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 Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:15 pm
SOLO
A Day's Life pt1 Everyday life. The essence of one’s foundation and soul. The tasks, the small events...everything shapes a person into what they are to become. The beat of the humdrum fate that every Earthling hears in the back of their mind. It moved them. Spoke to them through small ideas or actions by others. It was an experience that one simply let slip by them without deeper thought. A shame really as if one would analyse their everyday life...by over thinking it. Then they would see their core. The pillar of their karmic souls and inner selves. One would come to think that their life was boring, when in fact there was fascination all around them.
Xarnith was no exception. The youth had a set daily task list he was expected to complete on certain days. The days were measured by a simple thing, the whim of the Elder. Xarnith sighed. Their group was an odd one, while to every outsider the Leader was a large imposing male. To the group...the Leader was The Elder. The male’s own mother. Though she was one of the ten elders of the group, her word was final and binding. Of course there were a few who delighted in ignoring all forms of leadership. Those were the troublesome twins….Lor and Noh. With their blue gray eyes, lithe forms and trouble making habits. They were the reason most of the Elders had gray hair.
Xarnith paused as he saw the twins approach, well. Think of the hellions and they appear. He let out a long sigh through his nose as the two seemed to be joking around with the Leader’s Son. Lor and Noh didn’t top the Son in height, no no no. No young male topped the Leader’s Son. The male was nearly as tall as the amazon’s that Xarn heard whispers about. The youth had wavy sunset gold hair, highlights of shocking yellow flittered through out the tresses. It fell to the base of his neck framing a mature face before a long whip like braid flowed behind him to his waist. A pair of crystalline blue eyes matched the clear skies on their best day. The male’s face was near perfection, smooth ivory peach skin flawed only by the single scar over his left cheek from a training mishap. His broad shouldered well trimmed body held a strong back, lean chest. Wicked abs which showed the years of training. Long runners legs were toned to perfection. His arms weren’t bulky to an unattractive degree, but Xarn always admired how the male would naturally flex them while doing his tasks.
Xarnith was caught up in watching the trio that when he stopped looking the Son over and finally up to the male’s face he jumped as a pair of crystalline eyes smiled at him. The youth blinked rapidly before, without even a wave, turned to shuffle off to help with his first task of the day. He missed the amused look of the Son as the twins cackled on either side of him.
Task One of Xarnith on this day was simple. Help a new mother settle into the nursery tent. It was a method the group used. Every time a female had her youngling, she would go to a special tent where some of the older mothers lived to act as teachers for the new mothers. The process was to allow the youngling to form the necessary bond with their mother. After a few days the proud father was allowed to visit for short times every day. As the youngling got older, the father would be allowed more time. Xarnith, like other youths was tasked with helping the new mother move her belongings to the nursery tent. Thought Xarnith had his doubts about this mother, she was the youngest mother in the group so far this year. The father of the newborn wasn’t of the group. It was some Leaf male, who Xarn had come to view as a bandit for his sneaky ways.
The Elder is allowing the child to be raised in the group instead of casting out both mother and child, as a few other Leaf/Wind children were already born into the group. Xarn knew that if the mother wasn’t tending to her child. She would be cast out after a time of repeated reports of neglect. First child or not. Xarnith peeked into the new mothers tent, blinking as he noticed a lack of the female. Hearing a sudden cry he jumped then walked further in. He started to worry, where was she? Did something happen when she went to check in on her child? Did the Leaf male kill her before their offspring and was about to kill the child?!? At that thought the youth nearly sprinted to where he heard the second cry. There laying in the crib was the hybrid infant. Xarnith picked the child up without thought to check them over. Seeing no blood or wounds, he shifted the child rocking it lightly as he looked around.
Not seeing the new mother he had a bad feeling about this. He glanced down to the infant. Then with a sigh walked out towards the nursery tent where the Elder and others were awaiting the new mother…
Xarn wasn’t expecting good reactions when he entered with the infant and not the mother. The youth wasn’t screamed at though. That was a relief, most of the females in the tent were some of the best screamers in the group. Instead, much to the youths dismay, he was outfitted with a carrier for the infant and told to keep the child with him at all times till they found a surrogate mother.
“But---Elder! Why me?!? I’m male!!!” he argued.
“Its simple, child. You were the first being the infant saw upon their mother abandoning them. I’m sending the twins out to look for her. If she merely stepped out we’ll talk with her. If she’s not here, she’s not welcomed back. Now...off with you. Your tasks for the rest of the day won’t be hindered by the infant.” the Elder said with a wave. Word Count: 1,030 // 4,877
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:17 pm
SOLO
A Day's Life pt2 Xarnith groaned as he felt the weight of the child being placed on him. While he knew this was the most logical approach to it. There was no helping that he was going to be mocked by the other males for this. Sighing he shifted so that he could see the child’s face better. The infant was back asleep, snuggling into the young male’s warmth. Xarn blinked. Children were odd. What was with them and seeking warmth?
Well, Task One shifted from getting the new mother settled to….become a surrogate parent for today. Walking on the path to his next Task Xarnith ran a hand through his hair before hearing the twins’ cackles. He stopped and looked up as the two leaned on the posts to a tent’s entry.
“What?” Xarnith asked lowly. Glancing down to make sure the infant was still sleeping. They were. Good. He saw the shadow fall over him. Looking up into the bright eyes of Noh. The twins were told apart by one detail. Their hairstyle. Noh had half his hair up in a fanned twist while Lor had half his in twin tails.
Noh leaned more into Xarn’s personal space spotting the sleeping infant he leaned back with a sneaky smile. He looked back to his twin. Sharing a nod the two spoke lowly as one. “Looks like Xarn is a doting big brother now….or Daddy. Whichever you prefer.”
Xarnith twitched. “Given my age, taking this infant as my own child is out of the question. If you two are finished I have my tasks to perform.” he growled out attempting to move past Noh towards his next task point.
“Their only teasing, Xarnith. Really the child puts you in a different light. The adults making you the playmate for the younglings must be a sign they wish for you to be more sociable with us.” the Son’s smooth voice was nearing honey sweet standards as he walked out. Holding the flap open with one arm Xarnith watched as light played along the male’s stones. The Son proudly displayed them as they danced along his upper arms like a scattered zig zag, the same pattern on both calves which the male displayed through baggy pants that had slits up the side to his mid-thigh. There was a single oblong crystal in the V of the male’s collarbone while smaller singular crystals dotted the back of either hand. There was one crystal on his face. A teardrop which was thin enough to touch the center of his T line. The crystals were a warm rose pink, softening the male’s otherwise imposing figure.
Xarnith jumped again when he finally had the sense to look up only to lock eyes with the Son. Turning his head he glared at Nor in front of him.
“Elder wanted you and Loh to look for this infants Mother. Report to her of your findings.” Xarn’s tone was flat and to the point. The twins exchanged looks before looking down at the smaller male.
“Joykill.” they intoned before walking away. Xarnith let out a huff through his nose before looking up at the skies to think of his second task. Task Two for the Day was….oh.
He looked over at the Son. Helping the Son with cleaning the sparring weapons. Which were held in the tent the male was currently holding the flap open for. Xarn walked forward careful with the little one as he ducked around the Son to enter. He made a face. “I have to sit...what does Elder expect---!!!”
He cut himself off as the Son’s arms came around him. The elder male easily shifted the carrier to hold the infant curled on its side instead of parallel to Xarn’s body. A few blinks he glanced back up to the male still hovering over his side. Xarn cleared his throat.
“You Have knowledge….I lack.” he struggled a bit, feeling odd being so near to the much stronger male.
The Son chuckled. “Interesting way of putting it. Remember Xarn. My sister put me through child raising with her third youngling on Gran’s orders. I learned fast. You will too. Now then...shall we? I can assure you. I won’t let you clean anything which will disturb the little one.”
With that small oath Xarn nodded. The two set about their shared task. Normally Xarn wouldn’t be so...aware of the Son. With the little one hanging on him and the elder’s display of knowing earlier. It was hard not to notice that the male was the ideal partner for any female. So...why was Xarn feeling…
Singled out.
He shook his head clear of those thoughts. He still had two more Tasks before he was done. The third worrying him some as it required him to be near the pack animals their group had acquired over their stay in Tale. He gently set down the training bow as he peeked down at the infant. Still. Sleeping.
Do all infants sleep this long?
“Depends. Some do...some don’t. Its a blessing but…” the voice of the Son alerted Xarn to the fact that he must of spoken out loud. Turning his head he caught his breath as the Son reached a long fingered hand into the bundle. Touching the infant's chest with his long finger the male softly smiled. “Good. I was worried the lungs might of been weak. Their not...little one’s just a soft breather.”
Xarn was blushing...he just knew he was. Recalling that one wind male...Talin. What that male did during their sparring match. Xarn lightly shook his head before looking up at the older warrior. The Son blinked at the sudden determined light in the other’s eyes. Xarn took a breath.Word Count: 1,992 // 4,877
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:24 pm
SOLO
A Day's Life pt3 “Is the act of kissing a good fighting tactic?”
The Son froze, his finger tip still touching the infant as he slowly turned his head to look down at Xarn. “Pardon?”
“The act itself is an amazing method to distract and confuse one’s opponent, Xarnith, but in light of a battle it is slightly disrespectful to bring something like that in. Unless you were fighting to see who would top the other for coupling.” a voice said from the tent opening. The two youths jumped before looking to the voice.
There stood Xarn’s Uncle. One of the best Spearmen their group had, also one of their strongest. The male stood at a whooping 5ft 9, not too tall in their group but still up there. His upper body was all muscle, lower was as well...just not as defined. His hair was a wild mane of sand weaving around his body to his mid back with sparkling light gray eyes. Usually clad in baggy pants, his midsection wrapped as arm guards clasped around his forearms. Rope sandals coiled around his feet. He stood taking up the whole with his bulk before beckoning the younger male to him.
Xarn went to his Uncle without a second thought. Heedless of the pointed look the elder male gave to the Son as the two left him. The Uncle pulled the carrier open a bit to get a better look at the sleeping infant. “Cutie. Hope he got his Daddy’s eyes. His mama’s were too plain. A kiddo of his unique birth needs striking features.”
Xarn lightly smacked the hand. “Eye color is not the issue, the issue is if the child is strong enough to survive. He’s not a strong breather. Is that a bad thing? What if something’s wrong with him? What if he’s not a boy? Oh crap...I shouldn’t be using gender pronouns. Crap. Uncle! Why are you laughing?!?” he glared down at the male who was on the ground laughing. Growling in frustration Xarnith walked away as his Uncle gave a weak attempt to grab him. As the youth walked he heard his Uncle jog up to his side again.
“I’m sorry lad. Its just...your too amusing when you ramble on like that. The babe is fine. Elder said that when they were born the cry was strong. Though their breathing is soft in slumber. The babe is strong indeed. Don’t worry or fret. The Elder really will make you their Father if you do.” the male warned.
Xarn actually caught himself thinking about raising the youngling. Shaking his head he sighed as they neared the pack animals. His Task was simple. Help feed the Scorra Flock, help bathe the Poscuta Hoard, help walk the Radaku Pack and help brush the Quhar Herd. He looked to his Uncle...his last Task was his personal one: Training.
He doubted he would with the infant on him. He was about to say something when his Uncle said it himself. “Training is canceled for today. Report back to the Elder after you finish here. Tomorrow you're mine. Got it lad?”
There was a shared smirk between the two as Xarnith nodded. He froze as he felt something moving on his front. For a harsh second he thought one of the Radaku had come up and tugged on the carrier. Thereby waking his charge. With a startled look he looked down….
Only to meet a pair of large bright mismatched eyes. The left was a striking bright green. The right was a pale blue. Xarnith slowly blinked as the infant blinked back. His Uncle standing off to the side could only guess that both sides were currently trying to decide if they should do one of three things.
Cry.
Smile.
Or Keep Staring and maybe it’ll do something first.
It didn’t take a scholar to guess it was the third that the two sides were picking. Yori’s voice cut through the little showdown.
“XARN GET OVER HERE!”
Xarnith didn’t jump that badly, but he did hold the infant close as the infant decided to just sit in the carrier. Clinging to the older males jumper the infant was privy to the fact that Xarn’s heartbeat was fast. Looking up to the male that had been his walking pillow the infant snuggled into him again. Xarn looked down at the child. A soft look to his eyes as he gently patted the soft downy pale hair. He matched his pale skin tone that of the child’s olive, then took in the child’s crystals. They were a petal pink warmed by the sun, there was a circle of small stones around the stomach as far as Xarn could feel. From there the crystals formed a thick V across his shoulders. As he shifted the child to a better sitting spot he felt the same V pattern on his calves.
As the youth walked to Yori he took in the female. She was one of the more built females of the group that was for sure. One of the few the youth would stare at due to her defined muscles and toned figure. She was also the mistress of the Poscuta of the group. Her more crafty skills showing in the fact she made each of her Poscuta a bandana with their name stitched on it. Yori was tall, older than Xarn and wielded a rather wicked looking whip. He never saw her use it and rarely did she seem overly aggressive towards any of the beasts under their care. Her long sunburst orange hair was fishtailed down to her waist, tied off by Scorra feathers while random feathers danced in her braid. Her eyes were aged with wisdom and a sparkling pale blue. While pale pink stones glittered in spiral patterns on her shoulders and either calf. She was only a little older than Xarn from what he understood, but had risen in rank within the group due to her animal handling skills.
She looked at the little hybrid clinging to Xarn. “Wonder who’s backbone he got…”
Xarn sighed. “Don’t start judging the infant based on parentage Yori.”
The female held up her hands. “I won’t. I won’t. If the babe gets a surrogate worthy of my respect then fine...if not. Tough luck kid.” she directed the last words to the babe who seemed to get meeker and cling. Seeing she earned herself a blank stare from the youth she cleared her throat before waving a hand. “You know your tasks and how to do them. I expect you to be a tad slower thanks to the babe, but that's fine...them seeing a babe will be good. They don’t get to see our younglings enough to learn anything about socializing.” Word Count: 3,120 // 4,877
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:26 pm
SOLO
A Day's Life pt4 She grumbled. Xarn nodded recalling a recent talk. Where Yori complained the animals didn’t understand younglings just yet. The Elders didn’t want to risk younglings being injured so they refused to allow the much younger group members near the pens. Xarn looked down to the babe he held. Smiling he muttered to them. “Hey...you’ll be fine. These guys aren’t going to hurt you without reason.”
With that he picked up a bucket of grains and oats to start his Task. Help feed the Scorra Flock was the first on the list. As he walked over to the colorful creatures he spoke to the babe in the sling. “These guys are interesting. I met one outside of the group who was a troublemaker. Unlike this flock. Their Head Male is that really bright one there. Who is coming over to meet us. Afternoon, Trebble.”
Trebble came over. Lowering his head to nuzzle Xarn the bright yellow male looked to the babe. Lowering his head the bird seemed to sniff at the baby before ever so softly nuzzling them. The babe wasn’t too nervous, the bird being warm a plus as Xarn watched the babe reach out a small hand. After Trebble let the child rest their hand on his beak the male rose his head to nudge Xarn to the grain troff. Xarn chuckling as he did so. Glad that meeting went well he was further joyed as the smaller Scorra came over to investigate. The babe stayed quiet for the most part, small whimpers if a little Scorra tugged on the sling. After the third tug Xarn stood as the Head female came over to disperse the young Scorra. He smiled. “Thank you, Kreel.”
She nuzzled him. Gently pulled the cloth tighter around the babe then fluffed herself as she herded the small Scorra away. Xarn chuckled as he turned to his next Task of helping to bathe the Poscuta Hoard. He narrowed his eyes at the hoard. Their Leader being a big dark red Poscuta who sat on his back legs with a smirk. Xarn sighed as he walked over. “All right...any of you make the babe cry I’m going to request you be skinned.”
The threat was empty. He knew that they knew Yori would skin him first if he did. Sighing the youth walked over to the bathing basin for the Poscuta. A few of the younger ones already in the basin just swimming in the shallow waters. The fact that their leader had been walking alongside him to watch the babe did not go unnoticed by him. When Xarn stopped at the basin it was a stare down, then recalling how clean the water was he glanced to it. Then back to the babe. Usually when he got stuck with this task he ended up getting soaked. Why not join in? The babe hadn’t been washed the whole day and they’ve been all over the place. He walked over to a table sitting the babe down.
The infant sat, wobbly then jumped as the Poscuta Leader jumped on the table. A whimper left it as Xarn stepped back to remove his armor. Ready to throw a piece if the animal acted threateningly. After a few moments of nothing he took off the top half of his jumper. Tying it around his waist he showed off his coral pink stones which scattered like stars across his shoulders. Reaching out he picked the infant back up, dropping their carrier with his armor the male clicked his tongue. “Alright here’s the deal. This babe will join you all for a bit...for the most part you guys can wash yourselves. This I’ve seen.” He leveled a stare to a few of them.
As he poured the lathering oil into one hand, the babe sitting in his lap he swirled his hand in the water. Watching it bubble a little at the top he hummed. “Mhm. Figured.” as the Poscuta pretty much started to wash themselves. He turned his attention to the babe. Lifting them to set them in the water. Keeping his arms around the child, he let them explore the waters before starting to slowly wash them. A smile grew as a few of the younger Poscuta mimicked their elders. One coming close enough they helped wash the baby's arm. The Leader came into the basin, all others darting about him. Padding over to the two earthlings he sniffed at the babe. The child leaning towards Xarnith with a small whimper. The Leader blinked before licking the babe’s cheek, then hair. Making a face as a strand of hair got caught in his teeth. The babe giggling as Xarnith finished with washing them. Standing he turned to see drying blankets. Thinking Yori put them there he walked over and wrapped the babe in one as he sat down. Wiping them down and ruffling their hair he chuckled as the child giggled and grabbed at his hand. He held them close for a moment before looking up into the bright gray eyes of the Alpha Radaku Male.
Looks like it was time to help walk the Radaku Pack. Which really wasn’t all that big of a deal. As Xarn stood the babe clung to him with wide eyes. The Alpha Male was a sight to behold indeed. Large ivory claws tipped in black, the male’s pelt a rich ebony with patterns of ivory white. His mane was a striking metal gray. As Xarn stood the drying blanket wrapped warmly around them. The Alpha sniffed at the babe before deciding the little one was alright. Then nudge Xarn to walk with him. Really..Xarn was only there because the Alpha Male was attached to him. That and it was good for the pups to get used to a earthling among the adults.
Xarn chuckled at a few of the pups who rested their front paws on his leg to get a look at the youngling. Xarn looked down to the child and then lowered the drying blanket a bit. Pup and child stared at one another before Pup decided that Child was cute….but not that interesting. The Pup let itself fall back to the ground. Xarn walking with ease alongside the Alpha Male as the Pups ran around just looking at the Child before dashing ahead to chase each other. The child was content in Xarn’s arms as the youth kept the smaller being warm as they walked.
Xarn rather liked the feeling of the Radaku’s around himself, perhaps one day he would have his own pack. He chuckled as the Alpha male nuzzled the bundle. Forgetting all about the carrier and something else of vital importance. Well, up till he heard a tell tale growl of a tiny belly. Oh...that can not be good. Xarn gulped as he looked down at the tiny thing in his arms. It was a few moments before he saw the little face squish. Yelping he apologized to the Radaku’s before rushing off towards Yori. Seeing the female’s own Mother with her he sped up.
“Yori! Mama Kreal...I don’t---” he stopped short as the older female held out a bottle. She gave him a knowing smile. He blinked. “But...how do I feed them?”
“Oh let me show you boy…” The elder female guided Xarn’s arms to hold the infant then Xarn got the hint as he guided the bottle to the child. The infant gladly gripped the bottle before suckling, their large mismatched eyes gazing up at Xarn. Xarn knew that in that moment...he couldn’t let this little one go. As he walked over to a bench the young male sat down slowly. Unknowing of the two females watching fondly...or of the Son lingering in the background. Xarnith knew in that moment. This little one would be a major impact on his life. When the infant finished the bottle, Xarnith felt the elder female guide him so that the infant was against his shoulder.
“Now you gently bump their back and…” she paused as Xarn followed her direction and both beings heard a gentle soft burp. “...there you go. That helps them get air out of their tummies so they can sleep well.”
“Sleep?” he asked before feeling the infant curl on his shoulder. “Hey now…” He gently slide the child back into their carrier before chuckling. “Alright. Safe and snug. I have one task left before I can hand you back to the Elder.”
The two females backed off as Xarn stood to walk over to the nearby herd. His last task was to help brush the Quhar Herd. As he brushed the large animal in front of him he glanced down to the infant who slept. The beast snorted softly as Xarn walked around them pausing to allow the creature to sniff at the child. Smiling he nearly went on to the next before Yori stopped him. “Alright. The animals saw the infant take him on back to the Elder. The little one doesn’t have a name yet…”
“Oh...alright.” Xarnith spoke slowly before walking back to the nursey tent. As he did so the youth glanced up to see the Elder waiting for him. Her smile was heart warming as he smiled back. He looked to the side and blinked in slight surprise as the Son strode into view. Walking to the Elder to seemingly talk to her, Xarnith waited till she looked at him.
“Well, Lad. You have two choices. One, give the babe back to me and I’ll find them a foster family. Or, you keep the babe and learn all about child raising. If you choose to keep them...know that it is a male and you gotta prove to me you are ready for him.”
Xarnith went silent for about a minute. Then he looked up, “Torvarith.”
The Elder went silent...Torvarith was the name of the young male’s late father. She smiled gently before reaching out to grasp his shoulder. “Its a wonderful name. Now, your tent will be outfitted with a proper area for Torvarith. Later, you can show us how much you are willing to care for him.”
Xarnith smiled as he walked away holding the infant close. He blinked when he felt the shadow fell over him. Looking up to the Son who now stood to look over him.
“If you need help. Let me know.” he said softly. A promise held in those words. Xarnith felt himself smile.
“Thank you...Darvish.”Word Count: 4,877 // 4,877
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 11:40 pm
Solo
Training Day As per his Uncle’s words the day prior, Xarnith woke that morning to prepare for his training day. He crept quietly to the crib that had been placed in his Tent the afternoon before. A small cluster of assorted infant items laid out on the table beside him. As the youth watched the infant sleep a host of thoughts came to mind. What if he failed this child? What if they got hurt while under his watch? There was a whole host of things that could go wrong and the male worried that every single one of them would go off without warning. As most bad things tended to do. As he crouched there a fretted the infant whimpered softly before turning and grabbing ahold of his blanket. Xarn blinked as he reached out to make sure that Torvarith wasn’t about to suffocate himself. In doing so, his finger tip brushed against the child’s cheek. Torvarith felt the brush and instead latched onto the older male’s hand.
Xarn froze for all of ten seconds before he felt the gentle smile warm him. This child relied on him to keep his cool. He could fret all he wanted but something told him that this little one was going to be just fine. As he watched the child sleep he became aware that slowly the infant was waking. Standing Xarn followed the instructions he was told yesterday he made a bottle for the infant. As he did so he heard the tell-tale murmurs of the infants babble. Chuckling he turned and picked up his little charge. Sitting down in the rope chair which hung from the strong beam in the center of his Tent he fed the child. Swinging gently he smiled then helped them release any extra bubbles in their tiny tummy.
After that was done, Xarn took up a cloth and wiped down the infant before doing the same for himself. Then the youth dressed for the day in his training armor, turning to show off to the infant.
“Well, Torvaith, how do I look?” he asked smiling as the infant made happy little gurgles. Picking up the little one the youth picked up the child’s sling. Slipping it on the infant easily slid into it and laid against Xarn’s chest. The youth walked out and his smile fell as he settled into his usual mask. The infant shifted to look out as his caretaker walked. Xarn stopped as he saw Loh and Nor walk up. Identical impish smiles had the youth just betting on what new tricks they would attempt to play today. When they merely ruffled his hair and patted the infant he got suspicious. Turning to watch them continue. He exchanged looks with his little charge. “Torvaith, whenever those two do something like that. Do not trust whatever comes next. Those two are always up to something.”
Seeing the child nod he turned only to jump in surprise at the sight of Darvish standing there with a smile to his bright eyes. Xarn felt himself get nervous again, not understanding why he was reacting as such the male stepped around Darvish. “Was there something you needed of me?”
“No, I was hoping to babysit Torvaith while you trained with Uncle today.” Darvish said as he looked down at the other male. Xarn seemed to pause as he thought. Looking down at his charge he smiled softly when the infant giggled up at him. The smile faded once he looked up to the Leader’s Son.
“Hmmm. If you watch him. You will have to stay in my sight. I will not allow you to vanish with him. He is under my care by all Group Standards. Am I understood, Darvish?” Xarn asked as he carefully lifted out Torvaith. Then after handing over the infant he removed the sling to hold it out for the other.
Darvish took the sling, making sure to let his fingertips trail along the back of Xarn’s hand. Xarn retracted his hand as if he was bit. Looking unsure he turned to smile at his Uncle. The short bulky male smirked as he twirled his training staff. Xarn walked forward to the rack of wooden weapons which were used for the young warriors rising in rank. As he picked up the plain wooden shield the youth gauged its weight on his arm without the shoulder pad. Glancing back to Torvaith he gave the infant a small smile. Then snapped his head forward as he heard his Uncle clear his throat.
“Remember your lessons, little Xarnith.” the male said as he walked to the training ring. A few of the smaller members of the group peeking around tents and boxes. Training times were always a spectacle for the younger group members. Xarn nodded in resolute silence. Mentally recalling his first training lesson, like he always did.
His Father stood over him, a grand shield on his back as he looked down on the small slender child. Xarn’s face was a perfect blank slate, just like his Father’s. The young female off to the side smiled behind a fan as she watched the stare down. The Warrior Father who didn’t know how to begin, the small Son who just wanted his Father to start talking. She shook her head and gave a small hum as the Warrior opened his mouth to speak.
“The first lesson I shall impart to you my child. Is that...Fighting isn’t a way of life. Its a chosen path. Its harsh, rough and long. There’s no telling what you’ll find at its end. It could be bad...horribly so. Or good…” the male looked to the young woman. A light blush colored her cheeks from what the child saw. Then the child gave a start as the male looked down at him with a gentle eye. “Extremely so. This you must keep in mind, my child.”
A nod and the child turned his head as his Father walked around to guide his small body into a stance. Recalling that stance Xarn’s mind came back to the present and slid into it easily. His Uncle slowly smiled as he too slid into his stance. The boy had potential as a fighter, no more like ...a warrior. Just like his Father was a Sheildmaster. As the two launched into their spar. Xarn felt his steps falter a few times. Though his Uncle didn’t exploit the openings, he did call out advice.
“No, boy not like that...tighten the shoulder a bit more. That’s it...now..come at me again…”
This went on for another hour or two. Darvish surprised that the infant didn’t sleep instead watched the youth move. Xarn was fluid in his dodges and at one point threw the training shield like a disc and smacked his Uncle upside his head. As Xarn felt the training come to a close he sighed. Walked back to Darvish and Torvaith. The infant letting out a series of happy noises as the youth picked him and the sling up. Xarn then walked away…
“Torvaith and I are going to bathe then nap now. See you all in a few hours.” Word Count: 1196
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Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 8:50 pm
Growth Solo
Lesson Learned
Xarnith stood at the edge of the group's current boundary and that of the rest of Tale. He had been there for the better part of the day, refusing to move as he let his mind swallow him and all he had witnessed. He barely registered when one of the twins set a barrel down and the other pulled him to finally sit. They both walked back to retake their leaning positions on the nearby fence. They glanced to the Leader’s Son who sat on a crate watching the youth before them. It was a shock of reality to all of the youths in the group at the moment…
Torvarith had been kidnapped by his birth Father.
And it had been decided by the Council. Not to do anything about it.
For most in the group who already had a low mindset about hybrid children born of someone not accepted by the group. It was a blessing, one less mouth to take from resources. For those who actually cared for the orphans within the group, it was a worrisome choice to leave the child’s fate to a parent who seemed to care little for him from the start. So, how did they get here one might wonder? Well, it all started at the beginning of the week.
Torvarith’s Mother showed up. The female had come back led by two other members of their group who had left to trade with another nearby group. Naturally she was taken straight to the Leader and the Council to be reprimanded. As she was led past a certain group of youths however word got back quickly to the twins that she was back. They in turn told the Leader’s Son, who was quick to alert Xarnith. Seeing as Xarn was visiting the Nursery tent to assist in Torvarith’s care, as well as learn more about what it took to support a child. Xarn’s reaction was something they all expected, he accepted that the Mother would return and due to the traditions of the Group. She would take over care of her child. Though she would not be allowed to rename the child as that was already decided by the Group as a whole. She was expected to retake her role as “Mother”. Xarnith would allow her that.
Regardless of the pull at his core.
Regardless of his own will to tend to the child.
Regardless of himself.
Thus she came into the Nursery tent. Looked upon her own son and picked him up like the precious child he was. Xarnith watched from the shadows of the folds. Torvarith recognized his mother instantly and didn’t panic in her arms. That was good...right?
Right. So, Xarnith faded from sight. Lest he be spotted and the child fret that something was wrong. As he walked away he had to think. Was his emotions towards the small life that had come to rely on him so fickle he would walk away like this. No. Xarn knew this, but he had to respect his family's traditions. Traditions...yeah. Traditions where a Mother consisted of a female of mature age and proper….Xarn slowed in his thoughts. Female. The word echoed in his head. What difference was there really between genders?
A female was fully equipped to carry and nurse a child in the crucial first weeks of its life. Yet, She left a three day old newborn and He had supplied the child with what they needed. A female was a natural caretaker. Yet, She had the confidence to toss that aside while He had stepped up to adapt. A female was….his mind blanked as he attempted to give further evidence of why she was a better choice for a child she had tossed aside.
Which begged for the question of...Why?
Why was she here?
What was her purpose in returning, fully knowing of the Group’s traditions and rules?
Where was Torvaith’s Father?
Who was the Father?
When would she abandon her child again?
No….he couldn’t let that happen. He couldn’t let her abandon the child again!!! He turned only run into his Uncle.
“Uncle! I have to---” he stopped short of his little outcry as he looked at the understanding look in the other male’s eyes.
“No, Xarn. She has him now. You can’t go against the will of the Elders.” he cautioned. Xarnith blinked, mind blank. So he was to accept the Will of his Elders and leave the child to his Mother. Right.
Xarnith nodded numbly as he turned away from his Uncle, never seeing the elder male’s knowing pained expression. Or the glance the elder gave the passing newly returned Mother as she walked around with her infant. Xarnith felt...empty a little. He was learning things from the child, new things about himself. He never noticed that he didn’t laugh that much. One of the children he helped watch over said that he laughed for the first time in their memory a few days before the sudden change. All because his little ward had flipped the Radaku’s feeding bowl on the Alpha’s head.
Xarnith had taken up a seat on a barrel overlooking the little ones as they played. He had no drive to join them. No motivation to really watch. It was fine, they were being watched by a few others. He could think on his own. Which is exactly what he did...he thought.
For three days he sat on that barrel. Only moving to eat and return to his tent to rest. Laying in his cot he thought over a the tradition of Family. Currently he lived in the same tent his parents crafted together. A tent he inherited from them through their Will. He knew how to take it down for easy travel. He knew what to do to live on his own, his training with his Uncle and the other males had taught him that. He could very well leave everything.
The idea struck something in him. Leave. All he knew. All he ever knew. He sat up, he would leave. It wasn’t uncommon for youths to leave...they always returned in a few years. The Group stuck to a route for a reason…
Only. He wasn’t planning on returning. Xarn nodded. He would leave and never return. Torvarith was fine with his Mother. Or so he thought until the next morning….
Word had spread like wildfire. A leaf male had met the returned Mother on the outskirts of the current encampment. A leaf male who was the confirmed Father of the child she had been holding. The two were seen then...they weren’t. Xarnith was eating breakfast when he heard two of the other Mothers talk of it. How the Mother had returned only for her things, her child not with her. She merely told the Elders that she was taking her child to live with his Father. She would return in due time, she didn’t want to burden the group any further.
Xarn didn’t trust a single word he overheard. She tossed away her child once, there was no way she had a change of heart so quickly. He rushed to the twins. They would know. He got to their usual hiding spot breathing heavily.
“What have you heard?” he asked.
The twins blinked, Lor looked to Noh then back to Xarn. The two males sighed before speaking, as usual, in unison. “There is a shady market for half breed children to raise as pets for twisted collectors. We only heard about it recently so it might be a new thing rising up in the underbelly of the world. Either way…”
For once Xarn saw a difference in them. Lor’s eyes narrowed as Noh lowered his head into his hand. Lor spoke without his twin. “We have a theory she knew of this market. Since she was one of the few females who traveled to that Leaf group...it’s been confirmed by the enforcers. That group was apart of the market. Its why we’re slowly severing ties with them.”
Lor’s voice was deep, smooth though. Xarn blinked at the sound. It was odd. Noh spoke without his twin next. “She won’t return. If what we discovered about that male is correct, she’s already dead and the child is lost to us.”
Noh’s voice was softer than Lor’s. More gentle. Xarn slowly sank to his rear. “Do the Elders know?”
The twins spoke together again. “We told them everything.”
Word Count: 1415/3421
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Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2015 8:51 pm
Growth Solo
Lesson Learned
pt2
Thus we come to the start of all this. Xarn sitting, the Group in full knowing of the child’s fate. Yet...no one wanted to do a thing. Xarn looked down at the sling around him. The sling his Mother made for him...he ran a hand along it before his eyes narrowed.
“I’m going after him. I won’t let that monster put a pure soul through that nightmare. I won’t let this twist that child.” he said as he stood tall. The twins blinked. What?
Darvish blinked. “Are you going against the will of the Elders?”
Xarn looked back with a grim expression. “If their Will is to let a child suffer. Then yes. I go against it. Torvarith was born here, he was named here. By all accounts he is apart of our Clan. To ignore this transgression based on the fact his Mother chose this path...no. I do not accept this. We’re too far in the traditions of this Group. It's time to overstep and cross lines.”
After he was done the youth took off into the encampment. Due to his status of Orphan, he was typically placed closer to the outskirts of the camp. It was easy for him to pack up his tent. As for any chests he had. The male simply took what was needed before leaving written directions for the rest. He knew the twins would be there shortly. He shifted his bag then turned to stop short. His Uncle stood there leaning on a nearby fence.
“I have to go, Uncle.” he said simply.
The male chuckled. “I know. Go kick his tail, Xarn. Just like I taught you.”
The two males shared one last hug before the elder male retook his lean smiling as Xarn walked away. He wasn’t going to watch Xarn leave, he didn’t watch as Xarn’s Father left for battle. He wouldn’t break that luck now. He knew Torvarith and Xerrna were watching over their son now. He looked skyward and smiled. “May your spirits guide him to the child he seeks.”
It was three days later, on the edge of dusk. Xarn came upon a Leaf camp. Quickly hiding the youth slipped down at the base of a tree and looked for a way to get closer. He could hear crying. There was more than one child...eyes narrowing he hissed at the thought of more than one poor child being used by these men. These men who were most likely their own fathers...how...could they. He shook his head then blinked as he saw twin heads...wait...was that the...no way. He slipped through the shadows to come upon the twins, Darvish and a few other novice enforcers.
“What are you all doing here?” he hissed.
Darvish smiled. “Your departure sparked quite an uproar among the younger crowd Xarnith. We’re here to help you get Torvarith back.”
“I heard other cries down there...what if there are other children kept as well?” Xarn questioned.
Darvish chuckled. “Then I’ll enforce my own power and demand the Elders allow them to stay with us. We won’t let these children suffer.”
Xarnith was reassured with those words and thus the small group settled to plot their attack. Once that was done they then set it into motion. It began with a simple rock, distraction. Which worked rather well. Xarnith slipped down to the campground with a few others. Spotting the cage which held the children. He stopped short at the sight of the Janarim chained to the cage door. Oh...well that wasn’t good. The creature looked worn, old...it was silent as Xarn slowly moved. There looked to be one child slightly older than the others. Seeing the youth the half breed, who looked to be Fire and Water instantly got the Janarim’s attention.
Xarn heard a soft call. The child’s voice no doubt. “Hey...hey Nike...look here. There’s a vermin by the gate. You know the little ones don’t like them...their eyes glow. Make it go away…”
Xarn got closer. Torvarith spotted him then. The toddler letting out a soft cry before grasping the bars. Xarn was at the cage in a heartbeat then. Reaching through to hold the side of his former wards face. Feeling the tear tracks he gritted his teeth. A jingle and Xarn looked up to the towering Janarim. The Wind youth felt a tremble in his limbs as he heard the twins hissing orders to the rest. He held a hand to keep them at bay as he saw a key hanging from the beast’s collar. He looked back up at...Nike. That’s what the child called it.
“Nike...you're an excellent protector of these children. I can see that. I want to get them out of here. You have to understand this isn’t a good place for them…” he pleaded as quietly as he could. There was a tense moment where he thought the beast would attack then...Nike stretched its head out further. As if offering the young wind male the key which glittered there. Xarn reached out taking it off the collar hook. Glancing around he noticed that the Janarim had positioned itself so that he was blocked from view. As one of the Leaf males had returned. He glanced to the others, seeing them well hidden. He gulped then looked to the lock. Surely it would make a loud noise...well. Here goes nothing.
He slowly eased the key into the lock, starting to turn he prayed for a well timed distraction. The sudden sound of flapping had him jerking as he looked behind him to a Kinfa chained to a perch. The bird flapped and squawked. The leaf male grumbled and walked over to it. Further away from Xarn, during the noise Xarn quickly unlocked the gate. His heart was hammering in his chest as he found the door was pretty silent. Easing it open, he glanced over to see a few of the others in the nearby shadows. Silently motioning for the children to go to them. One by one the small half breeds fled their cage. Xarn looked on then heard a sickening noise. Turning back he saw that Darvish had snuck up behind the male...what he did made the youth’s stomach turn. He shivered as the body dropped. Then as Torvarith curled into his chest, he found comfort there for a moment. Then looked at Nike. Finding the end of the chain linked to the gate itself he attempted to use the key to unlock it. It worked! He let out a small chuckle, standing he dropped the chain at Nike’s front feet.
“There. For protecting them.” He said then stood to dart off. Nike picked up its chain and followed after. Darvish easily breaking the frail chain on the Kinfa chuckled as the bird clung to him. The young warrior kicked the body once before darting after Xarn. The small group easily made it back to a safe point. Darvish looked over the children.
“Alright we have five little boys, not counting Torvarith and three little girls. Xarn what will you do now?” Darvish said as he shifted the Kinfa to his shoulder, one child clinging to his side.
Xarn blinked. “I’m not going back. Torvarith and I will make due, he’s past the point of nursing. I can provide for the both of us. I’ll find a way. I can’t go back knowing what they allowed to happen Darvish. I advise that if you can, keep these children away from the Will of the Elders.”
Darvish nodded. “I will. You take care.”
Xarn nodded with a smile. “There are written directions on what to do with what I left behind. I’m off…”
He turned, sliding Torvarith into the sling and blinked in slight shock that Nike stepped up next to him. “Do what you will then.” he muttered to it. Then looked back as Lor handed him a bag.
“From us. Good luck out there Xarn.” his deep voice comforted the youth a bit. He would miss the twins that was for sure. He took the bag and blinked as he realized it was coin. Jaw dropping he nearly refused before Lor pushed it into his chest and gave him a look. Xarn relented and turned, darting off into the night.
It was a lesson learned. Xarn learned that Traditions are all well and good, but...when morals were questioned. Traditions were nothing. He held the little one close as he faded into the night. He would soon make camp, but he had to walk a bit more. Clear the danger of the other leaf males finding their fallen comrade and missing cargo. Then…
Start again.
Word Count: 2875/3421
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Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 10:21 pm
Growth Solo
Lesson Learned
pt3
It was a few hours later that Xarn slowed to a stop, something was off. Nike was staring at a tree or more importantly at the figure leaning against it. Xarn felt his blood run cold before the figure stepped into the moonlight. Familiar rugged and worn wind features made Xarn let out the breath he was holding. One of the groups odd enforcers stood there with a serious expression.
“You know what you're doing?” his voice was familiar to Xarn, as it was to all youths in the group. This was Karvish, Darvish’s Uncle and the younger brother to the Leader. What the male was doing here was beyond Xarn. The youth barely saw him and only ever heard two words outta his mouth in his whole lifetime. Xarn shifted and the elder was striding up to his side to look over both youths. “You have no idea do you?”
Xarn looked at the ground. “N-not really...what are you doing here?”
“Honoring my late sister, weren’t you ever told your Mother was the Leader’s only sister. Its why you weren’t turned over to the Orphan Tent instantly. We wanted you to get independence.” the male said crossing his arms. Xarn stared up at him...oh...now a few things from the past made sense. Why he was allowed to even care for the child. It was special treatment. He looked back up to the male.
“So, I wasn’t alone like I believed...why are you eve here? Shouldn’t you be back with the others?” he felt a tad angry. Well...that was a first. He looked at Nike, absently petting the large creature who was oddly tame at the moment.
“It's my task to watch you. Running off like this isn’t going to sit well with our Leader…” Xarn looked up ready to go on the attack. “...but I understand. No one in the Council, not even our Leader wanted to deal with the kid. So...I’m coming with you. You need an adult around. I can find work easier than you and I have contacts outside of the family willing to help us. Well...what do you say?”
Xarnith looked his Uncle over, while there were some striking features he noted they shared. Things he overlooked in the past due to ranking. He nodded. “I’ll admit that I was lost at what to do...I mean…” he closed his eyes when his uncle ruffled his hair.
“You're still young. Let's go. Your new friend there can walk alongside.” he turned his head to whistle softly. A larger Janarim strode out, Xarnith knew this beast from stories. Due to what it had done in the past the Elders weren’t keen on it around the younglings. So, Karvish had to keep it on the outskirts. Karvish watched Xarn smirking. “He’s not going to eat you. Poro here doesn’t like being feared by my kin. Come on. Hop up. We’ll be at my friends faster.”
Xarn climbed up after his Uncle took Torvarith, when the child was handed back the elder joined him. Nike did follow alongside as the small group made their way to their next destination. Xarn felt more confident now that he had help. Now he was ready to face what lay ahead...
Word Count: 3421/3421
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:00 pm
Bumpy MeetingsMeeting a Matorian for the first time had interesting results.
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:01 pm
Shifting ColorsHey, one of his own tribe!!! Pretty little thing....likes shinies...huh.
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:02 pm
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:04 pm
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:27 pm
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 5:29 pm
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