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 Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:14 am
Anise, Alex & Cadaver
Amies
How long had it been since he'd walked these cobble stoned streets? A few weeks, months perhaps? He wasn't sure but it felt familiar and quite distant all at once. His father had insisted he go on a road trip with him as an assistant. It had helped to learn about all the various herbs and spices that could help to cure the most common of ailments. It had always been hard staying around the human populous for too long. Although he was a cheerful and respected individual around his neighborhood he knew his presence caused more harm then good....
It would only be a matter of time before people would start to fall ill, dropping like flies and all the while they would never know he was the cause behind it. With a heavy sigh, he trudged through the streets waving to old friends and new alike. The misses at the bakery ushered him over with a smile and a bag full of her latest sweets. "Cada please have some." The teen dust smiled sheepishly taking her offering as he continued quickly down the road. Night was slowly falling upon the land, soon shops would begin to close as shopkeepers prepared to go home. "Ah... which way..." He hadn't been back in quite some time so finding his way around was becoming quite the obsticle but he did remember a little. He knew where his old home was but with the memories that plagued him there he didn't think he had to strength to face it. No, Krinn was gone and he barely new Sable on terms of confiding in her. Whatever was waiting for him at that house was no longer an issue in his mind. He had to find some place else to live, but wandering the streets at night was beginning to take it's toll on him.
Sleeping under bridges and in small caves near the cliffs wasn't healthy. He couldn't keep it up if he hoped to survive another night. Even the pestilence dust could get sick and that was an experience he never wanted to undergo again. So his feet dragged and lead him some place he wasn't sure but he vaguely remembered. An old mansion... Sighing the teen smiled lazily at the dimly lit place. He wondered if they were alright? Would they even allow it? Nah... he didn't have that kind of courage to ask. Instead he slipped inside the gate that separated the yard from the rest of the world. With a quick glance around he noticed a small shed off to the side of the yard. "Ah..." With a soft murmur he moved over to the shed happy to find it unlocked. It was small but their was room enough for him to get a good nights sleep from the elements. Maybe in the morning he'd ring the bell and spend a bit of time with them before heading back out into the streets.
Unfortunately the pestilence dust forgot about one important detail of the house residents.... of the eight legged variety. Watching the young dust; one such resident gleefully skittered back to the house eager to report to his queen the good news.
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:17 pm
And such good news it was indeed!
From where she sat in a shadowy corner, the spider queen extended a hand. Her servile spider instantly skittered up her arm and up to her shoulder, relaying in a set of blurry images exactly what it had seen. Anise smiled. It was about time he returned.
These days Anise was far more inclined to wandering around the mansion in the dark of night, and sleeping away the day hidden in her room. It suited her. The darkness was like a warm blanket, soothing away all her fears. Even her terrible agoraphobia lessened with the night. There was a lack of people and light that allowed her to behave in a much more natural manner when faced with the wide outdoors. One night she had even made it to the gate before turning back.
Dress rustling with her movement, Anise rose and padded slowly through the house. Spiders swarmed, leaving their webs and following their mistress as she made her way to the heavy front doors. They opened with a creak and the dust child inspected the space between the door and the shed. She could get Alexander. But she wanted to greet Cadavar first… and tell him off.
Fighting down the initial rise of panic, Anise walked out into the open. Her spiders trailed her, acting as both an escort and source of comfort. It seemed like far too long before she finally reached the shed, opening the door to reveal her one friend (well, one that wasn’t a spider or her father that was). Her wide, red eyes blinked and took in the scene with a haughty look of annoyance.
“This is most unacceptable.” She glowered at Cadavar. “You come home and instead of greeting me, you choose to sleep in Alexander’s shed. Did you think I would not notice?” In fact, her feelings were quite hurt. Why would he not come straight to her?
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:37 pm
It was only moments before his mind drifted, his eyes fluttering ever so slightly. He thought of many things, what to say to them, how to even greet them, would he even greet them? He wasn't so sure coming back here was a good idea but he really didn't know where else to go. It was safe here, almost like home. Almost. A sliver of a smile made it across the dust's face as he nuzzled into his satchel, using it as a pillow and his coat served as a blanket. It was enough for now.
It was only a moment before his eyes closed that a sudden rustle caught his ears. He didn't have time to react before the doors to the shed open and all too familiar red eyes peered down at him. Ah crap! His mind shuffled for excuses anything to pardon himself but with each passing minute he just felt more and more like a jerk. Truly why hadn't he just come for help straight out? "Lil' spider... ah... I'm..." sighing he just sat there looking dejected. Noticing the swarm of spiders it was then he realized his mistake. "Oh right." A small smile curled his lips as he stood to his full height. "My apologies my lil' spider I lost myself." It was all he could think to say. Kneeling to her level he gave a gentle smile before moving a lock of her dark hair from her face. "If you'll forgive me I can explain properly... um... in the main house?" For all the world he did look like a child being scolded by their parent even if it was a bit awkward having a child doing the scolding. He had to admit he really did miss being pushed around by her.
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:57 pm
The spider child’s ruby eyes narrowed as Cadavar stammered out his apology. Outwardly she appeared completely unmoved by his pleas. In fact she had softened, seeing the dejected look on his face. But she was still angry and hurt. Even though she was looking up at him once he had stood, she still managed to look thoroughly condescending. When he then kneeled, she turned her face away so that the lock of her hair slipped from his grip.
“If you lose yourself, you should have come to me straight away so I could find you again. You are so foolish.” Anise could not remember a time she had been more indignant and heart sore. “I don’t know why you would bother leaving at all when you can’t do anything useful without my instructions.” In a huff, she turned around. “I should leave you out here.”
With that she stalked away back towards the house, only stopping when she was halfway there to look back and make sure he was following. ”It had better be a good explanation Cadavar.”
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 4:26 pm
He had truly missed the little spiderweb dust and her guardian, they were a very interesting and important part of his life. He couldn't apologize enough so instead of doing so like a dog with his tail between his leg he simply gathered his things and followed the young dust back to the main house. Once inside he noticed the spiders coming down from their webs surprised to see the dust again. "Ah... so many new friends." He commented absently forgetting that he was still in hot water with the mistress.
Only when he happened to look upon her smaller frame did he balk and revert to his chided persona. Ah yes, he was still not out of the woods yet. He had to explain himself... "Is... Alex around?" He questioned quietly while looking for the man. It would be best to explain things while everyone was present rather then repeat himself and get his story all jumbled to bits. "If you don't mind I'd like for you both to be present to hear this."
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 4:57 pm
“Close the door behind you.” Anise ordered as they stepped inside, the girl turning with a swish of her dress to look at Cadavar. She watched him as he inspected the spiders that were coming out to greet him. Even those that had not met him before felt his attachment to their mistress and wanted to give their own sort of welcome. “This house has much more room for us all.” She answered, her tone just a little less angry.
“I will go wake him.” Anise said curtly. “Wait here.” With that she disappeared quickly into the shadows, leaving Cada behind and navigating through the dark mansion.
A few minutes later she returned with a sleepy Alexander in tow. The older man had a small lit lamp in his hands and was trying not to step on any of the spiders that were still wildly criss-crossing the floor. “Cadavar… it’s good to see you again.” He rubbed the back of his neck and gave a tired but welcome smile to the teenager. “Anise mentioned something about the shed and you having to explain your… uh… lack of good sense.”
He ushered Cadavar into one of the side sitting rooms and plopped himself down an old couch. Anise perched beside him, giving Cadavar with an intense stare.
“You may begin.”
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:15 pm
He did as told, closing the door with little fuss. Stepping carefully across the floor so as not to squish any of the new friends he waited patiently for Anise to return. When she did he almost kicked himself for having her wake Alex but it was for the best.
Following them into the adjacent room he found purchase on a sofa watching as a few of the spiders skittered up next to him to get a better look. Those that knew him well enough just made themselves comfortable in his lap, atop his head or in his hoody. He didn't mind so much. With Anise's clipped response and Alexander's addition to it, he just bit his bottom lip a moment before sighing.
"About that..." he began. "Sorry I'm having one of those days." Well that was an understatement but he left that for another day. "So I suppose the best way to start. The last time we spoke I mentioned I'd be going on a trip with my father. Well I'm back and unfortunately there's been some events that has kept me from my former home." He looked toward the window then back at the two before rubbing a finger along one of the spiders on his lap. "I don't have a place to live right now. I've only just got back, my former home... it's too painful to live there and so I've just been finding places to stay out on the street." He gave a soft murmur as if to pout then continued. "I only just thought about coming here and staying in the shed but only for a night. I was going to knock on the door in the morning but..." He trailed off content to just pet the spider in his lap. "... I just feel lost. I don't know what to do right now."
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Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 8:12 pm
The two of them both listened in silence, but their expressions were as different as night and day. Alexander looked sympathetic and quite sad for the young Dust, while Anise simply stared at her friend with a cold intensity. When Cadavar had finished his story, Alexander offered him a smile. “You are always welcome in our home Cadavar and can stay as long as you need and as long as you wish.”
“What sort of events?” Anise demanded, cutting Alexander off before he could say another word. “It is not a proper explanation unless you completely explain everything.”
“Anise, please…” Alex placed a hand on her knee. “Cadavar doesn’t have to explain anything. He is our friend and whatever has happened, we are happy to have him here.”
Her pale cheeks flushed with annoyance. “I know that! I just want to know the truth. H-he insulted our friendship by thinking to sleep outside and greet us in the morning.”
Alexander was surprised. Sometimes he forgot Anise was still just a child, but here was the reminder. “Perhaps we should let Cadavar sleep and then in the morning, we can talk about it more then. If he is your friend, then you need to be a little bit more understanding and patient.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 4:15 am
Cada didn't know whether to laugh or cry, the dust and her guardian were like night and day. Where one offered his sympathy the other would hear none of it. His expression was one of mixed annoyance, pain and exhaustion. He simply wanted to sleep and forget about all the bad things that were going on right now. He figured Anise would be stubborn and demand more from him but tonight was of the rare nights where he simply would not budge. Even she needed to understand that she was still just a child.
Yellow eyes flashed dangerously at the young dust child as he stood with a rustle of clothing. Bowing respectfully he began to gather his things. "I'm sorry Anise I'm not in a very good mood. If you need me to explain I will but not tonight and most certainly not by your demands." With a very soft smile to Alexander, "I apologize but I cannot stay here..." Heading for the door he quickly worked his way through the thickening horde of spiders. As if to beg him to stay he smiled down upon them but his mind was set. "So long as your mistress demands more from me then I can give then I can't stay some place where I'm unwelcome." A part of him was also hurt, he understood her stance, he really should have come straight to her and explain himself but even he had his pride. Being seen in this condition was more than humiliating; maybe he just needed time or at least the courage to rely on his friends. He never was the type to need help always the one to offer help... it was hard to switch roles.
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 3:15 pm
Anise was shocked by his reaction. Cada had never been anything but obliging to her and she had thought nothing of continuing to demand obedience. “Cadavar! Stop! Don’t you dare leave.” She slipped quickly from her seat, moving towards him as he went for the door; her spiders attempting to crawl up his legs and halt his progress. “I-if you leave… you can never come back!” She cried out furiously.
Alexander rarely raised his voice or went against anything his controlling daughter demanded of him. But this time it was not his well-being but another’s and he could not allow this to continue. “Enough! Cadavar stay where you are… and Anise, you go to your room. Right this instant.”
The spider girl paused on the spot and blinked owlishly at her father. “What?”
“You heard me young lady. Up to your room and take your spiders with you.” He voice was strong and stern, his finger pointing towards the door. There was a long silence between them before Anise finally relented. She turned and strode away, back straight in anger, out one of the others doors that connected to the room. A stream of spiders followed in her wake.
Alex turned to Cadavar. “If you please, I’d like for us to just have a quick chat. If you still want to leave afterwards, that is your decision.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:29 pm
There it was again... nothing but childish demands. He wasn't sure why he allowed himself to move at her every beck and call but perhaps the brat in him understood her. Perhaps he was mesmerized by how mature she could bring herself to be only for moments like these to remind them all she was still a child beneath the demands and threats. He stopped short of the door at Alexander's command. The man hardly asked much of him and he was like a surrogate father if nothing else; he deserved at least this much.
Once Anise had left the room, Cada turned with a somber glance in the direction she had left. He really did hate to upset her, maybe if things went well he would go to her and apologize. With his thoughts all jumbled he sighed deeply and took his seat where had once been. Looking to Alex he gave a weak smile so unlike himself. "I'm really sorry about all this."
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:58 pm
“You have no need to apologize.” Alexander said as he made his way over, sitting down beside Cadavar. Resting his elbows on his knees, he clasped his hands ahead of him and stared at them with a thoughtful frown. “I think we both forget that in the end Anise is just a child. Though she does not like to admit it, she missed you and she is not very good with dealing with those sorts of feelings.”
He gave a sad smile. “I please just ask that you forgive her and give her time. She will come around. I also ask that you forgive me. I should have been firmer with her, instead of giving in to her every demand. She needs to learn to respect the feelings of others.” Turning his head he looked over at Cadavar, studying the teen dusts face.
“If you would do me the favour, please stay the night. We have many spare rooms and you will not be disturbed. It is partly selfish… I won’t be able to sleep at all if I allow you to go back out into the night.” He chuckled softly. “Whatever had befallen you is yours until you wish to share it. Hold firm in the face of my daughter’s powerful desire to control and learn everyone’s secrets.”
His gaze shifted to the lamp he had brought in, watching the flame flicker. “Cadavar, you cannot walk away from your troubles. Out there or in here, you will have to bear them. I would rather you do it here.”
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 6:56 pm
Truth be told he really didn't want to leave, he just didn't know any other way to deal with Anise's demands outside of getting away from her control altogether. With her now firmly under Alexander's fatherly thumb he thought maybe it wouldn't be so bad to stick around. He really had no where else to go. "Thank you." He offered quietly. To have another male around helped when dealing with his problems. He wasn't one to stay in such sour moods for long but he really just needed time and rest.
"If I'm no trouble... I'll stay." He really should find a way to repay the man for his troubles. Many rooms or not Cada didn't like suddenly crashing in on someone without fair warning. Well maybe if he were just visiting on better terms he might. He smiled at the thought giving his outward appearance a warmer look. "Thank you for your kindness, Alex. It's really rare to have someone like you around." With a soft giggle he stood to his feet stretching his limbs. "I'm a little tired though, so if you don't mind, where should I sleep tonight?"
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Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 7:18 pm
Alexander only nodded and stood. He picked up the lamp again and motioned for Cadavar to follow him. “We’ve only got one other room that’s liveable at the moment. Come with me.” The old mansion had gone through extensive work since they had first moved in, and yet it was still not complete. Many of the rooms were still dusty and in need of an onverhaul, home only to the many spiders that dwelled within the building.
He led the way out of the room, up the stairs stairs nad through the many confusing turns of the old place. He stopped only once to open up a cupbaord and take out some extra blankets, handing them to Cadavar before leading the final way to the spare bedroom. “Here we are.”
Opening the door, he stepped away to let Cada in. The room was spacious, with the only furniture an old double bed in one corner and an old empty chest aganst the opposite wall. “Good night Cadavar. If you need anything I’m only two doors down.” And with a fainl nod he left the Dust to his own devices.
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