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 Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 2:52 pm
Like the pluck of a string, Leukos’ grin curled, quite satisfied with the results of his baiting. She at least has a mother, even though it sounds like her opinion of the woman is not the highest. They were getting somewhere now.
“In the winter, really? I don't know when I was born; I think it's interesting that your mother told you, even if she might be wrong. How do winters fair here in Matori anyways?” As something of an explanation, he bumped Saj's hip, motioning between the two of them. “We're not from around here, so there are still things we are getting used to. Like the food: it's different, but good, in its own way.”
He took one more bite of his, before offering the rest to the persistent child. “What sorts of meals does your family usually cook?”
[8/10]
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 7:50 am
Naz shifted her weight. “Cold ‘n wet, lots of storms…said that’s how she knew anyhow.” She eyed them suspiciously, though, at the explanation. “You look like you’re from here…” They were both visibly Matorian—but perhaps they were among those kept away in fire country. Either way. “I’ve never been away from here. I was born behind the building Ma lives at. It’s not so far…and-”
When food came to be offered, though, her hand darted out reactively, snatching it up with ready hunger and not bothering to stifle the pleased sound that emitted upon getting it to her mouth.
“Mmmm-” She eyed him as she chewed. Swallowed. “Ma don’t cook, she’s usually…busy.” She squinted. “Sometimes men come and bring her food or coin for spendin’ time with them and lettin’ them pull at her…sometimes, I stay with Da, but he don’t like me takin’ too much food so I gotta wait ‘til he’s sleepin’ or out.”
Privately, Sajahka frowned. It wasn’t—exactly what he imagined, but somehow worse without much option for remedying anything.
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 9:35 am
It seemed that food did the job of loosening the child’s tongue, but once she got going, Leukos wasn't so sure he preferred that she had. Her ‘home’ sounded like little more than a place she slept, and ‘family’ was just the people that had made her. He had suspected as much; just because you were poor, didn't mean you had to be trashy. There can be love even in homes without a penny to their name. But this child displayed all the trademark indicators of someone who hadn't been tended to, instead fending for herself. She was rough around the edges. Suspicious. Impulsive.
And definitely, not an orphan.
He looked over at Sajahka, signing as the girl shoved his food down her throat. «Well, I can't say I am surprised, but it is sad, nonetheless. Now that you know her position, what do you plan to do about it? We can't just…take her somewhere else, even though she'd probably be happier there. Anywhere else, really.»
He glanced at her sympathetically, simply imagining what her life must be like. It sounded awful. It surely was.
No wonder she was such a piece of work.
[9/10]
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 10:26 am
Sajahka’s brow was still furrowed, attention on the child, when Leukos’ gaze moved his way, and when he turned his attention to Leu’s fingers—Leukos’ question was the same as his own.
What could either of them do about it?
Nothing.
They couldn’t kidnap a child or drag her to an orphanage she’d run away from. She was evidently learning her own way of her own regard, and though it was dangerous and unfavorable—it was the lot put before her, and there just did not seem to be much he or Leu could make happen to change it.
He didn’t like children, he reminded himself.
This one was just like all the countless others that had been made and would be made and would grow up in time with or without either of them. Some were just dealt more difficult hands and that was life. He knew that as well as anyone, surely. Still. Watching her lick dirty fingers left a strange pull in his gut that was suspiciously alike — but different from — the one he felt when Leukos said things that made him want more than what they had.
Impossibility.
Unmerited attachment.
He grunted. He hesitated. At length, he sighed, rolling his shoulders. «Nothing, for now.» They could not take her to an orphanage, nor could they assume parentage out of the blue for a stray child simply because hers were defunct. «Thank you, though…for coming to speak with her. I am glad to know.»
He didn’t suspect it would be the last he saw of her in any case, so it couldn’t be all for naught regardless.
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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 6:36 pm
Leukos nodded, in line with Sajah's thoughts on the issue. Unfortunately, they could do little right now. Maybe they never could. But so long as no rules were broken, he did not see the harm in continuing to make contact with the girl. She seemed to enjoy Saj's company anyways, even though she could not understand what he was saying. It would not hurt to ensure she stayed fed, seeing as she was so small, it shouldn't put a dent in their wallet…
He gave Sajahka a pat on the arm, smiling in what he hoped was a consoling manner. “I didn't mind at all: it was nice to meet the charming character that has been occupying all of your time as of late. You should continue to spend time with her, if that is something that would make you both happy, since we can't do much of anything else…”
Rolling his shoulders with a languid crack, Leukos gave Sajahka an encouraging little punch.
“But I think I'd like to join you both today, and perhaps you might invite me along in the future as well. I am still plenty hungry, and there are confections to sample.” He winked down at Naz, rubbing his hands together. “Help me pick the next place: lunch is on me~”
[10/10]
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