Out On the Town (Alija)

[Kerra]

3rd of Winter, 12th Bell Kerra squirmed about in her small, metal cage, trying in vain to get comfortable as another wicked dagger of wind sliced through her fur. Her master's wagon was rolling through the streets of Zeltiva, moving toward that horrible, horrible wind. The cage was in the back of that wagon, giving Kerra partial shelter from the wingToward the sea, she'd heard it mentioned. Kerra nestled down into the blanket that had been provided for her with a shudder. The Kelvic was in her feline form, and had been for the past few weeks. She would have dearly loved to stretch her legs as either a human or a cat, but her owner had insisted that she remain in her Kelvic form...and took steps to keep the choice out of her hands after she'd disobeyed him about it on the road. She'd had a more spacious cage then, and enough room to stretch and move about. It was still late in the fall and she'd wanted to settle the blanket over her instead of resting atop it, so Kerra had shifted into her human form and used her hands to accomplish the task. Unfortunately, her master had seen. After that, she'd been yanked out of the cage, switched until her legs, buttocks, and back had been covered in bright red lines, then ordered to change again. After that, he'd used a few scraps of cloth to clumsily sew a jacket that he made her wear. She found that it kept her from changing without serious risk to herself. At least, that's what he said and she didn't doubt it. It sounded reasonable. Then, Kerra had been stuffed into a much smaller cage designed for rodents. It had been her master's pet ferret's cage. The rat got to stay in her own, larger cage and she hadn't been able to do more than stand up in a week or so in her new habitat. With the increasing cold, though, Kerra had felt no urge to come out of her blankets. At least her owner had thought to tuck the blanket about her securely. Now, the young Kelvic stared out between the bars of her cage, watching people walk through the streets, bundled up like any wise person was in this weather. Kerra found herself wishing she'd been given clothes. A couple of her previous owners had given her clothing, though she'd resisted wearing it at every opportunity. The stuff was scratchy and bothersome, and got in the way at every step. Now, though, she was cold enough that she would welcome it. Then again, that might just be the wind making her think that. Quite abruptly, the wagon jolted to a halt and the cat let out a mewl, blue eyes surveying the area. They were indeed at the docks. At least, that's what Kerra had heard them called. She had only ever seen a body of water once, and that only from a distance. Now, she heard waves lapping against the docks, and she wished she was in a position to see the ocean instead of just back up the road they had come down. She heard her owner's rough voice speaking with one of his guards. It sounded like the guard was being given the rough side of her owner's tongue. Something about a "forgetful fool," as well as some other words that Kerra was unfamiliar with. Most sounded like insults. A sulky young man stalked into view, carrying a large, heavy tarp. He tossed it over the wagon, taking time to settle it right as he drew it down almost to the point of covering her view and locking Kerra in darkness. That thought didn't bother Kerra; she was used to confinement and darkness. In fact, it was perfectly comfortable. Not as nice as being out in the open on a warm day, but far from unbearable. The young guard paused, glaring at Kerra and calling her a name. She wondered if the name was to be her own. None of these people had bothered naming her yet in the weeks they'd been traveling. So, as far as Kerra was concerned, her name was Kerra, as her previous owner's daughter had dubbed her, until they called her something else. Not that the young Kelvic cared. To her, names were at the discretion of her owner. Kerra started doubting that she had just been renamed; she'd been called that name a few times before, when owners had been angry with her. Quite abruptly, she noticed the guard had a dish of food, and her stomach growled. She'd not been fed last night, after all. That might have been what her owner had berated the guard for. She was usually fed scraps after their supper time, so they could keep an eye on her. The cage opened so he could slip the dish through, and Kerra found herself compelled by a whim. Moving swiftly, she bounded past the shocked guard and darted off into an alley with curses and footsteps following her. She was hungry, but she wanted to stretch her legs more than she wanted to eat. Weeks in a cage that was cramped even for Kerra's standards had made her restless.The cold wind stabbed at her anew as she left the safety of her blankets, and she scampered further away between buildings. Though she was limping as a painful cramp took up residence in her left hind leg, the cat could outpace the humans without much trouble. If another cat were chasing her, however, she'd seem woefully out of shape. Being kept in a cage did that. Even as a human, she was frail. Running in that form was entirely out of the question, if it went on for any length of time. Kerra intended to come back, of course; she always did. She just wanted a chance to look around this new city. After weeks of wooded vegetation, the Kelvic had grown tired of the sameness of her surroundings. Where was she now, anyway? It seemed cleaner than Sunberth, for sure. Once Kerra felt she'd thoroughly lost the wagon, she flopped down in the street, breathing heavily and stretching her leg out to fix the cramp. She didn't know if the pain came from confinement, the sudden extra cold, her recent switching, or all three. Not that it mattered; she'd just go back to her cage, and-- Wait, cage? It had been on a wagon. Wagons moved. That was bad. She'd planned to just walk around the city until she was too cold and then return. Sure, her owner would be angry, but the worst he could do was beat her. Pain was worth a chance to look around a new city! Speaking of pain, the kitten let out a sound of pain as her cramp reached a crescendo and began to subside. If Kerra could remember one of the words people used when angry or frustrated, she would have used it. Kerra wasn't exactly known for her foresight, though she could definitely see the problem now that she'd darted off. She might be able to find her way back if she returned now, but that was a waste of a good opportunity. Still, it seemed that the Kelvic had little choice. She'd just ride the cramp out and limp back, and hope her owner didn't decide to use his fists. A switch hurt worse at first, but it healed faster.

[Alija]

She pulled the cloak over her, shivering slightly as the wind howled around her. Alija hated it, the one thing about Zeltiva that she didn't like. Well, there might be more, but at that time, nothing was worse. She quickened her step, taking the shortest route home, sniffling and sneezing as she went along. A-tshoo. She groaned, nearing the docks. She could spot her little cottage, cosy and warm. It was snuggled in amongst the other houses, and Alija felt like breaking into a run. All of a sudden, a wagon slipped in front of her, almost running her over. She yelled out to the driver, "Mind where you go!" The driver grunted back, but Alija had already changed her focus to the little kitten, sitting in what seemed an unbearably small cage. Those little blue eyes... She sighed, leaving them to be. There was all sorts of commotion around it, and it was best to just avoid it. The driver seemed to be the person to blame the nearest by-stander for any problems- someone like her. She slipped into her cottage, placing the groceries down on her little table. Her cottage was small, but only she lived there, so to her, it seemed massive. She let her cloak fall of her shoulders, lying in a heap by her feet. Bread! She knew she had forgotten something. Alija hurried out again, almost running in the cold. She navigated amongst the small alleyways and streets. Alija was startled by a screech of pain from a kitten lying on the corner. If she didn't know better, it was the one of the wagon. Yes, it had the same blue eyes, the almost intelligent look to it. "Hey, little kitten, " she whispered, trying to coax her near, "Shall I take you back? Or do you like it out here? "

[Kerra]

Kerra's side heaved as she took in deep, ragged breaths. She was simultaneously trying to catch her breath and force herself to ignore the cramp that made pain ripple through her leg. It was, for a few brief moments, unbearable. Kerra had learned to grow used to cramps, however. She had to. The young Kelvic just pushed it out of her mind, like she tried to do when she was being punished. At least a cramp wouldn't go on until she was crying and apologizing for all she was worth. Soon, it would fade and she could get up again. A voice suddenly caught Kerra's attention. It was a whisper, and caused the Kelvic to jerk her head toward the noise in surprise, ears perking erect. The subsiding pain in her leg was dismissed as the kitten stared at the person who had taken an interest in her. The woman was, from Kerra's perspective, massive. Towering over the Kelvic, she certainly seemed powerful, with muscles more prominent than Kerra had observed on many people. Perhaps some of it was augmented by Kerra's current position, lying on the ground, but she didn't think that was important. The part Kerra thought important was the kindness shimmering in the woman's hazel eyes, a soft gleam that would have made the kitten smile if she were in her human form. Struggling upright, she let out a little meow and used her uncramped hind leg to scratch at the jacket that kept her in her current shape. It annoyed her that she couldn't answer the person, and she hoped that the woman wouldn't mind. Kerra had a good feeling about her; she didn't think the woman would hit her without a good reason. The towering woman seemed to be trying to avoid scaring Kerra, approaching slowly. That made sense; most city cats avoided people. After all, most either ignored Kerra or kicked at her if she got too close. This was something she'd never experienced before. Acting in a way she knew to be unusual for a feline, the cat promptly strode up to Alija and rubbed herself against the woman's leg, orange-and-white tail in the air and brushing at the woman. Kerra wasn't any different from any other cat in her mind; she was just doing what seemed natural. Someone was nice, so Kerra reciprocated. It was a novel feeling, but Kerra rather enjoyed being allowed to touch a person. Most didn't let her.

[Alija]

Alija smiled, coaxing the cat closer. She had to be soft and gentle, or the little kitten, already scared, might hurry off in some alleyway somewhere. It was a strange feeling, especially to an animal. The woman was used to using her strength, not hiding it. "Come here, girl," she said, voice barely a whisper. Soft and gentle. That was it. She crept forward slowly, bending a little. The cat was breathing heavily, crouched on the cold cobbled street. Alija was cold, and she was all bundled up. The kitten must have been freezing, the only thing keeping her warm was the fur on her back. If only she had a little food with her. She would trust her then, wouldn't she? The poor kitten looked hungry, not too thin, but certainly not the plump cats that were sometimes seen around the street, fattened by mice and thick cream. The little cat stood up, coming to rub against Alija's leg. The feel was new to Alija - the cats around Zeltiva had nothing on their minds but food, and would never cuddle like the kitten was. Alija crouched beside her, stroking the orange tabby lightly along her back, ruffling the orange and white fur. The kitten was obviously enjoying the stroking, the contact with a perawon. Alija laughed, listening as she purred away. The tabby was still a little cautious, as if she doubted Alija in some way. Perhaps she had been badly treated, kicked around, or perhaps worse. The cage she had been in wasn't exactly nice. "I won't hurt you," Alija said gently, " You have nothing to fear. She scratched her behind her ear, recieving another purr. Then the young lady noticed the jacket, a clumsily sewn together jacket, crafted from scrap pieces of fabric. It didn't seem to be of any use, as far as Alija could tell. It didn't keep her any warmer, did it? It didn't look so. And the cat clearly didn't like it, scratching at it and trying to take it off. It must be bothering her, she thought, watching as once again she scratched at it, letting a little meow out. Alija hooked her fingers around it, before pulling it off in one swift movement, freeing the kitten from the scraps of fabric. There came a happy meow, and Alija smiled, glad to have helped.

[Kerra]

Kerra quite willingly obeyed Alija's instructions to approach, enjoying her presence immensely. Not only did the woman seem not to mind Kerra, but she actually seemed to enjoy petting Kerra. The sensation was almost alien to the Kelvic, and her purr was loud and approving. Blue eyes met Alija's own for longer than a real cat's likely would, though it wasn't entirely unusual. Kerra couldn't remember the last time someone had just pet her for the sake of it. "I won't hurt you," Alija said in a soft voice, "You have nothing to fear." Kerra meowed at that again in appreciation, happy that Alija was pleased with her. She wished she had an owner like this woman; all her owners had disliked it when she tried to do this to them. Then, wonder of all wonders, Kerra felt the woman reaching down to remove the Kelvic's restraint. At first she'd tensed in surprise as she felt the tugging, and then she bent her legs to allow the thing smooth passage. As soon as it was off, the Kelvic wanted to shift into her human form and express her appreciation to Alija. Unfortunately, a voice called out from the alley she'd come through. "That cat's mine, girl." A burly man stepped closer, heavy boots grinding against the street as he stared at them with dark brown eyes. Her owner, Kerra noted with some disappointment. She'd hoped he wouldn't find her for a while longer, so she could enjoy being petted by the woman. At first, the cat had begun to retreat between Alija's legs, then she realized that her movements might just lead to greater punishment and stood where she was against the woman's leg. Her tail was no waving and brushing Alija's leg, though. It was up stiffly in the air, and the feel of her body against Alija's leg would give away how tense she was. Smiling a smile that didn't touch his eyes, her owner began to approach. "Sorry about that, Miss," he said in a falsely conciliatory voice, "The cat's troublesome. I hope she didn't bother you. Come," he added the last as a sharper instruction to Kerra. "Bad girl." Obediently, if a little reluctantly, the feline moved to go to her owner, shooting a rather unhappy look at Alija. She'd miss the woman, though they'd met only a few moments ago.

[Alija]

"That cat's mine, girl," came a deep, gruff voice, grating through the air. Alija spun round, spotting the large burly figure of the man she had seen not too long ago: the supposed owner of the cat. A pair of large boots thundered along the cobbles, a slight belly peering out from his shirt. He towered threateningly, although Alija could see that he wasn't much taller than her, nor stronger. She felt the cat take a step back, almost scared of the man. She didn't doubt that she did; the man looked as if he would beat her without a second thought. He looked like he would beat anyone. The young lady felt the kitten tense, as she rose to her full height, trying to look intimidating. He wouldn't mess with her, would he? He smiled an obviously fake smile, in an attempt to convince her of his good motives. She growled, warning him not to try to lie. "Sorry about that, Miss. The cat's troublesome. I hope she didn't bother you," he said in that false tone, words layered with almost too much politeness. He took a step forward, looking at the cat, who stood tail erect beside her leg. She was surprised that the tabby wasn't hissing. Come," he demanded sharply, a cruel tone lingering in the air. Alija didn't like him, and it was clear the kitten didn't either. "Bad girl." The cat stepped forward hesitantly, walking slowly towards the burly man. She turned to Alija again, her face an extraordinary sad, especially for a cat. Alija couldn't stand it any longer. Clearly the cat didn't like that man, and the man didn't pay much care to the cat. It was a cruel relation, one that ending badly for the little kitten. "How much for the cat?" Alija blurted out suddenly, surpirsed by her words. Both the man and the kitten turned to her, just as surprised as she. "What did you say?" the man snarled, wanting to make sure he hadn't misheard. Alija sighed, stepping towards the cat. She stood defensively next to her, bending down to stroke her quickly. "How much should I pay? How much would the cat be worth?" Yes, she would buy her. Why not? She had the money. She stared at the man, waiting for a reply. Alija straightened up, holding her head high. Look intimidating she thought, attempting to do so. It seemed like the world had halted, awaiting his answer. Hopefully, for both Alija and the kitten, it would be a price

[Kerra]

Kerra was a couple steps away from the woman (her own steps, that is) when the woman actually growled at Kerra's owner. It caused the Kelvic to look up at Alija in stark surprise. That surprise grew obvious even on her feline features when the woman offered to buy her. By now, Kerra was staring obviously between Alija and her owner, trying to see which way this would go. Kerra didn't really dislike her owner; to her, owners were forces of nature. She did as she was told, and reacted to their actions. He wasn't a bad man in her estimation. For that matter, she had no estimation. It wasn't her place to judge people. This was the first time Kerra had ever had an opinion on how her purchase should go. She liked the woman who had shown her kindness, and hoped her owner would consent. After a moment of watching his thoughtful face, she saw his eyebrows draw down. It was an expression she'd seen before; one of harshness. He meant to keep her. "Girl, I'm fond of that cat. I think you should leave well enough--" The man's cold words cut off abruptly at what the Kelvic did next. Acting quickly, not thinking as usual, the slave took advantage of Alija's removal of her jacket and shifted back into her human form for the first time in weeks. It happened in a blink; first, a flash of light, and then a human-seeming girl in the cat's place, squatting on the ground. The girl--perhaps ten or eleven years old, it seemed--had long, light brown hair that cascaded halfway down her back in a half-tamed mess, her skin pale and her limbs thin from lack of exercise. She was turned away from Alija, though the woman might have caught a glimpse of her eyes: they were the same as when she was a feline, down to the slitted pupils. "I'm sorry, Master" she apologized quickly to her owner in a voice that was unused to speech. It sounded slightly rough from disuse, though it had the childish qualities one would associate with her form. She'd not spoken for...What was it? A month now? She wrapped her arms about herself and shuddered as the wind gained a new edge thanks to her suddenly larger body mass and lack of fur. Bare feet felt like she was walking on daggers of ice. For all her distaste of clothing, the Kelvic wished she had something to keep her warm. Her blanket, maybe. That would be so, so nice. Then again, maybe her master would punish her by keeping her out in the cold. He only ever punished her in this form aside from withholding food; he said her feline shape was too fragile. "Master, please?" The words came out in a nervous, pleading rush. Kerra had rarely asked anything of any of her owners; it usually ended in some light discipline or other. Slowly, Kerra became aware that her owner was staring in slack-jawed horror at her. Though the Kelvic had no idea, she'd just openly displayed the man's attempts to circumvent Zeltiva law. He had intended to simply resupply and catch a ship, keeping his Kelvic merchandise until he found a place that would let him sell the creature. Now? Well, that went out the window. The man wasn't sure what to do now. Should he ask a price? Run? Kill one or the other of them? That last wasn't likely possible. People were around, and some were staring in curiosity at the unclothed girl between a young woman and a man with more than a few years on Alija. Meanwhile, Kerra just stared up at her owner, focusing big, blue eyes on him and hoping he wouldn't hurt her too badly for this if all else failed. Why did he look so worried all of a sudden, anyway?

[Alija]

The man snarled, features harsh. Alija felt part of her heart sink - he meant to keep her, he meant to keep... "Girl, I'm fond of that cat. I think you should leave well enough--" he growled out. Alija let out a sigh, but was determined to show that she wouldn't take no for an answer. "Surely-" What happened next to the cat shocked her, turning her silent. There was a flash of blinding light, then the cat disappeared. Im her place crouched a young girl, naked. She was thin, pale and her hair was a wild mess. But when she looked a little more carefully, she became certain that it was the same colour as the cat's fur, or at least very similar. It wasn't until she saw her eyes, however, until she was certain. She had only ever seen eyes that blue on the little kitten she had been stroking earlier. In fact, the eyes even had the same feline look, curious for a little girl like her. The cat and the girl had to be the same. She was Kelvic. But if she was Kelvic, what did the man have to do with her? "That cat's mine, girl." Did he own her? If he did... Alija put what she knew together. The jacket, and the tiny cage had been designed to stop her shifting. The man owned her, or claimed to. She was his slave. Slaves were illegal, at least in Zeltiva. Alija smiled, looking expectantly at him. She heard the Kelvic apologise, then saw her start to shiver, begging her master for something. Or perhaps for something not to happen. The man no longer seemed big and burly, but more an injured, worried boy. He was certainly in trouble now. Even if somehow he managed to stop Alija talking, the crowd watching them would surely be able to tell of how they saw the affair. He was stuck, breaking the law, and now everyone knew. Alija watched him tense, considering his options. She knew what she would have done if she was in his situation - she would have ran. Alija only hoped he would do the same, saving the girl from any future mistreatment. Alija suddenly noticed the Kelvic shivering, naked and cold. She pulled her cloak off, feeling instantly colder in the winter wind. "Here, put it on," she said as she passed it to the girl, not taking her eyes of the man, "We'll sort this criminal out, don't you worry." She then turned back to the man, stepping closer. "What now? We all know. Run while you can. Unless you want to face the authorities." He snarled, stepping back into the alley. "I won't forget you, cat.." he hissed, then disappeared into the shadows. A wave guard appeared, asking for the man with the slave.Someone must have sent for him, and plenty were ushering him towards the alley through which the man had run off.Alija ignored them all, turning to lean beside the girl. "You are free now. But I suppose you have nowhere to go. Would you like, perhaps, to stay with me? I have space. But you are not my possession, but a guest," she whispered softly, surpirsed by her generosity, "But first, your name? I am Alija."

[Kerra]

It felt like an eternity as the Kelvic stared first at her owner, then at the woman who had been kind to her. One looked very worried, while the other seemed shocked. What had happened? Abruptly, it hit Kerra. She'd shifted, against her owner's strict instructions. Perhaps he was just that angry with her? The idea made Kerra cringe; he'd switched her hide raw the last time. She'd likely regret this for quite a while, once he took her back. Then, to Kerra's utter surprise, the woman took off her cloak and pushed it toward the Kelvic. She fumbled with it in surprise, but quickly did as she was told. She was growing truly cold, now, and the cloak was so nice and warm. It held back so much of the wind! The girl pulled the cloak tightly about herself, momentarily forgetting her owner and enjoying the comfortable fabric. Eyes closing for a few moments, she just savored the feeling. It wasn't as irritating as the clothing she'd been forced to wear a time or two; more like a blanket. More comfortable, too. As it would be, since it was a person's cloak and not a Kelvic's covering. When she returned her attention to her owner, he was melting into the shadows with a hateful glare in her direction and a threat. "I won't forget you, cat..." What had she done wrong? Why was her owner leaving her? He hadn't even sold her... The Kelvic's eyes filled with confused surprise and she turned her gaze up to the woman, seeming baffled as the nice woman whispered kindly, "You are free now. But I suppose you have nowhere to go. Would you like, perhaps, to stay with me? I have space. But you are not my possession, but a guess." "But first, your name? I am Alija." Kerra remained standing with the cloak wrapped tightly about her, staring at Alija in utter silence. What was she to do? The Kelvic was supremely confused. She didn't grasp what Alija was saying. Free? What was that? Kerra wasn't even aware she'd not been free. Life just was; she had a set of circumstances, and they were all she'd ever considered. The offer was something Kerra understood quite well, however. "Yes... Mistress?" That last was added out of sheer habit. It was a question, of sorts. She didn't know what Alija wanted to be called; owners had differing preferences. And in Kerra's mind, Alija was her owner if the Kelvic was staying with her. That was how it had always been, after all. Kerra didn't even think about accepting the offer; it seemed that Alija wanted her to come, so that was what she'd do. Really, she didn't even think that there was a choice in the matter. Not that she disliked the idea. The thought of having someone as nice as Alija as her owner brought a broad smile to the girl's thin face. When asked her name, the Kelvic considered that in silence for a few moments. In the past few seasons, she'd had perhaps five or six different names. "Which name?" She asked carefully, not wanting to get off on the wrong foot with Alija. She hoped her new cage would be larger than the last.

[Alija]

Alija saw the confusion in the Kelvic's face as she gripped the cloak tightly. Of course she wouldn't know what being free was: she had been raised as a slave. "Yes... Mistress?" she asked a little confused, although happy to agree. A broad smile broke out on her face, her blue eyes crinkling. Alija smiled in return, enjoying the girl's naiveness. "Not Mistress. Alija. You don't have a mistress, or master anymore. It is illegal in Zeltiva," she said smiling, trying to explain, "It isn't allowed. The only mistress you can have is yourself." The girl looked confused at that, but Alija smiled it away. The Kelvic stopped and thought a little, before answering her previous question. Obviously she hadn't had a name to call her own before, only the names given by her owners. Alija intended to do no such thing. Her name would be one the girl chose for herself. "Which name?" she asked carefully, as if being afraid that her answer might not be right. Alija laughed, taking her hand. "Whichever one you want. Whatever you wish to be called." She would have to teach her to not fear her. Alija would never do anything bad to her. The lady had really started to grow on the girl. She felt like the sister she had never had. Alija realised that the poor girl must be freezing, her cloak the only thing keeping her warm. She led her along the street, searching for the nearest clothing store. Perfect! The General Store. Alija strided in, the girl trailing after, recieving strange looks from the crowd. "A pair of boots, shirt, and pants for the girl. And a warm cloak too," she demanded, gesturing to the Kelvic. The man behind the counter nodded, fetching out the requested items. "You're lucky. Shipment just came in. Any earlier, and we wouldn't have any," the man nodded, Alija ignoring him. She handed over a handful of small coins, before passing the clothes to the girl. "Put them on. They'll keep you warm. But don't loose them when you change to a cat!" she warned, the turned back to the man, "5 square yards of cloth please. Cotton, if you have it." He nodded again, and they exchanged money for cloth. Alija had been planning on trying to sew a dress for her, and now that she knew the girl, the girl too. She almost missed the methodic up down motion, forming something out of nothing. Or at least out of a piece of cloth. "Now," she said, turning back to the Kelvic, "Anything else you need? A bed? Or would you rather sleep as a cat? Don't hesitate to ask. I honestly don't mind. "