The massive barb glittered like the cleanest of blades in the harsh sunlight before screeching through the air, mercilessly impaling the hapless knight pinned beneath the massive creature's great talons. The manticore's great black lips curling back in disgust as red droplets splattered its scaled face.
The coliseum was littered with the bodies of tens of finely dressed warriors and their steeds, the monster in the midst of the chaos, seeming rather unharmed. Stepping off the man to the sound of the mob in the stands going mad, the creature cast its void-like gaze toward the stands where the most wealthy of the crowd sat in stunned silence. So they had sent their finest against this creature much to the delight of the crowd- but in truth they simply wanted to be rid of the monster to which they now owed much of their fortunes.
Scales like great shields began to fall off the monstrosity onto the sound with great, metallic thuds. disappearing in a great plume of black smoke, a young woman with silken, silvery ringlets entirely in the nude stood there. Staring at the box of the bewildered nobles, she frowns deeply- even through the wild screams of the swooning crowd- her elegantly outstretched hand drew all eyes. Delicate fingers reaching toward the crowd.
"
My winnings. Now."
Though her voice was quite, the mercenary's words echoed ominously to their ears- seeming to vibrate in the very base of each attendants' skulls.
~~~
The bag of gold clanged against her hip rather comfortingly, the silken dress of fine white fabric hanging lightly off her shoulders adding the much forgotten weight. Her tongue swiped over her chapped lips as she narrowed her eyes against the wind of the desert city. Hunching faintly away from the harsh sunlight, she pulled her hood up- shivering despite the heat.
Too much life. She wanted to leave this beautiful city.
Focusing upon the large gate that opened into the infinite desert, Aev'iterna quickened her step, almost into a light jog. Almost there... Almost to freedom- where she could disappear into the dunes- be mad and free.
It had been a long time since Eihmo'tei had been snatched from the streets of Cirenis. Countless weeks of travel later, the four-wagon caravan had finally made it to the arid desert city.
The Zerdani sat in his corner in the back of the wagon. He was absolutely ragged and starving, the whole time having been given only what was needed to keep him alive. Restraints were unnecessary, and had been removed long ago. Although, he was still made to wear a crude rope leash, just in case. He had completely lost the will to escape. It was useless after all... Eihmo'tei could not beat them. They were bigger, stronger, and they had both numbers and weapons. This was about survival now. As long as he did not anger his human captors, they would not harm him excessively, and would give him vital food and water.
The Zerdani had made it through the cold and the rain, just barely clinging to life. Now that he was in his native heat, his situation improved slightly. There was still uncertainty in the Eihmo'tei's future. These humans were taking him somewhere. They had kept him alive for some reason or another. Wherever they were going, it probably was not an ideal destination for the little Zerdani.
There was still one prevalent danger. It was not weather, not starvation or thirst, not even the humans... Rather, it was the loss of hope. The Zerdani tried his hardest to hold on to his positive thoughts, thinking that his friends would eventually find and rescue him. However, it was extremely challenging. His will to live was hanging by a thread...
The wagon came to a steady halt, as it had several times before. Judging by the sounds of the crowds around them, they had stopped in some sort of human community. Eihmo'tei was blinded as the doors swung open, letting the blinding desert's light suddenly replace the darkness of the enclosed wagon. A harsh and forceful tug at the leash yanked him from his isolated corner. The Zerdani fell to the sandy floor, recognizing the feel of it on his fur. He was once again in the desert. He was once again in familiar territory.
There was no time for that to sink in, however. The Zerdani let out a loud pained yelp as he was once again jerked up, and forced to stand. A large doorway stood before him, leading out into the inviting sands of the desert. So badly was Eihmo'tei tempted to make a break for it. Actually, if it were not for the leash, perhaps he would have even attempted escape. Another tug snapped him back to reality. The man at the end of the leash was about to lead him into an alleyway, away from the crowded streets of the city.
Her nostrils flared- the demon stopping despite herself, her black eyes flickering to the pair. Her lip curled faintly, she hated seeing slavery- especially involving such tiny, helpless creatures. Her gaze flickered back toward the massive expanse of desert just beyond those pearly gates- then back to the young man and his captor. Her fingertips quivered as she watched- the fox-like boy and his master now almost out of sight.
"..." She did not know why her gut tugged her after them, but the young demon broke into a light jog after the pair, the coins jingling merrily against his hip. Her lifeless gaze remaining unblinkingly on Eihmo'tei- he would make a good snack if it came down to it.
Eihmo'tei considered pulling away. Who knows, maybe he could successfully get away? His pace slowed subconsciously, being corrected by a tug at the leash. The captor led the mostly submissive creature around a bend and deeper down the alleyway, until it opened up into an open yet secluded nook.
An older man stood here flanked by a single bodyguard, obviously waiting for someone in particular. From his somewhat fancier clothing, it was obvious that he possessed some wealth. An alleyway such as this seemed like a fitting setting for such a scenario. The man with the leash approached, tightening his grip as he did so.
"My lord Vizari! Here is the beast, as you requested..." he said before giving a bow.
The Zerdani's ears perked up, and his eyes shot straight ahead. He knew that name. The sight only confirmed his fears. It was Kadar Vizari, a human he had met before leaving Essyrn the first time. He was to blame for this? It did not make any sense to Eihmo'tei. He assumed that this was an elder of the human community. Why would he do something so horrible?
Kadar adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses.
"Excellent... You have done well."
That was when the demon appeared. Vizari's bodyguard put his hand on the handle of a scimitar, readying the sword just in case.
"Unfortunately..." He continued. "It seems you have been followed."
Both the Zerdani and his captor spun around in surprise and confusion. All eyes were on her now.
"Can I help you?" Kadar asked with a smug tone.
She paused, stopping short of the group. Aev'iterna did not the time, nor the know-how to slyly get herself out of such a situation- but alas... The young woman tilted her head to one side, the silvery locks falling down her shoulder like liquid silk as she offered them a gentle smile- all would have been the perfect illusion of innocence had it not been for those void-like eyes.
" Oh, please, do not mind me- continue." She chided lightly, blinking slowly as she looked down upon Eihmo'tei, arching a slender eyebrow. She could feel the muscles in her back cramping, hopefully her trembling fingertips too imperceptible to notice... Gods she should have just ran, as long as they just turned away- just ignored her- maybe she could hold on..
Vizari gave a soft chuckle.
"Hazaam, get rid of our guest..."
The bodyguard nodded in response. Taking his hand away from his sword, he approached the seemingly harmless woman.
"Right this way little lady..." he said, grasping her shoulder with a firm grip. His intention was to lead her back out the way she came.
The Zerdani only watched, looking with big pleading eyes. If she was not with them, he hoped she would help him. By the look of it, that may not be the case here...
It had to be the way those big, brown beautiful eyes seemed to snap some little part of her- or perhaps the man's rough touch upon her shoulder simply triggered the madness that had only been held aback by a thread. Alas- what happened, simply happened.
As the body guard's palm grasped a slender shoulder, her own hand suddenly wrapped around his wrist. Exhaling, smoke-like air drifted from her nostrils- the quivering had grown violent. Wait-mmm.. No... Wait- not... N-not yet, she was so close to escaping the city and into her madness-. She blinked rapidly, already the porcelain white flesh bean to boil- her nails digging into the man's rough skin.
No.
Too late.
She couldn't stop.
Her lips curl back into a smirk- pearly whites seeming to grow sharper before she drew the man closer- promptly sinking her teeth into his shoulder. Already the transformation becoming more pronounced- hands forming into massive talons, bones popping,breaking- elongating as skin cells opened up into massive armored plates. Too late... Too late...
The bodyguard screamed in pain as his red blood gushed from his shoulder. The sight stunned everyone else, freezing them in place as they gaped. Kadar Vizari was the first to react. He fled right away, leaving the others to their fate as quickly as his feet would take him.
Eihmo'tei was absolutely mortified. Never had he seen such carnage... Just a second ago, it was a normal human, no different than his long-lost friend. Now it was a great beast, tearing apart another human.
Hearing the footsteps behind him broke the Zerdani's stupor. This was his chance! He began to run as well, but did not get very far... He made it to the end of the leash and fell backwards.
The rope was still grasped firmly in his captor's hand. Fear had only tightened his grip. Eihmo'tei scrambled to his feet, and looked back. The bodyguard was broken in a puddle of his own blood. The other was flat on his rear, rope in one hand and dagger in the other.
The beast that now hunched before them, feasting- no REVELLING in the carnage it had just sown- was decorated with the ripped remains of the fine dress the young woman had been wearing mere moments ago- gold coins were strewn across the grown, glittering in the growing puddle of dark blood.
The harsh snarl of the manticore grew more pronounced as the monster turned its head slowly to look upon the two cowering before it- black lips drawn back in a vicious sneer as beads of maroon dribbled down its broad chin, mixing with threads of saliva. The beast was akin to a great, armored lion- but much more terrible then one could simply explain.
Lowering its head, as a predator would as it advances upon its quarry, the monster plodded idly toward Eihmo'tei and his handler, no more then two steps and it towered above them- hissing as steam rolled from its nostrils in great clouds. Even in the searing desert heat, the demon seemed to possess something even hotter within.
Simply glaring down at them, it seemed to relish in waiting to see what they would do.
Both the Zerdani and the man cowered under the demonic creature's gaze. Eihmo'tei was trapped, unable to flee as long as the human held his leash. Something happened then. Something the little fox was unable to explain. Whether it was quick thinking or a latent survival instinct, his body sprang into action.
The Zerdani dug his sharp little teeth into the human's wrist, drawing blood as well as forcing his grip to loosen. He snatched up the other end of the rope and ran. The bite drew not only blood, but the man's attention. For only a moment, he was distracted from the snarling manticore.
Eihmo'tei followed Vizari's path. It was currently the only way for him to escape. He just hoped he could run fast enough on two legs.
As soon as his handler's gaze snapped away from the beast, it struck- pinning the man beneath a massive claw and merely shredding him with a slight pivot of its wrist. Its black gaze immediately snapping after the tiny creature scampering away. Rumbling deep in its throat- the monster pushed off on its hind legs- instantly landing a mere foot behind the fleeing fox-
With a large paw, it reached out, swatting the small animal to the dust, it's intentions likely to devour the little Zerdani as well...
The Zerdani hit the ground with a soft thud.
He rolled over onto his back, his gaze meeting the demon's. His eyes were wide, reflecting pleading fear of death. Tears poured from them as blood dripped from his muzzle.
He could still try to scramble away... but what good would it do? The beast's full attention was on him. It was quick and powerful, and would catch him easily. Could this be it?
He cried out now, squeaking out a phrase in his native language through his tears. In the common tongue, it would translate to a simple plea:
"Please do not kill me!"
The Manticore's ears flared toward him, focusing upon him as its eyes widened a fraction- it pinned him, large pads crushing against his chest as two talons dug into the sand on either side of the Zerdani's head. Leaning downward- it inhaled his odd scent, barbed tail swishing to and fro- for some reason... This soft, squishy thing allowed her to hold onto her mind- perhaps she should keep it? Make a meal of it should it end up too much trouble- was a curious little sentient this was.
Snorting faintly, the manticore carefully leaned downward- its jaws opening as if to speak- suddenly its hide rattled as several spears thudded against it. Seeming vaguely annoyed as the sharp spearheads shattered against its flank. Scooping up the tiny fox in her jaws- the manticore suddenly took off at a bounding gallop toward the city gates.
Before he knew it, Eihmo'tei was pinned under a massive paw.
The massive weight on his chest inflicted much pain to the tiny Zerdani, and caused his tear-stained eyes to clench shut. This was it... He was now completely helpless. He was not even able to flex a finger as the paw smothered his meek frame. Once he felt its breath, he knew it was all over. He would meet his end like the humans did before him. Eihmo'tei only wondered why it was taking so long...
Suddenly, there was the sound of humans shouting. They began to swarm around, attacking the beast in an effort to protect their community. Still, the Zerdani kept his eyes closed. Death was here, it would come as the humans angered the beast. Fortunately or not, he was mistaken yet again. Instead, his world grew darker and much more wet.
Eihmo'tei gained the courage to reopen his eyes. The sight was not at all pleasant...
He was in its mouth!
This was it. Now it would eat him... right?
Wrong. There was no pain from the massive fangs that ripped apart the one human. It was merely holding him, for whatever reason. Even though every fiber of his being was telling the Zerdani to escape, he refused to move. There was no point trying to fight this... He was defeated, but at the same time alive and (relatively) unharmed.
Eihmo'tei felt each of the demon's movements. Every leap... Every landing... Every twist and turn. It was in retreat, of that the Zerdani was sure. There was no way it was moving this fast and fighting stationary targets such as humans. Where it was going and what it was doing did not really matter to the fox between its jaws. He was simply along for the ride.
Blinded by the thrill of the flight and occasional fight, the beast crashed through the gates of the city- ripping into the desert with its quarry. Trying to hold the little fox as gently as she could as she ripped across the dunes, quickly leaving the sparkling gardens and oasis behind. She did not stop running for a long while- the rise and fall of the rolling golden sand causing her to briefly lose herself in the thrill of flight... Before remembering she had something in her mouth.
Sliding down a slope, the manticore placed him down. Looking down at the little creature curiously- tilting its great head to one side, its mane hissing like a thousand bristles. It seemed to be... Evaluating him.
Eihmo'tei plopped down on the ground, sand clinging to his saliva-soaked fur.
This was the least of his problems. He was in the same position as before, alone with the gigantic beast. It towered over the Zerdani, curiously inspecting him instead of simply tearing him to shreds. His eyes were wide and his body was still. His little heart beat so fast, it felt as if it would burst from his chest.
When would it happen? Why had it not happened yet?
It was not that Eihmo'tei was impatient when facing his demise... It was just that the wait was torturing him. Moments of silence passed like hours. It was a silence that the Zerdani refused to break. As before, his instincts told him to flee. It was just his logic and fear that stopped that from happening.
Before too long, the pressure became too much. The little fox's eyes teared up once again, and he began to cry.
The enormous amounts of water the little fox was producing made the Manticore's eyes widen further in utter amazement. For several long moments it simply watched in astonishment- vaguely wondering if the little furry creature had the ability to manipulate water. Looking around rather awkwardly, it wasn't quite sure what to do before exhaling carefully-
the scales began to fall from the beast's thick hide, clattering upon the ground- dissolving into the dry air... Shrinking, the mane fluttering away into the dry wind.
A slender hand gently rested between Eihmto'tei's large ears- comfortingly massaging his scalp," Hmm... Shh- please, I'm sorry for scaring you." The young woman that knelt there was not only stark naked but the stiff wind blew her long steely hair about the two- she offered him the weakest of smiles. It was rather- unnerving rather then reassuring.
The Zerdani's crying only paused as the beast reverted back to its other form. The process would have amazed him, had he not been so fearful.
A human once again stood before him. She reached out, and Eihmo'tei shrank away from the hand. When it made contact, his ears were already flattened against his head. He could somewhat remember some bits of the human's common tongue he had learned in the past. Much of it had been forgotten in the trip southwards... However, he remembered enough to know she offered an apology.
The crying gave way to sobbing. It seemed that he was no longer in danger,but the Zerdani had been through quite the traumatic experience. He needed to let everything out.
The small creature kept crying, and despite the demon feeling her heart being torn in two by the rather pathetic sight, she also really, really just wanted to touch that incredibly soft fur. With a soft sigh, she shuffled forward on her knees, gently scooping up the small sentient, cradling the creature in her lap, simply rocking gently.
Her black eyes flickered to the leach upon his neck- frowning faintly, she reached up gently pressing one flawless nail against it- the metal vibrating violently until it snapped in twain- falling to the sand. Seeming rather satisfied, she crossed her knees, simply cradling the tiny beast- stroking his head as she hummed some vague tune that haunted her dreams at night. The song seemed akin to an off tune lullaby- relaxing and... Haunting.
Eihmo'tei was limp in the woman's lap. He simply had no idea what to make of his situation.
He brought his hands to his neck once the collar of the leash was released. It felt so good to have that thing finally off after months. This did much to calm him. The lullaby, with its strange yet sweet tune, finished the job.
The dirty and battered Zerdani that was curled in the woman's lap looked up at her face. His eyes, still glassy, reflected confusion. Not ten minutes ago, he was between the jaws of a terrible monster, certain he would be it's next meal. Now, it had changed into a human and was comforting him.
He would not speak. Not yet...
He wondered what she would do next.
Blinking slowly, gazing at the tiny creature in her lap, her fingers still lacing through his soft fur comfortingly not only to herself but to him as well. Tilting her head to one side, causing a waterfall of silken ringlets to fall over one slender shoulder, she offered another small smile,"... You can speak, hm?"
For now she was content with holding the Zerdani carefully, she couldn't remember the last time she had held a living creature with such tenderness. Even meals did not get so pampered. The demon examined the tiny creature rather disdainfully but with sympathy as well- no matter such a tiny beast was dragged around like a domesticated dog- no instincts, no power- nothing to intimidate...
"I... s-speek?" inquired Eihmo'tei. He did not understand what the question meant. The word "speak" was not in his limited common vocabulary. Communication would be hard without his dragon friend to translate.
In any case, the danger seemed to have passed. Between the lullaby and the petting, the Zerdani was almost completely relaxed. His body slowly began to melt in her lap.
SHifting into a more comfortable position, the sand chaffing her bare backside much to her discomfort- the one thing about being a transforming demon- clothing did not last long at all. But quite used to being exposed in such a way, she made sure the child was more comfortably settled before nodding carefully- the animal did not seem to speak in the common tongue...
Pursing her lips as she gazed down at the bundle of fluff, she smiles slightly, melting herself from this adorable creature in her arms. She pondered this barrier before her- this was already getting to be too much trouble.
The woman's attempt at comfort put the Zerdani in a less comfortable position. He squirmed as a cat would, freeing himself from her loose hold. Eihmo'tei stood, looking out into the open desert before him. A deep inhale brought in the scents that he had missed. His footpads felt at home on the warm, course sand. The Zerdani was back in his element.
Once again, the thought crossed his mind to run. In this form, she would not be able to catch the native desert-dweller. Not when he broke into a sprint. He refrained, however... Whether inadvertently or not, the demon had saved him from an unknown fate. He owed her his gratitude.
He turned to face her again. His eyes wide with solemnity. The best way to make a new friend was to introduce oneself. This would also hopefully expose her true intentions.
"M-Maya name... i-isa... Eihmo'tei."
That was one phrase of common he could just barely remember, spoken with a bit of an accent.
Tilting her head curiously, now to the other side, her smile fades slightly," Ei.. Ha-moe-thai?" She tries, repeating the name until it sounded correct, and her tongue had managed to mimic the accents," Eihmo'tei-" nodding shortly, she placed a delicate hand upon her chest- it was almost mesmerizing how... Untouched the pale skin was- as if she had forever been shielded by umbrellas of silk- until now," Aeva," she answered. It was never wise for a demon to give their full name- who knew who was a master in demon craft and could invoke their name? Making them a slave?
"Ae... va." repeated the Zerdani.
He bowed his head lowdespire his fatigue, yet continued to peer right into the woman's eyes. There was another bit of common he remembered...
"Than... kyu, Aeva."
The awkward little words caused the young woman to flush slightly pinkish- this little fuzzy animal that would barely put a dent in any hunger she felt was making her fidget like some tiny bird? It was ridiculous, and somewhat endearing. But mostly ridiculous. She was the most feared mercenary of the kingdoms! How dare she feel like melting because of this adorable bundle of fuzzy-
She shook her head slightly, bashing away her thoughts and offering a tiny smile, nodding enthusiastically before hesitating. Now there was the question as to where to go from here. The Zerdani seemed to be ready to bolt, and she wouldn't stop him unless she got bored and simply wished to chase something.
Lightly, she placed her index finger upon the little creature's forehead- an odd sensation coming from where she placed the digit. You can understand me now, hm? Her voice seemed to ring briefly in his ears, though her lips never parted. She hadn't used telepathy in many a year, only having relied on it in the old days when she ran with a pack of shifters...
Eihmo'tei's eyes widened, scanning the sand below as a reaction to the sensation. This method of speaking went beyond speech, words, and grammar. It was the concept that was transferred, the meaning and mental imaging that made up the fibers of language.
"I... can understand..." he chittered in his own bestial and guttural language.
The spoken words would be unknown by the average common speaker, but the translation was unlocked as a thought in his mind. It was that that the telepath could read.
"Wha... What is this? What are you?" He asked again, looking up at the demon's face.
Her lips curl upward once more, the void-like eyes half-closing in amusement as she recoils her hand with a small flourish- resting it in the sand. A Demon, A shifter, mercenary, anarchist- however you would prefer, little one. Her voice echoed vaguely, as if coming from a long distance away rather then within the base of his skull.
What are you? The question is returned, the young woman arching a slender, silver eyebrow at him
Eihmo'tei did not know those words. They had no meanings in his language or his culture. However, the manner in which they were purveyed gave them a negative image. This frightened the Zerdani, who was already cautious of the woman. She asked him the same, in a silent voice that rattled his form.
"Eihmo'tei is... Eihmo'tei is Zerdani..." he answered with meek hesitation.
He answered the question, needing not say any more than was needed. There was one question that plagued him. He asked it with concern.
"Should I be afraid?"
Without using telepathy or even speaking, she simply nodded- gazing across the dunes idly. She pursed her lips, sighing gently. Her gaze flickered briefly as she continued to stroke the little creature in her lap.
Lying to the little creature would be for naught, he knew of her- he knew her form- but how could she possibly tell a mere child that her madness was calmed by being in the same vicinity of the small animal? A rather... Unusual introduction to say the least...
Where is home for you, Eihmo'tei?
The Zerdani froze solid at the question. There was no way he could reveal the tribes to her, not after what he saw. She slaughtered two humans in mere moments, and he himself was only a strong swallow away from doom. Even if she looked like a human now, that monster was still resting within. To take it home was death for his kin, and possibly his race.
Eihmo'tei some time to answer. In her lap once again, he felt more like he was at her mercy now. He would not risk offending her, but he needed a suitable answer. He then thought of his human friend, aso well as her dragon companion.
"Cerenis..." he fibbed.
"Home. isa. Cerenis."
Would you like to go home, Eihmto'tei? the demon inquires, vaguely noting the animal had seized up in fright. Perfect and not perfect- she was torn between the desire to simply use the little fox to get her next paycheck and meal, or befriending and protecting the small creature.
A ringlet fell before her eyes, snapping from her thoughts. Blinking slowly, she waited for the little Zerdani to answer.
"Yis."
Eihmo'tei was glad that his lie worked, but he continued to act normally despite some pride. A scheme formed in his head now. In Cerenis, he would find his two friends. If there was anyone who could handle this creature, it was Kiara and Kit.
"Will you take me?" he asked, returning to his native tongue.
The scent of fear still clung to the fox, but his relaxing state set off an instinctive suspicion in her head. Alas, she nodded.Twas my plan, her voice chided gently in his head, briefly noting this little Zerdani would be a fantastic creature to experiment more telepathic intrigue upon. But she would save that for later, she needed a place to get her next contract any way.
Slowly she stood, sliding Eihmo'tei offer her lap carefully, lightly smacking her bare skin to rid it of the golden grains. She flicked her hair over her shoulder, gazing down at the small fox with a tiny smile.
Eihmo'tei stood as well. The sun had long since dried him, giving his dirty fur a more rough texture. Sand uncomfortably clung to it. He hoped there was water closeby. He had not been to this part of the desert before.
His gaze met hers once again. The Zerdani knew they were leaving, but he would not take a single step yet.
"Why?" he said aloud in Zerdani. The common language was not necessary with this creature. She could understand his language easily .
I lost all my money back there, I should have swallowed the purse as usual- alas... she shrugged,My mind was occupied.
The young woman began to slide her feet slightly unsteadily through the sand, having to grow usedto using only two legs rather then four for the moment before beginning to move up large dune, looking back expectantly.
Eihmo'tei raced to the base of the dune, looking up at her.
"Why are you helping me?!" he called out to her.
Looking back as she reached the crest of the dune, the demon's rather pretty features are briefly obscured as the stiff wind blew steely locks before her face,.
Because I need to regain the gold I lost, and you may lead me to possible employers. She answered simply- deciding it with to omit the part about how the little fox was becoming almost a comfort companion for her sociopathic and maddened mind- cooling her shattered memory and volatile temper to unsual degrees. No use placing such responsibility upon the tiny boy.
"Oh..." he replied with guilt.
He had seen this "gold" only once before. Humans put great value on those little metal trinkets, for a reason he did not really understand. They looked pretty, that was true. Yet, he could never discern what purpose they had.
"Then... I will help you get back what you lost!"
Eihmo'tei still was not sure what to make of this one, but fair was fair. Despite her method, she had ultimately rescued him. This "gold" was lost in the process. Since this was his fault, the Zerdani vowed to make it right.
Down on all fours, he scaled the dune with the speed and grace of a natural desert-dweller. He stopped at the woman's side, and looked up at her.
"But I do not know what these... eh... em...p-poy...ahs are... What do they look like?"
Scanning the desert idly, as if searching for his 'home', she chuckles softly at the little creature's question.
They look like anyone- they pay me gold to fight for them- and when I finish, they give me the gold and I move on to find more.
The concepts of "currency" and "payment" were beginning to get through to the Zerdani. He may have come from simple backgrounds, but he was as clever as any other race (if not more).
"Anyone... They give you gold... to... fight?" he asked incredulously. He was not sure he heard that correctly.
"Like... to hunt?"
She pauses thoughtfully, nodding before crouching before him, balancing rather impressively on the balls of her feet- the demon hunched to look the Zerdani directly in the eye," That is correct. To hunt people they don't want around. Especially if it's many, many people," she flashes a vicious yet gorgeous smile
Eihmo'tei shuddered at the thought of hunting humans. The fear was clearly visible in this eyes as he heard the voice. This did not help the Zerdani to decide whether or not to trust this one. Fair was fair in his naive little mind, but deep down, he regret pledging himself to her.
The widening of his large eyes caused her to feel a small stab of regret but mostly be overwhelmed by a sense of sadistic delight. Fear in all its forms was beautiful to her. Looking about now, she placed her hands upon her hips, chiding lightly, Which direction is home, Eimhmo'tai?
Eihmo'tei gulped and looked about. There were no distinctive landmarks in which to navigate, but that never stopped a Zerdani before. The sun was his ally here.
It was already established in his mind that this one was not allowed to ever see his home. Instead, he had to figure out which way led "home". He thought back to the map that his past companion had shown him. He knew to follow the direction of the setting sun to get to his tribe. That would mean that Cerenis was in the direction where the sun was to the left of them.
"That way." he said eventually, pointing northward.
Following the Zerdani's pointed finger with her gaze, the demon nodded slowly, already beginning to plod in that general direction. Shall we go? She chides lightly, the telepathic connection seeming to cause her 'voice' to be lighter then what it likely was.
"Yes..." The Zerdani responded in common. It really was not necessary anymore, but he still thought it appropriate to use human-speak as much as he was able.
Eihmo'tei slid down the dune, a move that used less energy than walking. He was careful not to pass the woman, who seemed intent to lead. Despite moving north, he shot a glance westward. The Zerdani tribes were safe...
The demon subtly watched the Zerdani from the corner of her eye. Hm- it definitely seemed as if he was hiding something. Perhaps Eihml'tei was more clever then she originally thought. A small smirk curled her thin lips as she continued the trek Northward.
(Time skip? :P)
(Timeskip :D)
The sun had long since set. Half a day of walking completely wiped out the already-exhausted Zerdani.
His legs gave out from under him, and he fell forward into the cool desert sands. It was here Eihmo'tei lay, looking straight ahead as his chin nestled in the course earth. He was unable, and truthfully unwilling to continue without rest.
The demon paused, hearing the heavy thud, she quirked an eyebrow. You know, I could just carry you in my mouth again? She suggests- not at all exhausted. Her muscles had been through much more explsoive movement for many years for hours if not days on end- slow trudging through sand did little.
Eihmo'tei tried lifting himself up in response to the proposal. However, it proved to be in vain as his tiny arms buckled under his own weight. Hitting the sand again, he decided it was no use...
Months of being trapped in a rickety wooden box had taken their toll. Since his kidnapping, the Zerdani had not hade one night of truly restfull sleep. There was no way he could walk on his own. He couldn't believe he was thinking it, but maybe that was the best option...
Sighingg gently, Aev'iterna walked over to him, gently scooping up the Zerdani in her arms before approaching the slope of a dune. With a soft thud and puff of sand, she sat down, still holding the little creature close- lying back against the slope.
Alright, we'll rest~
Eihmo'tei could not believe it. She actually stopped.
Here, the Zerdani thought she would go through with that suggestion. He even expected her to just leave him behind, instead of this. Was he really so valuable to her? He was not even sure how useful he could be to her...
He curled himself up. For the first time in what seemed like a lifetime, the Zerdani felt... safe. It was odd that he felt this way around such a creature. Was it possible that she was not so dangerous anymore? At least, not for him?
"Can I ask something?"
Eihmo'tei did not know what made him suddenly speak out like this. Maybe it was a lapse of judgement in his exhausted mind.
Turning to her side, gently plopping Eihmo'tei into the sand beside her but still holding him rather loosely- as if worried any closer would cause him to break. In the darkness, her eyes seemed to take on a whole new level of black, as if sucking in any light that rested upon her face- gently, she tilts her head into the sand.
Go ahead.
From the first syllable, the Zerdani was trapped in his words. There was no turning back now...
"When we get home... and you see my people... what will you do...?"
Eihmo'tei's voice be can to slow. The excellent night vision his race possessed began to fail him. He was getting sleepier, nearly to the point of passing out. He tried as hard as he could to stay awake just a bit longer. Just enough to hear how the woman would answer
She pauses, seeming to purposefully draw it out as much as possible- but alas, as he begins to fall into the abyss of sleep, she pressed her lips to the top of the the Zerdani's head, just between his large ears.
I'm going to find a job... And leave you there.
This was half true, finding her next contract was crucial, she needed an outlet for her violence at all times... Except when touching this little fuzzy animal. She hoped truly she would not have to leave him, but she doubted her wished to linger long around her- couldn't blame him.
He only barely heard this...
Had she not done what she did to keep him awake, the Zerdani would never have caught it. He nestled himself deeper into the sand feeling the warmth from all around him, a smile resting on his muzzle. This was the first time he was able to smile in months.
As the Zerdani finally drifted from consciousness, he only hoped that the woman had spoken the truth.
The warm ball of soft fur against her torso and wrapped in her arms caused her to feel the weight of sleep upon her as well- yet- yet her eyes flickered to the starry night. The cold light of the heavens painting the desert silver instead of gold. Grimacing quietly, she relived her battles, where she once found pride and sadistic pleasure, she found herself rather neutral... Hmm- was this affection for this little creature making her soft?
With a slight sight, she closes her eyes- falling still, drifitng off... Maybe...
(Another time skip? :P)
(Sure. In the future though, if you feel a time skip is necessary, just go for it :D)
The newly-risen sun warmed the surrounding landscape. The Zerdani groaned an put the tip of his bushy tail over his eyes. He was too comfortable and in too deep to want to wake up now. This had been one of the best sleeps the Zerdani had in a long while...
The demon shifted slightly, burying her face into the the fuzzy mass snuggled into her arms, her eyes flickered open slowly, narrowed against the harsh sunlight as she yawned- inhaling fluff and quickly jerking her head back, coughing and spitting.
(ok! sorry! :D)
(Dont worry about it lol ;))
Eihmo'tei quickly jumped to his feet in response to the sudden noise. Even after last night, he was still a bit on edge with this one around...
Looking around to see there was no danger, the Zerdani turned to the woman.
"Are... are you alright?"
The demon seemed busy spitting fuzz and sand from her mouth, making a 'blegh' sound before nodding with a slight grimace," Fi-fine," she spoke aloud- flashing a weak smile. Standing swiftly, she stretched her arms to the sky, reaching for the sun- clamping it in her fist as if imagining blotting it out.
Eihmo'tei followed suit. Now that he was awake, he began to stretch himself out the way a cat or dog would. First the arms, then the legs. He got up, shaking off what sand did not cling to his dirty fur.
"Do we move now?"