Her heart stopped. He was furious. He was going to kick her out! Tears threatened but she shoved them back and thought hard and fast as she moved to him. Moonlight lit the room, making him darker, more ominous. The flickering lights did little to help. Apologizing would do little to help her situation, she knew. So how... how to convince him to keep her? It wasn't like he was going to keep her out of the goodness of his own- that's it!
"Charity." She said it simply, sitting down in front of him, holding up her hand as a way to ask for more time to clarify. "Seona doesn't know much about... poli....pol... whatever. What it is you do. She does know, however, that if you look good, you get better business. More sales. People trust you." She fidgeted a moment, thinking hard, ignoring the resulting stabbing pain.
"IF you kept Seona, dressed her up, made her look pretty, she can be an example of your gen... gener... your goodness. People will like you, see you in nicer lights. Perhaps ignore shadier business deals." Her eyes glittered as she remembered now. Being on the streets, it was hard not to overhear names being whispered, especially when one was an owl. "Perhaps guards will go away with a little lost girl who doesn't look like a street thug. Innocent, lost, scared... it distracts meddlers." She shifted, nervous now. A lot was riding on this. "Even if that didn't matter, people would do deals with men who cared for a poor, under educated, sickly street girl with pot...poten... with chances." She glanced up at him, fighting back the need to wring her hands, distracting her long enough to not think before suggesting one last line.
"And owls can carry orders faster than Narain can. They can fly unseen to places, and not be given a second thought." She hadn't stopped to think about the consequences of telling him she knew he was passing out orders, but what did it matter? She was dead either way. Either the streets or Eltana himself would kill her. Honestly, she'd prefer if he did it... it'd take less time and hopefully be less painful.
Underhanded Innocence
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Eltana Remathia
- Outsider
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:46 am
- Name: Eltana Remathia
- Race: Half-Elf
Re: Underhanded Innocence
As painful as it was to admit, Seona raised some good points. Taking on a charity case would be excellent publicity, and it would give him a cover while he carried out his illicit dealings in the underground. Of course, he'd still need to sophisticate her – the public would want to see him improving her life, after all; but it wouldn't be nearly as stressful as preparing her for the modeling business. She'd only need a remedial education, and she'd have to continue with her grammar lessons. This meant she wouldn't be bringing in profits from her modeling, but he wasn't exactly strapped for bishani. Besides, he could easily find another pretty face like hers for that somewhere in the city.
But one thing concerned him – how did she know about his underground dealings? A street rat would certainly hear some whispers in alleys, but he hadn't been in Marn long enough to make a significant impact. Perhaps his reputation preceeded him. If that was the case, he'd have to be more discreet with his business – at least until he strengthened his connections with Marn's shadier inhabitants. The last thing he wanted was unwanted attention from the guards, especially with ties to Vanyusha.
Once again, the young lord went silent for a long while. He was inclined to give Seona another chance, but Narain would tease him for going soft. Besides, her speech impediment was annoying and her whole “innocent little girl” shtick got old fast. But he had to admit, she was smarter than he gave her credit for, and keeping her around would benefit his business.
“Against my better judgment, I've decided to give you one last chance. I will serve as your patron, and my agents will work to publicize my generosity. We'll continue with your education so I can present you at parties and brag about your progress, but it won't be nearly as demanding as modeling training.” Eltana stood up and looked down at her. “You may prove useful for my other business ventures, but we'll see about that when the time comes. We'll discuss this further in the morning.”
Eltana walked past her and began to leave, but stopped and the doorway and glanced back. “Oh, and if you bleed on anything I own ever again, we'll be having owl for dinner.” With that, he turned and went off to bed.
But one thing concerned him – how did she know about his underground dealings? A street rat would certainly hear some whispers in alleys, but he hadn't been in Marn long enough to make a significant impact. Perhaps his reputation preceeded him. If that was the case, he'd have to be more discreet with his business – at least until he strengthened his connections with Marn's shadier inhabitants. The last thing he wanted was unwanted attention from the guards, especially with ties to Vanyusha.
Once again, the young lord went silent for a long while. He was inclined to give Seona another chance, but Narain would tease him for going soft. Besides, her speech impediment was annoying and her whole “innocent little girl” shtick got old fast. But he had to admit, she was smarter than he gave her credit for, and keeping her around would benefit his business.
“Against my better judgment, I've decided to give you one last chance. I will serve as your patron, and my agents will work to publicize my generosity. We'll continue with your education so I can present you at parties and brag about your progress, but it won't be nearly as demanding as modeling training.” Eltana stood up and looked down at her. “You may prove useful for my other business ventures, but we'll see about that when the time comes. We'll discuss this further in the morning.”
Eltana walked past her and began to leave, but stopped and the doorway and glanced back. “Oh, and if you bleed on anything I own ever again, we'll be having owl for dinner.” With that, he turned and went off to bed.
Re: Underhanded Innocence
He was quiet. Too quiet. Seona fidgeted and wished she could read his mind. What was he thinking? Was she dead? Would he kick her out? Changers... she wanted to say more, but to do so may end up getting her killed faster. She stared down at her hands, waiting, jumping out of her skin when Eltana spoke. She was dizzy with relief as he finished, bowing her head in respect and to hide her tears as he walked away.
It was when he mentioned blood, though, that she looked up to stare at his retreating back, baffled. Bleed again? When did she bleed? She looked at the couch she'd been sitting at, baffled and seeing nothing. Making sure her master was gone, she stood and moved over to the spot. Checking to make sure she was alone, Seona knelt and sniffed the area, freezing when she smelt not only cleaning chemicals, but her own blood. Shit! When- the lesson. She'd pushed too hard. She swore repeatedly and creatively before standing and glaring at the floor.
She really couldn't win, could she? Damn Eltana! Damn him to the darkest fucking corners of the fucking Astral Plane! Furious at the unjust treatment, Seona padded to her own room, careful not to stomp. She may be mad, but she wasn't stupid. She managed to keep herself from slamming the door and stripped free of her dress, quietly hissing to herself. It wasn't until she was about to flop into bed in a fit of temper that she saw her violin.
Eltana had never said anything against playing outside of his home. Of course, she wouldn't wish to disturb him and piss him off, she was in shit as it was. So she set her dress to the side to be washed and dug out what appeared to be a more causal one. A white summer dress, short and breezy... perfect. She grabbed her violin and jumped, shifting quickly, to fly out the window silently.
Making sure she was a good distance away, Seona landed atop a tall building, human once more, and looked across the city. Such a dark place... She opened her case and expertly hooked it into a roof-guard before rising her bow and tucking her beloved instrument under her chin. It was soft, at first, a gentle re-familiarization. Then slowly, she played out the drama of her day. The panic, the sadness, the determination and the terror. Slowly she unwound before playing something sweet and lovely to calm those who might've been stirred by her playing, then came the lullabies. She loved them, along with the wistful tunes of lost loves, but the lullabies she played the best.
It was long into the night before Seona flew home and nestled in her bed, her dress hanging up once more, her choice for tomorrow set out, a long flowing gown of red. She would be what Eltana wanted, and give him what he needed, but she'd express herself in quiet means.
It was when he mentioned blood, though, that she looked up to stare at his retreating back, baffled. Bleed again? When did she bleed? She looked at the couch she'd been sitting at, baffled and seeing nothing. Making sure her master was gone, she stood and moved over to the spot. Checking to make sure she was alone, Seona knelt and sniffed the area, freezing when she smelt not only cleaning chemicals, but her own blood. Shit! When- the lesson. She'd pushed too hard. She swore repeatedly and creatively before standing and glaring at the floor.
She really couldn't win, could she? Damn Eltana! Damn him to the darkest fucking corners of the fucking Astral Plane! Furious at the unjust treatment, Seona padded to her own room, careful not to stomp. She may be mad, but she wasn't stupid. She managed to keep herself from slamming the door and stripped free of her dress, quietly hissing to herself. It wasn't until she was about to flop into bed in a fit of temper that she saw her violin.
Eltana had never said anything against playing outside of his home. Of course, she wouldn't wish to disturb him and piss him off, she was in shit as it was. So she set her dress to the side to be washed and dug out what appeared to be a more causal one. A white summer dress, short and breezy... perfect. She grabbed her violin and jumped, shifting quickly, to fly out the window silently.
Making sure she was a good distance away, Seona landed atop a tall building, human once more, and looked across the city. Such a dark place... She opened her case and expertly hooked it into a roof-guard before rising her bow and tucking her beloved instrument under her chin. It was soft, at first, a gentle re-familiarization. Then slowly, she played out the drama of her day. The panic, the sadness, the determination and the terror. Slowly she unwound before playing something sweet and lovely to calm those who might've been stirred by her playing, then came the lullabies. She loved them, along with the wistful tunes of lost loves, but the lullabies she played the best.
It was long into the night before Seona flew home and nestled in her bed, her dress hanging up once more, her choice for tomorrow set out, a long flowing gown of red. She would be what Eltana wanted, and give him what he needed, but she'd express herself in quiet means.
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Eltana Remathia
- Outsider
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:46 am
- Name: Eltana Remathia
- Race: Half-Elf
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Fortunately, the next morning passed without incident. Breakfast was eaten in relative silence, and the servants went to carry out their duties once they finished. Agatha didn't continue her lessons with Seona and mostly ignored her, but occasionally shot her a nasty glance from across the table.
Eltana retired to the parlor after breakfast to catch up on work. Lounging on the couch, he casually flipped through his record book, sometimes stopping to make some notes in the margins. One of his clients had requested a moderate amount of morphine, which he had to smuggle into Marn through tomorrow's shipment. Transferring his goods through Belleza was simple enough, but Marn was another story. Mixing it in with his perfume bottles seemed to be the best bet, but there was always a chance it would be discovered. Perhaps it would be better to conduct his trades in Shim's woods, far away from the guards and curious villagers. Better yet, Vanyusha could provide additional security.
He frowned as he remembered the wraith. Vanyusha was to carry out his assignment in a few days, and if that went badly he would be in a difficult position. There was no way for the guards to discover their connection – at least if Vanyusha didn't blow their cover – but the goods he was targeting were far more important than the morphine shipment. Coming to Marn would be a complete waste of time if he couldn't connect with the underground, and a bad first impression could sink him.
And, of course, there was the owl.
“See-Saw, or whatever your name is! I need to have a word with you!” Eltana called from his couch. “And for Theogios' sake, one of you idiots bring me a blanket! If I don't get some relief from these damn chills, I'm sticking a cattle prod through someone's eye socket!”
When Seona came downstairs, Eltana was wrapped in a purple silk blanket on the couch. He looked pale and his arms were shaking slightly. “Before we begin with the whole 'positive publicity' nonsense, I want to introduce you to some people around Jacel's place. They aren't big name clients, but you'll be running errands for a few of them down the line. But I will warn you The Bitch's Bite is usually crowded, and its patrons can get loud and aggressive. I don't have to worry about you passing out again, do I?”
Eltana retired to the parlor after breakfast to catch up on work. Lounging on the couch, he casually flipped through his record book, sometimes stopping to make some notes in the margins. One of his clients had requested a moderate amount of morphine, which he had to smuggle into Marn through tomorrow's shipment. Transferring his goods through Belleza was simple enough, but Marn was another story. Mixing it in with his perfume bottles seemed to be the best bet, but there was always a chance it would be discovered. Perhaps it would be better to conduct his trades in Shim's woods, far away from the guards and curious villagers. Better yet, Vanyusha could provide additional security.
He frowned as he remembered the wraith. Vanyusha was to carry out his assignment in a few days, and if that went badly he would be in a difficult position. There was no way for the guards to discover their connection – at least if Vanyusha didn't blow their cover – but the goods he was targeting were far more important than the morphine shipment. Coming to Marn would be a complete waste of time if he couldn't connect with the underground, and a bad first impression could sink him.
And, of course, there was the owl.
“See-Saw, or whatever your name is! I need to have a word with you!” Eltana called from his couch. “And for Theogios' sake, one of you idiots bring me a blanket! If I don't get some relief from these damn chills, I'm sticking a cattle prod through someone's eye socket!”
When Seona came downstairs, Eltana was wrapped in a purple silk blanket on the couch. He looked pale and his arms were shaking slightly. “Before we begin with the whole 'positive publicity' nonsense, I want to introduce you to some people around Jacel's place. They aren't big name clients, but you'll be running errands for a few of them down the line. But I will warn you The Bitch's Bite is usually crowded, and its patrons can get loud and aggressive. I don't have to worry about you passing out again, do I?”
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Seona was in her room, reading and already planning her essay when Eltana called for her and a blanket. Wait... See-saw? She was a child's toy to be ridden? This made little sense to her as she was small as both a human and an animal... she did like kids though... humming in contemplation, Seona snagged an extra blanket from her room - a nice thick and warm one - and headed downstairs, her red gown trailing elegantly after her.
She didn't remember being angry with Eltana, really, or why she had been, until he growled at her about fainting. Right, unjust treatment and shit. She managed a wry smile for him. "No, I won't faint." The proper grammar surprised her, though her words were still slurred. Internally she patted herself on the back. "It's only if I concentrate on something too hard or too long." She told him, wincing at the pang in her head. "Like with grammar. I brought you a warmer blanket." She snagged an edge and allowed the rest to drop at his feet before moving to beside him and lifting the blanket quickly, allowing it to fall gently on her master. She hadn't missed the paleness or the shivering, and wanted to soothe and hold him but... one look in his eyes told her no.
Instead she moved back to sit in the chair across from him, making sure to move her hair out of the way. "May I ask why you called me See-saw? It doesn't even make sense." She pointed it out without thinking. "My name is Seona, so you got the 'Se' right... but I'm not a plank of wood that wibbles back and forth." The thought entertained her and she smiled, eyes dancing. "Though that does give a funny image." The throbbing in her mind persisted each time she used proper grammar, but she fought past it. She'd learn to deal and control it.
She didn't remember being angry with Eltana, really, or why she had been, until he growled at her about fainting. Right, unjust treatment and shit. She managed a wry smile for him. "No, I won't faint." The proper grammar surprised her, though her words were still slurred. Internally she patted herself on the back. "It's only if I concentrate on something too hard or too long." She told him, wincing at the pang in her head. "Like with grammar. I brought you a warmer blanket." She snagged an edge and allowed the rest to drop at his feet before moving to beside him and lifting the blanket quickly, allowing it to fall gently on her master. She hadn't missed the paleness or the shivering, and wanted to soothe and hold him but... one look in his eyes told her no.
Instead she moved back to sit in the chair across from him, making sure to move her hair out of the way. "May I ask why you called me See-saw? It doesn't even make sense." She pointed it out without thinking. "My name is Seona, so you got the 'Se' right... but I'm not a plank of wood that wibbles back and forth." The thought entertained her and she smiled, eyes dancing. "Though that does give a funny image." The throbbing in her mind persisted each time she used proper grammar, but she fought past it. She'd learn to deal and control it.
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Eltana Remathia
- Outsider
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:46 am
- Name: Eltana Remathia
- Race: Half-Elf
Re: Underhanded Innocence
His lips twisted into a mocking smile. “Because, my dear, sweet little piegon, it's a worthless toy – which is a fairly apt description of you at the moment. Let's hope that changes once you finally start showing me why I'm bothering to keep you off the streets.”
Eltana pushed the new blanket aside and stood up, still wrapped in his old one. Though he appreciated that the winged rat knew her place as a servant, he wasn't going to show acknowledge her efforts until she lived up to her offer. She was to serve as both his cover and his messenger, and he expected to see results as soon as possible. Fortunately, he'd have ample time to test her abilities this week. Depending on her performance, he'd welcome her as a new assistant or cast her out to live with the other shameful wretches. But first he needed to see what his clients would think of a little owl girl transporting their documents.
“We'll be heading to The Bitch's Bite now,” Eltana said as he went to the closet and put on his black coat and gray fox fur scarf. “It's not a place you want to get lost in, so I suggest you stay close to me.”
Remaining silent, he walked the streets of Marn with Seona. He seemed far unhappier out in public, casting nasty looks at passerbys and muttering under his breath. Ever since he came to Marn, only a few people recognized him and wisely moved out of his way. Everyone knew to avoid the dreaded head of Remathia in Belleza, but here he was just another citizen walking the streets. As much as he liked living closer to Mazalan, he missed the respect and fear. At least he wouldn't be living in this backward city forever. Hopefully he could introduce some class and style to Marn and make his time here more bearable.
Soon, the pair arrived at The Bitch's Bite. Eltana led Seona inside and immediately brightened up when he saw it filled loud thugs and drunkards. The nobles were his brethren, but this was his crowd! And better yet, he was just in time for another dog fight. Smiling, he headed toward the bar, greeting a few of his thief friends as he passed by. Once Eltana reached the bar, he sat at his usual table and motioned for Seona to join him. A few moments later, an obese, tan-skinned man in a fur vest walked over to the table. He had a large scar over his right eye and a crooked smile that displayed his rotten teeth.
“Well, if it isn't my favorite drinkin' buddy!” The man laughed and pulled up a seat, his eyes falling on Seona. “What's with the kid? Doesn't seem like your kind of company.”
Eltana shook his head. “Believe me, Haylon, she isn't. We're here strictly on business. You see, I was wondering if you were interested in a new messenger. I have a pet that may be able to deliver some of our letters by air, but I'm not sure how reliable she is just yet.”
"A new messenger?" Haylon cocked a brow, then his smile widened and he laughed loudly. "Oh, I see what yer sayin'! I dunno - these letters are pretty important, and I don't want one of yer pets losin' them." He leaned toward Seona. "Tell me, little girl - ya know if this 'pet' my friend's talking about has any experience droppin' off letters? Is it smart enough not to get itself caught and raise a ruckus?"
Eltana pushed the new blanket aside and stood up, still wrapped in his old one. Though he appreciated that the winged rat knew her place as a servant, he wasn't going to show acknowledge her efforts until she lived up to her offer. She was to serve as both his cover and his messenger, and he expected to see results as soon as possible. Fortunately, he'd have ample time to test her abilities this week. Depending on her performance, he'd welcome her as a new assistant or cast her out to live with the other shameful wretches. But first he needed to see what his clients would think of a little owl girl transporting their documents.
“We'll be heading to The Bitch's Bite now,” Eltana said as he went to the closet and put on his black coat and gray fox fur scarf. “It's not a place you want to get lost in, so I suggest you stay close to me.”
Remaining silent, he walked the streets of Marn with Seona. He seemed far unhappier out in public, casting nasty looks at passerbys and muttering under his breath. Ever since he came to Marn, only a few people recognized him and wisely moved out of his way. Everyone knew to avoid the dreaded head of Remathia in Belleza, but here he was just another citizen walking the streets. As much as he liked living closer to Mazalan, he missed the respect and fear. At least he wouldn't be living in this backward city forever. Hopefully he could introduce some class and style to Marn and make his time here more bearable.
Soon, the pair arrived at The Bitch's Bite. Eltana led Seona inside and immediately brightened up when he saw it filled loud thugs and drunkards. The nobles were his brethren, but this was his crowd! And better yet, he was just in time for another dog fight. Smiling, he headed toward the bar, greeting a few of his thief friends as he passed by. Once Eltana reached the bar, he sat at his usual table and motioned for Seona to join him. A few moments later, an obese, tan-skinned man in a fur vest walked over to the table. He had a large scar over his right eye and a crooked smile that displayed his rotten teeth.
“Well, if it isn't my favorite drinkin' buddy!” The man laughed and pulled up a seat, his eyes falling on Seona. “What's with the kid? Doesn't seem like your kind of company.”
Eltana shook his head. “Believe me, Haylon, she isn't. We're here strictly on business. You see, I was wondering if you were interested in a new messenger. I have a pet that may be able to deliver some of our letters by air, but I'm not sure how reliable she is just yet.”
"A new messenger?" Haylon cocked a brow, then his smile widened and he laughed loudly. "Oh, I see what yer sayin'! I dunno - these letters are pretty important, and I don't want one of yer pets losin' them." He leaned toward Seona. "Tell me, little girl - ya know if this 'pet' my friend's talking about has any experience droppin' off letters? Is it smart enough not to get itself caught and raise a ruckus?"
Re: Underhanded Innocence
She wanted to argue with him - she wasn't useless! - but knew there was no point, so she simply followed him. She pulled on a pair of boots a servant had kindly brought her, and while they were a tad too small, they were more comfortable than the last pair she wore. She wondered about the coat and scarf though... it was nice out. Though, she was more used to the cold than her master... hmm...
The Bite was not Seona's kind of area. Dogs... she hated the damn things, chasing her about the streets- she shrank closer to Eltana while fighting to avoid getting too close. No words had been spoken of this, but it wasn't hard to tell- they were talking of her. Eyes snapped to the pair talking when Eltana vehemently denied her being his usual kind of company. She wasn't sure what he meant by that, but the man was laughing and leaning into her, asking a question. She paled and shook. He was massive, he was scary, and he was intimidating her. Instantly she shrunk behind Eltana, shaking.
"Looks like your 'pets' too scared to do anything." The man mocked. Scared, yes she was scared, very scared... but if... if she didn't- the streets. She looked down a moment before gathering her little courage and looked the man in his single eye. "This pet knows. It's an owl, no one sees an owl at night, doesn't hear it. And the owl is smart, because it's a girl by day." She managed to get out. She was scared, she was shaking, but she would face it.... oh Changers she wanted to hide... she took a deep breath. "The owl can and will deliver anything it can lift in its claws." She stared hard into the mans eye, shaking visibly now. "Does it need to prove itself?"
The Bite was not Seona's kind of area. Dogs... she hated the damn things, chasing her about the streets- she shrank closer to Eltana while fighting to avoid getting too close. No words had been spoken of this, but it wasn't hard to tell- they were talking of her. Eyes snapped to the pair talking when Eltana vehemently denied her being his usual kind of company. She wasn't sure what he meant by that, but the man was laughing and leaning into her, asking a question. She paled and shook. He was massive, he was scary, and he was intimidating her. Instantly she shrunk behind Eltana, shaking.
"Looks like your 'pets' too scared to do anything." The man mocked. Scared, yes she was scared, very scared... but if... if she didn't- the streets. She looked down a moment before gathering her little courage and looked the man in his single eye. "This pet knows. It's an owl, no one sees an owl at night, doesn't hear it. And the owl is smart, because it's a girl by day." She managed to get out. She was scared, she was shaking, but she would face it.... oh Changers she wanted to hide... she took a deep breath. "The owl can and will deliver anything it can lift in its claws." She stared hard into the mans eye, shaking visibly now. "Does it need to prove itself?"
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Eltana Remathia
- Outsider
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:46 am
- Name: Eltana Remathia
- Race: Half-Elf
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Predictably, the brat darted behind him like a frightened child – as though he'd actually protect her from anyone. If this was how she was going to behave around his contacts, he'd have to reconsider using her as a messenger. Her abilities, while useful, weren't worth the embarrassment. He needed to project a powerful image in Marn's underground, and a frightened, skittish little owl didn't exactly scream strength.
Eltana sighed and brushed his hair back. “I assure you, she's perfectly capable of – “
He fell silent when Seona stepped out from behind him and, looking Haylon in the eye, offered to prove her abilities. Unexpected, but welcome. Perhaps she remembered that Haylon's frightening looks were nothing compared to what he'd do to her for making an ass out of him. His eyes drifted over to Haylon, who was grinning and stroking his chin thoughtfully. Eltana frowned as he wondered what the man was planning. Haylon was an especially shady man, and a grin like that told Eltana he was up to no good.
“Why, that sounds like a grand idea, little lady!” Haylon grinned and leaned toward her, placing his hands on his knees. “Forgive me if I doubt the bird's skills, but usually my carrier piegons are cut from a different cloth. But if ya do this one little thing for me, you'll have my respect, sure enough.”
Eltana frowned. This wasn't looking good.
Haylon grabbed a napkin and scribbed a little note on it, then folded it up and slid it over to Seona. “I want the pet to take this little note into the owner's office at the other side of the ring, all quick and quiet-like, and leave it on his desk. Usually a guard there, so the pet needs to be sneaky.”
“Wouldn't you rather start with something simpler, Haylon?” Eltana suggested.
“If this pet's a good messenger, then let's see 'er do it!” Haylon's grin widened. “Note's not important, just a greetin'. But I wanna see what I'm working with here.” He leaned forward and patted Seona on the head. “Oh, and the pet better not get caught. Bet one of 'em dogs can swallow you whole.”
Eltana sighed and brushed his hair back. “I assure you, she's perfectly capable of – “
He fell silent when Seona stepped out from behind him and, looking Haylon in the eye, offered to prove her abilities. Unexpected, but welcome. Perhaps she remembered that Haylon's frightening looks were nothing compared to what he'd do to her for making an ass out of him. His eyes drifted over to Haylon, who was grinning and stroking his chin thoughtfully. Eltana frowned as he wondered what the man was planning. Haylon was an especially shady man, and a grin like that told Eltana he was up to no good.
“Why, that sounds like a grand idea, little lady!” Haylon grinned and leaned toward her, placing his hands on his knees. “Forgive me if I doubt the bird's skills, but usually my carrier piegons are cut from a different cloth. But if ya do this one little thing for me, you'll have my respect, sure enough.”
Eltana frowned. This wasn't looking good.
Haylon grabbed a napkin and scribbed a little note on it, then folded it up and slid it over to Seona. “I want the pet to take this little note into the owner's office at the other side of the ring, all quick and quiet-like, and leave it on his desk. Usually a guard there, so the pet needs to be sneaky.”
“Wouldn't you rather start with something simpler, Haylon?” Eltana suggested.
“If this pet's a good messenger, then let's see 'er do it!” Haylon's grin widened. “Note's not important, just a greetin'. But I wanna see what I'm working with here.” He leaned forward and patted Seona on the head. “Oh, and the pet better not get caught. Bet one of 'em dogs can swallow you whole.”
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Fuck he called her bluff... she took the note and looked to where he was pointing. 'Don't get caught.' the words rang in her ears. Don't get caught... what did he mean by caught? She was by no means stealthy in this dress, and Eltana had forbade her from shifting while in his company. Seona chewed on her lip - a means of attempting not to chatter to herself, before looking back to the man, her eyes narrowed.
"Define 'caught'." She said, surprising herself and the man by the strength in her voice. The wheels were turning in the owls mind, clicking to a new beat. Being innocent, naive, scared... it wouldn't help here. Eltana was beautiful, cruel and powerful, she could be the same. She viciously shoved her fear down and stood straiter, though she still shook. "What do you mean by caught? Thrown out, noticed by the guard, what?" The man smiled.
"Ye can't get into the office if you're not expected, girl. Information's the commodity here, ye don't want to lose it, catch my drift?" "That doesn't answer my question." Her headache throbbed and she fought past it and her fear, though it was getting harder. The man chuckled. "Don't get tossed to the dogs." Fair enough. She looked at Eltana, completely serious and determined. "Please watch Seona." She murmured to him before disappearing into the crowds.
She would become what he wanted because she needed to to survive. Bloodlust ran rampant through the building, excitement and lust punching in the corners where there were drunks who had brought sadistic whores. She felt it, felt it crawl over her skin. She didn't like it. She felt it sink a little closer, whispering, jumbled ideas of seduction, blood and- her eyes darkened as the emotions swept her away. Her hips swayed, crimson promises. Her back straitened, she was elegant. She had owl's eyes, large and wide, she was innocent, naive... yes... she knew what role to play. A man stepped from the office - said something to the guard - and walked off. Interesting.
She approached the guard, smiling nervously, her own emotion showing through a little. "E-excuse me?" The guard glared down his nose at her and she shrunk inside herself. Outwardly she giggled and looked away. "I'm sorry... the man that just left... I've admired him for so long." She looked up, blue eyes innocent and hopeful even as she lean in juuust enough- interest, she saw interest in his eyes. "I-I want to leave this letter on his desk, that's all. You can even watch, make sure I don't take anything." Her voice was quick, breathless with excitement... and pain, her headache was screaming. Amusement flitted across his eyes as he grinned. Some sort of thrill passed through Seona and the glee of someone who would get payback... what? She was baffled a moment until she noticed him opening the door and ushering her in.
Quickly she slid inside, note clutched to her chest. Skittering a moment and pretending to be awed and amazed, Seona looked for the desk and promptly 'lovingly' set it down before racing out the door, giggling in glee - she'd done it! "Thank you!" She giggled quietly before skittering off again, out of sight from the entertained guard who had already come up with an excuse.
She slid through the crowd once more until she was at her Master's side once more, smiling. "The pet didn't get 'caught', the letter's been delivered. Did the pet pass your little test?" She still wasn't sure where this new confidence was stemming from...
"Define 'caught'." She said, surprising herself and the man by the strength in her voice. The wheels were turning in the owls mind, clicking to a new beat. Being innocent, naive, scared... it wouldn't help here. Eltana was beautiful, cruel and powerful, she could be the same. She viciously shoved her fear down and stood straiter, though she still shook. "What do you mean by caught? Thrown out, noticed by the guard, what?" The man smiled.
"Ye can't get into the office if you're not expected, girl. Information's the commodity here, ye don't want to lose it, catch my drift?" "That doesn't answer my question." Her headache throbbed and she fought past it and her fear, though it was getting harder. The man chuckled. "Don't get tossed to the dogs." Fair enough. She looked at Eltana, completely serious and determined. "Please watch Seona." She murmured to him before disappearing into the crowds.
She would become what he wanted because she needed to to survive. Bloodlust ran rampant through the building, excitement and lust punching in the corners where there were drunks who had brought sadistic whores. She felt it, felt it crawl over her skin. She didn't like it. She felt it sink a little closer, whispering, jumbled ideas of seduction, blood and- her eyes darkened as the emotions swept her away. Her hips swayed, crimson promises. Her back straitened, she was elegant. She had owl's eyes, large and wide, she was innocent, naive... yes... she knew what role to play. A man stepped from the office - said something to the guard - and walked off. Interesting.
She approached the guard, smiling nervously, her own emotion showing through a little. "E-excuse me?" The guard glared down his nose at her and she shrunk inside herself. Outwardly she giggled and looked away. "I'm sorry... the man that just left... I've admired him for so long." She looked up, blue eyes innocent and hopeful even as she lean in juuust enough- interest, she saw interest in his eyes. "I-I want to leave this letter on his desk, that's all. You can even watch, make sure I don't take anything." Her voice was quick, breathless with excitement... and pain, her headache was screaming. Amusement flitted across his eyes as he grinned. Some sort of thrill passed through Seona and the glee of someone who would get payback... what? She was baffled a moment until she noticed him opening the door and ushering her in.
Quickly she slid inside, note clutched to her chest. Skittering a moment and pretending to be awed and amazed, Seona looked for the desk and promptly 'lovingly' set it down before racing out the door, giggling in glee - she'd done it! "Thank you!" She giggled quietly before skittering off again, out of sight from the entertained guard who had already come up with an excuse.
She slid through the crowd once more until she was at her Master's side once more, smiling. "The pet didn't get 'caught', the letter's been delivered. Did the pet pass your little test?" She still wasn't sure where this new confidence was stemming from...
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Eltana Remathia
- Outsider
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:46 am
- Name: Eltana Remathia
- Race: Half-Elf
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Eltana watched her head for the office, frowning slightly. This was going to be a catastrophe. The guards would rough her up for sneaking into the office, and then he'd have a throttled owl on his hands. Perhaps he could tell the other nobles that her injuries were from her time on the streets, but he wasn't sure how well that would fly. They might be petty and self-centered, but they certainly weren't stupid.
Soon, a waitress arrived with a glass of wine and handed it to the young lord. He was about to take a sip when he saw Seona just walk right up to the guard. What in Theogios's name was that little bird-brained idiot doing? She had to be subtle! If she walked right up to him and asked to be let inside, he'd kick her ass out of there and be on the lookout for her later. Right now, he didn't even care about using her as a messenger anymore. But if he made him look like an idiot in front of Haylon, she'd be eating bird seed for the rest of her life.
“Doesn't look like the pet's messenger material.” Haylon laughed and nudged him.
Ignoring the obese thief, Eltana scowled and downed his entire glass in one gulp. He looked back toward the office, expecting to see a scene unfold, but nearly dropped his drink when he saw the guard ushering her into the office. “...Did he actually just let her inside?” he asked in disbelief. Instead of sneaking into the office like he'd expected, she just waltzed into the office like she owned the damn place. He grinned, then glanced over at Haylon. “Well, it looks like the bird passed your little test.”
“Bullshit!” Haylon slammed his fist against the table. “That's not what I meant and you know it.”
“You never said she couldn't just walk right in and drop it off, so it's your own fault” Eltana chuckled as he handed his glass to the waitress. “I expect you'll have no issues with the bird running errands for you and your men, then?”
Haylon sighed. “I'll give it a shot. But the moment she screws up – and she will – we go back to our previous arrangement.”
Eltana turned to Seona when she returned to the table, frowning once again. She had succeeded, but he wasn't about to praise such risky behavior. “Yes, but that was foolish behavior,” he said, lowering his voice. “I don't know what possessed that guard to let you in, but that won't work in most situations. You'll have to be a lot more subtle from now on. Am I understood?”
Soon, a waitress arrived with a glass of wine and handed it to the young lord. He was about to take a sip when he saw Seona just walk right up to the guard. What in Theogios's name was that little bird-brained idiot doing? She had to be subtle! If she walked right up to him and asked to be let inside, he'd kick her ass out of there and be on the lookout for her later. Right now, he didn't even care about using her as a messenger anymore. But if he made him look like an idiot in front of Haylon, she'd be eating bird seed for the rest of her life.
“Doesn't look like the pet's messenger material.” Haylon laughed and nudged him.
Ignoring the obese thief, Eltana scowled and downed his entire glass in one gulp. He looked back toward the office, expecting to see a scene unfold, but nearly dropped his drink when he saw the guard ushering her into the office. “...Did he actually just let her inside?” he asked in disbelief. Instead of sneaking into the office like he'd expected, she just waltzed into the office like she owned the damn place. He grinned, then glanced over at Haylon. “Well, it looks like the bird passed your little test.”
“Bullshit!” Haylon slammed his fist against the table. “That's not what I meant and you know it.”
“You never said she couldn't just walk right in and drop it off, so it's your own fault” Eltana chuckled as he handed his glass to the waitress. “I expect you'll have no issues with the bird running errands for you and your men, then?”
Haylon sighed. “I'll give it a shot. But the moment she screws up – and she will – we go back to our previous arrangement.”
Eltana turned to Seona when she returned to the table, frowning once again. She had succeeded, but he wasn't about to praise such risky behavior. “Yes, but that was foolish behavior,” he said, lowering his voice. “I don't know what possessed that guard to let you in, but that won't work in most situations. You'll have to be a lot more subtle from now on. Am I understood?”
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Temper flared a moment - she'd gotten the job done. "There WAS no other way." She hissed quietly. "Even Seona knows from the streets - the Bite is where you go for information. The owner wouldn't risk information being leaked. There were no windows and that was the only door in." She knew he wouldn't care, but she wouldn't be treated like a retard. "If you wanted Seona to sneak in differently, Eltana should have said so. He said not to get tossed out." She didn't know where this tangent was coming from, and she KNEW she'd regret it later, but it wouldn't stop. Her arms crossed as she ignored the raised eyebrow of the other man for a moment before speaking while looking at Eltana, her voice surprisingly acidic.
"Do you have something for the pet to deliver, and prove to the two of you that she's not the useless seagull you seem to take it for." Her eyes snapped to the man. "Well?" She didn't understand the anger that raged through her system, she was scared by it, but then she was mad at being afraid of her own emotions. Her eyes snapped to Eltana before snapping back to the man. "I'm waiting."
"Do you have something for the pet to deliver, and prove to the two of you that she's not the useless seagull you seem to take it for." Her eyes snapped to the man. "Well?" She didn't understand the anger that raged through her system, she was scared by it, but then she was mad at being afraid of her own emotions. Her eyes snapped to Eltana before snapping back to the man. "I'm waiting."
-
Eltana Remathia
- Outsider
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:46 am
- Name: Eltana Remathia
- Race: Half-Elf
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Though Eltana was usually calm, nothing infuriated him more than disrespect – and Seona had just mouthed off at him in front of a valuable ally. Anyone who knew him well would have ducked for cover to avoid the explosive fury that he would surely unleash upon the poor girl. Even Haylon scooted away from his friend and looked at him like he expected the worst.
...But nothing happened.
Eltana merely folded his hands on his lap and smiled at her. His smile was genuine and without even the smallest hint of malice. He sat unmoving, staring at her in silence for what seemed like an eternity, his strangely pleasant expression never fading. When the waitress returned with his new drink, he ignored her completely and remained focused on Seona. Confused, the waitress placed his drink in front of him and went off to tend to the other customers.
“Erm, Eltana...?” Haylon broke the silence uncertainly. “You've been sitting there like that for about five minutes now. What's up?”
The young lord rose from his seat. “I'm afraid I must be leaving now, Haylon. It was a pleasure seeing you again. If you don't mind, I'd like to meet with two or three of your boys later this evening. We have some some business to attend to.”
Haylon nodded, still looking nervous. "Yeah, I'll send a couple over later. You sure you're OK? You seem a little off."
"Nothing to worry about! It must be the alcohol," Eltana said with a laugh as he walked behind Seona's chair. Unexpectedly, he draped his arms around her shoulders, then leaned forward and nuzzled against her cheek. "Come with me, sweetheart - it's time to go home. We'll relax and have a nice dinner when we get back. Later tonight we'll be doing an... important exercise."
...But nothing happened.
Eltana merely folded his hands on his lap and smiled at her. His smile was genuine and without even the smallest hint of malice. He sat unmoving, staring at her in silence for what seemed like an eternity, his strangely pleasant expression never fading. When the waitress returned with his new drink, he ignored her completely and remained focused on Seona. Confused, the waitress placed his drink in front of him and went off to tend to the other customers.
“Erm, Eltana...?” Haylon broke the silence uncertainly. “You've been sitting there like that for about five minutes now. What's up?”
The young lord rose from his seat. “I'm afraid I must be leaving now, Haylon. It was a pleasure seeing you again. If you don't mind, I'd like to meet with two or three of your boys later this evening. We have some some business to attend to.”
Haylon nodded, still looking nervous. "Yeah, I'll send a couple over later. You sure you're OK? You seem a little off."
"Nothing to worry about! It must be the alcohol," Eltana said with a laugh as he walked behind Seona's chair. Unexpectedly, he draped his arms around her shoulders, then leaned forward and nuzzled against her cheek. "Come with me, sweetheart - it's time to go home. We'll relax and have a nice dinner when we get back. Later tonight we'll be doing an... important exercise."
Re: Underhanded Innocence
She didn't quite realize something was wrong until he smiled. She didn't know why, didn't understand it, but as soon as he smiled, it felt as though someone dumped a bucket of ice water down her back. "Seona... Seona wasn't addressing Master..." she murmured, confused. The owl within her shook, its eyes wide. That wasn't good. The owl didn't spook easily. Eltana's arm around her shoulder made it worse - the nuzzle almost sending her to tears. She'd made a mistake, and she was about to pay.
He led her out and she contemplated shifting - feathers started to grow beneath her clothes as a result - but she stopped. She made a mistake, she'd be punished... did she deserve it? She swallowed and began to think deeply on the thought. Certainly not - she didn't deserve to be punished in her eyes. She'd stood up for herself - something she had never done before. She'd always been a street rat, an owl who played music on the rooftops - she'd been happy that way. A simple pleasure. Now... she wanted to look up to the man who'd taken her from her simple life and demanded the universe from her, and had become frustrated when she'd given him two and he couldn't see. Had called her cruel names, and treated her like something lower than dirt.
Did she deserve that? Changers no, not in her eyes. But what about in his? A being who commanded wealth and fear with a hard hand and sharp eyes, his silver tongue causing those around him to dance. And here she was, the idiot girl who could barely speak, demanding something in front of him and a client whom he'd clearly stated was important. Shit... she deserved this, she deserved what would happen because she'd fucked up bad. And, as she looked more and more into what she'd done back there, the more she decided she would deserve what came. And so, she followed him submissively. After all, she was just a piece of shit owl off the streets next to a Changer among mortals.
He led her out and she contemplated shifting - feathers started to grow beneath her clothes as a result - but she stopped. She made a mistake, she'd be punished... did she deserve it? She swallowed and began to think deeply on the thought. Certainly not - she didn't deserve to be punished in her eyes. She'd stood up for herself - something she had never done before. She'd always been a street rat, an owl who played music on the rooftops - she'd been happy that way. A simple pleasure. Now... she wanted to look up to the man who'd taken her from her simple life and demanded the universe from her, and had become frustrated when she'd given him two and he couldn't see. Had called her cruel names, and treated her like something lower than dirt.
Did she deserve that? Changers no, not in her eyes. But what about in his? A being who commanded wealth and fear with a hard hand and sharp eyes, his silver tongue causing those around him to dance. And here she was, the idiot girl who could barely speak, demanding something in front of him and a client whom he'd clearly stated was important. Shit... she deserved this, she deserved what would happen because she'd fucked up bad. And, as she looked more and more into what she'd done back there, the more she decided she would deserve what came. And so, she followed him submissively. After all, she was just a piece of shit owl off the streets next to a Changer among mortals.
-
Eltana Remathia
- Outsider
- Posts: 42
- Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2013 8:46 am
- Name: Eltana Remathia
- Race: Half-Elf
Re: Underhanded Innocence
Eltana walked down the street in silence, ignoring the girl he had been strangely affectionate with only a few moments before. His expression was surprisingly serene, masking whatever horrible punishment he was surely concoting for Seona. If one didn't know what had transpired earlier, it would have been easy to mistake him for being in a good mood.
Truthfully, he was actually happy that Seona was starting to show a backbone. He didn't like spending time with simpering pissants, so he hoped she'd be willing to show that side of herself more often. In fact, he had just been about to praise her after giving what was honestly a well-intentioned warning. The problem was that Seona had mouthed off to the wrong person. Eltana didn't tolerate such disrespect from anyone, and the fact that Seona, a filthy owl he had plucked from the streets, would dare to snap at him and his friend made him see red.
But she wasn't entirely to blame. Eltana knew how difficult it could be to get along with him, and he had been treating her like dirt ever since they met. That wasn't going to change any time soon, so perhaps this would be a good opportunity to teach her how to deal with her emotions.
Soon they arrived at the house. Eltana stopped at the door and glanced back at Seona. “Dinner should be ready in a few hours, so feel free to enjoy yourself until then.” He reached into his robe and pulled out a small purple bag, then handed it to Seona. “Go out on the town and have some fun. There should be enough bishani there to keep you entertained for today. Just be sure to be back in time for dinner.”
If he wanted to start preparing, he needed Seona out of the house. Giving her bishani didn't sit well with him, but at least it would keep her out of his hair. Besides, treating her so kindly after her episode would hopefully make her uneasy until dinner. Messing with people was oh-so fun.
Truthfully, he was actually happy that Seona was starting to show a backbone. He didn't like spending time with simpering pissants, so he hoped she'd be willing to show that side of herself more often. In fact, he had just been about to praise her after giving what was honestly a well-intentioned warning. The problem was that Seona had mouthed off to the wrong person. Eltana didn't tolerate such disrespect from anyone, and the fact that Seona, a filthy owl he had plucked from the streets, would dare to snap at him and his friend made him see red.
But she wasn't entirely to blame. Eltana knew how difficult it could be to get along with him, and he had been treating her like dirt ever since they met. That wasn't going to change any time soon, so perhaps this would be a good opportunity to teach her how to deal with her emotions.
Soon they arrived at the house. Eltana stopped at the door and glanced back at Seona. “Dinner should be ready in a few hours, so feel free to enjoy yourself until then.” He reached into his robe and pulled out a small purple bag, then handed it to Seona. “Go out on the town and have some fun. There should be enough bishani there to keep you entertained for today. Just be sure to be back in time for dinner.”
If he wanted to start preparing, he needed Seona out of the house. Giving her bishani didn't sit well with him, but at least it would keep her out of his hair. Besides, treating her so kindly after her episode would hopefully make her uneasy until dinner. Messing with people was oh-so fun.
Re: Underhanded Innocence
She looked at the money in her hand blankly before shaking her head, gently taking his hand and passing the small puch back to him. "Seona doesn't deserve bishani. Seona will leave and be back for dinner." She murmured before moving to collect her violin. That done she walks out, closing the door behind her. She turned into an alley, checked for anyone who would see her. Seeing no-one, she shifted and took off, flying low to avoid detection.
It only took her a handful of minutes to reach the wood between Marn and Shim, where she usually hunted. But her belly was full so she wasn't searching for prey. No, she was searching for a safe place. She found it. It wasn't far from the Ofriyu, close enough she could still hear its roar as a human, far enough she couldn't see it. She was enclosed in a thick grove of tree's, a cluster of rocks hiding the entrance of a shallow cave - just large enough to hide a small girl if she needed a place to sleep. She tilted her head up spotting a perfect playing tree.
She shifted to an owl once more, grabbed her violin case and flew up and into the tree before shifting quickly back into human. She settled quietly before bringing her violin up and tuning it. She strummed the chords, thinking. She could easily leave, now. It was a foolish move on Eltana's half to allow her to leave... she didn't HAVE to go back, get punished. Of course... what happened if she went back? She would be punished, treated like shit and abused. A couple quick pulls of her bow caused her instrument to trill, a couple quick chirps. Did she want that? No... a small wail. She frowned as the circle of thought returned. Slow, sad and weeping notes wailed out as she re-contemplated her fate; music always helped and without Eltana's oppressive presence, she could think more clearly.
On the streets, she was lonely, afraid, and without purpose. She would starve for weeks, be attacked by dogs, people, propositioned... not to mention the several close calls she cared not to remember. Terrified, high pitched notes panicked as her bow jerked back and forth quickly, emotions pumping through her. Scared, alone, afraid, defenseless... Her bow halted as her chest heaved, tears streaming down her face. She leaned back, wiping the tears away quickly. No, she didn't want to go back to that.
She took a moment to calm before contemplating returning to Eltana again. Her bow hesitated. A note, then it stopped again, she frowned. Do not think, feel. A deep breath, a slow draw, uncertain, trembling and lasting. She took another breath before the image of Eltana flitted through her mind, causing her bow the shrill, keening. Her wrist snapped and almost immediately her music turned sharp, determined, much unlike her usual tunes. Something fluttered through her - displeasure. The owl within her glared, its feathers fluttering. Why?
Eltana shifted into a black fox within her mind, thin, elegant, sickly and cunning. He stared back at her, his eyes cold, his maw in a crooked grin. Her owl screeched at him. She was standing on the branch now, her eyes blind as she balanced precariously, the sun still high in the air as the wind played with her dress and hair. Her violin sang, desperate, determined, and hopeful. Why? Why hope? Her owl screeched again and fox-Eltana yelped before slumping. Her bow froze. She wasn't stupid, she knew her master was ill, it wasn't hard to see. She couldn't do anything to fix that though.
Her bow returned to its strings, slow and thoughtful. How to help... WHY help? Why bother, if all he was going to do was shit on her? Fox-Eltana stared up at her from its slumped-over position, the same sad eyes she'd seen the first time she met Eltana, staring back at her. That's why. She wasn't sure how getting close would help, she wasn't sure how allowing herself to be treated like this... was going to help. No... that wasn't what helped. What did he need? What would help? Fox-Eltana's eyes stared at her and the owl turned to her, eyes strong, wise and powerful. She would have to put up with the pain to find out.
She sighed and looked to the sky. She still had plenty of time. She looked down to the ground again, only now noticing her precarious position. "Oops..." she murmured, smiling, before raising her bow. She would create a safe place here, and within her mind. A low note and a pull on her inner light to summon her moon. Her voice joined, wavering at first before clear and crystal like as light twined around her. Her violin hit a new pitch, comforting and safe, seeping into the clearing like water, her lights following. It felt safe, warm, pleasurable. Her mind soaked in the image seen through her hazed eyes and wrapped it tight. Her safe place, her haven, her place to escape to. Set and safe, Seona allowed the music and magic to die. Once more glance at the skies told her it was time to face the music.
Her violin safely put away, she took off, hooting. She skimmed over the buildings, surprisingly at peace. She would find a way to help him. She landed in an alley and shifted after taking care to make sure no one was near. She moved out of the alley after shaking out the feathers. And slid into the door. Her violin was passed to a rather pale looking servent. "Please put this into Seona's room." She murmured, smiling. They nodded and all but ran. That bad huh... She moved, alone and without prompting, to the dining room, calm and at peace with her decision. She would deal with the pain as it came, as it would serve to make her stronger. Fox-Eltana stared at her within her mind, meeting her eyes with his own sad, spiteful little ones. She would help him, no matter what he did to her. Why? Well... she'd sort that out as she went.
Instead, for now, she stood, waiting patiently, for her orders, at peace within herself, though her mind stood ready to hide within her safe place.
It only took her a handful of minutes to reach the wood between Marn and Shim, where she usually hunted. But her belly was full so she wasn't searching for prey. No, she was searching for a safe place. She found it. It wasn't far from the Ofriyu, close enough she could still hear its roar as a human, far enough she couldn't see it. She was enclosed in a thick grove of tree's, a cluster of rocks hiding the entrance of a shallow cave - just large enough to hide a small girl if she needed a place to sleep. She tilted her head up spotting a perfect playing tree.
She shifted to an owl once more, grabbed her violin case and flew up and into the tree before shifting quickly back into human. She settled quietly before bringing her violin up and tuning it. She strummed the chords, thinking. She could easily leave, now. It was a foolish move on Eltana's half to allow her to leave... she didn't HAVE to go back, get punished. Of course... what happened if she went back? She would be punished, treated like shit and abused. A couple quick pulls of her bow caused her instrument to trill, a couple quick chirps. Did she want that? No... a small wail. She frowned as the circle of thought returned. Slow, sad and weeping notes wailed out as she re-contemplated her fate; music always helped and without Eltana's oppressive presence, she could think more clearly.
On the streets, she was lonely, afraid, and without purpose. She would starve for weeks, be attacked by dogs, people, propositioned... not to mention the several close calls she cared not to remember. Terrified, high pitched notes panicked as her bow jerked back and forth quickly, emotions pumping through her. Scared, alone, afraid, defenseless... Her bow halted as her chest heaved, tears streaming down her face. She leaned back, wiping the tears away quickly. No, she didn't want to go back to that.
She took a moment to calm before contemplating returning to Eltana again. Her bow hesitated. A note, then it stopped again, she frowned. Do not think, feel. A deep breath, a slow draw, uncertain, trembling and lasting. She took another breath before the image of Eltana flitted through her mind, causing her bow the shrill, keening. Her wrist snapped and almost immediately her music turned sharp, determined, much unlike her usual tunes. Something fluttered through her - displeasure. The owl within her glared, its feathers fluttering. Why?
Eltana shifted into a black fox within her mind, thin, elegant, sickly and cunning. He stared back at her, his eyes cold, his maw in a crooked grin. Her owl screeched at him. She was standing on the branch now, her eyes blind as she balanced precariously, the sun still high in the air as the wind played with her dress and hair. Her violin sang, desperate, determined, and hopeful. Why? Why hope? Her owl screeched again and fox-Eltana yelped before slumping. Her bow froze. She wasn't stupid, she knew her master was ill, it wasn't hard to see. She couldn't do anything to fix that though.
Her bow returned to its strings, slow and thoughtful. How to help... WHY help? Why bother, if all he was going to do was shit on her? Fox-Eltana stared up at her from its slumped-over position, the same sad eyes she'd seen the first time she met Eltana, staring back at her. That's why. She wasn't sure how getting close would help, she wasn't sure how allowing herself to be treated like this... was going to help. No... that wasn't what helped. What did he need? What would help? Fox-Eltana's eyes stared at her and the owl turned to her, eyes strong, wise and powerful. She would have to put up with the pain to find out.
She sighed and looked to the sky. She still had plenty of time. She looked down to the ground again, only now noticing her precarious position. "Oops..." she murmured, smiling, before raising her bow. She would create a safe place here, and within her mind. A low note and a pull on her inner light to summon her moon. Her voice joined, wavering at first before clear and crystal like as light twined around her. Her violin hit a new pitch, comforting and safe, seeping into the clearing like water, her lights following. It felt safe, warm, pleasurable. Her mind soaked in the image seen through her hazed eyes and wrapped it tight. Her safe place, her haven, her place to escape to. Set and safe, Seona allowed the music and magic to die. Once more glance at the skies told her it was time to face the music.
Her violin safely put away, she took off, hooting. She skimmed over the buildings, surprisingly at peace. She would find a way to help him. She landed in an alley and shifted after taking care to make sure no one was near. She moved out of the alley after shaking out the feathers. And slid into the door. Her violin was passed to a rather pale looking servent. "Please put this into Seona's room." She murmured, smiling. They nodded and all but ran. That bad huh... She moved, alone and without prompting, to the dining room, calm and at peace with her decision. She would deal with the pain as it came, as it would serve to make her stronger. Fox-Eltana stared at her within her mind, meeting her eyes with his own sad, spiteful little ones. She would help him, no matter what he did to her. Why? Well... she'd sort that out as she went.
Instead, for now, she stood, waiting patiently, for her orders, at peace within herself, though her mind stood ready to hide within her safe place.