|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 12:05 pm
The Morning Routine
Incanthis came to when something heavy was dropped on his chest, something that caused him to react by jerking up right, his eyes going wide as he starred at the woman who was standing at the foot of his best, starring at him with hard red eyes. He starred back a moment before he lifted a hand, rubbing it against his face before looking down at what she'd dropped on him, looking a bit on the confused side, "Mistress Lamya?" He questioned her as he picked up and looked over the bundle of cloth that she'd dropped on him in an unceremonious manner. It looked familiar, it was a lovely fabric that he'd picked up a few days ago at her behest, wasn't it?
The woman starred at him for a long moment, then crossed her arms over her chest, "I need you to go and exchange this, I saw Drae today and she had a dress made from this fabric already! Bah, as though that fat Quhar should be wearing such a pattern at her age!" She said in a rather displeased tone, "You will go back to the marketplace and get me something else, something fancy and fabulous, that nobody else has yet! You will also fetch me some more golden thread, we are out of that and there is nothing else that can be used on my dress but that." She told him, as though he should know that nothing but that particular thread would do.
"Well? Do you plan to do as you're told or are you going to just sit there starring at me like a dolt?" She demanded of him, clapping her hands together in a manner that had Shifter jumping up out of bed, "That's better. You can't be lazy, Incanthis, not when we are being so kind as to let you stay with us even though you are no longer our leader's... pet. If I weren't such a kindhearted woman I'd of sent you on your way a long time ago, so don't think that you can just slack off and take advantage of my good nature." Not that it was really her choice in the matter, it was actually up to the leader of their group whether or not Incanthis stayed with them and thus far the man decided to keep him around.
Incanthis gave a nod of his head, moving to get changed, thinking nothing of doing so in front of the only female of the grou, not when he was trying to listen closely to her, not wanting to miss even a word of what she was saying. Even if he wasn't exactly fond of her various gossip or her long winded speeches about what Incanthis should and shouldn't be grateful for. He knew full well that he should be grateful that he was allowed to stay even after slavery had been abolished given that he didn't exactly have a place to return to. Once he'd changed out of his night clothing, and into his day clothing, he turned to face Lamya once more as he pulled a comb through his almost impossibly long hair, "Is there anything else that you would like me to pick up while I'm at the marketplace, Mistress Lamya?" He asked of her before he set to work braiding his hair into as neat a braid as he could without a mirror. Were it not for the fact that long hair was something special and important to his family, well his late mother at least, he'd of likely cut it a while ago just to make things easier. Once it was done he tied the end off, waiting for her reply.
She seemed to be thinking about it, her index finger tapping against her painted lips before nodding, "I can't think of anything off hand, but I am sure if I come up with anything you can always head back again." She didn't really mind bossing him around, sending him running back and forth several times in a day. It was more then likely that she already had a few other things in mind that she want, simple things too like sweets or a certain sort of ribbon, and would send him after them the moment he got home. Lamya saying that she couldn't think of anything off hand was just her way of sending him on his way toward his first chore and saving other things for later so she could pick on him.
It was something that Incanthis was used to though, not as though he couldn't really blame the woman for disliking him and wanting to sending him running around like a headless kinfa, to keep him busy and away from the group's leader. She had a thing for the man after all and Incanthis seemed to be a rather big obstacle at times given he'd been the man's pet for so long after the man bought him off his former master. Lifting a hand he scratched it against his shoulder before he nodded his head, "I will be on my way then." He said, walking over to push his feet into his sandals, picked up the bundle of cloth that she decided that she no longer wanted, and then turned to her to hold out a hand. It took her a moment to realize what it was that he was asking for before dropping a pouch of coins into his hand to use to get the thread she wanted, as well as cloth possibly, if vendor refused to take back the other cloth. He'd have to find someone to take it off his hands but who was to say if he'd be able to find someone who would give him as much as had been spent on it? He supposed he'd only see once he got there. She didn't care about how he did things, Lamya just cared about the results.
Lifting a hand to stifle a yawn he headed out of his tiny room, which was located in the back of the house near to the kitchen. He paused, looking toward the kitchen, before quickly slipping inside. He scoop up a piece of fruit and a piece of crusty bread, along with a skin of water, before heading out on his way once more. Those various things, as well as the pouch of coins, were tucked into his pack that he'd had sitting by the front door. He was quick to sling the pack over his shoulder, heading out the front door and out into the morning air. He took a couple steps forward, lifting a hand to shield his eyes from the light as he got used to it, before he rand head long into someone solid. Taking a couple quick steps back he was quick to apologize profusely, looking up through the light at the one he'd run into, then went wide eyed, "Oh, good morning Mas... ahh... Lord Muata." He said, glancing up at his former Master, not that Incanthis had gotten out of of the habit of still seeing the man as such, then away gain, "I am going to the market place, did you need anything while I'm there?"
The man looked him over, before he asked, "Running errands for our spoiled Lamya again?" He asked, getting a nod in response, "I see, well, don't worry about me, instead just do as Lamya wants. I'd much rather not get in the way of her and whatever it is that she wants today. Don't be long though, one of the boys got into a tussle last night and he probably needs stitches. You will need to do that when you get back." The man said, waving Incanthis on his way.
Incanthis nodded his head, lifting his free hand to scratch it against his shoulder once more where a slaver's mark lay that the man before had given Incanthis. It was long since healed but tended to itch in the man's presence. Not looking at Muata directly as the man told him what it was that he'd be doing today. Stitches? It instantly had him wondering where, how many, how bad the wound was, and various other questions. More then likely he'd have to clean the wound first given that the guys under Muata's lead weren't exactly the best when it came to taking care of their wounds. At best they'd bind it tightly, leaving the rest to Incanthis to figure out since he was the 'healer' of the group, not that he'd actually had a chance to practice the magical side of healing yet, instead always using more practical, hands on methods to take care of the various wounds he was put in charge of healing. He could only hope that it was a clean cut, maybe one of the guys getting into a knife fight over... well, whatever it was that they were fighting over this time. It tended to be women, politics, and money for the most part that got the group's members into trouble. He'd put his money on it being one of those three.
He'd worry about the details once he got back from his run to the market place knowing that he had to keep Lamya's mood as an amiable one or he'd be hearing about it the entire time he was patching up Muata's men. It was going to be a busy day, he could tell already, busy to the point that he wouldn't even be able to get a real breakfast, not that he wasn't used to that too. His life was a busy one, he was the only healer in the group, not to mention the only other servant save for a much older woman who was mostly in charge of helping Lady Lamya to dress as well as well as aiding her with the sewing of the spoiled woman's new out fits. Everything else though, including looking after the men to make sure they were fed, patched up, and the like, was up to Incanthis, leaving him busy all day and often late into the night. He'd finally get time to rest when everyone headed out for the night, but often times got awoken in the same manner he had today, by an irate Lamya wanting him to do one thing or another for her.
Lifting a hand to smother a yawn Incanthis headed on his way toward the marketplace. Once his way he'd eat what food he'd been able to grab on his way out the door, and hopefully it would tide him over until he was able to get a real meal from the kitchen. That wouldn't be until lunch time more then likely, especially if the wound he had waiting for him at home to stitch up was a particularly nasty one. He'd worry about that when the time came though, wanting to focus on one thing at a time so as not to risk screwing any thing up.
As he approached the market place he gave sighing sound of relief, it was still early enough yet that the ones who were here were mostly women trying to get the freshest produce and the best prices. It was still calm yet, meaning he should be able to visit a few stalls and be able to find a merchant interested in the cloth that he had to trade or sell. From there it was only a matter of finding something that Lamya would prefer over the one he was bringing back. It would need to be something bright and flashy, something that would make her bright red eyes and deep red, nearly black hair, something that would draw all attention to her. It sounded like a tall order but Incanthis was actually used to such chores, it was almost embarrassing how good he was at picking out cloth and matching the thread and accessories that she wanted to go with said cloth.
If only his brothers could see him now he thought to himself idly, a thought that was quickly quashed and shoved aside. It had been ages since he'd seen any of his brothers, and the odds of seeing them again were low. They wouldn't want anything to do with a traitor like him, one that served the Obans for some time now, running their errands, patching their wounds, and tending to their every whim. They likely hated him as much as they did Issao, so thinking about them was just a waste of time, time he didn't have to waste, especially today. Doing his best not to think about them he approached the first booth that looked promising and set to haggling with the woman behind the booth.
(( Word Count 2115 ))
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 9:18 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 9:18 pm
Returning Home
Incanthis was well aware that he was a bit on the late side getting home, later then he'd of liked to be, because the moment he stepped through the curtain that led into the house several sets of eyes were on him. He knew the look, they had likely thought he had run away again, something he'd done on one occasion in the past. It had been the day that he heard rumors about his baby brothers being in Sulburi, the idea that Isaris and Issaly were so close by, he couldn't resist running to them without thinking. A mistake on his part in the end, all that had come out of it was heartache when he got there and found that his brothers had left without him along with some other Shifters. It was likely their other brothers who had come to get them, to bring them out of Oba, and away from Incanthis before he was able to get near them. He hadn't tried to leave again since then, even after his freedom had been returned to him, but it was obvious that they were expecting him to attempt it again.
He'd have to try to fix this he thought to himself before he greeted the group, "Good afternoon, everyone. It's nice to see you all gathered here." He said, pulling the fancy new cloth out of his pack before he carried it over to Lamya, offering it to her, and waited to see what she thought of it, "It's brand new to the shop, the only bolt they'd gotten of it so far, so you needn't worry about Lady Drae already having it." He said as she studied the material closely. Those seemed to be the magic words as the woman snatched it up from his hands, hugging it to her chest in a delighted manner.
Incanthis gave a soft smile before he turned to look at the others in the group, "Is there anything that I can do for you all? Stitches or anything like that?" He asked, concern showing in his voice. He knew that the men were dangerous, what with the work that they did, but at the same time he couldn't deny them aid if they were in need of it. He'd been with them long enough that he actually did worry about them when they went out on jobs. He couldn't really hate them either, it wasn't as though this particular group were the ones that had taken him from his family after all. They were just the ones that he ended up with. Muata, the man who had been his master before and was so in all but name now, had taken him away from much worse men during a job and claimed him as his own. He couldn't risk making him angry, so it was best that he did what he could to make it up to him and the others for being so late.
One of them men, a broad shouldered one with a shaved head and a missing eye, named Deminis, lifted a hand, "I will be requiring some more stitches, I got in a fight with the missus, she seems to think that I am cheating on her again. I swear, that girl thinks I am a prized catch or something." He muttered, giving a roll of his eyes. It was a comment that got chuckles from everyone else. Deminis was a nice enough guy, but he was far from beautiful, yet his woman tended to get jealous over anyone that looked his way twice. It was sweet in a way... save for the fact that half the time he had to stitch Deminis up it was because of his fights with the swordswoman.
"I will get my kit. Anyone else?" Incanthis asked, finding a couple others that had injuries that needed to be looked over, theirs from work instead of a very possessive lover, and he nodded leaving the room so that he could fetch his kit which was kept in a spare room. It was a room used when he had really major injuries that needed his attention or a sick patient that needed tending to. He was just stepping inside when he heard the door click behind him. He started to turn before a pair of strong arms wrapped around him, dragging him backwards, arms that belonged to Muata.
"You seemed to be gone for a long time today, Incanthis, not thinking about running out on me again, are you?" He asked, his hold tightening ever so slightly, "I won't have it, the laws may have changed, you might be a 'free' man, but you still belong solely to me. There is nobody out there waiting for you, so you shouldn't even think about running off."
Words that he heard often enough, a less then subtle reminder from Muata that Incanthis really had no where else to go these days. He was a traitor after all, to his family, to his people, to everyone that had sided against the Obans. Even if he wanted to go with Kalli to even get a peek at Istanell when she went to give the man the necklace she bought him he really couldn't. His brothers likely wanted nothing to do with him, it's why they came to save the babies of the family but left him behind, it was why they had never sought him out, they didn't want him. It was Muata that wanted him, to the point that he'd left a very permanent mark behind on Incanthis's shoulder to show as much. Lifting a hand he rested it against the brand that stood out on his flesh for a moment, before letting out a sigh, "I wasn't running away or anything, I just... I couldn't leave her alone. There was this girl, a tiny little youngling, she was in the marketplace all alone. It's not safe for a child to run around alone." He explained, wanting Muata to understand.
The man starred down at him for a long moment, then gave a bit of a chuckle, "Is that what kept you? You were playing momma perzi for a stray kitten?" He asked as he eased his hold on Incanthis now that he knew he wasn't trying to run off, "Really, Incanthis, you should have been born a girl. You would have made a rather good mother the way that you try to take care of everyone... though I doubt you'd have fared as well when you were kidnapped by Oban soldiers." He withdrew, petting Incanthis's hair, "Next time you feel like playing house do try to let us know before we prepare a search party to find you, alright?"
Incanthis gave a nod of his head as he moved to gather his supplies, "You might be right, and I will." He found himself wondering for an idle moment if perhaps Issao, his father, would have liked him better if he'd been born a girl. Not as though the man could have liked him less, but if he had been a girl, one as lovely as his mother had been, would Issao have accepted him as a healer? Would he have still looked down on him for not fighting even if he were born a girl? A silly thing to think about, it really didn't matter now, yet it was a question he'd actually asked himself, and his mother, in the past. Shaking thoughts of the past up he picked up his kit and said, "I should go tend to Deminis and the others."
Muata nodded, opening up the door, and ushered Incanthis out, "Do take care of them, I need the men in tip top shape, we have a job tomorrow, and I will need every last one of them along to help out. It's your job to keep them whole and healthy, Incanthis, something that they quite appreciate you for." He said, patting him on his shoulder. It was something that Muata was good at, first mentioning things that would put Incanthis in a low mood, such as him not having anywhere else to go, then lavish him with praise over his duty keeping the others healthy. It really was the best formula for keeping someone like Incanthis in his place as well as keeping him loyal to the group. They couldn't risk losing him after all, not when he was so useful.
As the two of them stepped back into the main room Incanthis moved to sit down at the table, "Deminis, if you'd like to sit down I will tend to you first." He said, knowing that he had a lot of work ahead of him, especially if he needed to get everyone ready for work tomorrow. Thoughts of his family, his brother Istanell in particular, would have to wait until later, he had more pressing matter to attend to now.
(( Word Count: 1482 ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2015 5:09 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2015 10:35 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2015 2:13 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:17 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 1:09 am
Incanthis: 4
~ 1 Fairgrounds Item: Prophet's Staff (3)
~ 1 Shop Item: Mag Booster x 1 (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2015 6:32 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2016 9:47 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:29 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 7:44 am
Nightmares
Within the dream that he was having Incanthis couldn't breath... it was as though someone was pressing down on his chest, making it all but impossible for him to draw in a real breath and his eyes were looking around the area in a slightly wild manner as he tried to figure out what was going on. It took a moment for the fog in his mind to clear enough for him to figure out where he was as well as what was going on. He was... in Jauhar... but not at home, no... this was some time after he had been taken away by the Obans to serve them and tend to their wounds. What had happened again? What had angered the man that stood above him? It took his hazy mind a moment to recall before it finally all clicked into place. Right, he'd tried to escape, hadn't he? He'd known that it was foolish, that he wasn't really equipped for such a daring thing, but he'd still wanted to at least try.
He knew that it was a stupid move, he had traded himself for the safety of the others after all, but he missed them. He just wanted to see his brothers again, to hold them, to tell them that he loved them... but he hadn't exactly gotten all that far. He was barely a mile away from camp when a pair of Oban soldiers had caught up to him. It was just as his father had always said, he was weak and pathetic, he wasn't warrior material, and if he went against a 'real' warrior he'd lose every time without fail. The man had been so right, which was something that almost irked Incanthis more then his failure to escape from his captors. Only a short time after running off he'd been brought back to the Obans, dragged along by his braid as though it were a leash made for their use, and thrown to the ground in front of their leader.
It was then that the giant of a man had then push a foot down on his chest, telling him that he was useful but if he tried such a thing again that his usefulness would run out. If he tried it again they would put him down then do the same to any other Shifter he came across. A threat that had done well in intimidating Incanthis, possibly more so then just the fact that the man was crushing his chest. The idea that they would kill Shifters without a care in the world, it was terrifying, especially knowing that his brothers might be out there somewhere. What if they hurt them? What if they went after the younglings just to punish him? It wasn't something that Incanthis could allow and as such his singular attempt at escape became the only one that he ever made for many years. No matter what else he went through he thought only of his brothers and their safety, nothing else mattered to Incanthis.
The repeated threats were tailored made for Incanthis and able to keep him quite sedate the entire time that he was with the soldiers... though it hadn't lasted forever. The soldiers were his first taste of having an Oban master but they weren't his last. There were others, several in fact, with Incanthis being trade around quite often, serving different masters in various different capacities, before finally ended up with Muata. In the dream world he found himself trapped in he found himself surrounded by shades that had the voices of his different masters, their grasping hands catching hold of him, trying to drag him in all directions. It was something that made him feel as though he was going to be pulled apart by the lot of them and their demands of him. It was all washed away as a searing pain engulfed Incanthis body, mind, and soul as a brand was placed to his skin...
He could remember the day so very clearly... being sold off to Muata and the arrogant man telling him that he was going to be kept with him forever. It was something that Incanthis had actually believe would happen and even after he'd been 'set free' by the ending of the war between Oba and the North he hadn't gone home. By that point Incanthis had convinced himself that he couldn't go home. Who would want him back after all? He was a traitor to his people, to his family, he'd aided the Obans, and served them for so long and in so many ways. There was no point in going home because it was likely that he would be sent away... or maybe killed. The idea of one of his brothers being forced to 'deal with him' being something he didn't want to put them through.
Things had gone in a manner that one would expect when they were with a master like Muata. Even if Incanthis had been 'free' in the eyes of the law his heart had still been held by the man, leaving him unable to escape from his grasp. Something that would likely have continued, even through all of Muata's arrogant demands and heavy hands were it not for others getting him out... another day he could still remember clearly, the one in which Muata had come to for Incanthis for going against his orders, all mercy gone of his eyes...
*****
Incanthis was dragged out of his dreams with a cry, his arms wrapping around himself, one hand clutching at the brand that lay on his shoulder, "Ahh... damn it... it burns..." He gasped out, eyes leaking tears. It was ages since he'd been given the brand by Muata but somehow it could still cause him a great amount of pain... and when his nightmares cropped up the pain was only made that much worse. Everything just hurt... and now that his brand was searing into him and his mind was racing sleep was unlikely to happen again.
Pushing to his feet Incanthis set to work trying to wipe away his tears and catch his breath before leaving his room to walk the halls as he often did at night...
(( Word Count: 1036 ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 7:45 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 8:38 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2016 3:53 am
A Near Run In
Dropping his silvery eyes to where Junior was in his grasp, giving him a long though stern look, "You need to behave yourself, Junior, and no more chasing ward around, alright? We don't know where they have been and it could get you sick if they aren't healthy." He said to the little, still wiggly snaptrotter whelp that was in his grasp. He had to see about getting him a harness and a leash if they were to go out again. It was a tough thing though, considering the idea of going out on his own like this was scary. Well, nowadays at least. Before everything had gone down the way that it had he'd gone out every morning to do various errands, normally shopping for Mistress Lamya, seeking out beautiful new cloth for her to make her dresses out of.
Those weren't the only things that he'd go looking for though, he also went seeking out food so that he could cook for the group, which was something he wanted to do even now. Should he see about helping when it came to cooking or would they see him as being underfoot? He was a guest after all and he really should have gone and found his own place ages ago... and yet he found himself unable to, instead attaching himself to the one who had helped to save the time of not only Incanthis himself but also Tiren.
He knew that he couldn't do that forever though, could he? He had to stand on his own two feet again, to grow strong, and take care of himself. To be able to do that he would need to train in his magic and through it be able to become something more then what he felt that he was now. He glanced down at Junior and said, "I would miss everyone, even you Junior, if I were to move out on my own." It would be rather lonely though, wouldn't it? He'd started out being with his family and even if he found his father to be an intimidating man. From there he was with various groups of Obans of differing sizes, and then finally Abie and his family. He'd never really been on his own, had he? Would he even be able to take care of himself?
The idea of having to possibly hunt for food wasn't something he was comfortable but maybe he'd be able to purchase his food? That meant getting a job, didn't it? He wondered if he could find himself an apprenticeship with a well trained and talented healer. If he was able to do that then he might be able to heighten his powers to the level where he might be able to get paid for his skills. It felt weird, wanting to be paid for healing when he should instead be doing that for free, to help people. How he wished his mother was still around, she would be able to help him, not only to train him but to help him figure out where he should go and what he should do. She was the only one that might be able to forgive him despite everything.
A squeak from Junior had him drop his gaze to the little one, something that made him smile, before he lifted him up for a snuggle, "Sorry, sorry... I was deep in thought, wasn't I? How about we get back home so that you can play with your siblings. It would be better then us roaming around the..." He trailed off as a familiar voice reached his ears, something that caused him to freeze in place, turning slowly toward it. He stood there, stock still, when he spotted the familiar face of his most recent Master standing there, talking to someone else that he didn't know. He swallowed hard, then gave a soft sound in his throat the brand on his shoulder seemed to suddenly burn with pain. It was a pain that seemed to wake him up from his stupor though, allowing him turn on his heel before he rushed toward Abie's place. He had to get back, had to get away, and hope that Muata didn't see him.
The run back home was the fastest that he'd moved in his life, with him running even faster then during Junior's earlier escape. He ducked back into the house, dragging the door closed behind him, then continued his run to the room he was standing in, closing it as well. Once he was there he made sure the door into the room was locked. That done he went to the window next, locking it and drew the curtain. Sighing a little he sat down, placing Junior on his feet, "Phew... we made it..." He murmured, scratching the little snaptrotter under the chin as he leaned back against the wall under the window.
He was shaking all over, hard, his fear of the man filling him. He'd been so afraid that the man would see him, would give chase, that he would drag him back with him. He didn't want to go back, didn't want the man the force him to do terrible things or punish him. Turning around slowly he opened up the curtains just a crack, peeking out, glad to see that nothing was amiss outside. Did that mean that he'd escaped cleanly?
Sliding back down, laying on his side on the ground, he said, "We will go out soon to find Abie and your siblings. For right now I think we will stay here, rest up a bit, and wait for the feeling in my shoulder to die down a little." His brand was burning again and it was just one of those things that they would need to wait on. He just hoped that it didn't take too long for the pain to go away, he didn't want to worry anyone by hiding in his room for too long. Nor did he want Abie to worry when he realized that Junior was missing again, though whenever he did go missing at least Abie knew where to look to find him.
Junior gave another squeak, walking over to curl up next to Incanthis, the two of them resting together side by side. While the little whelp didn't understand what was going on he at least knew that he should stay with Incanthis, ever watchful and protective of the at times fragile Shifter.
(( Word Count: 1075 ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
