|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 10:15 am
Since Aseara had gone to the leaders things had gotten a little easier. Slowly everyone was starting to come together again which meant they were getting somewhere. The closer everyone got the better they’d be able to throw Afsana out. She had not approached the merchants or the nobles, though she knew that if she had the nobles in the palm of her hand the merchants would fall in line easily. There was one relationship that Aseara did want to mend before she started her journey, she felt she’d grown and now needed to make amends with Itotia. Something they hadn’t done since their little blow up.
It had taken her a while to figure out how exactly to mend things with her. A lot of damage had been done and not just from Aseara’s side. A day out to talk things out, show Itotia the wonders of the land and people around her was probably in order. She didn’t know if the Yaelian would stay or not, but Aseara would welcome her. She also wanted to get over her fear of anything from Yael, Larsyr had gotten used to her. Every time Aseara the snake found her and enjoyed the petting she received. Even a few of the other girls had started petting the Keldari.
Aseara knocked once on the door before entering, looking around to find Itotia.
“I’m going out for the day, want to come with me?” Aseara wasn’t sure if Itotia would want to spend the day with her or not and so added, “I’d like to show you something.”
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 10:23 am
Itotia had found some interest in the pile of novels that were assigned to her, specifically the history of the mainland. Apparently, each of the different colored dancers were from different areas, which in fact didn't have much peace until recently. The documents about each race were plentiful, and each was focused on the history of the group it covered. The mainlands, it seemed, weren't as centralized as many believed.
Mainlanders were made of different colors, races, and people, and each had a rich past.
It was easy to fall into, pretending that the past of these people were fantasy. Itotia could disassociate herself with the reality around her, just reading away about a world of cold mountains or damp forests. Each one was something she was curious about, but doubted she would ever see.
Afterall, she was trapped forever within the grasp of Afsana's cold fingers.
A knock at the door shook the yaeli out of her distraction, and her spine stiffened as she waited for the person to enter. Upon seeing the fair hair of Aseara, Itotia relaxed slightly. At least it was not her jailer or her lap-limbara. Some days she wanted to strangle Afsana simply on sight. One day, she'd probably just do it, consequences be damned. It wasn't like the gods could look down upon her any more than they already had.
Settling the book to the side, a detailed look at the history of Zena and the relationship with Sauti (a place she assumed was where Aseara once hailed from), Itotia moved off of her bed to stand just as Aseara offered her a chance to get out.
Itotia let out a soft hum as she thought it over, ears twitching slightly before she brushed her hair behind one, "I've already gone to the market this week..." She finally settled with, her eyes shifting as her expression showed some confusion, "...there is no reason for Afsana to send me out..."
Her tone was wary, but not aggressive, as she looked skeptically at Aseara.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 10:39 am
“Afsana isn’t sending you out,” Aseara began. “I’m taking you out.” The Wind girl already knew that Itotia had already been sent out for the week and generally that was as far as Afsana let her out of her sight. “I’ve already asked and we’ll be covered for. Or at least you will, Afsana doesn’t come looking for me anymore.” Not unless she wanted to find out how Itotia was doing, but even then she’d already reported back to her and didn’t think she’d be called upon again. “It’s a chance for you to sneak out and have a day to yourself.”
“We can always go where ever you want to explore.” Surely even Itotia was a little curious about the rest of the city. Aseara had been when she’d started and any day off she took to sneak away and explore; now she was giving the same opportunity to Itotia and hoping she grabbed on with both hands and jumped in. She knew they had to get away from the Red Amaryllis; the vibes were still far too bad within its walls to be productive at mending anything. That was something Aseara was hoping to fix first once she took over.
“Just you and me and the whole city. What do you say?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 11:33 am
The suspicious look grew as Itotia simply blinked at Aseara's words. She was taking her out. On her own free will. The yaeli wasn't certain what to think. Before, Aseara made it clear how much she wished to distance herself from Itotia. Even when tolerating, Itotia could tell when Aseara got exhausted with her presence, simply because the girl grew cold and short. No matter the reason they were together, Aseara never sought out the yaeli simply to spend time with her. It was either to do lessons, chores, or to help with her newly acquired keldari.
Yes, Itotia was becoming more suspicious by the second.
Itotia was silent as she weighed her options. Apparently someone would cover for her if Afsana came looking, however Itotia really found a lack of concern for the woman. There were only so many times the woman could threaten to throw her out, and Itotia began to wish for such a thing. Little rebellions, here or there, to push her luck like a youngling when fighting the rules. It had become a routine for her to show up late, or forget to purchase something. Small things that didn't require strict punishment, but clearly irritated the matron of the dance hall.
It was beginning to be a bit fun.
When Aseara spoke about her choosing where to explore, Itotia's eyes shifted a bit and she thought about the books behind her. So far she had only seen the inside of a cart, the entrance to Sulburi, and the markets. Surely there were other places. She might even be able to identify key paths for when she might one day escape.
Her mind went back to the girl before her as she was prodded yet again, just Aseara and the city.
What could really go wrong?
"Very well." Itotia responded softly, before turning and grabbing the thick cloak she was required to wear. It also provided some security, and it allowed her to blend in with the people around her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 1:52 pm
It was pretty obvious in this situation that Itotia did not trust Aseara one bit. The Wind girl understood the feelings, she shared them for the yaeli but there were greater things at stake here. Things beyond them and Aseara needed to start tightening the stitches on her work to complete it otherwise it would all fall at the seams. So Aseara tried to keep her face neutral in a pleasant way, she didn’t want Itotia thinking she was up to something since she doubted any words coming from her would convince the yaeli once she’d made up her mind.
“Perfect!” Aseara tried to hide her excitement as Itotia went and grabbed a cloak. “Let’s go!” She said as Itota joined her side.
People would be covering for them, so Aseara began to take the emptiest halls of the Red Amaryllis to navigate. There were still people, but they were emptier than some of the others. They made it without incident to the kitchens before exiting into the back alley. Aseara covered herself up and moved down and into the main road before quickly turning onto the first street so they could be out of sight from anyone who might do them harm. Here she slowed her pace and seeing as there weren’t that many people out, uncovered herself just a little more.
“So where would you like to go? The day is yours.” She glanced at Itotia.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 8:25 am
With the cloak covering her hair and ears, as well as draping across her body and covering her dark skin, Itotia began to fade into the guise of an Oban citizen. It was a nearly perfect disguise, if a bit stifling, and as long as she kept her eyes downcast none would think twice as she passed by. It was only her glowing eyes that gave her away, and even those would slowly fade until she appeared all but a local once more.
She really wasn't aware that the soft glow of her heritage was beginning to dwindle, as it was a gradual process, yet she could tell based on her outfits that she was being forced into something different. The coloring was still consistent with her lands, but she was forced into brighter outfits that used dyes she had never even imagined were available. She refused, flat out refused to put on Oban reds, but she accepted the compromise of some brighter colors that matched her own heritage.
As she wandered down the empty halls with Aseara, these thoughts fluttered around her mind. It was easy to get lost in her thoughts, especially around Aseara considering she often was forced to long-winded lessons. It wasn't too difficult to put on a face of mild interest either, although Itotia had a feeling Aseara could tell every time her mind drifted.
Caught in her thoughts, she wasn't able to mentally prepare for the heat or the light, and a soft hiss escaped her lips as she blinked owlishly and pulled her hood further over her head to block the sunlight. The heat was something she couldn't avoid, and so she pushed herself to ignore the sticky sensation of her fabric cementing itself to her skin.
Pouting, she just moved a few steps behind Aseara, keeping up the pace and biting her tongue as to not complain. It was hopeless, anyway, as she would be sweaty no matter how fast they moved. However, she was pleased when Aseara finally slowed, but did not join her in uncovering. There was no need for stares, and Afsana still wasn't happy enough to announce her presence beyond rumors and hints to her customers.
No, she would need to actually behave to be a headliner that Afsana wanted.
Itotia finally broke away from her deep concentration when Aseara spoke up once more, and resisted the urge to roll her eyes or take off her hood so the Wind girl could see her expression of exasperation. Where would she like to go...? Really, what an absurd question to ask someone who literally only saw the inside of a dancer's hall and the short path to the market. However, she knew silence would get her no where, so she thought over her readings, her ideas, before finally settling with a half-hearted shrug.
"Forgive me for not being educated in the finer locations of Sulburi." Her airy response was not mocking, nor distraught. It was simply a statement, a fact. She had no idea what to expect or where to go, as she was never permitted to know more than what was needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 8:20 am
“Okay, I think I know a place.” Of course Aseara shouldn’t have expected Itotia to know where she wanted to go or what she should see. The Wind girl thought perhaps the gardens and then the palace might be a god start.
The gardens were the closes to them since the nobles like to keep their favorite entertainment centers in the same proximity. Aseara had always been sure the small oasis like gardens were the reason most of the nobles had decided to move around it. The Wind girl also planned on taking Itotia through the routes that she’d never seen, perhaps show her new architecture and other things she had not seen it. She made sure to walk at a slow, but purposeful pace to give Itotia time to look around. Aseaa herself was taking the time to soak in the sun and simply enjoy the day with Itotia.
The Palace had some open doors that visitors could go and see. They were all heavily guarded but you could still go in and see what it was like. Aseara had always been fascinated by it; the luxury of it was quite incredible. There however, Aseara would cover up it was safer that way. She always wondered if they’d ever see the king, she knew they only opened up a few places that were probably disused by the king and court nobles but still, just a peak would be interesting. They’d head there after the gardens and then stop to have lunch.
A few nobles glanced at the duo as they stood at the entrance of the gardens but they were left alone for the most part.
“Here we are,” Aseara walked in, following the path provided through the maze and flowers of the garden.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 8:35 am
Itotia didn't reply, but followed diligently as Aseara led them through the city. Occasionally, she would shift close to the other girl, clearly unnerved with the mass of people they would pass and intent to not lose the only person she had a clue of. It wasn't necessarily trust, but in a situation like traveling through an unknown area, Itotia identified the least likely threat.
As they neared the gardens, Itotia slowed and eyed the area wearily. It wasn't anything to gawk at, considering the entire place was full of heat, but she could hear the soft trickling of water as it moved throughout the man-made rivers to provide water for the brighter plants. She could feel the eyes of the nobles, and made sure to cover her hood and keep her eyes low. It didn't permit much of a view, but she'd prefer that to the soft glow she knew was being emitted from under her hood.
A gentle hum came from the girl as she followed Aseara inside, eyes darting about slowly to take in the flowers as she was reminded of the herbs and flora of her own home. It was strange, and she was curious if any of the flowers in this area had been snatched from the surrounding areas.
Her eyes zoned in on one particular flower, and she actually let out a laugh. Her education had done her well as she fingered the namesake of their 'home', and she shook her head before dropping the petals and letting her fingers hide once more beneath her cloak.
"Why did you bring me here?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 9:03 am
“Because it’s nice…” Aseara said a bit warily as she eyed Itotia touch a flower. She wondered if the flower had come from Itotia’s home. Her first instinct was to shrink back from the flower; it was dangerous and probably poisonous to those who weren’t from Yaeli. Then Aseara calmed down, thought herself foolish for thinking such a thing. She needed to break the habit; Nuri had gone and returned perfectly normal there was simply nothing to be afraid of. If she actually wanted to befriend the Yaelian then she needed to get that through her head or she’d never get anywhere.
“It’s one of the nicer gardens of the city,” Aseara began a little exasperated. “I didn’t think you’d want to go anywhere you’d already seen. That’s boring and it’s your day off you should be enjoying it and having fun. Exploring.” The Wind girl almost told her that if Itotia wasn’t satisfied with Aseara choice then she ought to just lead the way to where she wanted to go. Of course, she didn’t. She just took a breath before moving on. This was quite the bumpy ride befriend Itotia wasn’t it? Well if things didn’t work out, Aseara would know that at least she had tried.
“Did you hear about my plans?” Aseara glanced back at Itotia. “I’ve almost been able to gather everyone under our roof. I’ve set up a meeting with the nobles as well to receive their support.” No one but three others knew of those plans and Aseara felt like she was going to explode fi she didn’t tell anyone. With Nuri away, well that left Itotia didn’t it? They spent the most time together after all and the dancers were still warming up to her again. She knew the Yaeli wouldn’t say a word.
“I think by the time the great dance happens, I’ll be able to over throw her… Speaking of which,” The Wind girl tucked a stray hair back into place. “I’ve been thinking if you’d like, you can represent the Yaeli in the dance. It’s the final piece and you’d be dancing in the manner of your home and can even choreograph it on your own with the rest of the dancers.” She was sure she could get Afsana to let that be Itotia’s big final reveal, just like it had been a big reveal to the rest of Tendaji that day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 10:43 am
The Yaeli could almost feel the girl's exasperation, and resisted the urge to shut down. If she had learned anything from the little interactions, it was that Aseara wasn't one to attack or strike like Afsana. If she knew anything from Kres it was that some mainlanders suffered, and were willing to go out of their way to help others. The trust might not be there, afterall, but Itotia could see the effort. It just was difficult to believe that anyone would go out of their way to help her, especially based on her upbringing.
Then again, she was still alive. That was saying something.
Moving her hand up, she took a deep breath and began to smirk. She was growing tired of it all; of the hiding, and the cowering, and the weakness. She was a shell of her former self, skinny and broken, and that was not who she was. She was vibrant, she was beautiful, and she was strong. Maybe it was time she used her fear, her frustrations, and her agony for a better use.
There was power in making a difference, and as a dancer and a wanderer she knew that better than anyone.
With that thought in mind, and a slight quivering to her fingers, and she pushed her hood up enough for her face to finally be seen. The warmth of the sun and the air heated her olive skin, a bit pale with her daring reveal, but she accepted it as she turned fully to Aseara. Her face was bared, and a few nobles took a second glance before rushing away with whispers. Itotia just smirked.
It was when Aseara spoke about her dancing in the great dance that Itotia had revealed her features, and she blinked slowly as she caught up with the conversation and began to comprehend. She knew about Aseara's dance, overheard the plans and the plotting, but avoided it like she avoided mainlanders. Her new, terrifyingly freeing personality seemed keen to jump in for the first time since she arrived.
Besides, anything that upset the balance of her slaver was something she could get behind.
"You want me to take control of a dance, and will permit me to do whatever I wish in the process?"
If she were lucky, she could persuade the girl to let her dance with a keldari, and maybe even let it slip down Afsana's skirts. Oh, that would be quite the fun indeed, and another playful smirk danced across Itotia's lips as her mind mischievously thought it over.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:47 am
“Well, not everything,” Aseara began and then quickly added. “It still needs to tell the story of what happened and be coordinated with the others but yes whatever you wish to do you are free to do so.” Itotia was an amazing dancer, the Wind girl knew there would be no issue if she let Itotia do her own thing. She knew some girls who could only learn new dances but could not come up with their own, it kind of defeated the purpose but sadly since they had clients Afsana kept them around. Aseara would make sure to only pick the most creative girls in the future.
“If you also want other roles in the dance you’re welcomed to them as well. Your dance would most likely be at the end of the show. I know Afsana wants you to stand out.” Actually Aseara was surprised to see Itotia revealing her face; she’d never seen her do it in public before. That had to be a good thing; Aseara smiled and kept on walking along the path quietly, simply basking in the sun and enjoying the quiet walk while her mind flittered from one subject to the other. Then, Aseara got an idea.
“Listen Itotia,” Aseara stopped to face the Yaeli and put on a serious face. “I fully plan on sending you back home once I take over if you so desire it. I plan on releasing everyone from Afsana’s engagement and if anyone wishes to leave I will help them do so.” The wind girl let it sink in. “I also know I need an assistant, someone who won’t always say yes to everything I say. Someone with a different view point than me. I think that could be you.” Aseara took a deep breath and released it.
“I know we don’t always, or at least most of the time see eye to eye. I think that would be a good thing for me, keep me grounded. If you decide to stay I’d like you to fill that assistant job.” Aseara didn’t know if the proposition was a good idea or sounded crazy, but Itotia had brought a new perspective to the Red Amaryllis and Aseara wanted to continue with it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:18 am
Itotia scoffed again, a common habit these days, at the comment of Afsana wanting her to stand out. Well, why not stand out? She slipped her fingers up to brush her hood again, as if considering slowly to pull it back down, as she listened to Aseara who turned to fully face her. My, the girl was getting serious, and not in the frustrating way of wanting her to behave like a little obedient youngling.
The slow way Aseara spoke to her of promises, the determination that she would take over and right the wrongs of Afsana, it made her stomach quiver. She wasn't sure if it was nerves or discomfort, but the idea was suddenly not as appealing as when she first arrived.
Why.
As Aseara spoke of a need for an assistant (because it wouldn't be a slave), Itotia became distracted with her thoughts of home, and the comparison of the world she was currently in. Maybe it was the flora around her, but she didn't feel like she was stuck in an eternally dusty hell. But, if not that, what was she even doing here, and why was she considering the things Aseara said.
As Aseara trailed off, Itotia fully took control of her hood, and pulled it away from her head and down to her neck. The sun blinded her eyes, and the heat prickled at her skin, but it was the gasps of shock from around them that really got her attention. Obans stared, and cowered at the sight of her olive skin, purple hair, and silver eyes. They were terrified, just as Aseara had been when she first arrived.
"You make it sound as if I'll be accepted here...as if the duty I take on will make me one of you. The mainlanders, all of them, fear me...and with fear comes hatred. Do you think I'll ever be able to walk the streets like this, with my eyes showing and my ears flopping?" Her voice wasn't raised, or angry, just simply accepting, "What do you picture, Aseara, with me as your assist. Will I hide away the rest of my life, dancing for mainlanders who think my body is attractive enough compared to the common look? Will I never be free from the shackles of my capture?" She sighed, before stepping forward.
It seemed as if she were to pass Aseara, but she stilled by her side and fingered her hood yet again, her ears listening and her eyes squinting against the harsh light of the Oban sun, "What made you change your mind?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:56 am
It was unnerving watching Itotia think sometimes, not in a bad or fearful way but Aseara could see all the gears turning as Itotia went through her thought process. It was interesting, that was for sure something that Aseara liked in the Yaeli. She did not hide her emotions behind a mask, she let the world see and feel through her body language what it was she felt. Many might see a simple angry silence coming from the Yaeli, Aseara saw the emotions and train of thought. Even if she could see it all, Aseara had yet to understand it, to grasp what it was exactly Itotia was thinking or wanted.
“I never said you’d be accepted,” her own tone was not angry but simply matter of fact. All of them, they would never be accepted, not for a long time and probably not in their lifetime. “You were not here when Oba first open its border, if you think it is bad now…” She trailed off; this wasn’t the topic she wanted to discuss. “Why do you seek acceptance from people who hate you? You’ll be wanted and cherished all at the same time for that very difference to them.”
“I picture a better Red Amaryllis,” that was her center of her goal with all its extra layers plucked away. “If you wish to hide for the rest of your life then you can, it is your choice to make. The Red that I see does not restrict people, yes there will rules that I will never hide, but nothing like what we have now. You will be free to do as you please. If you want to leave then you can and I will help you do so. Stay and you will help me. You will have to help me run the Red, help me make judgment calls and make schedules.”
“You opened my eyes Itotia and I don’t want to shut them again. I need to keep them open to see the real things that are happening around me. That’s why I want you, above everyone else in the Red Amaryllis, because I know you will never lie to me. You will never try to please me and you will always tell me what’s on your mind even if it disagrees or isn’t want I want to hear in the moment.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2016 11:31 am
Itotia shrugged, before glancing around again at the stares and the nobility who couldn't keep their eyes off her. Had she felt any sort of attraction to such people, she might have based in the power of her appearance. Instead, her skin felt like it was itching and her mind told her to run before they decided to display their lack of trust and anger in her race. Even nobility were snakes willing to strike down those that threatened, or terrified them.
"It only takes one mainlander to decide I am not worthy of being here...and if I'm lucky, my body will make home when they toss it in the sea."
Her shoulders shrugged, and she moved her hands to brush against the stitching of her cloak, worn and used and almost meaningless at this point. However, she couldn't summon the bravado to reveal her entire form, as her mind demanded she hide away her face before someone got hurt. She shoved those thoughts aside to listen to Aseara's speech.
Before she could really comment on the idea of her ever running anything in this area, Itotia was caught off guard by Aseara's honesty. The girl was legitimately trying to make some sort of a relationship between them, all but begging for her support. As Aseara trailed off, Itotia's eyes narrowed as she just looked at the girl. It was silent, as if Itotia had never really seen Aseara before this time. She looked from the tip of her dusty colored hair to the bottom of her pristine cloak, and to all of her traits in between.
After a minute of silence, Itotia let out an extended breath and adverted her eyes.
"You would be an absolute fool to place me in such a position. A position where, if I desired, I have such freedom to kill you where you sleep." Her thick brows raised, as if she was attempting to squash Aseara's hopes and dreams, before a soft lift of her lips signaled a smile, "You are lucky that you are tolerable, if a bit long-winded."
And she shrugged, before pushing past Aseara to look at the flowers, "Show me this world you have fallen in love with, Aseara."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2016 12:18 pm
“It may take one mainlander to decide, but the choice will always be in your own two hands.” Aseara shrugged. “Oba is not a kind place, the very environment would kill you if it could, I take the people at face value and do not expect anything from them. Expectations bring disappointment and I am tired of being disappointed by most Obans.” Because it wasn’t all the Obans who were like that, she could count a few close to her that would never act in such a way. “I wish you could have traveled a bit more before coming to Oba, I think you would think differently about the mainlanders.”
Aseara shrugged, “you could kill me whenever you want. I could kill you whenever I want too.” The Wind girl chuckled, Itotia brought out her talking side. “Well between you and I, someone has to talk!” And with that Aseara followed the Yaeli as she moved past her continuing their walk through the gardens. There was one thing that Aseara had noticed though; Itotia hadn’t out right refused her work offer. Did that mean she was considering it? Perhaps Itotia wanted to stay, Aseara couldn’t really tell. The Yaeli always spoke of going home, asking her to be her second had been a whim.
“So what do you think of the offer? You’re more than welcomed to bargain with me if you so wish it.” And if Itotia did ever want to see the rest of the mainland, Aseara could send her out to find new dancers or singers or whatever it was they needed. Though she was going to keep that bit to herself for now, wait for her to accept. Otherwise it was pointless to offer it to her now.
“I’m thinking we could visit the open sections of the royal palace after the gardens. Though we’re both going to have to cover up before we even step foot there.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
