"I don't know, I like the feel of a slight drizzle against my skin, but if it gets much worse I'd have to agree," Drake said as he took the chair across from Cody. As it was pretty dark on the balcony and Cody had already seen his reason for hiding his face, Drake pulled his hood back. It would still be a good time before Cody ever saw him without the jacket that was attached to it.
"So, I'm assuming that you were your masters mount." Knowing it was the truth without comment from Cody, he continued. "I still don't think you should beat yourself up over it. Perhaps he shouldn't have decided to go for a ride in a storm, and don't give me that 'I should have stopped him' tripe. The title you give him, 'master,' implies that you wouldn't have stood a chance."
Wanting to get back to the matter at hand, Drake asked the innocent question he had formulated on their walk. "So, I'm not all that great with horses. Exactly how old are you?"
Forgotten Faces
-
Cody
At the comment of truth behind Cody having been the horse his owner had rode the day he died Cody found his eyes drawn to the table. His left hands fingers scraping light against his leg, a sunbconcious form of showing stress. It was nice Drake didn't blame him for it, and certainly Cody had tried to stop them from riding out when he knew a storm was coming, yet he had been the one to throw home. No, in truth Cody did know he wasn't fully to blame for it, but he still admitted to himself he had a part. However it didn't sound likely he would convince Drake of that, nor did he sound like they needed to debate over it.
Cody was glad for the next question of his age, more just to get off the previous comments. It really wasn't something he was used to being asked, he had never really considered it an important detail. "I'm eight now, still a few months before nine." He imagined with time he'd quit remembering how old he was, the only reason he kept up was because he had been giving small parties on his birthday. They had all been treasured experiences. The presents hadn't been fancy, nor the party overly long, but the moments of his owner doing something to making him happy had not been taken lightly. "He told me that the first few years I'd grow up at a horses pace, but now it should be slowing down. Supposedly I'm going to be around as long as any human does." Cody shrugged, it was all up in the air with magic, not that he'd mentioned that being how he came to be. Purposely he used 'he' instead of repeating master, somehow deciding maybe he should quit using the word. Still, master and owner where how he always thought of him, so it felt awkward trying to use something else.
Cody was glad for the next question of his age, more just to get off the previous comments. It really wasn't something he was used to being asked, he had never really considered it an important detail. "I'm eight now, still a few months before nine." He imagined with time he'd quit remembering how old he was, the only reason he kept up was because he had been giving small parties on his birthday. They had all been treasured experiences. The presents hadn't been fancy, nor the party overly long, but the moments of his owner doing something to making him happy had not been taken lightly. "He told me that the first few years I'd grow up at a horses pace, but now it should be slowing down. Supposedly I'm going to be around as long as any human does." Cody shrugged, it was all up in the air with magic, not that he'd mentioned that being how he came to be. Purposely he used 'he' instead of repeating master, somehow deciding maybe he should quit using the word. Still, master and owner where how he always thought of him, so it felt awkward trying to use something else.
"Damn," he thought. "Eight would make him too young for me to have met when I was in Marn last time." Gracefully accepting that he may never know why Cody seemed familiar, he returned to the conversation.
"Eight, and aging at a horse's pace. That would put you in your late teens as a human, wouldn't it? Age has always been a bit confusing for me. I can tell you that I've been alive for thirty-one years. The people of one half of my heritage, humans, would say that I'm approaching middle age, but my mother's people, the Elves, would say that I'm little more than a child. Oh well, I've been through more in my time than many of the oldest of the Elves has ever dared dream of."
A knock at the door broke the rhythm of their conversation. Drake hurried to it to find the inn's plump cook on the other side. He took the tray loaded with china and a pitcher from her, with a quick word of thanks, and returned to the balcony table. She had prepared more boiled potatoes in the style of the ones from the tavern and a small pile of bacon for him. Cody's plate was covered in an assortment of vegetables, mostly steamed carrots. He hastily sat the tray down and took his seat.
"I wasn't quite sure what you would like, but I got her to fix you a large helping of the carrots as you seemed to enjoy them at the tavern. I hope that's fine." He studied what was left on the tray. "Though I take my tea unsweetened, I asked for these," he said as he sat a small bowl that was almost overflowing with small white blocks of sugar. "I thought the equine half of your tongue might appreciate it. So, do you live here in the city?" Drake felt as if he was failing miserably at making small talk, but he didn't know what else to do and he certainly didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to talk. Who knew how long it would be before he got the chance again.
"Eight, and aging at a horse's pace. That would put you in your late teens as a human, wouldn't it? Age has always been a bit confusing for me. I can tell you that I've been alive for thirty-one years. The people of one half of my heritage, humans, would say that I'm approaching middle age, but my mother's people, the Elves, would say that I'm little more than a child. Oh well, I've been through more in my time than many of the oldest of the Elves has ever dared dream of."
A knock at the door broke the rhythm of their conversation. Drake hurried to it to find the inn's plump cook on the other side. He took the tray loaded with china and a pitcher from her, with a quick word of thanks, and returned to the balcony table. She had prepared more boiled potatoes in the style of the ones from the tavern and a small pile of bacon for him. Cody's plate was covered in an assortment of vegetables, mostly steamed carrots. He hastily sat the tray down and took his seat.
"I wasn't quite sure what you would like, but I got her to fix you a large helping of the carrots as you seemed to enjoy them at the tavern. I hope that's fine." He studied what was left on the tray. "Though I take my tea unsweetened, I asked for these," he said as he sat a small bowl that was almost overflowing with small white blocks of sugar. "I thought the equine half of your tongue might appreciate it. So, do you live here in the city?" Drake felt as if he was failing miserably at making small talk, but he didn't know what else to do and he certainly didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to talk. Who knew how long it would be before he got the chance again.
-
Cody
Cody nodded, still curious to the question but accepting of it. Adults generally seemed to consider him a teenager, and he accepted that not really caring too much one way or the other. He was much more concerned with how a person treated him that to what age they believed him to be. "Thats what my...what he said. He said he hoped I didn't become to much like a human teenager as he disliked dealing with them." He hoped Drake understood the man hadn't been horrible just because he called him master, but he felt as if he tried to explain that it might sound overly defensive.
Cody worked to stay polite, but slip ups did happen. "31 sounds old to me." Of course it did, being only 8. Very few horses lived to that age, and humans were as he had said about middle aged at that point. "Though, I don't think it really matters on the age. It's just a number really. I guess the main reason I kept up with age is I enjoyed the birthday parties, its a good reason to keep count."
Cody's head twisted quickly to look at the door as the knock came. He stayed in the chair as Drake went to get the door but felt his legs stiffen ready to run if need be. Where he didn't know, down was the best possibility. It was just the food...he should have known that. His body relaxed again, the smell of it making him remember his hunger. It looked good, it was real nice not always eating grass...and food like this was even better. He didn't feel a need to eat quite as fast as he had at the tavern, there were fewer people and he was no longer wary of Drake, but he certainly didn't plan to leave any food on his plate.
Cody's eyes seemed to almost shine brighter, sparkling with delight at the sugar cubes. Couldn't eat them till his regular food was gone...it was another lesson he remembered. "Yes all the vegetables are good, and I really do like the carrots." A short pause, "but the sugar cubes are even better."
Cody considered the question as to where he lived. He took another bite from his plate, chewing slower wondering what type of answer to give. "I'm living here for the moment at least. I don't really have a specific home, its just somewhere to be until I decide to go somewhere else. Though, theres not very much close to here so I imagine I plan to stay a while. I'm not really sure where I should be...but I don't think I really need to live anywhere in particular. I like the beds, their soft, but I can sleep outside just as well."
Well...one sugar cube wouldn't hurt before the meal was done. He crunched on that, still thinking wondering what else there was to be said. "Do you plan to live here?"
Cody worked to stay polite, but slip ups did happen. "31 sounds old to me." Of course it did, being only 8. Very few horses lived to that age, and humans were as he had said about middle aged at that point. "Though, I don't think it really matters on the age. It's just a number really. I guess the main reason I kept up with age is I enjoyed the birthday parties, its a good reason to keep count."
Cody's head twisted quickly to look at the door as the knock came. He stayed in the chair as Drake went to get the door but felt his legs stiffen ready to run if need be. Where he didn't know, down was the best possibility. It was just the food...he should have known that. His body relaxed again, the smell of it making him remember his hunger. It looked good, it was real nice not always eating grass...and food like this was even better. He didn't feel a need to eat quite as fast as he had at the tavern, there were fewer people and he was no longer wary of Drake, but he certainly didn't plan to leave any food on his plate.
Cody's eyes seemed to almost shine brighter, sparkling with delight at the sugar cubes. Couldn't eat them till his regular food was gone...it was another lesson he remembered. "Yes all the vegetables are good, and I really do like the carrots." A short pause, "but the sugar cubes are even better."
Cody considered the question as to where he lived. He took another bite from his plate, chewing slower wondering what type of answer to give. "I'm living here for the moment at least. I don't really have a specific home, its just somewhere to be until I decide to go somewhere else. Though, theres not very much close to here so I imagine I plan to stay a while. I'm not really sure where I should be...but I don't think I really need to live anywhere in particular. I like the beds, their soft, but I can sleep outside just as well."
Well...one sugar cube wouldn't hurt before the meal was done. He crunched on that, still thinking wondering what else there was to be said. "Do you plan to live here?"
Drake crunched on a piece of the well cooked bacon, making almost as much noise as Cody with his sugar cube. He knew he didn't plan on staying here forever, but he also didn't know how long it would take him to learn everything he could of his past, which was why he was here. He wasn't sure how to answer Cody's question without telling him the most important part of his being in Marn.
"Well, for a while at least. You see," he paused not quite sure if he should tell his new friend, "it's hard to explain." He chewed his lower lip for a second. "Well, out with it. My memory of the span of my life from about the time I turned twenty-three up until about two and a half years ago is almost entirely blank. Which is why I'm here. Trying to connect the dots, so to speak."
"Well, for a while at least. You see," he paused not quite sure if he should tell his new friend, "it's hard to explain." He chewed his lower lip for a second. "Well, out with it. My memory of the span of my life from about the time I turned twenty-three up until about two and a half years ago is almost entirely blank. Which is why I'm here. Trying to connect the dots, so to speak."
-
Cody
"How could you lose so much of your memory?" Cody was shocked, after saying it he also wondered if it was a stupid question. Drake might not know how he lost it.
Cody was good, he was going to finish the rest of his plate first before he went back to the sugar cubes. It wasn't like he didn't enjoy the vegetables, he just happened to have an obsession with the sugar cubes. He use to try and keep a box in his room full of them but eventually his owner took them away wanting to limit the amount of sugar he ate. He'd been informed no person or horse should live off of sugar cubes. Cody thought that was a debatable concept but hadn't argued it.
"So, why Marn? You know you were here before, or during the time you lost your memory?" Well that was silly also, if he knew he'd been here during the time he'd lost his memory...it wouldn't be lost now would it.
Cody was good, he was going to finish the rest of his plate first before he went back to the sugar cubes. It wasn't like he didn't enjoy the vegetables, he just happened to have an obsession with the sugar cubes. He use to try and keep a box in his room full of them but eventually his owner took them away wanting to limit the amount of sugar he ate. He'd been informed no person or horse should live off of sugar cubes. Cody thought that was a debatable concept but hadn't argued it.
"So, why Marn? You know you were here before, or during the time you lost your memory?" Well that was silly also, if he knew he'd been here during the time he'd lost his memory...it wouldn't be lost now would it.
"Well, it's a long story, but I'll summarize as best as I can. I was in Tian Xia, and starving, so when a mage approached me with the prospect of earning money, I jumped at the chance without any clue what he wanted. I learned the hard way that he wanted someone to accompany him into the Astral Plane, and while we were there we had a run in with some weird kind of nasty. That's what caused this," he held up the ends of his hair, "the memory loss, and a whole lot of other things that I have no clue how to even begin to explain."
He shook his head. It seemed that the main "other" thing was dozing, as it normally spoke up at mention of it's self or anything that could possibly deal with it.
He shook his head. It seemed that the main "other" thing was dozing, as it normally spoke up at mention of it's self or anything that could possibly deal with it.
-
Cody
Cody may have been made of magic but he really had very little knowledge about it, including other planes. These were things that if he heard he paid little attention to; as far as he could tell they had no real influence in his life.
He nodded. "I imagine almost anyone would do whatever they needed to if it meant to keep from starving." He had no clue what a nasty would entail or have a firm grip of knowledge on the astral plane, only that neither had worked out well for Drake.
"Do you really think you'll be able to get your memory back?" He didn't know how roaming about could help really if it was gone. "Why does it matter anyway? Why not just enjoy today instead of worrying about whats already happened, especially if you don't remember what it is?"
Hypocrite. How often did Cody determine his current events by the memories of his past. Well...he remembered his past, Drake didn't have to deal with a large chunk of his.
"Did you want help?" Not that Cody had a clue in the world how to help with that, he doubted he really could, but he imagined it didn't hurt to offer.
He nodded. "I imagine almost anyone would do whatever they needed to if it meant to keep from starving." He had no clue what a nasty would entail or have a firm grip of knowledge on the astral plane, only that neither had worked out well for Drake.
"Do you really think you'll be able to get your memory back?" He didn't know how roaming about could help really if it was gone. "Why does it matter anyway? Why not just enjoy today instead of worrying about whats already happened, especially if you don't remember what it is?"
Hypocrite. How often did Cody determine his current events by the memories of his past. Well...he remembered his past, Drake didn't have to deal with a large chunk of his.
"Did you want help?" Not that Cody had a clue in the world how to help with that, he doubted he really could, but he imagined it didn't hurt to offer.
"Well, I believe that your past determines who you are in the eyes of others as well as in your own." He answered with the line of some famous philosophy text that had inspired him to actually search for his forgotten past. "And yes, I do believe that I will someday be able to collect all of my memories. So far I have some proof that it is possible, all of which leads back to my belief on the matter. From what some people have told me, I did some pretty evil things to some people during that time, but I seem to have balanced it out by doing miraculous amounts of good for others. I simply want to search out my past so that I can right my wrongs and possibly even repair some of the damage that that trip to the Astral Plane did to me. One of those people mentioned that I had told them that I had been in Marn recently when they first met me, so I came here looking for more pieces to my little puzzle."
He looked at Cody, the sense of familiarity returning. "I have to tell you, that is why I initially invited you over to my table. For some reason I got this overwhelming sensation that I should remember you. I don't know if I really should or not, as the last time I was anywhere near here was the first year of your life."
"I also have to say that is the real reason that I want to find this giant wheel. In one of the clouded memories, I remember speaking to a soot covered gnome, and in the background was the Ofriyu and a giant wheel being turned by its current. I don't know what it means, but I got the impression that it is important."
He tried to look as if he was actually having to think over Cody's offer. In truth, he had already made up his mind to accept if offered help from his friend. "Yes, if you wouldn't mind, I could use the help. Not know, or rather, not remembering anyone makes it hard to find things out. In all the other places I've visited people recognized me, approached me, and did all the talking. So yes, I would like your help."
He looked at Cody, the sense of familiarity returning. "I have to tell you, that is why I initially invited you over to my table. For some reason I got this overwhelming sensation that I should remember you. I don't know if I really should or not, as the last time I was anywhere near here was the first year of your life."
"I also have to say that is the real reason that I want to find this giant wheel. In one of the clouded memories, I remember speaking to a soot covered gnome, and in the background was the Ofriyu and a giant wheel being turned by its current. I don't know what it means, but I got the impression that it is important."
He tried to look as if he was actually having to think over Cody's offer. In truth, he had already made up his mind to accept if offered help from his friend. "Yes, if you wouldn't mind, I could use the help. Not know, or rather, not remembering anyone makes it hard to find things out. In all the other places I've visited people recognized me, approached me, and did all the talking. So yes, I would like your help."
-
Cody
"What else did it do to you?" Cody apparently wasn't going to be nice and allow people to keep their past hidden unless they bluntly told him they didn't want to say.
Drake doing evil deeds didn't phase him much, he was nice now and that seemed what mattered most, especially if he wanted to make atonement for what he had done wrong.
"I don't really know many people here either. Just a few people that I came into the town with recently. Angel, Rollick and Uluki, they were all real nice. There was a scary guy with a staff though..." Yes, Cody would now always remember the man as a guy with a staff.
Well, was he going to share more of his personal secrets? Not as if it was going to affect anything more they just weren't normal subjects. He also wasn't sure if people would take it well, not believe him, or would just really be bored by it.
"I really don't remember you, but I imagine I don't remember everything that happened the first few months. You know...or maybe you did know.." Cody paused and shrugged at this, it was really a silly thing to bring up in this conversation, "I didn't have any type of sire or dam, mother or father or whatever you want to call them. My owner hired someone or..someones maybe I'm not sure...who supposedly had a lot of magic. I'm umm..not really a horse, or a person I don't think. I'm just...something that was created by magic. It's one reason I think he felt I was just a tool. I'm just something that was created for a purpose...so I imagine it made sense."
Drake doing evil deeds didn't phase him much, he was nice now and that seemed what mattered most, especially if he wanted to make atonement for what he had done wrong.
"I don't really know many people here either. Just a few people that I came into the town with recently. Angel, Rollick and Uluki, they were all real nice. There was a scary guy with a staff though..." Yes, Cody would now always remember the man as a guy with a staff.
Well, was he going to share more of his personal secrets? Not as if it was going to affect anything more they just weren't normal subjects. He also wasn't sure if people would take it well, not believe him, or would just really be bored by it.
"I really don't remember you, but I imagine I don't remember everything that happened the first few months. You know...or maybe you did know.." Cody paused and shrugged at this, it was really a silly thing to bring up in this conversation, "I didn't have any type of sire or dam, mother or father or whatever you want to call them. My owner hired someone or..someones maybe I'm not sure...who supposedly had a lot of magic. I'm umm..not really a horse, or a person I don't think. I'm just...something that was created by magic. It's one reason I think he felt I was just a tool. I'm just something that was created for a purpose...so I imagine it made sense."
Drake was actually having to think hard now. He knew he shouldn't give it all away, but he didn't want to upset Cody by not telling him anymore. He'd just have to put what he did say in a way that would imply that it was all there was to the situation.
"The only other thing that I actually know of that happened was that my..." he trailed off a bit, what would Cody think of this next bit, well, he'd think it rude if he didn't finish the statement, that much was for sure, "my soul was slowly split into two pieces. The composed and benevolent half stayed within my body after the tear was complete. I do not know what happened to the chaotic and evil half." Surely Cody could not know that was not the whole truth. If he did, Drake was completely willing to deny any further knowledge.
"Really? No parents other than your creator and owner? That is strange, as is magic, but I am a living testament to that. Who knows, we may discover the secrets of your past along our way."
"Now, unless you have something else you would like to discuss, I am getting very tired. If you have nowhere better, or would just prefer it, the bed has two mattresses for some reason. I could pull one of them off for you to sleep on."
"The only other thing that I actually know of that happened was that my..." he trailed off a bit, what would Cody think of this next bit, well, he'd think it rude if he didn't finish the statement, that much was for sure, "my soul was slowly split into two pieces. The composed and benevolent half stayed within my body after the tear was complete. I do not know what happened to the chaotic and evil half." Surely Cody could not know that was not the whole truth. If he did, Drake was completely willing to deny any further knowledge.
"Really? No parents other than your creator and owner? That is strange, as is magic, but I am a living testament to that. Who knows, we may discover the secrets of your past along our way."
"Now, unless you have something else you would like to discuss, I am getting very tired. If you have nowhere better, or would just prefer it, the bed has two mattresses for some reason. I could pull one of them off for you to sleep on."
-
Cody
Could one soul really be separated in two? Cody wondered what that would be like, then also wondered if he had a soul. Supposedly everything alive did, and he was alive. So how did he get a soul, did it come with the magic? What of Drake? Cody guessed it wouldn't feel good to lose a part of his soul, even if it was the evil half. Though...was that the reason he wanted to make atonement.
"So are you hoping when you get your memory back you will get the other half of your soul? I guess you want it since its yours." The idea of a soul being able to be torn completely away from you just didn't seem right, but he was confident Drake wouldn't lie to him. "Maybe it will just come back to you eventually on its own? Not to say your really chaotic right now but..." he remembered Drake's little laugh at the tavern and the whispered offer of showing off magic, maybe it wasn't chaotic but it at least seemed impulsive. "What is chaotic exactly? You were..impulsive acting earlier with wanting to show the magic, unless you were quietly planning to offer that for a while. So...maybe if you use to be more chaotic, maybe that nature will bring it back?" Cody was just guessing, it was just too deep an idea for him to flow with...the loss of part of your soul.
Learn about Cody's past? He imagined that would maybe be interesting, but nothing to get overly excited about. "I imagine that would be nice if we did learn something, but you don’t need to go out of your way looking for it. It’s not something that ever seemed important to me.”
Cody nodded at the mention of the mattress. “I generally just sleep outside out of sight, but I like sleeping on beds, so the mattress sounds great.” Cody took a last look out past the balcony before standing up. There are several important details in life, remembering to take the sugar cubes into the room with him was one of these important details. “Do you miss having a family?” He imagined it was an odd question, but suddenly sharing a room with someone brought the question to mind. He missed his bedroom, and the soft bed he’d had in it.
"So are you hoping when you get your memory back you will get the other half of your soul? I guess you want it since its yours." The idea of a soul being able to be torn completely away from you just didn't seem right, but he was confident Drake wouldn't lie to him. "Maybe it will just come back to you eventually on its own? Not to say your really chaotic right now but..." he remembered Drake's little laugh at the tavern and the whispered offer of showing off magic, maybe it wasn't chaotic but it at least seemed impulsive. "What is chaotic exactly? You were..impulsive acting earlier with wanting to show the magic, unless you were quietly planning to offer that for a while. So...maybe if you use to be more chaotic, maybe that nature will bring it back?" Cody was just guessing, it was just too deep an idea for him to flow with...the loss of part of your soul.
Learn about Cody's past? He imagined that would maybe be interesting, but nothing to get overly excited about. "I imagine that would be nice if we did learn something, but you don’t need to go out of your way looking for it. It’s not something that ever seemed important to me.”
Cody nodded at the mention of the mattress. “I generally just sleep outside out of sight, but I like sleeping on beds, so the mattress sounds great.” Cody took a last look out past the balcony before standing up. There are several important details in life, remembering to take the sugar cubes into the room with him was one of these important details. “Do you miss having a family?” He imagined it was an odd question, but suddenly sharing a room with someone brought the question to mind. He missed his bedroom, and the soft bed he’d had in it.
"I'm not really sure if I want it back." He followed Cody into the room and proceeded to strip the bed. "I would a least like to know what happened to it." Drake didn't feel as if he was telling a complete lie; if he had truly lost that half of his soul his words would have been truth.
The question about his earlier actions threw Drake. His "friend," who was actually the half of his soul that he claimed to have lost, had taken control of him then. He couldn't tell the Cody the truth after having just lied to him. Then he became inspired, his other half's own actions would provide Cody with an answer.
"No, you're right, that was certainly chaotic," his mind was spinning at a very rapid pace now. "I don't think that those qualities can ever be completely removed from a living being. They're are just too deeply ingrained within us." He was very pleased with the explanation he had developed so suddenly. A wolf that has been trained as a pet will still to survive, proving that it can still be evil. The opposite can also happen. I once saw a woman that had been struck insane by a spell of some sort die to protect her children not ten minutes after killing her husband and mother in cold blood." He shrugged as he slid the extra mattress off the bed and onto the floor near the window, "A person's 'being' is just as strange, if not stranger, than magic."
He thought about what had brought on the idea. His other half had shown Cody the magic in order to befriend him, but why? Did he think that Drake would trust him enough to hand over control if he pretended to play nice with others? Did he know something about their new friend that he didn't? He figured that it was, yet another, thing he may never get an answer for. If he did get an answer, it certainly wouldn't be coming before tomorrow, and pushed the thought from his mind.
Cody's question didn't bother him, it just seemed odd. He had never really thought about it. "Well, the only family I ever knew was my mother, and yes, I do miss her. She was the person that taught me all of my initial knowledge of the world. She was the one that cared for me. Like what your master must have been when he wasn't trying to train you to be a tool for his use. Despite all that I've said about him, I do no believe that he was a bad man. I'm sure that he could be very nice." He was now putting some of the sheets and a pillow on the spare mattress.
"It's just that, well, I don't condone the slavery, of any living thing. Thus, simple ownership of a half-human half-horse also counts as slavery in my mind. Besides, even if I only counted sentient beings, I don't like he idea of beating someone or something to make it follow you. The only horse I've ever ridden let me do so."
Drake had finished with their sleeping arrangements. With a hardy yawn and a good stretch, he slipped under the sheets of the bed. He was sure he wouldn't be sleeping yet, he just wanted to be ready when the time came.
The question about his earlier actions threw Drake. His "friend," who was actually the half of his soul that he claimed to have lost, had taken control of him then. He couldn't tell the Cody the truth after having just lied to him. Then he became inspired, his other half's own actions would provide Cody with an answer.
"No, you're right, that was certainly chaotic," his mind was spinning at a very rapid pace now. "I don't think that those qualities can ever be completely removed from a living being. They're are just too deeply ingrained within us." He was very pleased with the explanation he had developed so suddenly. A wolf that has been trained as a pet will still to survive, proving that it can still be evil. The opposite can also happen. I once saw a woman that had been struck insane by a spell of some sort die to protect her children not ten minutes after killing her husband and mother in cold blood." He shrugged as he slid the extra mattress off the bed and onto the floor near the window, "A person's 'being' is just as strange, if not stranger, than magic."
He thought about what had brought on the idea. His other half had shown Cody the magic in order to befriend him, but why? Did he think that Drake would trust him enough to hand over control if he pretended to play nice with others? Did he know something about their new friend that he didn't? He figured that it was, yet another, thing he may never get an answer for. If he did get an answer, it certainly wouldn't be coming before tomorrow, and pushed the thought from his mind.
Cody's question didn't bother him, it just seemed odd. He had never really thought about it. "Well, the only family I ever knew was my mother, and yes, I do miss her. She was the person that taught me all of my initial knowledge of the world. She was the one that cared for me. Like what your master must have been when he wasn't trying to train you to be a tool for his use. Despite all that I've said about him, I do no believe that he was a bad man. I'm sure that he could be very nice." He was now putting some of the sheets and a pillow on the spare mattress.
"It's just that, well, I don't condone the slavery, of any living thing. Thus, simple ownership of a half-human half-horse also counts as slavery in my mind. Besides, even if I only counted sentient beings, I don't like he idea of beating someone or something to make it follow you. The only horse I've ever ridden let me do so."
Drake had finished with their sleeping arrangements. With a hardy yawn and a good stretch, he slipped under the sheets of the bed. He was sure he wouldn't be sleeping yet, he just wanted to be ready when the time came.
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Cody
Cody stayed quiet listening to all his questions get answered. Of course these answers ended up presenting their own questions. He hoped Drake didn't mind staying awake a couple more minutes.
Cody watched Drake his own mind roaming through deep thoughts he really had never bothered considering. When he knew someone was in control of his life he didn't have to search inwardly for answers, he just accepted however things were. His owner hadn't gone into details about personal problems, nor had many people shared problems around him while with his owner. They had been trying to show themselves well, not act as if they weren’t in control of their own lives. Nor had he ever met anyone who claimed to have lost half their soul.
Cody tried to feel inside of himself, to see if there was anything special in him. Nothing special, it seemed empty in there. Was that the way it was suppose to feel? Was that how everyone born from true parents felt? "Drake, do I have a soul? I don't really feel like there’s something inside that can be split in two." Was it a stupid question? Probably...but he had never considered having a soul. He imagined he had what everyone else did...but there seemed nothing in there to be split. Perhaps souls were not given to magical creations?
Drake was right, Cody was sure his owner wasn’t a bad person. “He said I was better than a slave, I was a pet.” Obviously this should mean something to Drake. “He had some slaves, but they didn’t get as much attention as me. They also didn’t have large rooms like I did.” Somehow it seemed that Drake should realize how special he had been to the man. Sure, he had been harsh at points, but only if Cody had messed up. Cody hadn’t liked all he’d been forced to do but without his owner he would never have existed to begin with. He also hadn’t really minded his owner riding him at points; mostly he had been gentle to him. It had been the training, the bad weather, and his wife that he had disliked when it came to riding.
With those new questions out in the open he followed Drake’s lead and made his way to the bed. Cody wasn’t sure he felt too comfortable with all these new questions and thoughts that were forming in his mind. Cody was used to spending his days one at a time, dealing with each encounter as it came along and not much else. Well no…he’d sometimes think of what would be fun to do in a day or two, but it certainly was not a thing to deeply consider. Nor did that suddenly seem as serious as wondering about things such as souls. He also felt like defending his owner, remembering the fun days of his childhood, somehow thinking of that made him remember the less pleasant times.
Lying down, head on a pillow he closed his eyes and tried to find that peaceful spot he was use to where he didn’t question himself or others. Too much of his consciousness was still focused on Drake, wanting to hear his answers, curious of his opinion. Cody’s legs pulled close to his chest, one arm dug underneath the pillow to cradle his head in its soft form. This was nice at least, the feeling of a bed underneath his body was a comfort he didn’t always bother to buy himself, and especially since it was pretty infrequent he’d be able to afford it.
Cody watched Drake his own mind roaming through deep thoughts he really had never bothered considering. When he knew someone was in control of his life he didn't have to search inwardly for answers, he just accepted however things were. His owner hadn't gone into details about personal problems, nor had many people shared problems around him while with his owner. They had been trying to show themselves well, not act as if they weren’t in control of their own lives. Nor had he ever met anyone who claimed to have lost half their soul.
Cody tried to feel inside of himself, to see if there was anything special in him. Nothing special, it seemed empty in there. Was that the way it was suppose to feel? Was that how everyone born from true parents felt? "Drake, do I have a soul? I don't really feel like there’s something inside that can be split in two." Was it a stupid question? Probably...but he had never considered having a soul. He imagined he had what everyone else did...but there seemed nothing in there to be split. Perhaps souls were not given to magical creations?
Drake was right, Cody was sure his owner wasn’t a bad person. “He said I was better than a slave, I was a pet.” Obviously this should mean something to Drake. “He had some slaves, but they didn’t get as much attention as me. They also didn’t have large rooms like I did.” Somehow it seemed that Drake should realize how special he had been to the man. Sure, he had been harsh at points, but only if Cody had messed up. Cody hadn’t liked all he’d been forced to do but without his owner he would never have existed to begin with. He also hadn’t really minded his owner riding him at points; mostly he had been gentle to him. It had been the training, the bad weather, and his wife that he had disliked when it came to riding.
With those new questions out in the open he followed Drake’s lead and made his way to the bed. Cody wasn’t sure he felt too comfortable with all these new questions and thoughts that were forming in his mind. Cody was used to spending his days one at a time, dealing with each encounter as it came along and not much else. Well no…he’d sometimes think of what would be fun to do in a day or two, but it certainly was not a thing to deeply consider. Nor did that suddenly seem as serious as wondering about things such as souls. He also felt like defending his owner, remembering the fun days of his childhood, somehow thinking of that made him remember the less pleasant times.
Lying down, head on a pillow he closed his eyes and tried to find that peaceful spot he was use to where he didn’t question himself or others. Too much of his consciousness was still focused on Drake, wanting to hear his answers, curious of his opinion. Cody’s legs pulled close to his chest, one arm dug underneath the pillow to cradle his head in its soft form. This was nice at least, the feeling of a bed underneath his body was a comfort he didn’t always bother to buy himself, and especially since it was pretty infrequent he’d be able to afford it.
Drake rolled over onto his back and tucked his arms under the pillow that was behind his head. He could hear that his new friend was getting settled in as well.
Drake had to think hard about Cody's question, and still couldn't come up with a good answer. To save face he reworded a philosophy paper he once read. "Well, I would assume that you do. A soul is not something you can feel. It's not an organ or appendage that can be removed by regular surgical means. It is a substance made up of your personality, your memories, your knowledge, and your life force. As all living creatures have most of those, and you have all, it is almost impossible to presume that you don't have a soul."
He closed his eyes and let his head loll back in order to relax more. "On the subject of your former owner, we should just drop it. We have different views of the world, and you have more knowledge of the man, so I doubt we will ever see completely eye to eye. I will agree not to downgrade him with my words any more than I have already done." He sighed and hoped that that would be enough for Cody.
Drake had to think hard about Cody's question, and still couldn't come up with a good answer. To save face he reworded a philosophy paper he once read. "Well, I would assume that you do. A soul is not something you can feel. It's not an organ or appendage that can be removed by regular surgical means. It is a substance made up of your personality, your memories, your knowledge, and your life force. As all living creatures have most of those, and you have all, it is almost impossible to presume that you don't have a soul."
He closed his eyes and let his head loll back in order to relax more. "On the subject of your former owner, we should just drop it. We have different views of the world, and you have more knowledge of the man, so I doubt we will ever see completely eye to eye. I will agree not to downgrade him with my words any more than I have already done." He sighed and hoped that that would be enough for Cody.