it. “Are you going to hurt me?” She asked sleepily.

[Fois]

Telepathic powers? Was she teasing him now? Fois had no trouble communicating with Wind Eagles, but people were a whole different matter. He had to be calm and focused to get any kind of result. And Fois was neither now. Was his lack of experience so obvious? Even to a child? And this odd giggling! Was she goading him on purpose? Or was it some strange way of trying to scare him, an Endal, off? Fois was struggling to fight the confusion within him, as he tried to understand what was going on.

What was he even doing here in the dark tunnels? Chasing down and beating a girl was not an activity he had planned for today. Or any day, for that matter. Fois now regretted not turning around and having some extra walk earlier, when he had a choice. After pursuing the Yasi like that and catching her, he really didn't have much choice. Right? He should’ve just ignored whatever this girl had been doing to that Dek. After all, it was a mere Dek! Fois didn't even care that much about what was going on there, but rather felt it was his duty as Endal to know. The girl was above the Dek. A measly Yasi herself, yes, but still above the Dek. Dreadful treatment of these drudges was common, so how was this event any different? Whether or not it was a suitable activity for a Yasi to engage in was a whole different question, and Fois didn’t have an answer to it. So what was he doing here in the dark tunnels with this girl?

She attacked him! Fois got back on his track of anger. This little, pathetic brat dared to attack him! Sure, it was less of an attack and more of an insult, but Fois didn’t take insults lightly. This whole trouble was a huge embarrassment. He had shown the lowly residents of Wind Reach their place on more than one occasion, but never before had he been laughed at while doing it. To his face. By the offender. Fois felt completely humiliated. He thought of his dagger he had behind his back. That will be a swift end to this whole unpleasant event. After all, she was but a Yasi, who did not show any kind of respect to Endal as she was supposed to.

Fois growled silently.

But she was a Yasi, not just some Dek. Fois wasn’t sure if he would’ve spared a Chiet in his fury for this outrage. But she was a Yasi, and that’s why she was still breathing. Old enough to know her place, but still… Maybe she has a talent, that would greatly benefit the community, maybe she will even become Endal herself. Seleer didn’t like the lower caste either, but he would not approve killing the Yasi like this. For an offense that wasn’t really worth killing at all, Fois had to admit.

While Fois was doing his best to set the chaos of thought in his head in some sort of order, the girl was sweet-talking to him. Did she see his confusion? And of course the blue of the bead complements the blue eyes! That’s the idea. But that’s beside the point. Her face may have been pretty earlier, but now the girl was dirty and bleeding. And a Yasi. The caste a person belonged to had a tendency to cloud Fois’s judgment of beauty and charm. And yet…

”Stop it!” he commanded.

Fois leaned towards the girl. “Are you going to hurt me?” she asked in somewhat tired voice. What was he to do?

Fois closed his eyes and loudly exhaled. He reopened the eyes and hoped that the confusion was gone from them and was replaced by anger. He did feel angry, didn’t he? Anyway, he needed to finally do something. Behavior like that couldn’t be unpunished, but punished how? Fois wouldn’t kill her, that much was clear to him now. Was the hard slap adequate punishment? Beat her some more? Give her a warning? Teach the Yasi the things she should've already known? Straighten her out and make the girl a decent member of the society? Was that part of the duty to the community Seleer always talks about? So what was he to do after all? Fois didn’t want to look back on the events that were currently taking place and be plagued by the same questions and try to justify his decision. He had to make it right, now. He had to be happy with it. He needed time.

”What do you do?” he asked, trying to keep his commanding voice, and mask his uncertainty. Nevertheless, Fois heard a hint of tiredness in his voice.

[Vala]

Vala was growing bored. Why hadn’t he killed her yet? She was getting too sleepy to care. It was just so dim and everything felt like it was spinning. She just wanted a good nap, right now, on the dirty, hard ground. “Stop it!” he had told her. She would show him… no she wouldn’t; she was too tired. He looked confused. Even in her state, she could tell. He was trying to mask it with anger; Endals usually masked everything with anger, anger and their bloody pride. He didn’t know what to do with her, that’s why he was hesitating, that’s why he hadn’t killed or beaten her yet. She deserved a good beating; she did assault him a little, even if it was just with dirt. And according to Inarta rule, she should have been put down, she shamed him, even if no one saw. Maybe he thought she was a Yasi? That’s why he hadn’t killed her. Endals were always sweet on the Yasi: too innocent to be evil yet, and too young with too much potential to waste. She could play on that, but what if he found out the truth? It’s not like her situation could get much worse. Vala was glad though, that her hysteria had died down a little. She could still feel the tendrils of the dark insanity clawing within her, but it was under control: for now. An understanding of situation was yet to really sink in, yet. Vala was still trying to pretend it was just a really bad dream. If it was, she would just wake up tomorrow, continue her menial job, try to find a master to take her as an apprentice, and maybe read a book. If it wasn’t, well if it wasn’t a dream, Vala had no idea what she was going to do. It was better for her spinning mind just to ignore the reality of it all. He asked her a question. “What do you do?” He sounded tired too. Vala wondered if Endals took naps; she loved naps. He also sounded a little uncertain, his voice wasn’t as scary as when he caught her with the Dek. She forgot its name already… she usually never forgot their names. Knowing their names prevented her from hurting them too much… unlike that one time. Vala wanted to lie to the Endal. Lying was fun. Keeping up with all the lies was even more fun. Actually, the most fun was making sure no one ever found out she was lying. Sometimes, when Vala actually told the truth, people thought it was lying, she never liked that. She decided to tell the truth. If he thought she was lying then she would just let the hysteria take over. If he believed her and beat her, then it wasn’t a dream and she would just die. Vala liked to plan her ‘reactions’ beforehand. Helped her feel more in control, and allowed for a more fluid, progression. She hated hesitation. She also hated all this suspense. She told the truth, but could help making her voice sound meek and a little innocent. “I am an assistant librarian. I work in the Enclave.” She calmly looked into his eyes, albeit a little defiantly. “My name is Vala. I am 16 years old. I turn 17 on the first day of Spring. And I am a Chiet.”

[Fois]

A Chiet! This cursed kid was a Chiet! She knew her place full well, and yet she mocked him! She saw his confusion, his hesitation, and she ridiculed him! And what with those taunting eyes! Was she still teasing him? Did she want to see what he would do? Did she want him to snap? His pride was gone, leaving him only with shame and embarrassment. Fois’s fury flared anew. If she wanted his rage, she would get his rage, common sense be damned! Fois forcefully put his left hand on the Chiet’s forehead and pressed her head against the wall. With his right hand he grabbed his dagger and put it by her throat. His eyes were now close to hers and his face nearly close enough to feel the blood that was dripping from her brow down her cheeks. Fois was quivering.

”I give you one last opportunity to explain yourself,” Fois was almost whispering. He was speaking fast, slurring some words. ”You have very little time to tell me what you thought you were doing, why you did it and make a spectacular apology that I would be happy with. That will help the odds of your survival today.”

The girl looked exhausted. She was pale. Her eyes were looking at him, but it seemed they are somewhere else. Did she know what she was doing at all at this point? Did he? Why the deliberation? He had killed before. But deep down inside Fois knew what was wrong. His flare of rage was just superficial, while the real anger had nearly burnt out. Was he too tired? Was he still thinking of this pitiful Chiet as a Yasi? It didn’t matter. If there was someone watching the scene and his feelings, they would laugh at Fois and his acting. It wasn’t rage or fury, but merely his pathetic attempt to get some of his pride back, and he will take it back from this cheeky Chiet who made him look like a fool.