Day 18, Season Summer, 513 AV – 8th Bell
If there was one thing Rinya wasn’t used to, it was Akalak views on her race. Sylira didn’t really mind Kelvics. In fact there was the Council of Nine that often helped non-human races get comfortable. Of course her father never let her stay within the city limits long enough to actually learn from them, but that was starting to feel like a long time ago. Two days of rest left her feeling better than when she got off the boat, but there was nerves building in her chest. The idea that she was actually going to need a job was mind wracking.
But things could be fair worse if she let herself dwell long enough. They could have easily recommended her to be a Navivak—the idea of being tied to an Akalak for the sole purpose of producing children—it wasn’t the most appealing thought. She had every intention of finding a bondmate eventually, but this didn’t really seem like the way to do it. For once she was glad of her father’s rigorous training with a bow.
Having an Akalak finally point out where the Warren was on the map given to her days ago, Rinya found herself standing at the edge of her new employment, staring down to its’ depths. She knew it was deep but never in her life had she seen anything like this. The ceiling was just starting to let in the light of the rising sun, the dark shadows below her moving along the walls as if to hide from the light.
”There you are.” Whirling around, a large Akalak with a light purple skin tone stood only a few feet behind her. By the looks of it he had her simple application in hand. Looking up from the paper, he seemed to be scrutinizing her, but Rinya was used to this kind of look. Doing her best to keep from frowning, she stood tall…taking deep breaths in order to keep her nerves calm. After a moment, he just nodded as if he found whatever he was looking for.
”This way.” Following obediently, Rinya trailed the Akalak down the stairs. Her bow and arrows felt heavy across her back the further down they went. She wasn’t fond of closed off spaces, but there was an odd beauty to the stone around her. ”I am Raistren, the Head Guard. When I tell you to do something you do it. Do you understand?”
”Of course.” This wasn’t a new rule for her, just a different person dictating it. Inwardly sighing, Rinya tried to keep in mind it could still be much worse.
“All Akalak are required to have a partner. Traversing the Warren can be dangerous, especially in the late hours with little light. You are in luck, one of my younger Akalak needs a new partner.” Raistren’s tone shifted slightly, almost sounding annoyed and Rinya couldn’t help but cock her head to the side slightly.
”You do not sound thrilled. Am I being set up?” Rinya blurted out, inwardly wincing as Raistren turned on her instantly. Coming to a short stop in front of him, she wondered if she had already over stepped her boundaries, but after a moment Raistren smirked.
”Oh I think you will be perfect.” Frowning slightly, Rinya watched as Raistren stepped into a room to her left. Hesitating briefly she wondered just what she got herself into. Following him into a room, there was a small group of Akalak near a simple desk. It was the walls of the room that were littered with different kinds of weapons. She had lost count of what floor they had ended up on, but it must have been one of the weaponry floors. ”Rhys.”
A grinning young Akalak broke from the rest, striding towards them in a relaxed fashion. He seemed to notice her almost immediately, and his grin widened even more. He looked like trouble—just her luck. Rinya had to bite her inner cheek to keep her groan in check.
”What’s this Raistren? Did they find me a Nakivak at last?” The Akalak boy nearly cheered. Rinya could feel her jaw drop. This was not at all what she expected. But Raistren interrupted the rant she could feel building in her chest.
”No Rhys.” He sounded as annoyed as she felt. ”This is your new partner. Her name is Rinya. She is a Kelvic, so I expect you to watch out for her. I’m leaving it to you to show her the ropes… Behave yourself.” The last part sounded more for her benefit than anything else. Rinya could only watch helplessly as Raistren strode out of the room, leaving her with a large Akalak who just would not stop grinning.
Just my luck indeed.
