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The solid chains, the invisable scars (M) (Coma!~)

Started by SilmeriaElemred, September 22, 2015, 01:12:44 PM

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SilmeriaElemred

''That I saw.'' Minerva sighed and went to the girl. Picking her up and laying her on the bed. Pulling the covers over her before returning to Coma. Hesitantly she accepted the gold.

''If she does not adjust what will you do?''

Coma

**Coma turned his head away, almost unwilling to answer the waitress' questions.  It was understandably difficult to know exactly what to plan if the girl didn't adjust.  A low sigh was given under his breath, accompanied by a shake of his head.**

"...I don't know.  I'm not all that good with children."

**Yet, why think of such problems now?  He remained optimistically positive that the girl would learn quickly and, with luck, treat today as just a lucky break and an escape from what would be a miserable fate.  There was the urge to ask Minerva just how slaves were treated in this realm - of what the future would have held for the girl had he not come along; but he sincerely didn't want to know.**

**This realm was very strange... he didn't think that he would ever grow used to it...**

SilmeriaElemred

''For someone not good with children you do care a lot about one.'' Minerva noted.

''Lets let her sleep. I doubt she ever had a good nights sleep in her whole life.'' she said as she headed to the door. ''She maybe will need someone when she wakes though. You heard her right? She's afraid of being alone.'' she put an oil lamp on the night stand so that if the girl would wake, it would not be dark.

Coma

"It bothers me when anyone is enslaved, least of all a child."

**Coma didn't hesitate to leave the room - there was no way he was keeping himself cooped up in this attic until the child awakened.  Besides, it seemed a better use of his time to go and speak to the innkeeper in case he wanted to clarify anything in regards to their little arrangement.**

**Of course, he would check up on the child periodically and ensure that she was quite safe - as strangely kind as he was being already, he was quite certain on the fact that Lizz would need to be used to being alone on occasion; as frightening as that might seem at the moment.**

**Perhaps tomorrow he could teach the girl at least some self-defence so that she would be more at peace in remaining on her own... of course, it was nearly impossible to gauge her potential ability in such talents...**

SilmeriaElemred

The innkeeper and the rest of the waitresses were still working on putting the money away safely.

''Is everything in order?'' The innkeeper asked.
''As far as I know, yes.'' Minerva replied. Most patrons had gone home. Others, now just minded their own business.

''I suggest though boss, to set a few things on paper. A contract as it were. This man will not always be around so if you need to know something you could always look at the contract regarding that matter. The girl is used to slavery, I know enough about children to know it is litterly imprinted in her to do what is asked of her. Or even without asking, since she cleaned up her own blood that had dripped on the ground as soon as she could. Afraid she would be yelled at. I will help with documenting the generosity of our guest.'' Minerva said.

The man nodded looking at Coma with a broad smile. In theory it would've been cheaper for Coma to just buy the place.
''There is a small room in the back or do you prefer sitting here. Anything to drink perhaps?'' he asked.

Coma

**Coma had no understanding of the currency of this realm - for all he knew, he could have been shortchanged completely or given a surprisingly good deal on what he was asking.  It mattered little to him.  Even had someone told him just to buy the inn outright, he would almost certainly have declined.  He had absolutely no interest in running a business in this realm or in any other.  He already had a job and the girl was going to put enough of a strain on that without adding employees and other such frets to the list.**

**To him, the innkeeper's questions seemed quite grounded - and Minerva's suggestion of a contract was fine as far as he was concerned.  He would have been perfectly happy to go with a simple gentleman's agreement - so long as the understanding was there that if the girl wasn't well treated, Coma would be out for vengeance.**

**It was comforting that the staff at this place at least had more knowledge than he did into the running of this realm and what could be expected from Lizz behaviour-wise.  Other slaves he had encountered had fled with barely a parting glance to their saviour.  A child-slave, though... he was learning that was an entirely different thing.**

**Coma allowed his tall form to lean up against the mahogany-style bar, letting a hand rest on the solid wood, studying the innkeeper with that ever-intense ebony gaze.  At the offer of a drink, there was an automatic shake of his head; his response automatic - and unintentionally frightening.**

"No, I'll hunt later."

**It was a sledgehammer-subtle suggestion of what he actually was and the vampiric nature of his being.  Truth be told, he might well have fed from Moras had he not been so... unsavoury.  The innkeeper and waitresses were perfectly safe given that they remained on his good side.  A troublemaker to the inn, however, might see a totally different side to the Djinn.**

SilmeriaElemred

The innkeeper had taken some parchment, a quill and ink. The agreedments mainly were about the girls wellbeing. What was permitted to be asked of her and what not. The amount of time she was going to spend here.

But also where the money was spent on; investing in the inn, Lizz's new clothes, the teacher, potentional medicine costs. Most was most likely not useful for Coma and the innkeeper but for Lizz as well. For when she could read. And to realise she had the rights of a person and would not be treated like some animal anymore.

But also another point. What if the person Coma would point out to look after Lizz, was not capable of doing so. Or not there, if there was any way to reach him. Not that he expected it. But if Lizz would become seriously ill or really would be asking for Coma, having a way to reach him was perhaps not a bad idea.

Coma

**Coma was quite happy to take the quill and sign where a neat cross indicated; despite what would likely be expected, his penmanship had a rather elegant flourish - a beautiful, almost calligraphy style that was very hard to replicate.  His signature held no resemblance of his name, however... it instead seemed to consist of an extremely bizarre, ancient language which was nearly incomprehensible.  In actuality, he simply went by this name in other realms - he never divulged his real name: it was best to keep the intracacies of his own language a closely-guarded secret.**

**He was, however, quite open to the potential of Lizz's upbringing being more expensive than he allowed for, there would be no objections should the innkeeper need to come to him for more money.  Likely the whole day to him likely felt like winning some grand prize; a gigantic stroke of luck that would probably never repeat itself.  It spelled the beginning of prosperity for him, his family and his employees - on the condition that the girl remained happy and healthy.**

**The query of how to contact him would be a little more problematic.  There would no doubt be occasions where problems in his own realm meant that he and whoever he requested watch the girl simply couldn't be there - and he could not guarantee that these situations wouldn't be for a considerable period of time on occasions.  However, being able to reach him was a reasonable request and so he did not try and bypass the subject.**

**There was a solution to the problem - but there was a degree of uncertainty before he finally settled on it.  A deathly-white hand withdrew from the bar, into a hidden pocket and a shadow-black gemstone was withdrawn; very similar to the one hanging from the pendant around his neck, but substantially smaller.**

"This is a blood opal... you can contact me through it.  Just hold it for a moment and I'll return when I can."

SilmeriaElemred

The innkeeper nodded. ''I think it is best not to give this to the girl. At least, not now. She is very dependant it seems.''

The contract had demands from both sides. Minerva had basicly suggested it so this situation would not be exploited. Maybe it would not happen now, but humans could grow accustomed to it and take and ask more and more.

''I will make sure the girl will see a physician tomorrow. The girl is not used to eat much so we can not exactly stuff her with food right away without having negative consequences. And judging by her bruises, maybe she had broken bones once or has them that need tending.'' he nodded and held out his hand to shake Coma's. ''Just do not... well. Disappear for the rest of her life. I'm sure she will already be happy to see you once a week.''

Coma

**Lizz couldn't be blamed really for that clingy dependancy - she'd had a dreadful start in life, doubtless wrenched from her mother very young; but from what she had said previously, at least she had known the woman.  That did lead thoughts to dwell on the unfortunate slave-woman still in someone's possession - the poor Elf likely desperately missed her daughter and had no idea what sort of condition the girl was in... if she was alive at all.**

**If anything, the demands on the contract were welcome - Coma tended to work flawlessly to rule; ever the professional.  It was better to have a set idea of what was expected from both sides - that way there would be no arguments and bickering later on regarding who had agreed what.**

**As far as Lizz's health and general anatomy went, Coma had to bow to the innkeeper's greater knowledge and experience.  A Djinn would have no idea as to whether it was best to overfeed a half-elf after near-starvation or not.  It was a relief to hear that a medic would look at the girl and likely predict what she would need and what was best for her short-term.**

"I will visit as often as I am able..."

**There was still that uncertain note on his otherwise emotionless voice - and one might detect that he made absolutely no promises one way or the other.  It was safer to err on the side of caution as far as this went.  Still, visiting once a week was far better than having to stay around endlessly and slowly watch the girl grow up...**

SilmeriaElemred

It took the waitresses a few hours until the money was all accounted for and stored away. The sign was already turned into closed and the patrons left one by one. The dishes were all cleaned.

''I will bring some of the waitresses home. I will need to lock the door though so others can not come in. It will not be long but if you wish to head to your room, or... go wherever you need to go, feel free to do so.'' he said.

''Bruno. Zarak.'' the innkeeper them whistled and two large guarddogs came from the kitchen. They looked a little lazy but they were alert and took positions. Both dogs did looked at Coma briefly with a low bark but kept it at that.

Coma

**Coma relaxed considerably once the inn became increasingly more quiet.  A nod of the head was given as the innkeeper moved to accompany his employees to their homes.  He seemed like a decent man - one that would at least stick to his word.**

**Yet, at the suggestion of the door being locked, the expression on Coma's face became almost readable - a look of panic and annoyance in equal measures.  There was no way that he was willing to stay in this place with the doors locked and the building closed up; even if there were routes out of the building.  Despite the inn being a decent enough size for others, it remained cloyingly claustrophobic as far as Coma was concerned - and he was burdened with that particular fear.**

"I would rather go with you."

**There was a moment of hesitation at the knowledge that he would be leaving the girl alone, save the guard-dogs that the innkeeper had called.  There was no reaction to the creatures' presence... just a vague acknowledgement of their being there and snarling softly at him.**

**A few words were uttered, low and inaudible... a few seconds later another man appeared; almost a foot shorter than Coma, but the family resemblance was very obvious.  The newcomer had slightly wavier ebony hair, very slightly shorter than Coma's and his dark eyes were a little more calm and gentle.  A few words were exchanged between the pair in a rapid, incomprehensible language; but the younger creature seemed not to need directions - he headed towards the stairs as if he'd been to the building a thousand times before.  A few words were given as Coma accompanied the innkeeper and the waitresses out into the dusky air.**

"My son, Kaison, will likely watch the girl if I'm not around."

SilmeriaElemred

The innkeeper nodded. ''Alright.'' he said with a smile.

''We do tell you every time you do not need to bring us home though...'' Minerva said with a sigh. She did not live that far off and basicly nothing happened in this area.

''I will keep saying. I do not want any of you alone on the street if it is dark...'' the man muttered

Coma

**Outside in the darkness, Coma's movement instinctively became swift and ghost-like - he moved without a sound, lurking close to the small group; but at the same time seeming to be miles away.  Their conversations and footsteps reached him easily - if he so wished, he could close his eyes and still track them effortlessly.  His stealth and skill during the nighttime hours was a mix of his natural mastery over shadows, his skills as an assassin and his vampiric curse - all these things mixed together to create a devastatingly lethal creature who was certainly far more at home during the hours of darkness.**

**Kaison, in the meantime, had quietly made his way up into the attic, possessing the same natural silence to his movements as his father.  As he entered the attic, a glance was given to the girl who remained peacefully sleeping.  Notice was taken of the room off to the side - he knew instinctively that his father had purchased that room, but like Coma he had no desire to spend any degree of time in it.**

**Instead, he made his way over to the window near the girl's bed, stooping from his 7ft height to peer out into the gloom.  He could see the innkeeper and his employees making their way through the deserted streets - and he could sense the patch of shadow that his father inhabited, but it was quite impossible to see him.**

**Silence was maintained for the girl's sake at least.**

SilmeriaElemred

But the girl herself was not silent eventually. As at some time her body started to tremble and she tossed herself around in her sleep. Some fearfull sounds came from her mouth as the girl experienced some kind of vivid nightmare.

''Please... please don't hit me... I'm a good girl I promise..'' she softly cried out

--

One by one the women were dropped off by their home. ''There we go, all safe and sound. Patrons can sometimes be to desireable to my staff. I do not want to risk any of them waited outside in some alley for their shift to end.''

The man himself basicly lived in a backroom of the inn without a wife or children so he made his way back once more.

Coma

**Kaison took a step backwards, away from the window, as the girl began to whimper in her sleep.  There were words, but he couldn't understand them - it was more the tone he honed in on.  It was obvious that she was not having a peaceful night.  He stepped towards her bed, gently lowering himself to one knee and softly allowed fingers to brush strands of her unruly hair back.  Like his father, Kaison wasn't really one for children - but he already understood the reasons for his father helping this one and wouldn't question.**

**In contrary to his father, Kaison was no assassin; instead Kaison's talents lay in his psychic abilities.  If nothing else, such things were useful at the moment.  There was an intense blur of shadowy black energy around his head for a moment, tendrils of this essence travelled down his arm and began to wind around her head.  It was an effort to ease her thoughts and lull her back into more pleasant dreams; but it was difficult to tell if it would work.**


**Coma seemed to materialise beside the innkeeper for a moment as they circled back round towards the inn.  The very fact that the waitresses needed to be escorted home was vaguely worrying - but at least the man had a degree of protectiveness towards them.  That bode well for Lizz at least.  It was strange to almost be in a business partnership with the mortal - but he would hopefully become used to that quite soon.**

"What is your name?"

**In the nighttime, Coma's voice took on a near-ethereal quality, something deep and haunting that almost reverberated with power and danger.  It was easy to see how he carried out the vast majority of his work - it was quite fortunate that he only acted on the orders of the leader of his race.**

SilmeriaElemred

''Alexander'' the man replied. Remarkably though he was not uncomfortable. Coma had a lot of chances already to harm him. You know, you are the second kind vampire kin I have met. I do prefer you over the weird woman though.'' He admitted.

Lizz, having no active magic on her own, not had ever learned how to make mental barriers, was easy influencable. Kaison would have no problem to enter her mind and use his magic.

It did not take long for the gorl to calm down. Her heartbeat slowly returning to normal and the noises she made softened. Eventually she even looked contend and calm.

Coma

**There was a wry flicker of a smile, hidden in the night.  Coma, at one point, would likely have reacted dreadfully for being associated with vampires before his birth-race... but now, the mistake was corrected with an automatic response; his tone quite dry and low still.**

"I am Djinn before anything else."

**It surprised him to be called 'kind', but it wasn't something he dedicated a response to - most found him mellow and calm, but should the order be issued for him to kill; he could change from being cool and collected to being a killing machine in a matter of seconds.  Yet, there was no use going into the particulars of all of that - he wasn't likely to receive any such orders here...**

"I am Coma..."



**Kaison withdrew his hand from the girl's head, smoothly turning back to the window in a fluid movement.  He rarely spoke and so ot a word left his lips.  The girl seemed much more settled now at least.  Undeniably, there was the vague temptation to free the girl of her troubling past and terrible memories by using his psychic abilities to eliminate them all from her mind - but he would not.  Those dreadful thoughts were a part of her past and, one day, she would value them and be grateful for the present because of them.**

**Surprisingly deft, elegant fingers wrapped around the windowsill, his other hand raising to lazily sweep strands of wavy black hair back.  It was a peaceful night on first appearances... but there was an uncertain feeling in the air... something that he just couldn't quite put his finger on...**

SilmeriaElemred

''A Djinn huh. I think I heard of your kin before. Although those... if I recall properly they brought their targets into dreamlike states and harvested their blood as it was filled with happy thoughts.'' he pondered. ''But like I said before. If you had unkind intentions they aready would've been excecuted. I think at least. I'm suprised though you care or... at least tend to the child in the way you do. Usually ancient creatures or those who stand higher in the hierachy then humans do, do not care in the slightest.''

Coma

**His kind were difficult to explain to those that were entirely unaware - and perhaps the truth was far darker than any reality.  There was a very slight, unarguably melancholy, shake of his head; shadowy eyes downcast and contemplative.**

"...Not really.  Djinn don't feed on blood normally... I'm an exception."

**Why offer the dark explanation that they granted wishes and stole souls?  It would only add in a dreadful temptation and lead to him being even more alienated and despised in this world than he already was.  Coma could only hope that the man was never unfortunate enough to meet another, more primal member of his race.**

**The subject of the girl was raised, but there was no response from the demon - just that same ebbing uncertainty as before - he wasn't quite sure yet that he should be interfering nearly as much as he was.  Perhaps he should have bitten back his immediate impulses and left the girl to her fate.  However, that was impossible... he just couldn't have left her alone for some sadistic monster to get hold of her.  It was a relief that this place was so focused and driven by their currency... something that he could easily produce with barely a flicker of thought, without even needing to activate his true abilities.**

**So, why had he acted?**

**It came down to the simple act that the girl just hadn't deserved the future inked out for her.**

**They were, thankfully, beginning to near the inn - something that he knew instinctively that his son would be quite grateful for - Kaison would have been quite alarmed should the girl have awakened.  Kaison could barely handle young Djinn, let alone a child from another race.**

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