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Somra was muttering to herself as she walked, so far joining this group hadn’t been the best decision of her life. She had yet to have a payout that was worth the income she was missing from not performing on the streets, and now she was on her own, travelling on dusty roads with little to no comfort items. To say that she was in a bad mood would be an understatement, and by the time she had reached the city of Midas, she was about ready to find the leader of their small band of misfits and give him a piece of her mind. She wasn’t scared of the imposing men who were in the group, especially not when the only thing she could think of was the hot rage that burned in her. She had been told there would be riches and glory if she were to take a place among them, and so far, it was yet to provide any of that.
As she made her way barefoot through the streets of Midas, she let her muttering fall silent, concentration turning from the anger she felt and the discomfort of being on the road on her own for so long, and instead she focused on the small details of each building she passed. Her dark brown eyes searched for the distinct mark that would alert her to where they would be making camp for the duration of their stay. The mark would be something small and non-descript if someone didn’t know what they were looking for specifically, easy to miss for anyone who just happened to walk by.
Somra’s mouth felt dry, she finished the last of her water just before she had arrived in the city and wanted to find the camp and potential the others in her group before she worried about finding more water. She had no idea if anyone had even arrived yet, maybe she would be the first one and her search for the mark would prove fruitless.
She had no real idea how this group operated, having just freshly been inducted into their ranks, for all she knew they weren’t even actually going to show up in Midas, perhaps it was some sort of set up and they had sent her off on her own, laughing all the while. If that were the case, she would hunt them all down with a vengeance and show them the business end of her dagger. Somra was a woman with a bit of a temper in certain situations, being led on was one of those situations.
She shook her head a little and whispered to herself. “Stop it Somra, you don’t even know what’s going on yet. Facts and then anger if necessary.”
She took a deep breath of the cooler night air, tugging the red hood of her dress closer around herself, she ducked her head down as she heard the voices of two men some where near her. They sounded drunk, speaking in loud and obnoxious voices about their conquests at the whore house that night, Somra rolled her eyes. Disgusting.
She paused for a moment as something caught her eye, listening as the voices faded away, unaware of the lone woman who wandered the streets for seemingly no reason. She made sure that there were no other voices in the vicinity, taking a quick scan of the streets before she examined the building. Old, run down, and seemingly majorly damaged by fire. And the mark was there, meaning that someone had to be in there already, though she had no idea who it could be.
She approached the building, taking caution as she went to push the door open. She thought better of it, perhaps it would be a trap of some sort, so instead she made her way around the building, spotting an open window, she backed up a little, mind already planning her pathway up. She took a couple running steps, pushing herself up off the ground as she lept towards the building.
Nimbly and with a natural ease she grabbed onto a stone that protruded from the side of the building, the only noise being a very slight thud as her hand hit the stone. She proceeded to use any small hand hold she could find to pull herself up the building and up through the window. She landed on her feet on the upper floor, pausing for a moment to see if anyone had heard her. When it seemed like she wasn’t about to be ambushed, she quietly made her way across the floor and towards the stairs, creeping down them as she peeked into the main floor of the house.
She spotted a face she was familiar with, one of the men in the band she had joined, Khanh if she was remembering correctly. Though she didn’t know him enough to trust him fully, she stepped out into the main room.
“Anyone else make it yet?” She asked, taking a moment to check him out shamelessly. She couldn’t help herself really, she was a young woman who was surrounded by men who were pretty damn good looking, she was going to look, even if she couldn’t touch. Besides, she found it hard to believe that anyone wouldn’t be attracted to Khanh, or at the very least his biceps, his butt wasn’t half bad either.
She reached up and dropped her red hood, taking a moment to look around at the place. The building was just as awful inside as it was outside, and Somra hated everything about it. She was meant for a life of luxury, not camping out in abandoned buildings. Buildings like this were abandoned for a reason.
“Do you have any thing to drink? I’ve finished the last of mine and I am parched.” She said, her dark eyes moving back to lock on the only other person in their group who had made it before her, hoping that his response would be an offered drink. She had already forgotten her earlier anger at being made to travel.
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Somra was muttering to herself as she walked, so far joining this group hadn’t been the best decision of her life. She had yet to have a payout that was worth the income she was missing from not performing on the streets, and now she was on her own, travelling on dusty roads with little to no comfort items. To say that she was in a bad mood would be an understatement, and by the time she had reached the city of Midas, she was about ready to find the leader of their small band of misfits and give him a piece of her mind. She wasn’t scared of the imposing men who were in the group, especially not when the only thing she could think of was the hot rage that burned in her. She had been told there would be riches and glory if she were to take a place among them, and so far, it was yet to provide any of that.
As she made her way barefoot through the streets of Midas, she let her muttering fall silent, concentration turning from the anger she felt and the discomfort of being on the road on her own for so long, and instead she focused on the small details of each building she passed. Her dark brown eyes searched for the distinct mark that would alert her to where they would be making camp for the duration of their stay. The mark would be something small and non-descript if someone didn’t know what they were looking for specifically, easy to miss for anyone who just happened to walk by.
Somra’s mouth felt dry, she finished the last of her water just before she had arrived in the city and wanted to find the camp and potential the others in her group before she worried about finding more water. She had no idea if anyone had even arrived yet, maybe she would be the first one and her search for the mark would prove fruitless.
She had no real idea how this group operated, having just freshly been inducted into their ranks, for all she knew they weren’t even actually going to show up in Midas, perhaps it was some sort of set up and they had sent her off on her own, laughing all the while. If that were the case, she would hunt them all down with a vengeance and show them the business end of her dagger. Somra was a woman with a bit of a temper in certain situations, being led on was one of those situations.
She shook her head a little and whispered to herself. “Stop it Somra, you don’t even know what’s going on yet. Facts and then anger if necessary.”
She took a deep breath of the cooler night air, tugging the red hood of her dress closer around herself, she ducked her head down as she heard the voices of two men some where near her. They sounded drunk, speaking in loud and obnoxious voices about their conquests at the whore house that night, Somra rolled her eyes. Disgusting.
She paused for a moment as something caught her eye, listening as the voices faded away, unaware of the lone woman who wandered the streets for seemingly no reason. She made sure that there were no other voices in the vicinity, taking a quick scan of the streets before she examined the building. Old, run down, and seemingly majorly damaged by fire. And the mark was there, meaning that someone had to be in there already, though she had no idea who it could be.
She approached the building, taking caution as she went to push the door open. She thought better of it, perhaps it would be a trap of some sort, so instead she made her way around the building, spotting an open window, she backed up a little, mind already planning her pathway up. She took a couple running steps, pushing herself up off the ground as she lept towards the building.
Nimbly and with a natural ease she grabbed onto a stone that protruded from the side of the building, the only noise being a very slight thud as her hand hit the stone. She proceeded to use any small hand hold she could find to pull herself up the building and up through the window. She landed on her feet on the upper floor, pausing for a moment to see if anyone had heard her. When it seemed like she wasn’t about to be ambushed, she quietly made her way across the floor and towards the stairs, creeping down them as she peeked into the main floor of the house.
She spotted a face she was familiar with, one of the men in the band she had joined, Khanh if she was remembering correctly. Though she didn’t know him enough to trust him fully, she stepped out into the main room.
“Anyone else make it yet?” She asked, taking a moment to check him out shamelessly. She couldn’t help herself really, she was a young woman who was surrounded by men who were pretty damn good looking, she was going to look, even if she couldn’t touch. Besides, she found it hard to believe that anyone wouldn’t be attracted to Khanh, or at the very least his biceps, his butt wasn’t half bad either.
She reached up and dropped her red hood, taking a moment to look around at the place. The building was just as awful inside as it was outside, and Somra hated everything about it. She was meant for a life of luxury, not camping out in abandoned buildings. Buildings like this were abandoned for a reason.
“Do you have any thing to drink? I’ve finished the last of mine and I am parched.” She said, her dark eyes moving back to lock on the only other person in their group who had made it before her, hoping that his response would be an offered drink. She had already forgotten her earlier anger at being made to travel.
Somra was muttering to herself as she walked, so far joining this group hadn’t been the best decision of her life. She had yet to have a payout that was worth the income she was missing from not performing on the streets, and now she was on her own, travelling on dusty roads with little to no comfort items. To say that she was in a bad mood would be an understatement, and by the time she had reached the city of Midas, she was about ready to find the leader of their small band of misfits and give him a piece of her mind. She wasn’t scared of the imposing men who were in the group, especially not when the only thing she could think of was the hot rage that burned in her. She had been told there would be riches and glory if she were to take a place among them, and so far, it was yet to provide any of that.
As she made her way barefoot through the streets of Midas, she let her muttering fall silent, concentration turning from the anger she felt and the discomfort of being on the road on her own for so long, and instead she focused on the small details of each building she passed. Her dark brown eyes searched for the distinct mark that would alert her to where they would be making camp for the duration of their stay. The mark would be something small and non-descript if someone didn’t know what they were looking for specifically, easy to miss for anyone who just happened to walk by.
Somra’s mouth felt dry, she finished the last of her water just before she had arrived in the city and wanted to find the camp and potential the others in her group before she worried about finding more water. She had no idea if anyone had even arrived yet, maybe she would be the first one and her search for the mark would prove fruitless.
She had no real idea how this group operated, having just freshly been inducted into their ranks, for all she knew they weren’t even actually going to show up in Midas, perhaps it was some sort of set up and they had sent her off on her own, laughing all the while. If that were the case, she would hunt them all down with a vengeance and show them the business end of her dagger. Somra was a woman with a bit of a temper in certain situations, being led on was one of those situations.
She shook her head a little and whispered to herself. “Stop it Somra, you don’t even know what’s going on yet. Facts and then anger if necessary.”
She took a deep breath of the cooler night air, tugging the red hood of her dress closer around herself, she ducked her head down as she heard the voices of two men some where near her. They sounded drunk, speaking in loud and obnoxious voices about their conquests at the whore house that night, Somra rolled her eyes. Disgusting.
She paused for a moment as something caught her eye, listening as the voices faded away, unaware of the lone woman who wandered the streets for seemingly no reason. She made sure that there were no other voices in the vicinity, taking a quick scan of the streets before she examined the building. Old, run down, and seemingly majorly damaged by fire. And the mark was there, meaning that someone had to be in there already, though she had no idea who it could be.
She approached the building, taking caution as she went to push the door open. She thought better of it, perhaps it would be a trap of some sort, so instead she made her way around the building, spotting an open window, she backed up a little, mind already planning her pathway up. She took a couple running steps, pushing herself up off the ground as she lept towards the building.
Nimbly and with a natural ease she grabbed onto a stone that protruded from the side of the building, the only noise being a very slight thud as her hand hit the stone. She proceeded to use any small hand hold she could find to pull herself up the building and up through the window. She landed on her feet on the upper floor, pausing for a moment to see if anyone had heard her. When it seemed like she wasn’t about to be ambushed, she quietly made her way across the floor and towards the stairs, creeping down them as she peeked into the main floor of the house.
She spotted a face she was familiar with, one of the men in the band she had joined, Khanh if she was remembering correctly. Though she didn’t know him enough to trust him fully, she stepped out into the main room.
“Anyone else make it yet?” She asked, taking a moment to check him out shamelessly. She couldn’t help herself really, she was a young woman who was surrounded by men who were pretty damn good looking, she was going to look, even if she couldn’t touch. Besides, she found it hard to believe that anyone wouldn’t be attracted to Khanh, or at the very least his biceps, his butt wasn’t half bad either.
She reached up and dropped her red hood, taking a moment to look around at the place. The building was just as awful inside as it was outside, and Somra hated everything about it. She was meant for a life of luxury, not camping out in abandoned buildings. Buildings like this were abandoned for a reason.
“Do you have any thing to drink? I’ve finished the last of mine and I am parched.” She said, her dark eyes moving back to lock on the only other person in their group who had made it before her, hoping that his response would be an offered drink. She had already forgotten her earlier anger at being made to travel.
At the young Somra's question regarding a drink, a small pouch of leather - boiled into the stiff shape of a water bottle the size of large man's palm - shot out from the darkness of a particular corner. The bottle stopped a breath shy of the girl's collarbone, ready to hit her skin if she so much as breathed too deeply. The item was corked and held a leather tie attached to its neck so that it could easily be fastened to a belt or strap. It looked old and battered but it was neither cracked nor leaking and sloshed lightly with the sound of water, perhaps half full.
The hand that offered the item was just as battered, despite being almost entirely hidden from view. Fabric wraps of dark blue and mottled grey had been woven around its palm, across the back of the hand and between each of the digits. The fingers that grasped the pot were almost entirely skinned in material, barring the very tips, freed for grip and touch. The pads of each finger were calloused and the nails filed short. The revealed skin - too pale for the owner's middle eastern origins - was just as worn and rough as the garments that covered the rest.
The body attached to the arm, stepped forwards appearing to manifest itself from the shadows of the corner Akhmad had claimed for himself upon arriving.
To those who were observant enough to notice the man's arrival - shortly before the young Somra - his appearance would be little shock, but given he moved with all the sound of a ghost and all the presence of a shadow, it was likely that his advent was a surprise to the other two in the room.
Whilst he said nothing - as was his pattern of behaviour - Akhmad held the water container extended until it was taken from his grasp, his meaning of offer to the thirsty girl apparent enough.
His eyes, however, communicated no such message. In fact, they weren't even looking at the girl. Instead, the light brown iris' - just a shade darker than the sands of the desert - had turned to inspect the other occupant of the room. His stepping into the dim light that shone through the blackened window chasms was his own way of announcing his presence and confirming his attendance to he who had set up their habitation.
And an interesting habitation that had been chosen. In the lower levels of the capitol city of Midas, in a home that had clearly once belonged to a family of sturdy but not wealthy income, the building was charred by recent flame and smelt of acrid staleness. It was likely that little time would be spent here, given that the members of the group liked to handle their own places of residence and the timings of which they came and went. Smell or not, it would do for a first meeting of the minds - the congregation of brothers that was needed when arriving in a new land to establish a grounding and base of operations.
Dressed as he normally was, in turban, mask and layers of clothing that hugged his thin frame and gave a thick skin to his slim build, Akhmad gave no other sign of greeting to even the man he had known for near ten years in the Sariqas. Instead, as soon as the bottle was taken from his hands, he simply found a wall that he could lean a shoulder against, folded his arms across his chest and emulated a good impression of a dark crack in the wall...
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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At the young Somra's question regarding a drink, a small pouch of leather - boiled into the stiff shape of a water bottle the size of large man's palm - shot out from the darkness of a particular corner. The bottle stopped a breath shy of the girl's collarbone, ready to hit her skin if she so much as breathed too deeply. The item was corked and held a leather tie attached to its neck so that it could easily be fastened to a belt or strap. It looked old and battered but it was neither cracked nor leaking and sloshed lightly with the sound of water, perhaps half full.
The hand that offered the item was just as battered, despite being almost entirely hidden from view. Fabric wraps of dark blue and mottled grey had been woven around its palm, across the back of the hand and between each of the digits. The fingers that grasped the pot were almost entirely skinned in material, barring the very tips, freed for grip and touch. The pads of each finger were calloused and the nails filed short. The revealed skin - too pale for the owner's middle eastern origins - was just as worn and rough as the garments that covered the rest.
The body attached to the arm, stepped forwards appearing to manifest itself from the shadows of the corner Akhmad had claimed for himself upon arriving.
To those who were observant enough to notice the man's arrival - shortly before the young Somra - his appearance would be little shock, but given he moved with all the sound of a ghost and all the presence of a shadow, it was likely that his advent was a surprise to the other two in the room.
Whilst he said nothing - as was his pattern of behaviour - Akhmad held the water container extended until it was taken from his grasp, his meaning of offer to the thirsty girl apparent enough.
His eyes, however, communicated no such message. In fact, they weren't even looking at the girl. Instead, the light brown iris' - just a shade darker than the sands of the desert - had turned to inspect the other occupant of the room. His stepping into the dim light that shone through the blackened window chasms was his own way of announcing his presence and confirming his attendance to he who had set up their habitation.
And an interesting habitation that had been chosen. In the lower levels of the capitol city of Midas, in a home that had clearly once belonged to a family of sturdy but not wealthy income, the building was charred by recent flame and smelt of acrid staleness. It was likely that little time would be spent here, given that the members of the group liked to handle their own places of residence and the timings of which they came and went. Smell or not, it would do for a first meeting of the minds - the congregation of brothers that was needed when arriving in a new land to establish a grounding and base of operations.
Dressed as he normally was, in turban, mask and layers of clothing that hugged his thin frame and gave a thick skin to his slim build, Akhmad gave no other sign of greeting to even the man he had known for near ten years in the Sariqas. Instead, as soon as the bottle was taken from his hands, he simply found a wall that he could lean a shoulder against, folded his arms across his chest and emulated a good impression of a dark crack in the wall...
At the young Somra's question regarding a drink, a small pouch of leather - boiled into the stiff shape of a water bottle the size of large man's palm - shot out from the darkness of a particular corner. The bottle stopped a breath shy of the girl's collarbone, ready to hit her skin if she so much as breathed too deeply. The item was corked and held a leather tie attached to its neck so that it could easily be fastened to a belt or strap. It looked old and battered but it was neither cracked nor leaking and sloshed lightly with the sound of water, perhaps half full.
The hand that offered the item was just as battered, despite being almost entirely hidden from view. Fabric wraps of dark blue and mottled grey had been woven around its palm, across the back of the hand and between each of the digits. The fingers that grasped the pot were almost entirely skinned in material, barring the very tips, freed for grip and touch. The pads of each finger were calloused and the nails filed short. The revealed skin - too pale for the owner's middle eastern origins - was just as worn and rough as the garments that covered the rest.
The body attached to the arm, stepped forwards appearing to manifest itself from the shadows of the corner Akhmad had claimed for himself upon arriving.
To those who were observant enough to notice the man's arrival - shortly before the young Somra - his appearance would be little shock, but given he moved with all the sound of a ghost and all the presence of a shadow, it was likely that his advent was a surprise to the other two in the room.
Whilst he said nothing - as was his pattern of behaviour - Akhmad held the water container extended until it was taken from his grasp, his meaning of offer to the thirsty girl apparent enough.
His eyes, however, communicated no such message. In fact, they weren't even looking at the girl. Instead, the light brown iris' - just a shade darker than the sands of the desert - had turned to inspect the other occupant of the room. His stepping into the dim light that shone through the blackened window chasms was his own way of announcing his presence and confirming his attendance to he who had set up their habitation.
And an interesting habitation that had been chosen. In the lower levels of the capitol city of Midas, in a home that had clearly once belonged to a family of sturdy but not wealthy income, the building was charred by recent flame and smelt of acrid staleness. It was likely that little time would be spent here, given that the members of the group liked to handle their own places of residence and the timings of which they came and went. Smell or not, it would do for a first meeting of the minds - the congregation of brothers that was needed when arriving in a new land to establish a grounding and base of operations.
Dressed as he normally was, in turban, mask and layers of clothing that hugged his thin frame and gave a thick skin to his slim build, Akhmad gave no other sign of greeting to even the man he had known for near ten years in the Sariqas. Instead, as soon as the bottle was taken from his hands, he simply found a wall that he could lean a shoulder against, folded his arms across his chest and emulated a good impression of a dark crack in the wall...
If only all cities had catastrophic fires that killed off a certain percentage of the population, Khanh felt that the Sariqas might have an easy road ahead of them. While that might be not the case in all places, it certainly was in Midas. With the lower half of the city still recovering from flame, no one lived in this part of the city anymore who cared about foreigners. The people in buildings around them were squatters. Drifters. People with no connections and who would not be missed if they turned up dead.
This building had been chosen with particular care. He had been the one tasked with finding them a suitable place to meet and had arrived first in the city. This house was the last on the street and was tucked into a tidy corner near the next level of the city. In fact, part of it was built into the very rock that Midas was carved from. It was an unassuming building and, more importantly, still mostly structurally sound, even if the outside was horrendously charred.
He was standing with his arms crossed, watching a spider slowly work its way out of a crack in the foundation. It was a huge brown spider. If not for the shadows, he’d have been able to make out little stripes along the spider’s thin legs and on its fat body. Tilting his head when the spider looked like it wanted to crawl across the floor, he stepped back to give it room.
All of his focus was on this disgusting creature and its little journey through the debris on the dirty floor. He didn’t bother to glance at Akhmad. The man was standing motionless and was about as chatty as a corpse, though, thankfully, a good deal more useful. The spider crawled out into the open again at the same moment that a thump sounded upstairs. Khanh didn’t look up. There was only one person who would have come through that way and he was unsurprised to hear a female voice as she took the stairs quietly.
Her question broke the utter stillness of the house and Khanh still didn’t look in her direction. The ground crunched under her feet as she moved around. He could hear the fabric of her hood rustle after she dropped it to her shoulders. Akhmad stepped forward to offer the girl a drink, once she asked.
The spider stopped beside his boot and put a questing little leg to the toe, tapping lightly. He widened his green eyes and then shoved his foot forward hard enough to smear the spider’s body across the floor. Legs twitched, separated and utterly useless now. Khanh glanced over his shoulder at Somra and held his finger to his lips with a two, softly spoken words accompanying the gesture.
“Be quiet.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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If only all cities had catastrophic fires that killed off a certain percentage of the population, Khanh felt that the Sariqas might have an easy road ahead of them. While that might be not the case in all places, it certainly was in Midas. With the lower half of the city still recovering from flame, no one lived in this part of the city anymore who cared about foreigners. The people in buildings around them were squatters. Drifters. People with no connections and who would not be missed if they turned up dead.
This building had been chosen with particular care. He had been the one tasked with finding them a suitable place to meet and had arrived first in the city. This house was the last on the street and was tucked into a tidy corner near the next level of the city. In fact, part of it was built into the very rock that Midas was carved from. It was an unassuming building and, more importantly, still mostly structurally sound, even if the outside was horrendously charred.
He was standing with his arms crossed, watching a spider slowly work its way out of a crack in the foundation. It was a huge brown spider. If not for the shadows, he’d have been able to make out little stripes along the spider’s thin legs and on its fat body. Tilting his head when the spider looked like it wanted to crawl across the floor, he stepped back to give it room.
All of his focus was on this disgusting creature and its little journey through the debris on the dirty floor. He didn’t bother to glance at Akhmad. The man was standing motionless and was about as chatty as a corpse, though, thankfully, a good deal more useful. The spider crawled out into the open again at the same moment that a thump sounded upstairs. Khanh didn’t look up. There was only one person who would have come through that way and he was unsurprised to hear a female voice as she took the stairs quietly.
Her question broke the utter stillness of the house and Khanh still didn’t look in her direction. The ground crunched under her feet as she moved around. He could hear the fabric of her hood rustle after she dropped it to her shoulders. Akhmad stepped forward to offer the girl a drink, once she asked.
The spider stopped beside his boot and put a questing little leg to the toe, tapping lightly. He widened his green eyes and then shoved his foot forward hard enough to smear the spider’s body across the floor. Legs twitched, separated and utterly useless now. Khanh glanced over his shoulder at Somra and held his finger to his lips with a two, softly spoken words accompanying the gesture.
“Be quiet.”
If only all cities had catastrophic fires that killed off a certain percentage of the population, Khanh felt that the Sariqas might have an easy road ahead of them. While that might be not the case in all places, it certainly was in Midas. With the lower half of the city still recovering from flame, no one lived in this part of the city anymore who cared about foreigners. The people in buildings around them were squatters. Drifters. People with no connections and who would not be missed if they turned up dead.
This building had been chosen with particular care. He had been the one tasked with finding them a suitable place to meet and had arrived first in the city. This house was the last on the street and was tucked into a tidy corner near the next level of the city. In fact, part of it was built into the very rock that Midas was carved from. It was an unassuming building and, more importantly, still mostly structurally sound, even if the outside was horrendously charred.
He was standing with his arms crossed, watching a spider slowly work its way out of a crack in the foundation. It was a huge brown spider. If not for the shadows, he’d have been able to make out little stripes along the spider’s thin legs and on its fat body. Tilting his head when the spider looked like it wanted to crawl across the floor, he stepped back to give it room.
All of his focus was on this disgusting creature and its little journey through the debris on the dirty floor. He didn’t bother to glance at Akhmad. The man was standing motionless and was about as chatty as a corpse, though, thankfully, a good deal more useful. The spider crawled out into the open again at the same moment that a thump sounded upstairs. Khanh didn’t look up. There was only one person who would have come through that way and he was unsurprised to hear a female voice as she took the stairs quietly.
Her question broke the utter stillness of the house and Khanh still didn’t look in her direction. The ground crunched under her feet as she moved around. He could hear the fabric of her hood rustle after she dropped it to her shoulders. Akhmad stepped forward to offer the girl a drink, once she asked.
The spider stopped beside his boot and put a questing little leg to the toe, tapping lightly. He widened his green eyes and then shoved his foot forward hard enough to smear the spider’s body across the floor. Legs twitched, separated and utterly useless now. Khanh glanced over his shoulder at Somra and held his finger to his lips with a two, softly spoken words accompanying the gesture.
“Be quiet.”
Midas was not where he wanted to be. Midas was barren, boring, and abandoned. The whole place was filthy with it and it was ruining his clothes. It needed to rain about fifty more times to make it livable at all. No, this wouldn't do, they couldn't stay here and he would make damn sure they knew it.
Zai dreamed of lights. music, dancing, food, women, men, fun. They would beed a place to hide and sleep closer to the action, he decided. Either that or they would not be seeing a lot of him during their down time because an Inn would be his home or a whore house.
Either way, the youngest brother of the three originators came strutting in. Why should they hide? No one of any importance was around. Zai had never been the cautious one even though caution would be prudent no matter where they were. Still, the depth of depression this place had clouded over him was enough to make him toss caution aside and only conceal himself somewhat and be a little quieter than normal.
He cleared his throat at the crouching, secretive bunch who acted like there was some element of danger for them to join a place where foreigner and squatters already gathered. No one would notice them at all and if they did, they wouldn't mark them.
He walked up to the group, "Is this all? I'm usually the meanderer." He commented, slightly worried that his brother wasn't present yet. Nahash was and efficient traveler. He gave Somra, Akhmad, and Khanh a once over, "Everyone in one piece?"
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Midas was not where he wanted to be. Midas was barren, boring, and abandoned. The whole place was filthy with it and it was ruining his clothes. It needed to rain about fifty more times to make it livable at all. No, this wouldn't do, they couldn't stay here and he would make damn sure they knew it.
Zai dreamed of lights. music, dancing, food, women, men, fun. They would beed a place to hide and sleep closer to the action, he decided. Either that or they would not be seeing a lot of him during their down time because an Inn would be his home or a whore house.
Either way, the youngest brother of the three originators came strutting in. Why should they hide? No one of any importance was around. Zai had never been the cautious one even though caution would be prudent no matter where they were. Still, the depth of depression this place had clouded over him was enough to make him toss caution aside and only conceal himself somewhat and be a little quieter than normal.
He cleared his throat at the crouching, secretive bunch who acted like there was some element of danger for them to join a place where foreigner and squatters already gathered. No one would notice them at all and if they did, they wouldn't mark them.
He walked up to the group, "Is this all? I'm usually the meanderer." He commented, slightly worried that his brother wasn't present yet. Nahash was and efficient traveler. He gave Somra, Akhmad, and Khanh a once over, "Everyone in one piece?"
Midas was not where he wanted to be. Midas was barren, boring, and abandoned. The whole place was filthy with it and it was ruining his clothes. It needed to rain about fifty more times to make it livable at all. No, this wouldn't do, they couldn't stay here and he would make damn sure they knew it.
Zai dreamed of lights. music, dancing, food, women, men, fun. They would beed a place to hide and sleep closer to the action, he decided. Either that or they would not be seeing a lot of him during their down time because an Inn would be his home or a whore house.
Either way, the youngest brother of the three originators came strutting in. Why should they hide? No one of any importance was around. Zai had never been the cautious one even though caution would be prudent no matter where they were. Still, the depth of depression this place had clouded over him was enough to make him toss caution aside and only conceal himself somewhat and be a little quieter than normal.
He cleared his throat at the crouching, secretive bunch who acted like there was some element of danger for them to join a place where foreigner and squatters already gathered. No one would notice them at all and if they did, they wouldn't mark them.
He walked up to the group, "Is this all? I'm usually the meanderer." He commented, slightly worried that his brother wasn't present yet. Nahash was and efficient traveler. He gave Somra, Akhmad, and Khanh a once over, "Everyone in one piece?"
Somra hadn’t noticed their silent companion who had been lurking in the shadows, he was a creepy guy, but for some reason Somra felt drawn to him. Maybe it was the fact that he was the only one in the group who could match her acrobatic skills without breaking a sweat. Whatever the draw was, it wasn’t enough to keep her from getting spooked as his hand shot out with the offered drink of water. She jumped with a little squeak as the water pouch as shoved at her from the shadows in the corner, and she put her hand over her chest for a moment, heart racing from the scare. If it had been anyone else, she would think it was meant to scare her and she would have yelled at them, but that was just how Akhmad was. He just operated in the shadows and moved faster than she’d ever seen anyone move before.
“Why didn’t you say you were there.” She teased, trying to recover at least a little smoothly from the embarrassing noise she had let out. Despite her heart still racing, she took the offered water.
“Thank you.” She said, gaze lingering on him for a moment as he stepped out of the shadows. She had no idea what he looked like under all those clothes, but damn did he have beautiful eyes. She was so curious to see his face, but the man was very careful not to reveal even a hint of what he looked like, and Somra’s curious nature had her feel like she was going crazy not knowing anything about this mysterious man. She could get lost in them if she wasn’t careful. To avoid exactly that, she took the cork off the pouch, grateful as the water soothed her dry mouth. She drank from it until satisfied, replacing the cork. She walked over to where Akhmad had moved to and tossed the water back to him before sliding down the wall and taking a seat on the ground, drawing her knees up towards herself as she got comfortable.
Somra looked over at Khanh once more just in time to watch horrified as he squished the giant spider underfoot. She quickly jumped up from where she had been sitting and shook herself and her dress off, suddenly feeling like she had ten of those spiders on her. She hadn’t even thought about the fact that an abandoned building like this might be crawling in freaky things like that spider, and the thought of it made the water she had just consumed sit uneasily in her stomach. She hated spiders more than anything else, they absolutely disgusted her and terrified her more than probably anything. She could walk a tight rope off the side of the tallest building in the world with no fear, but if there was a spider around her, she turned into a whimp.
“No no no! No one told me that there would be giant spiders here!” She shouted, glaring as Khanh told her to be quiet. If that one was in the building, who knew how many more might be lurking around, waiting to climb on her. She shivered, not from the cold but the idea that there were spiders still in there with them, watching her with their weird little eyes. She took a few steps towards Akhmad as if he was going to keep the spiders away from her, though she doubted the man cared enough about her to help her out if there was any more. She thought that everyone in their band except him would just laugh at her, though he would probably laugh along in his head. She had no idea what his personality was like considering he didn’t say a word, but she felt sort of like an outsider in their little group.
She hardly even noticed Zai enter, too preoccupied with her thoughts on spiders and the crawling feeling she still felt on her skin, like an army of the disgusting things had climbed on her without her noticing. She shifted a little closer to Akhmad without even really noticing it.
Somra looked up from the disgusting mess that had once been a spider near Khanh, and she was suddenly very aware that she stood there in bare feet. Not that she would be brave enough to crush one has he had if she had shoes on, most likely if one came crawling by her in that moment, she would have jumped at Akhmad and hoped he caught her, so she didn’t hit the ground. Hell, she was about ready to do just that at the thought of one of them crawling across her foot.
“That depends on what you consider one piece.” She spoke in reply to Zai’s question, shivering once more as she tried to turn her attention to the three men who now stood in the room with her instead of focusing on the spider and any of his friends that may be lurking, though the thought never fully left her mind and she couldn’t help herself as her almost black eyes searched the dark to see if she could make out any more of them. She took in a deep breath to try and steady her nerves, she didn’t need her new companions thinking that she was completely useless at the prospect of a spider. It was just…. that particular one had been so big.
She took her focus from the wall that she had been searching for spiders and instead looked between the three that now stood there, they were missing two of the small group as far as she could remember, the one who lead them and the only other female. She couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps she had been blessed by some sort of god, she wasn’t a woman of faith, but the fact that this band of thieves she had joined consisted largely of very attractive men couldn’t have been a coincidence. Even their leader, Nahash was attractive, though he was also terrifying which in all honestly only served to make him even more attractive to the young woman.
“We aren’t staying here over night, are we?” She asked, disgusted at the thought of sleeping in this disgusting building crawling with vermin. If that were the case, she may just have to climb under the covers with one of the men, at least they could deal with any spiders that might try to come her way.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Somra hadn’t noticed their silent companion who had been lurking in the shadows, he was a creepy guy, but for some reason Somra felt drawn to him. Maybe it was the fact that he was the only one in the group who could match her acrobatic skills without breaking a sweat. Whatever the draw was, it wasn’t enough to keep her from getting spooked as his hand shot out with the offered drink of water. She jumped with a little squeak as the water pouch as shoved at her from the shadows in the corner, and she put her hand over her chest for a moment, heart racing from the scare. If it had been anyone else, she would think it was meant to scare her and she would have yelled at them, but that was just how Akhmad was. He just operated in the shadows and moved faster than she’d ever seen anyone move before.
“Why didn’t you say you were there.” She teased, trying to recover at least a little smoothly from the embarrassing noise she had let out. Despite her heart still racing, she took the offered water.
“Thank you.” She said, gaze lingering on him for a moment as he stepped out of the shadows. She had no idea what he looked like under all those clothes, but damn did he have beautiful eyes. She was so curious to see his face, but the man was very careful not to reveal even a hint of what he looked like, and Somra’s curious nature had her feel like she was going crazy not knowing anything about this mysterious man. She could get lost in them if she wasn’t careful. To avoid exactly that, she took the cork off the pouch, grateful as the water soothed her dry mouth. She drank from it until satisfied, replacing the cork. She walked over to where Akhmad had moved to and tossed the water back to him before sliding down the wall and taking a seat on the ground, drawing her knees up towards herself as she got comfortable.
Somra looked over at Khanh once more just in time to watch horrified as he squished the giant spider underfoot. She quickly jumped up from where she had been sitting and shook herself and her dress off, suddenly feeling like she had ten of those spiders on her. She hadn’t even thought about the fact that an abandoned building like this might be crawling in freaky things like that spider, and the thought of it made the water she had just consumed sit uneasily in her stomach. She hated spiders more than anything else, they absolutely disgusted her and terrified her more than probably anything. She could walk a tight rope off the side of the tallest building in the world with no fear, but if there was a spider around her, she turned into a whimp.
“No no no! No one told me that there would be giant spiders here!” She shouted, glaring as Khanh told her to be quiet. If that one was in the building, who knew how many more might be lurking around, waiting to climb on her. She shivered, not from the cold but the idea that there were spiders still in there with them, watching her with their weird little eyes. She took a few steps towards Akhmad as if he was going to keep the spiders away from her, though she doubted the man cared enough about her to help her out if there was any more. She thought that everyone in their band except him would just laugh at her, though he would probably laugh along in his head. She had no idea what his personality was like considering he didn’t say a word, but she felt sort of like an outsider in their little group.
She hardly even noticed Zai enter, too preoccupied with her thoughts on spiders and the crawling feeling she still felt on her skin, like an army of the disgusting things had climbed on her without her noticing. She shifted a little closer to Akhmad without even really noticing it.
Somra looked up from the disgusting mess that had once been a spider near Khanh, and she was suddenly very aware that she stood there in bare feet. Not that she would be brave enough to crush one has he had if she had shoes on, most likely if one came crawling by her in that moment, she would have jumped at Akhmad and hoped he caught her, so she didn’t hit the ground. Hell, she was about ready to do just that at the thought of one of them crawling across her foot.
“That depends on what you consider one piece.” She spoke in reply to Zai’s question, shivering once more as she tried to turn her attention to the three men who now stood in the room with her instead of focusing on the spider and any of his friends that may be lurking, though the thought never fully left her mind and she couldn’t help herself as her almost black eyes searched the dark to see if she could make out any more of them. She took in a deep breath to try and steady her nerves, she didn’t need her new companions thinking that she was completely useless at the prospect of a spider. It was just…. that particular one had been so big.
She took her focus from the wall that she had been searching for spiders and instead looked between the three that now stood there, they were missing two of the small group as far as she could remember, the one who lead them and the only other female. She couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps she had been blessed by some sort of god, she wasn’t a woman of faith, but the fact that this band of thieves she had joined consisted largely of very attractive men couldn’t have been a coincidence. Even their leader, Nahash was attractive, though he was also terrifying which in all honestly only served to make him even more attractive to the young woman.
“We aren’t staying here over night, are we?” She asked, disgusted at the thought of sleeping in this disgusting building crawling with vermin. If that were the case, she may just have to climb under the covers with one of the men, at least they could deal with any spiders that might try to come her way.
Somra hadn’t noticed their silent companion who had been lurking in the shadows, he was a creepy guy, but for some reason Somra felt drawn to him. Maybe it was the fact that he was the only one in the group who could match her acrobatic skills without breaking a sweat. Whatever the draw was, it wasn’t enough to keep her from getting spooked as his hand shot out with the offered drink of water. She jumped with a little squeak as the water pouch as shoved at her from the shadows in the corner, and she put her hand over her chest for a moment, heart racing from the scare. If it had been anyone else, she would think it was meant to scare her and she would have yelled at them, but that was just how Akhmad was. He just operated in the shadows and moved faster than she’d ever seen anyone move before.
“Why didn’t you say you were there.” She teased, trying to recover at least a little smoothly from the embarrassing noise she had let out. Despite her heart still racing, she took the offered water.
“Thank you.” She said, gaze lingering on him for a moment as he stepped out of the shadows. She had no idea what he looked like under all those clothes, but damn did he have beautiful eyes. She was so curious to see his face, but the man was very careful not to reveal even a hint of what he looked like, and Somra’s curious nature had her feel like she was going crazy not knowing anything about this mysterious man. She could get lost in them if she wasn’t careful. To avoid exactly that, she took the cork off the pouch, grateful as the water soothed her dry mouth. She drank from it until satisfied, replacing the cork. She walked over to where Akhmad had moved to and tossed the water back to him before sliding down the wall and taking a seat on the ground, drawing her knees up towards herself as she got comfortable.
Somra looked over at Khanh once more just in time to watch horrified as he squished the giant spider underfoot. She quickly jumped up from where she had been sitting and shook herself and her dress off, suddenly feeling like she had ten of those spiders on her. She hadn’t even thought about the fact that an abandoned building like this might be crawling in freaky things like that spider, and the thought of it made the water she had just consumed sit uneasily in her stomach. She hated spiders more than anything else, they absolutely disgusted her and terrified her more than probably anything. She could walk a tight rope off the side of the tallest building in the world with no fear, but if there was a spider around her, she turned into a whimp.
“No no no! No one told me that there would be giant spiders here!” She shouted, glaring as Khanh told her to be quiet. If that one was in the building, who knew how many more might be lurking around, waiting to climb on her. She shivered, not from the cold but the idea that there were spiders still in there with them, watching her with their weird little eyes. She took a few steps towards Akhmad as if he was going to keep the spiders away from her, though she doubted the man cared enough about her to help her out if there was any more. She thought that everyone in their band except him would just laugh at her, though he would probably laugh along in his head. She had no idea what his personality was like considering he didn’t say a word, but she felt sort of like an outsider in their little group.
She hardly even noticed Zai enter, too preoccupied with her thoughts on spiders and the crawling feeling she still felt on her skin, like an army of the disgusting things had climbed on her without her noticing. She shifted a little closer to Akhmad without even really noticing it.
Somra looked up from the disgusting mess that had once been a spider near Khanh, and she was suddenly very aware that she stood there in bare feet. Not that she would be brave enough to crush one has he had if she had shoes on, most likely if one came crawling by her in that moment, she would have jumped at Akhmad and hoped he caught her, so she didn’t hit the ground. Hell, she was about ready to do just that at the thought of one of them crawling across her foot.
“That depends on what you consider one piece.” She spoke in reply to Zai’s question, shivering once more as she tried to turn her attention to the three men who now stood in the room with her instead of focusing on the spider and any of his friends that may be lurking, though the thought never fully left her mind and she couldn’t help herself as her almost black eyes searched the dark to see if she could make out any more of them. She took in a deep breath to try and steady her nerves, she didn’t need her new companions thinking that she was completely useless at the prospect of a spider. It was just…. that particular one had been so big.
She took her focus from the wall that she had been searching for spiders and instead looked between the three that now stood there, they were missing two of the small group as far as she could remember, the one who lead them and the only other female. She couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps she had been blessed by some sort of god, she wasn’t a woman of faith, but the fact that this band of thieves she had joined consisted largely of very attractive men couldn’t have been a coincidence. Even their leader, Nahash was attractive, though he was also terrifying which in all honestly only served to make him even more attractive to the young woman.
“We aren’t staying here over night, are we?” She asked, disgusted at the thought of sleeping in this disgusting building crawling with vermin. If that were the case, she may just have to climb under the covers with one of the men, at least they could deal with any spiders that might try to come her way.
Whilst Akhmad's body, from the top of his turban to where his shoulder rested on the wall, down his long slim legs to where his feet were braced against the cragged floor seemed frozen in time and impossibly still, his eyes never rested. Perhaps it was one of the many small elements of the man that gave off the impression of oddities or creepiness; the strange duality of an entirely still being and every moving, ever watchful eyes. Like a painting that following you around the room.
As his companions spoke, his eyes shifted to watch them intently. Then as something moved across the floor - a spider - he followed its trajectory. There was a creak from the wooden slats above and he glanced at that. Khanh shifted to squash the arachnid, and his gaze was back on him. Zai entered the room and Akhmad turned his stare in that direction.
There wasn't a single shift of movement, word spoken, or noise held that Akhmad wasn't aware of and watchful of, despite the fact that his muscles never detached from their position of calm serenity against the wall.
Khanh's warning to be quiet was clearly entirely lost on Somra. The girl was more worried about the creepy animals that might exist inside the building than to pay attention to the deputy of their group's instruction. Akhmad wondered vaguely if she would gradually learn to obey, or simply be crushed for insubordination in the near future. If Tiye were here, she would offer some form of connection, at least. The girl was the reason Somra was here and without here there was little loyalty to be had from the other men.
When Zai entered the room and asked if everyone was in one piece, Akhmad nodded, the shift subtle and sending the fabric of his mask bending against his chest. He did nothing as Somra moved herself closer to his presence, apparently uncaring for either her closeness or distance. But he did turn back towards Khanh, glancing at the girl and back. His eyes read an expression of unamused incredulity; of simultaneously limited and infinite patience.
With only his eyes and body language, the men of the group, and to a certain extent Tiye, had gotten used to reading Akhmad by now.
His silent judgement was a constant companion.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Whilst Akhmad's body, from the top of his turban to where his shoulder rested on the wall, down his long slim legs to where his feet were braced against the cragged floor seemed frozen in time and impossibly still, his eyes never rested. Perhaps it was one of the many small elements of the man that gave off the impression of oddities or creepiness; the strange duality of an entirely still being and every moving, ever watchful eyes. Like a painting that following you around the room.
As his companions spoke, his eyes shifted to watch them intently. Then as something moved across the floor - a spider - he followed its trajectory. There was a creak from the wooden slats above and he glanced at that. Khanh shifted to squash the arachnid, and his gaze was back on him. Zai entered the room and Akhmad turned his stare in that direction.
There wasn't a single shift of movement, word spoken, or noise held that Akhmad wasn't aware of and watchful of, despite the fact that his muscles never detached from their position of calm serenity against the wall.
Khanh's warning to be quiet was clearly entirely lost on Somra. The girl was more worried about the creepy animals that might exist inside the building than to pay attention to the deputy of their group's instruction. Akhmad wondered vaguely if she would gradually learn to obey, or simply be crushed for insubordination in the near future. If Tiye were here, she would offer some form of connection, at least. The girl was the reason Somra was here and without here there was little loyalty to be had from the other men.
When Zai entered the room and asked if everyone was in one piece, Akhmad nodded, the shift subtle and sending the fabric of his mask bending against his chest. He did nothing as Somra moved herself closer to his presence, apparently uncaring for either her closeness or distance. But he did turn back towards Khanh, glancing at the girl and back. His eyes read an expression of unamused incredulity; of simultaneously limited and infinite patience.
With only his eyes and body language, the men of the group, and to a certain extent Tiye, had gotten used to reading Akhmad by now.
His silent judgement was a constant companion.
Whilst Akhmad's body, from the top of his turban to where his shoulder rested on the wall, down his long slim legs to where his feet were braced against the cragged floor seemed frozen in time and impossibly still, his eyes never rested. Perhaps it was one of the many small elements of the man that gave off the impression of oddities or creepiness; the strange duality of an entirely still being and every moving, ever watchful eyes. Like a painting that following you around the room.
As his companions spoke, his eyes shifted to watch them intently. Then as something moved across the floor - a spider - he followed its trajectory. There was a creak from the wooden slats above and he glanced at that. Khanh shifted to squash the arachnid, and his gaze was back on him. Zai entered the room and Akhmad turned his stare in that direction.
There wasn't a single shift of movement, word spoken, or noise held that Akhmad wasn't aware of and watchful of, despite the fact that his muscles never detached from their position of calm serenity against the wall.
Khanh's warning to be quiet was clearly entirely lost on Somra. The girl was more worried about the creepy animals that might exist inside the building than to pay attention to the deputy of their group's instruction. Akhmad wondered vaguely if she would gradually learn to obey, or simply be crushed for insubordination in the near future. If Tiye were here, she would offer some form of connection, at least. The girl was the reason Somra was here and without here there was little loyalty to be had from the other men.
When Zai entered the room and asked if everyone was in one piece, Akhmad nodded, the shift subtle and sending the fabric of his mask bending against his chest. He did nothing as Somra moved herself closer to his presence, apparently uncaring for either her closeness or distance. But he did turn back towards Khanh, glancing at the girl and back. His eyes read an expression of unamused incredulity; of simultaneously limited and infinite patience.
With only his eyes and body language, the men of the group, and to a certain extent Tiye, had gotten used to reading Akhmad by now.
His silent judgement was a constant companion.
Khanh’s patience with this girl mirrored Akhmad’s. None. He couldn’t read her thoughts on their surroundings, her excitement about their group, or her general anxiety about spiders, and he didn’t care to know. What he wanted was for her to do what she was told. For some reason, he sensed that she felt like an equal in the group - which she was not. This was due to two things: one, he didn’t know her. They’d never worked a job together and she hadn’t proved herself to him. Secondly, she was a woman. Inferior. Weaker. Louder.
His green eyes slid over to where she was freaking out. He did not look at Zai as the other entered the building. That would be dealt with in a moment. For now, his whole focus was on the girl who’d dressed in red. Red.
As though his huge shoulders were on a swivel, he kept his face toward her, body turning second, and then he walked straight at her. He did not step around the rubble on the floor. He kicked through it. Splinters of wood skidded across the floor. Rocks tumbled out of the way. Khanh’s eyes never left her.
Still she was talking. Answering Zai about being in one piece. Asking if they were staying here in a way that suggested she was too good for it. This would be settled right now. Before any mission. If she couldn’t or wouldn’t obey a simple order to be silent, then she had no business going with them to do anything that would require such a vital skill.
Once within reach, his hand snapped out and caught her by the jaw, his tumb and middle fingers pressing in painfully tight to the pressure points there, hard enough that it might force her mouth open. He used this leverage to force her to come up onto her tiptoes so that they were eye to eye. Then he smiled charmingly at her.
“I said shut. up.” Without letting her go, he slowly turned around, still holding onto her face, and walked her backward, still with her toes barely brushing the ground, and set her on the stairs. “Stay here. Do not move. Nahash will be the one to decide if I get to kill you or not when he arrives if you do not learn your place. Right now.”
At last, he let her go and then took a large step back, spreading his arms out, still smiling. His voice was silken and quiet as he spoke. “We’d all like to be friends, Somra. We are Sariqas. If you’re afraid of spiders, I’ll bathe you in them until you learn to eat them. You will never scream at a spider again.”
Surely she knew that she would be climbing buildings, placing her fingers into dark handholds where spiders might be lurking. Probably she’d be climbing into little used spaces filled with dust and, again, spiders. May the gods spare them if she was scared of lizards too.
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Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Khanh’s patience with this girl mirrored Akhmad’s. None. He couldn’t read her thoughts on their surroundings, her excitement about their group, or her general anxiety about spiders, and he didn’t care to know. What he wanted was for her to do what she was told. For some reason, he sensed that she felt like an equal in the group - which she was not. This was due to two things: one, he didn’t know her. They’d never worked a job together and she hadn’t proved herself to him. Secondly, she was a woman. Inferior. Weaker. Louder.
His green eyes slid over to where she was freaking out. He did not look at Zai as the other entered the building. That would be dealt with in a moment. For now, his whole focus was on the girl who’d dressed in red. Red.
As though his huge shoulders were on a swivel, he kept his face toward her, body turning second, and then he walked straight at her. He did not step around the rubble on the floor. He kicked through it. Splinters of wood skidded across the floor. Rocks tumbled out of the way. Khanh’s eyes never left her.
Still she was talking. Answering Zai about being in one piece. Asking if they were staying here in a way that suggested she was too good for it. This would be settled right now. Before any mission. If she couldn’t or wouldn’t obey a simple order to be silent, then she had no business going with them to do anything that would require such a vital skill.
Once within reach, his hand snapped out and caught her by the jaw, his tumb and middle fingers pressing in painfully tight to the pressure points there, hard enough that it might force her mouth open. He used this leverage to force her to come up onto her tiptoes so that they were eye to eye. Then he smiled charmingly at her.
“I said shut. up.” Without letting her go, he slowly turned around, still holding onto her face, and walked her backward, still with her toes barely brushing the ground, and set her on the stairs. “Stay here. Do not move. Nahash will be the one to decide if I get to kill you or not when he arrives if you do not learn your place. Right now.”
At last, he let her go and then took a large step back, spreading his arms out, still smiling. His voice was silken and quiet as he spoke. “We’d all like to be friends, Somra. We are Sariqas. If you’re afraid of spiders, I’ll bathe you in them until you learn to eat them. You will never scream at a spider again.”
Surely she knew that she would be climbing buildings, placing her fingers into dark handholds where spiders might be lurking. Probably she’d be climbing into little used spaces filled with dust and, again, spiders. May the gods spare them if she was scared of lizards too.
Khanh’s patience with this girl mirrored Akhmad’s. None. He couldn’t read her thoughts on their surroundings, her excitement about their group, or her general anxiety about spiders, and he didn’t care to know. What he wanted was for her to do what she was told. For some reason, he sensed that she felt like an equal in the group - which she was not. This was due to two things: one, he didn’t know her. They’d never worked a job together and she hadn’t proved herself to him. Secondly, she was a woman. Inferior. Weaker. Louder.
His green eyes slid over to where she was freaking out. He did not look at Zai as the other entered the building. That would be dealt with in a moment. For now, his whole focus was on the girl who’d dressed in red. Red.
As though his huge shoulders were on a swivel, he kept his face toward her, body turning second, and then he walked straight at her. He did not step around the rubble on the floor. He kicked through it. Splinters of wood skidded across the floor. Rocks tumbled out of the way. Khanh’s eyes never left her.
Still she was talking. Answering Zai about being in one piece. Asking if they were staying here in a way that suggested she was too good for it. This would be settled right now. Before any mission. If she couldn’t or wouldn’t obey a simple order to be silent, then she had no business going with them to do anything that would require such a vital skill.
Once within reach, his hand snapped out and caught her by the jaw, his tumb and middle fingers pressing in painfully tight to the pressure points there, hard enough that it might force her mouth open. He used this leverage to force her to come up onto her tiptoes so that they were eye to eye. Then he smiled charmingly at her.
“I said shut. up.” Without letting her go, he slowly turned around, still holding onto her face, and walked her backward, still with her toes barely brushing the ground, and set her on the stairs. “Stay here. Do not move. Nahash will be the one to decide if I get to kill you or not when he arrives if you do not learn your place. Right now.”
At last, he let her go and then took a large step back, spreading his arms out, still smiling. His voice was silken and quiet as he spoke. “We’d all like to be friends, Somra. We are Sariqas. If you’re afraid of spiders, I’ll bathe you in them until you learn to eat them. You will never scream at a spider again.”
Surely she knew that she would be climbing buildings, placing her fingers into dark handholds where spiders might be lurking. Probably she’d be climbing into little used spaces filled with dust and, again, spiders. May the gods spare them if she was scared of lizards too.
Tiye often wished she were a man. Nearly everything bad that had happened to her was because she did not have a dangle between her legs. That was just as true today as she had a few more obstacles than a man would in getting here.
First, she was accosted for not selling her body to some man as they both passed a well known pornoboskós (thought, being new in town, Tiye herself hardly knew). She was shortly after shamed for selling her body as someone out of earshot of the first interaction saw her passing so close to said pornoboskós. She was later asked why she was travelling alone and she must have looked vulnerable because she was also mugged. Well, at least it was an attempt at a mugging.
The lanky man had greatly underestimated her and even though Tiye was not the Sariqas best fighter by a long shot, she could hold her own, especially when her having skill at all was a surprise.
Her small blade came out and slice off one of his fingers and it was over in an instant. He grabbed his hand and held it to his chest with a load yowl while Tiye quickly sped away.
Now, looking for the symbol on one of the abandoned buildings was frustrating her, she just wanted today to be over with and to rest after a long day of travel. Finding it after wasting a lot of time checking buildings only to find other squatters, she sighed in relief, happy to have finally come upon squatters she could call her own.
There were four of them and she greeted her brethren quietly before Somra's words as she had entered registered, "It looks alright to me." She commented. Complaining about their accommodations was only reserved for something she deemed dangerous. Dirt and bugs, she could handle. They would at least stay here until all of them arrived and if that took all night, so be it.
She was about to say as much when Khanh beelined toward them and grabbed Somra. Her large brown eyes narrowed, knowing that Somra needed to learn these lessons but not liking seeing someone bully a woman so much smaller than themselves with physical force, "A lesson can be learned without brutality." She commented but turned to Somra quickly, "But he is right. We stay here as long as it takes. If you want the rewards, there is also a cost. We wait here, patiently and quietly until it is time to move on."
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Tiye often wished she were a man. Nearly everything bad that had happened to her was because she did not have a dangle between her legs. That was just as true today as she had a few more obstacles than a man would in getting here.
First, she was accosted for not selling her body to some man as they both passed a well known pornoboskós (thought, being new in town, Tiye herself hardly knew). She was shortly after shamed for selling her body as someone out of earshot of the first interaction saw her passing so close to said pornoboskós. She was later asked why she was travelling alone and she must have looked vulnerable because she was also mugged. Well, at least it was an attempt at a mugging.
The lanky man had greatly underestimated her and even though Tiye was not the Sariqas best fighter by a long shot, she could hold her own, especially when her having skill at all was a surprise.
Her small blade came out and slice off one of his fingers and it was over in an instant. He grabbed his hand and held it to his chest with a load yowl while Tiye quickly sped away.
Now, looking for the symbol on one of the abandoned buildings was frustrating her, she just wanted today to be over with and to rest after a long day of travel. Finding it after wasting a lot of time checking buildings only to find other squatters, she sighed in relief, happy to have finally come upon squatters she could call her own.
There were four of them and she greeted her brethren quietly before Somra's words as she had entered registered, "It looks alright to me." She commented. Complaining about their accommodations was only reserved for something she deemed dangerous. Dirt and bugs, she could handle. They would at least stay here until all of them arrived and if that took all night, so be it.
She was about to say as much when Khanh beelined toward them and grabbed Somra. Her large brown eyes narrowed, knowing that Somra needed to learn these lessons but not liking seeing someone bully a woman so much smaller than themselves with physical force, "A lesson can be learned without brutality." She commented but turned to Somra quickly, "But he is right. We stay here as long as it takes. If you want the rewards, there is also a cost. We wait here, patiently and quietly until it is time to move on."
Tiye often wished she were a man. Nearly everything bad that had happened to her was because she did not have a dangle between her legs. That was just as true today as she had a few more obstacles than a man would in getting here.
First, she was accosted for not selling her body to some man as they both passed a well known pornoboskós (thought, being new in town, Tiye herself hardly knew). She was shortly after shamed for selling her body as someone out of earshot of the first interaction saw her passing so close to said pornoboskós. She was later asked why she was travelling alone and she must have looked vulnerable because she was also mugged. Well, at least it was an attempt at a mugging.
The lanky man had greatly underestimated her and even though Tiye was not the Sariqas best fighter by a long shot, she could hold her own, especially when her having skill at all was a surprise.
Her small blade came out and slice off one of his fingers and it was over in an instant. He grabbed his hand and held it to his chest with a load yowl while Tiye quickly sped away.
Now, looking for the symbol on one of the abandoned buildings was frustrating her, she just wanted today to be over with and to rest after a long day of travel. Finding it after wasting a lot of time checking buildings only to find other squatters, she sighed in relief, happy to have finally come upon squatters she could call her own.
There were four of them and she greeted her brethren quietly before Somra's words as she had entered registered, "It looks alright to me." She commented. Complaining about their accommodations was only reserved for something she deemed dangerous. Dirt and bugs, she could handle. They would at least stay here until all of them arrived and if that took all night, so be it.
She was about to say as much when Khanh beelined toward them and grabbed Somra. Her large brown eyes narrowed, knowing that Somra needed to learn these lessons but not liking seeing someone bully a woman so much smaller than themselves with physical force, "A lesson can be learned without brutality." She commented but turned to Somra quickly, "But he is right. We stay here as long as it takes. If you want the rewards, there is also a cost. We wait here, patiently and quietly until it is time to move on."
To say that Khanh’s actions were unexpected would be an understatement. Somra knew she was getting herself into a group of rough criminals, she had never thought otherwise, but as she was grabbed by the much larger man, she realized that this was more than that. He was something a lot more terrifying than a member of a group of thieves.
All thoughts drained out of her mind and her eyes were wide with pure terror. She could have sworn her heart stopped, and she didn’t breathe the entire time he had his grip on her jaw. She could barely understand his words as pure, ice cold fear ran through her. He set her on the stairs, and she didn’t dare move as he continued to speak, his words still not penetrating her fear addled mind. Her dark eyes burned with tears that had already begun to slide down her cheeks. Had she been asked to repeat what he had said to her, she wouldn’t be able to repeat one word, the words made no impact on the young woman, but the crazed look in his eyes and the shear ease with which he had grabbed her and picked her up did.
Almost worse than his grip was the fact that not one of the other three made any move to defend her while it was happening. She knew that she was new to the group, but she had thought perhaps she held at least enough value among them to be treated like a human being. She realized now that she was wrong, and she held no worth to them, and she had never felt more alone and horrible than she had in that very moment.
As he stepped away, she sank down and sat on the stairs in the spot he had left her, not daring to move even a step further than that. Her shaking hands moved to pull her red hood back up over her hair, and she pulled her knees to her chest, resting her arms on top of them, she subsequently rested her head on her arms and sat there, silently crying. She didn’t dare make a sound, the throbbing pain on her jaw where his fingers had dug in was more than enough warning for her to keep herself silent even through the tears. Not even a single sniffle came from her, terrified that if she were to even breathe too loud, she would be subject to more of that.
Somra sat there, her loud and happy personality stripped away for the moment as she shook out of fear that he would come after her again, unable to hold back the tears that fell freely. She didn’t look up, not wishing to face any of the four people in the room or see Khanh if he were to come after her again. She debated turning and taking off, she was sure she could outrun Khanh and Zai easy enough, but clearly Akhmad held no care towards her, and he was the only one who could possibly keep up with her. She was sure if she made a run for it, he would gladly come after her and kill her then and there. Her heart sunk more at the thought, thinking of her attachment to the silent male. She had thought that perhaps, even though he did not speak or show any affection, that he had felt some sort of kinship towards her.
Her mind was already running through how she was going to rid herself of this group, plotting on slipping away as soon as their attentions were turned elsewhere. She had come to them, seeking the riches she was promised, but no amount of money was worth this. She would slip away at the soonest opportunity before Akhmad could catch on and go after her, and she would flee… somewhere. She didn’t know where yet, but she supposed even the whorehouse she grew up in would be better than this.
She heard Tiye’s words, but even the slight chastising of the male’s actions wasn’t enough for her to look up or feel any better. She made no comment back to the only other female of the group, feeling hatred building in her chest towards all of them. ‘Bunch of savage beasts, no better than wild animals.’ She thought to herself, her tears stopping for the moment as her fear and sadness was replaced with anger.
Somra wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks with one hand before raising her head, she very specifically averted her gaze from any of them, instead electing to rest her head sideways against the stone wall beside her, staring wordlessly into the dark corner across from where she sat. Her eyes were a bit red and puffy from the crying, but for once she did not care what she looked like.
Still she didn’t move from the stair on which she sat and didn’t acknowledge any of them or make a noise. Instead she made plans, for her escape from these lunatics, and for what she would do once she was free of them. Her modest life as a street performer would have to do until she came up with something else.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a feeling on her foot, and she looked down to see a similar spider to the one that had been squished earlier, but a bit smaller, slowly creeping across her dark skin. She froze, feeling terror for the second time in a short span of time. She began to shake again, and it took everything in her to not scream and freak out. The tears started again as she watched it, too terrified to do anything but stare at it. She knew if she made a move or a noise, she would have to face Khanh’s wrath, and she knew it would be worse this time. She didn’t even dare move to try and kick it off her foot or brush it off, fearing that even that movement would set Khanh’s anger off again.
Instead she sat there, paralyzed in fear, feeling like the stress would cause her to pass out or throw up, or perhaps even both. Eventually the spider moved off her, casually crawling its way down the steps and off towards where the others stood. She let out a breath she hadn’t even realized she had been holding, she let her eyes close as she tried to steady her shaking hands and her racing heart before she passed out or something worse.
Eventually she opened her eyes once more and looked to the others in the room, mostly just making sure that she wasn't about to be attacked again. He wouldn't grab her so easily next time, had she been paying attention or thought there was a chance of him doing something like that, he never would have gotten his hands on her.
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To say that Khanh’s actions were unexpected would be an understatement. Somra knew she was getting herself into a group of rough criminals, she had never thought otherwise, but as she was grabbed by the much larger man, she realized that this was more than that. He was something a lot more terrifying than a member of a group of thieves.
All thoughts drained out of her mind and her eyes were wide with pure terror. She could have sworn her heart stopped, and she didn’t breathe the entire time he had his grip on her jaw. She could barely understand his words as pure, ice cold fear ran through her. He set her on the stairs, and she didn’t dare move as he continued to speak, his words still not penetrating her fear addled mind. Her dark eyes burned with tears that had already begun to slide down her cheeks. Had she been asked to repeat what he had said to her, she wouldn’t be able to repeat one word, the words made no impact on the young woman, but the crazed look in his eyes and the shear ease with which he had grabbed her and picked her up did.
Almost worse than his grip was the fact that not one of the other three made any move to defend her while it was happening. She knew that she was new to the group, but she had thought perhaps she held at least enough value among them to be treated like a human being. She realized now that she was wrong, and she held no worth to them, and she had never felt more alone and horrible than she had in that very moment.
As he stepped away, she sank down and sat on the stairs in the spot he had left her, not daring to move even a step further than that. Her shaking hands moved to pull her red hood back up over her hair, and she pulled her knees to her chest, resting her arms on top of them, she subsequently rested her head on her arms and sat there, silently crying. She didn’t dare make a sound, the throbbing pain on her jaw where his fingers had dug in was more than enough warning for her to keep herself silent even through the tears. Not even a single sniffle came from her, terrified that if she were to even breathe too loud, she would be subject to more of that.
Somra sat there, her loud and happy personality stripped away for the moment as she shook out of fear that he would come after her again, unable to hold back the tears that fell freely. She didn’t look up, not wishing to face any of the four people in the room or see Khanh if he were to come after her again. She debated turning and taking off, she was sure she could outrun Khanh and Zai easy enough, but clearly Akhmad held no care towards her, and he was the only one who could possibly keep up with her. She was sure if she made a run for it, he would gladly come after her and kill her then and there. Her heart sunk more at the thought, thinking of her attachment to the silent male. She had thought that perhaps, even though he did not speak or show any affection, that he had felt some sort of kinship towards her.
Her mind was already running through how she was going to rid herself of this group, plotting on slipping away as soon as their attentions were turned elsewhere. She had come to them, seeking the riches she was promised, but no amount of money was worth this. She would slip away at the soonest opportunity before Akhmad could catch on and go after her, and she would flee… somewhere. She didn’t know where yet, but she supposed even the whorehouse she grew up in would be better than this.
She heard Tiye’s words, but even the slight chastising of the male’s actions wasn’t enough for her to look up or feel any better. She made no comment back to the only other female of the group, feeling hatred building in her chest towards all of them. ‘Bunch of savage beasts, no better than wild animals.’ She thought to herself, her tears stopping for the moment as her fear and sadness was replaced with anger.
Somra wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks with one hand before raising her head, she very specifically averted her gaze from any of them, instead electing to rest her head sideways against the stone wall beside her, staring wordlessly into the dark corner across from where she sat. Her eyes were a bit red and puffy from the crying, but for once she did not care what she looked like.
Still she didn’t move from the stair on which she sat and didn’t acknowledge any of them or make a noise. Instead she made plans, for her escape from these lunatics, and for what she would do once she was free of them. Her modest life as a street performer would have to do until she came up with something else.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a feeling on her foot, and she looked down to see a similar spider to the one that had been squished earlier, but a bit smaller, slowly creeping across her dark skin. She froze, feeling terror for the second time in a short span of time. She began to shake again, and it took everything in her to not scream and freak out. The tears started again as she watched it, too terrified to do anything but stare at it. She knew if she made a move or a noise, she would have to face Khanh’s wrath, and she knew it would be worse this time. She didn’t even dare move to try and kick it off her foot or brush it off, fearing that even that movement would set Khanh’s anger off again.
Instead she sat there, paralyzed in fear, feeling like the stress would cause her to pass out or throw up, or perhaps even both. Eventually the spider moved off her, casually crawling its way down the steps and off towards where the others stood. She let out a breath she hadn’t even realized she had been holding, she let her eyes close as she tried to steady her shaking hands and her racing heart before she passed out or something worse.
Eventually she opened her eyes once more and looked to the others in the room, mostly just making sure that she wasn't about to be attacked again. He wouldn't grab her so easily next time, had she been paying attention or thought there was a chance of him doing something like that, he never would have gotten his hands on her.
To say that Khanh’s actions were unexpected would be an understatement. Somra knew she was getting herself into a group of rough criminals, she had never thought otherwise, but as she was grabbed by the much larger man, she realized that this was more than that. He was something a lot more terrifying than a member of a group of thieves.
All thoughts drained out of her mind and her eyes were wide with pure terror. She could have sworn her heart stopped, and she didn’t breathe the entire time he had his grip on her jaw. She could barely understand his words as pure, ice cold fear ran through her. He set her on the stairs, and she didn’t dare move as he continued to speak, his words still not penetrating her fear addled mind. Her dark eyes burned with tears that had already begun to slide down her cheeks. Had she been asked to repeat what he had said to her, she wouldn’t be able to repeat one word, the words made no impact on the young woman, but the crazed look in his eyes and the shear ease with which he had grabbed her and picked her up did.
Almost worse than his grip was the fact that not one of the other three made any move to defend her while it was happening. She knew that she was new to the group, but she had thought perhaps she held at least enough value among them to be treated like a human being. She realized now that she was wrong, and she held no worth to them, and she had never felt more alone and horrible than she had in that very moment.
As he stepped away, she sank down and sat on the stairs in the spot he had left her, not daring to move even a step further than that. Her shaking hands moved to pull her red hood back up over her hair, and she pulled her knees to her chest, resting her arms on top of them, she subsequently rested her head on her arms and sat there, silently crying. She didn’t dare make a sound, the throbbing pain on her jaw where his fingers had dug in was more than enough warning for her to keep herself silent even through the tears. Not even a single sniffle came from her, terrified that if she were to even breathe too loud, she would be subject to more of that.
Somra sat there, her loud and happy personality stripped away for the moment as she shook out of fear that he would come after her again, unable to hold back the tears that fell freely. She didn’t look up, not wishing to face any of the four people in the room or see Khanh if he were to come after her again. She debated turning and taking off, she was sure she could outrun Khanh and Zai easy enough, but clearly Akhmad held no care towards her, and he was the only one who could possibly keep up with her. She was sure if she made a run for it, he would gladly come after her and kill her then and there. Her heart sunk more at the thought, thinking of her attachment to the silent male. She had thought that perhaps, even though he did not speak or show any affection, that he had felt some sort of kinship towards her.
Her mind was already running through how she was going to rid herself of this group, plotting on slipping away as soon as their attentions were turned elsewhere. She had come to them, seeking the riches she was promised, but no amount of money was worth this. She would slip away at the soonest opportunity before Akhmad could catch on and go after her, and she would flee… somewhere. She didn’t know where yet, but she supposed even the whorehouse she grew up in would be better than this.
She heard Tiye’s words, but even the slight chastising of the male’s actions wasn’t enough for her to look up or feel any better. She made no comment back to the only other female of the group, feeling hatred building in her chest towards all of them. ‘Bunch of savage beasts, no better than wild animals.’ She thought to herself, her tears stopping for the moment as her fear and sadness was replaced with anger.
Somra wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks with one hand before raising her head, she very specifically averted her gaze from any of them, instead electing to rest her head sideways against the stone wall beside her, staring wordlessly into the dark corner across from where she sat. Her eyes were a bit red and puffy from the crying, but for once she did not care what she looked like.
Still she didn’t move from the stair on which she sat and didn’t acknowledge any of them or make a noise. Instead she made plans, for her escape from these lunatics, and for what she would do once she was free of them. Her modest life as a street performer would have to do until she came up with something else.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a feeling on her foot, and she looked down to see a similar spider to the one that had been squished earlier, but a bit smaller, slowly creeping across her dark skin. She froze, feeling terror for the second time in a short span of time. She began to shake again, and it took everything in her to not scream and freak out. The tears started again as she watched it, too terrified to do anything but stare at it. She knew if she made a move or a noise, she would have to face Khanh’s wrath, and she knew it would be worse this time. She didn’t even dare move to try and kick it off her foot or brush it off, fearing that even that movement would set Khanh’s anger off again.
Instead she sat there, paralyzed in fear, feeling like the stress would cause her to pass out or throw up, or perhaps even both. Eventually the spider moved off her, casually crawling its way down the steps and off towards where the others stood. She let out a breath she hadn’t even realized she had been holding, she let her eyes close as she tried to steady her shaking hands and her racing heart before she passed out or something worse.
Eventually she opened her eyes once more and looked to the others in the room, mostly just making sure that she wasn't about to be attacked again. He wouldn't grab her so easily next time, had she been paying attention or thought there was a chance of him doing something like that, he never would have gotten his hands on her.
In public Nahash had found a way to go by unnoticed. Draped in layers of material if he slouched over the right way and wore his hair covered, those who glanced at him saw an old man, a scarred ex soldier who they couldn’t look at for too long. Such was the blessing left to him by those who had thought his stooping posture a ruse. With his staff in hand, the man made his way through the burned out shell of Midas with little care, his gaze betraying that of a man who had seen as bad and worse. Any who came across him moved around him if they gave him the time of day, and as he turned onto the street of the symbol there was no one left to discover him.
He always left last, waited and watched as his brothers slipped away onto their various modes of transport, keeping tabs on those he could and watching Tiye especially. A healer who worked with their band and proved useful was more valuable than nearly any other member. They could not see a physician who worked with just anyone for fear that they might be caught out at their most vulnerable. He had very nearly stepped in when aman had gotten to close to the woman, but she’d proven she didn’t need his intervention and a small almost quirk of his lips was the closest he came to a smile.
Now just outside their new lair, he listened to the new bird squawking her complaints, Khanh’s harsh response, and the scuffle that ensued. Tiye wouldn’t let any harm come to her, but if she planned to keep up with them a healthy dose of fear would do her good. A lifetime of practice made his steps light enough, in combination with the distraction of the others toward the new girl, that he was able to slip into the building in time to see her set down upon the stairs. Perhaps Akhmad would notice, the silent shadow was more observant than most of them. This time the curl of his lip was something like disgust. Emotion would not serve her well in this line of work, and she would have to learn to obey those who had been in this world longer than she. Their goal was not to be flashy and attract attention as if selling themselves on the street, they had to be invisible to maintain their power.
As the girl’s tears continued he stood to his full height, an imposing stretch that would have his head knocked on many a doorway, though he kept hold of his staff.
”My brothers. Sister.”
Nahash stepped over the rubble to where the girl sat crying, giving a nod of greeting to each of his men in turn and placing a hand on Khanh’s shoulder for just the briefest moment, a show of silent support and at the same time a warning for him to restrain his rage. She was pretty, and it would be a shame to waste a life so young. Kneeling slightly on the stairs so he was almost at level with her, he could read the anxiety in her eyes. She was not someone he would have brought in under normal circumstances, but his brother had vouched for her and he trusted that.
”You must learn. To be silent. To hide. We are not performers dancing for attention. Attention means death.”
His voice was low, level, loud enough to be heard by the others in the room but nothing that would draw notice. His hand though was raised, without an intent to truly harm, he certainly didn’t want her shrieks drawing notice to their abode. Instead he found her hair, sliding through the dark wefts to grip the back of her head and place pressure on her to stand and move away from the stairs. Tiye’s person was his goal as he gave a push with no little force to remove her from his way.
”Find her something else. Something no one will mistake as anything important.”
The order was directed at Tiye, the only other woman. He’d have Somra in one of his own robes if it wouldn’t have entirely swallowed the young one, but anything to remove the brightness from their midst would be a start. Climbing the stairs, Nahash ignored any kerfuffle below as he looked about the burned out space. There was just enough roof and floor above to prevent them from getting damp in the event of a storm, and space enough for them to fit comfortably and store what little they had. With a nod the leader turned and stepped back down, stopping to look over and take stock of them all.
”It will do for now.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Check out their information page here.
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In public Nahash had found a way to go by unnoticed. Draped in layers of material if he slouched over the right way and wore his hair covered, those who glanced at him saw an old man, a scarred ex soldier who they couldn’t look at for too long. Such was the blessing left to him by those who had thought his stooping posture a ruse. With his staff in hand, the man made his way through the burned out shell of Midas with little care, his gaze betraying that of a man who had seen as bad and worse. Any who came across him moved around him if they gave him the time of day, and as he turned onto the street of the symbol there was no one left to discover him.
He always left last, waited and watched as his brothers slipped away onto their various modes of transport, keeping tabs on those he could and watching Tiye especially. A healer who worked with their band and proved useful was more valuable than nearly any other member. They could not see a physician who worked with just anyone for fear that they might be caught out at their most vulnerable. He had very nearly stepped in when aman had gotten to close to the woman, but she’d proven she didn’t need his intervention and a small almost quirk of his lips was the closest he came to a smile.
Now just outside their new lair, he listened to the new bird squawking her complaints, Khanh’s harsh response, and the scuffle that ensued. Tiye wouldn’t let any harm come to her, but if she planned to keep up with them a healthy dose of fear would do her good. A lifetime of practice made his steps light enough, in combination with the distraction of the others toward the new girl, that he was able to slip into the building in time to see her set down upon the stairs. Perhaps Akhmad would notice, the silent shadow was more observant than most of them. This time the curl of his lip was something like disgust. Emotion would not serve her well in this line of work, and she would have to learn to obey those who had been in this world longer than she. Their goal was not to be flashy and attract attention as if selling themselves on the street, they had to be invisible to maintain their power.
As the girl’s tears continued he stood to his full height, an imposing stretch that would have his head knocked on many a doorway, though he kept hold of his staff.
”My brothers. Sister.”
Nahash stepped over the rubble to where the girl sat crying, giving a nod of greeting to each of his men in turn and placing a hand on Khanh’s shoulder for just the briefest moment, a show of silent support and at the same time a warning for him to restrain his rage. She was pretty, and it would be a shame to waste a life so young. Kneeling slightly on the stairs so he was almost at level with her, he could read the anxiety in her eyes. She was not someone he would have brought in under normal circumstances, but his brother had vouched for her and he trusted that.
”You must learn. To be silent. To hide. We are not performers dancing for attention. Attention means death.”
His voice was low, level, loud enough to be heard by the others in the room but nothing that would draw notice. His hand though was raised, without an intent to truly harm, he certainly didn’t want her shrieks drawing notice to their abode. Instead he found her hair, sliding through the dark wefts to grip the back of her head and place pressure on her to stand and move away from the stairs. Tiye’s person was his goal as he gave a push with no little force to remove her from his way.
”Find her something else. Something no one will mistake as anything important.”
The order was directed at Tiye, the only other woman. He’d have Somra in one of his own robes if it wouldn’t have entirely swallowed the young one, but anything to remove the brightness from their midst would be a start. Climbing the stairs, Nahash ignored any kerfuffle below as he looked about the burned out space. There was just enough roof and floor above to prevent them from getting damp in the event of a storm, and space enough for them to fit comfortably and store what little they had. With a nod the leader turned and stepped back down, stopping to look over and take stock of them all.
”It will do for now.”
In public Nahash had found a way to go by unnoticed. Draped in layers of material if he slouched over the right way and wore his hair covered, those who glanced at him saw an old man, a scarred ex soldier who they couldn’t look at for too long. Such was the blessing left to him by those who had thought his stooping posture a ruse. With his staff in hand, the man made his way through the burned out shell of Midas with little care, his gaze betraying that of a man who had seen as bad and worse. Any who came across him moved around him if they gave him the time of day, and as he turned onto the street of the symbol there was no one left to discover him.
He always left last, waited and watched as his brothers slipped away onto their various modes of transport, keeping tabs on those he could and watching Tiye especially. A healer who worked with their band and proved useful was more valuable than nearly any other member. They could not see a physician who worked with just anyone for fear that they might be caught out at their most vulnerable. He had very nearly stepped in when aman had gotten to close to the woman, but she’d proven she didn’t need his intervention and a small almost quirk of his lips was the closest he came to a smile.
Now just outside their new lair, he listened to the new bird squawking her complaints, Khanh’s harsh response, and the scuffle that ensued. Tiye wouldn’t let any harm come to her, but if she planned to keep up with them a healthy dose of fear would do her good. A lifetime of practice made his steps light enough, in combination with the distraction of the others toward the new girl, that he was able to slip into the building in time to see her set down upon the stairs. Perhaps Akhmad would notice, the silent shadow was more observant than most of them. This time the curl of his lip was something like disgust. Emotion would not serve her well in this line of work, and she would have to learn to obey those who had been in this world longer than she. Their goal was not to be flashy and attract attention as if selling themselves on the street, they had to be invisible to maintain their power.
As the girl’s tears continued he stood to his full height, an imposing stretch that would have his head knocked on many a doorway, though he kept hold of his staff.
”My brothers. Sister.”
Nahash stepped over the rubble to where the girl sat crying, giving a nod of greeting to each of his men in turn and placing a hand on Khanh’s shoulder for just the briefest moment, a show of silent support and at the same time a warning for him to restrain his rage. She was pretty, and it would be a shame to waste a life so young. Kneeling slightly on the stairs so he was almost at level with her, he could read the anxiety in her eyes. She was not someone he would have brought in under normal circumstances, but his brother had vouched for her and he trusted that.
”You must learn. To be silent. To hide. We are not performers dancing for attention. Attention means death.”
His voice was low, level, loud enough to be heard by the others in the room but nothing that would draw notice. His hand though was raised, without an intent to truly harm, he certainly didn’t want her shrieks drawing notice to their abode. Instead he found her hair, sliding through the dark wefts to grip the back of her head and place pressure on her to stand and move away from the stairs. Tiye’s person was his goal as he gave a push with no little force to remove her from his way.
”Find her something else. Something no one will mistake as anything important.”
The order was directed at Tiye, the only other woman. He’d have Somra in one of his own robes if it wouldn’t have entirely swallowed the young one, but anything to remove the brightness from their midst would be a start. Climbing the stairs, Nahash ignored any kerfuffle below as he looked about the burned out space. There was just enough roof and floor above to prevent them from getting damp in the event of a storm, and space enough for them to fit comfortably and store what little they had. With a nod the leader turned and stepped back down, stopping to look over and take stock of them all.
”It will do for now.”
He hadn’t immediately noticed Nahash’s presence but he was aware of him by the time the man was half way through the room. Nahash’s heavy had on his shoulder had Khanh step back wordlessly, having no further need to do anything at all to Somra. Their leader was here and if she wanted to scream and wail, Nahash would be the one to decide. Instead, while Nahash spoke to Somra, Khanh threw a glance at Akhmad and then moved over to where Zai stood.
“She’s flashy,” he said in a low voice. His arms were folded across his chest and he kept his back to the stairs. All of his attention was on Zai. “She was the best Tiye could find?” What he actually meant, was, wasn’t there anyone else? But obviously there hadn’t been or the girl wouldn’t be here.
To Tiye, Khanh flicked his eyes and watched with interest when Somra was given into the other girl’s care. He smiled at them. “Be a good mother to her, Tiye,” he teased. With Nahash present, he did not need to throw his weight around to keep them in line and so he had defaulted into a more relaxed attitude.
Half turning, he watched Nahash wander up the stairs, knowing what the man would see up there. All he was waiting on was confirmation if this place was appropriate or not. Nahash came back down stairs, looking them all over. ”It will do for now.”
To this, Khanh nodded. “Food will be a start, then. I didn’t bother to hoard any until I knew what we were dealing with.” Added to that they would need to clean it a little bit. Make the fireplace useable. It would be a ‘home’ of sorts, but never anything they couldn’t leave at a moment’s notice and never come back to. The whole point was to keep it for a short time and then abandon it when they targeted something and somewhere else.
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He hadn’t immediately noticed Nahash’s presence but he was aware of him by the time the man was half way through the room. Nahash’s heavy had on his shoulder had Khanh step back wordlessly, having no further need to do anything at all to Somra. Their leader was here and if she wanted to scream and wail, Nahash would be the one to decide. Instead, while Nahash spoke to Somra, Khanh threw a glance at Akhmad and then moved over to where Zai stood.
“She’s flashy,” he said in a low voice. His arms were folded across his chest and he kept his back to the stairs. All of his attention was on Zai. “She was the best Tiye could find?” What he actually meant, was, wasn’t there anyone else? But obviously there hadn’t been or the girl wouldn’t be here.
To Tiye, Khanh flicked his eyes and watched with interest when Somra was given into the other girl’s care. He smiled at them. “Be a good mother to her, Tiye,” he teased. With Nahash present, he did not need to throw his weight around to keep them in line and so he had defaulted into a more relaxed attitude.
Half turning, he watched Nahash wander up the stairs, knowing what the man would see up there. All he was waiting on was confirmation if this place was appropriate or not. Nahash came back down stairs, looking them all over. ”It will do for now.”
To this, Khanh nodded. “Food will be a start, then. I didn’t bother to hoard any until I knew what we were dealing with.” Added to that they would need to clean it a little bit. Make the fireplace useable. It would be a ‘home’ of sorts, but never anything they couldn’t leave at a moment’s notice and never come back to. The whole point was to keep it for a short time and then abandon it when they targeted something and somewhere else.
He hadn’t immediately noticed Nahash’s presence but he was aware of him by the time the man was half way through the room. Nahash’s heavy had on his shoulder had Khanh step back wordlessly, having no further need to do anything at all to Somra. Their leader was here and if she wanted to scream and wail, Nahash would be the one to decide. Instead, while Nahash spoke to Somra, Khanh threw a glance at Akhmad and then moved over to where Zai stood.
“She’s flashy,” he said in a low voice. His arms were folded across his chest and he kept his back to the stairs. All of his attention was on Zai. “She was the best Tiye could find?” What he actually meant, was, wasn’t there anyone else? But obviously there hadn’t been or the girl wouldn’t be here.
To Tiye, Khanh flicked his eyes and watched with interest when Somra was given into the other girl’s care. He smiled at them. “Be a good mother to her, Tiye,” he teased. With Nahash present, he did not need to throw his weight around to keep them in line and so he had defaulted into a more relaxed attitude.
Half turning, he watched Nahash wander up the stairs, knowing what the man would see up there. All he was waiting on was confirmation if this place was appropriate or not. Nahash came back down stairs, looking them all over. ”It will do for now.”
To this, Khanh nodded. “Food will be a start, then. I didn’t bother to hoard any until I knew what we were dealing with.” Added to that they would need to clean it a little bit. Make the fireplace useable. It would be a ‘home’ of sorts, but never anything they couldn’t leave at a moment’s notice and never come back to. The whole point was to keep it for a short time and then abandon it when they targeted something and somewhere else.
Akhmad watched Khanh rectified the situation with the newcomer. He was sure that there were many a person who would critique his lack of intervention over the assault their second-in-command wrought upon the young girl. But they were not a part of the Sariqas.
As far as Akhmad saw it, life was simple. There were givers and there were takers. Losers and winners. And if you were a taker; a winner of what you desired... you couldn't feel empathy or sympathy from those you took from. It still your hand. It softened your heart. And it turned you into something who let go of what they wanted, in order to offer to someone else. It turned you into a giver. A loser.
So, the rules were simple. You were hard. You were merciless. And you took what you wanted from life. But to do that you had to be careful. Silence was the better part of discretion. And Akhmad lived by it.
There were two choices when you came into the circle of the Sariqas population. You were quick to shut up and follow orders. Or you died. And, in a curious way, it was actually a sign of acceptance and even affection that Akhmad did nothing to stop Khanh instilling that lesson in Somra. It was a sign that he didn't want her to be killed by their own blades for being determined as a liability.
It was true that there were likely gentler ways in which their second-in-command could have made his point. But in Akhmad's experience, the harshest lessons were the ones you remembered the most clearly; the ones to adjust your behaviour most quickly.
The arrival of their leader had a minute but noticeable effect on the room. Zai seemed to relax at the sight of his brother, returned safe, Tiye tensed, Khanh straightened. Each motion was tiny but created a tension in the room that hadn't been there before. An air of apprehension and fearful excitement. It was a common effect for Nahash to have on a room. With his tall frame and dominant presence... the darkness that he seemed to exude from soul to bone to skin... he was the leader of their group for a reason...
When Nahash greeted them, looking to each in turn, Akhmad pushed up from the wall to stand straight. In a soft and silent motion, he offered an inch of a nod and the touch of his fingertips to his chest. It was a small salute of respect that he gave no-one else in the group - not even Khanh.
He then stood still as a shadow as Nahash settled the matter with Somra and handed her over to the responsibility of Tiye. Akhmad watched carefully, waiting for a moment when the newcomer might look his way.
As chance had him catching her eye, Akhmad held her gaze and then very deliberately straightened his spine and allowed his chin to rise half an inch. She was new to the group so she might not have been able to translate the small and quiet communication that the others would notice but he had basically said - 'Have courage...'
His eyes turned back upon their leader and second as they discussed plans for their next step, listing the basic responsibilities and tasks that need to be completed if they were to regain their strength from their journey and then make plans for their scavenging of the city.
When Khanh mentioned about the need for food and the clearing of their shelter, Akhmad raised a hand and rubbed his thumb against his first two fingers. Given their usual routine upon finding a new place, those who were familiar with him would know what he was indicating. That along with food and a clean place to stay, they needed to scout out their first target for a pay day.
Pressing his fingertips together and peppering them against the material covering his mouth, Akhmad then straightened out his hand to indicate a volunteering gesture. After his contribution to the list of tasks that needed doing, he offered himself up for one of them: the scavenging of food.
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Akhmad watched Khanh rectified the situation with the newcomer. He was sure that there were many a person who would critique his lack of intervention over the assault their second-in-command wrought upon the young girl. But they were not a part of the Sariqas.
As far as Akhmad saw it, life was simple. There were givers and there were takers. Losers and winners. And if you were a taker; a winner of what you desired... you couldn't feel empathy or sympathy from those you took from. It still your hand. It softened your heart. And it turned you into something who let go of what they wanted, in order to offer to someone else. It turned you into a giver. A loser.
So, the rules were simple. You were hard. You were merciless. And you took what you wanted from life. But to do that you had to be careful. Silence was the better part of discretion. And Akhmad lived by it.
There were two choices when you came into the circle of the Sariqas population. You were quick to shut up and follow orders. Or you died. And, in a curious way, it was actually a sign of acceptance and even affection that Akhmad did nothing to stop Khanh instilling that lesson in Somra. It was a sign that he didn't want her to be killed by their own blades for being determined as a liability.
It was true that there were likely gentler ways in which their second-in-command could have made his point. But in Akhmad's experience, the harshest lessons were the ones you remembered the most clearly; the ones to adjust your behaviour most quickly.
The arrival of their leader had a minute but noticeable effect on the room. Zai seemed to relax at the sight of his brother, returned safe, Tiye tensed, Khanh straightened. Each motion was tiny but created a tension in the room that hadn't been there before. An air of apprehension and fearful excitement. It was a common effect for Nahash to have on a room. With his tall frame and dominant presence... the darkness that he seemed to exude from soul to bone to skin... he was the leader of their group for a reason...
When Nahash greeted them, looking to each in turn, Akhmad pushed up from the wall to stand straight. In a soft and silent motion, he offered an inch of a nod and the touch of his fingertips to his chest. It was a small salute of respect that he gave no-one else in the group - not even Khanh.
He then stood still as a shadow as Nahash settled the matter with Somra and handed her over to the responsibility of Tiye. Akhmad watched carefully, waiting for a moment when the newcomer might look his way.
As chance had him catching her eye, Akhmad held her gaze and then very deliberately straightened his spine and allowed his chin to rise half an inch. She was new to the group so she might not have been able to translate the small and quiet communication that the others would notice but he had basically said - 'Have courage...'
His eyes turned back upon their leader and second as they discussed plans for their next step, listing the basic responsibilities and tasks that need to be completed if they were to regain their strength from their journey and then make plans for their scavenging of the city.
When Khanh mentioned about the need for food and the clearing of their shelter, Akhmad raised a hand and rubbed his thumb against his first two fingers. Given their usual routine upon finding a new place, those who were familiar with him would know what he was indicating. That along with food and a clean place to stay, they needed to scout out their first target for a pay day.
Pressing his fingertips together and peppering them against the material covering his mouth, Akhmad then straightened out his hand to indicate a volunteering gesture. After his contribution to the list of tasks that needed doing, he offered himself up for one of them: the scavenging of food.
Akhmad watched Khanh rectified the situation with the newcomer. He was sure that there were many a person who would critique his lack of intervention over the assault their second-in-command wrought upon the young girl. But they were not a part of the Sariqas.
As far as Akhmad saw it, life was simple. There were givers and there were takers. Losers and winners. And if you were a taker; a winner of what you desired... you couldn't feel empathy or sympathy from those you took from. It still your hand. It softened your heart. And it turned you into something who let go of what they wanted, in order to offer to someone else. It turned you into a giver. A loser.
So, the rules were simple. You were hard. You were merciless. And you took what you wanted from life. But to do that you had to be careful. Silence was the better part of discretion. And Akhmad lived by it.
There were two choices when you came into the circle of the Sariqas population. You were quick to shut up and follow orders. Or you died. And, in a curious way, it was actually a sign of acceptance and even affection that Akhmad did nothing to stop Khanh instilling that lesson in Somra. It was a sign that he didn't want her to be killed by their own blades for being determined as a liability.
It was true that there were likely gentler ways in which their second-in-command could have made his point. But in Akhmad's experience, the harshest lessons were the ones you remembered the most clearly; the ones to adjust your behaviour most quickly.
The arrival of their leader had a minute but noticeable effect on the room. Zai seemed to relax at the sight of his brother, returned safe, Tiye tensed, Khanh straightened. Each motion was tiny but created a tension in the room that hadn't been there before. An air of apprehension and fearful excitement. It was a common effect for Nahash to have on a room. With his tall frame and dominant presence... the darkness that he seemed to exude from soul to bone to skin... he was the leader of their group for a reason...
When Nahash greeted them, looking to each in turn, Akhmad pushed up from the wall to stand straight. In a soft and silent motion, he offered an inch of a nod and the touch of his fingertips to his chest. It was a small salute of respect that he gave no-one else in the group - not even Khanh.
He then stood still as a shadow as Nahash settled the matter with Somra and handed her over to the responsibility of Tiye. Akhmad watched carefully, waiting for a moment when the newcomer might look his way.
As chance had him catching her eye, Akhmad held her gaze and then very deliberately straightened his spine and allowed his chin to rise half an inch. She was new to the group so she might not have been able to translate the small and quiet communication that the others would notice but he had basically said - 'Have courage...'
His eyes turned back upon their leader and second as they discussed plans for their next step, listing the basic responsibilities and tasks that need to be completed if they were to regain their strength from their journey and then make plans for their scavenging of the city.
When Khanh mentioned about the need for food and the clearing of their shelter, Akhmad raised a hand and rubbed his thumb against his first two fingers. Given their usual routine upon finding a new place, those who were familiar with him would know what he was indicating. That along with food and a clean place to stay, they needed to scout out their first target for a pay day.
Pressing his fingertips together and peppering them against the material covering his mouth, Akhmad then straightened out his hand to indicate a volunteering gesture. After his contribution to the list of tasks that needed doing, he offered himself up for one of them: the scavenging of food.
Zai jumped as Somra screeched, his instincts made him spread his knees and go into defensive mode, not having seen the spider that scared her and looking for something dangerous. When she spoke of spiders, his spine stiffened but his body went out of fight mode. She had a lot to learn. Thankfully, this particular area was not one where a little attention from a few homeless people and beggars would get them into trouble but spiders were everywhere and her reaction was clearly not controlled nor would be in a moment where it needed to be. He knew her reaction would piss off Khanh and well, anyone else who might be annoyed by shouting when they were laying low and by not being able to keep one's cool.
"Relax." He snapped a warning but it was too late. Despite the fact that they had killed many people in their wanderings and dealings, Zai was never a fan of violence and certainly not so toward a teenage woman less than half his size. They defended themselves, took on armed men, took on men who were equally fit and able. He was no stranger to violence or hurting someone but he would always avoid it if possible. So, when Khanh rushed forward and grabbed Somra, it made him scowl. Not that Khanh was wrong. In fact, his intention to teach this lesson was to keep them all safe and alive and maybe scaring the spit out of her would get through faster than a stern talking to. Still, she was little more than a child who needed to be taught. They had not walked onto the streets knowing how to manipulate it and stay alive either. Still, they couldn't afford to take chances, one mistake could mean death.
It didn't last long, thankfully, but Zai gave Khanh and disapproving look after he let the girl go. She sat there, shivering and crying, albeit silently, after Khanh walked away. Zai sighed and watched the girl admirably not move a muscle or make a squeak as another spider drawled across her foot. Sh learned quickly at least and he hoped Khanh saw it. He moved toward her, stepped on the spider that was now fleeing the scene of the death of its brethren and looked squarely at Somra, "It will get easier." he told her, "And then not even Khanh will scare you, let alone a spider." It was a lighthearted dig on his brother but also he hoped it would give Somra something else to think about. That and, he knew, if she tried to leave, she would not do so alive. They couldn't have her walk out and talk about them with that loud mouth of hers. Not when they just got here.
Nahash's voice made Zai turn and smile but he allowed his big brother to say what he would. Everyone did. No matter how close or how much you could tease and mess about with your big brother, he got Zai's respect as the detached and logical leader of their group. It was a fine line to skim but they had been doing it for years, especially because Zai knew when to quit and when to show respect.
Khanh criticized Somra again, and again brought up a valid point. At least he didn't come at her again. Then, things moved on because Tiye would be charged with making sure Somra acclimated. That made sense.
“She was the best Tiye could find?” Khanh questioned.
Zai tried not to smile at his brother's dislike for the red girl who was afraid of spiders, "Perhaps she was just tired of hanging out with nothing but cocks." He joked back but their conversation was cut short by Nahash getting back to business and Khanh mentioning food.
"Always thinking on your stomach, brother." He opened a cloth sack he had been carrying and pulled out a handful of dates, a smaller sack of pistachios, a piece of hard flat bread, and a few strips of dried meat, "So am I." He admitted since he was the one to have brought food, "I made a detour in the market."
He was accustomed to watching AKhmad and understanding most of what his long ago savior was saying these days and nodded, "I'll go too, brother." Because they would still need more than these small scraps to get through the night and next day in order to start scouting for a hit, "I still have plenty of fuel to burn." He ended about himself having energy to go out again today.
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Zai jumped as Somra screeched, his instincts made him spread his knees and go into defensive mode, not having seen the spider that scared her and looking for something dangerous. When she spoke of spiders, his spine stiffened but his body went out of fight mode. She had a lot to learn. Thankfully, this particular area was not one where a little attention from a few homeless people and beggars would get them into trouble but spiders were everywhere and her reaction was clearly not controlled nor would be in a moment where it needed to be. He knew her reaction would piss off Khanh and well, anyone else who might be annoyed by shouting when they were laying low and by not being able to keep one's cool.
"Relax." He snapped a warning but it was too late. Despite the fact that they had killed many people in their wanderings and dealings, Zai was never a fan of violence and certainly not so toward a teenage woman less than half his size. They defended themselves, took on armed men, took on men who were equally fit and able. He was no stranger to violence or hurting someone but he would always avoid it if possible. So, when Khanh rushed forward and grabbed Somra, it made him scowl. Not that Khanh was wrong. In fact, his intention to teach this lesson was to keep them all safe and alive and maybe scaring the spit out of her would get through faster than a stern talking to. Still, she was little more than a child who needed to be taught. They had not walked onto the streets knowing how to manipulate it and stay alive either. Still, they couldn't afford to take chances, one mistake could mean death.
It didn't last long, thankfully, but Zai gave Khanh and disapproving look after he let the girl go. She sat there, shivering and crying, albeit silently, after Khanh walked away. Zai sighed and watched the girl admirably not move a muscle or make a squeak as another spider drawled across her foot. Sh learned quickly at least and he hoped Khanh saw it. He moved toward her, stepped on the spider that was now fleeing the scene of the death of its brethren and looked squarely at Somra, "It will get easier." he told her, "And then not even Khanh will scare you, let alone a spider." It was a lighthearted dig on his brother but also he hoped it would give Somra something else to think about. That and, he knew, if she tried to leave, she would not do so alive. They couldn't have her walk out and talk about them with that loud mouth of hers. Not when they just got here.
Nahash's voice made Zai turn and smile but he allowed his big brother to say what he would. Everyone did. No matter how close or how much you could tease and mess about with your big brother, he got Zai's respect as the detached and logical leader of their group. It was a fine line to skim but they had been doing it for years, especially because Zai knew when to quit and when to show respect.
Khanh criticized Somra again, and again brought up a valid point. At least he didn't come at her again. Then, things moved on because Tiye would be charged with making sure Somra acclimated. That made sense.
“She was the best Tiye could find?” Khanh questioned.
Zai tried not to smile at his brother's dislike for the red girl who was afraid of spiders, "Perhaps she was just tired of hanging out with nothing but cocks." He joked back but their conversation was cut short by Nahash getting back to business and Khanh mentioning food.
"Always thinking on your stomach, brother." He opened a cloth sack he had been carrying and pulled out a handful of dates, a smaller sack of pistachios, a piece of hard flat bread, and a few strips of dried meat, "So am I." He admitted since he was the one to have brought food, "I made a detour in the market."
He was accustomed to watching AKhmad and understanding most of what his long ago savior was saying these days and nodded, "I'll go too, brother." Because they would still need more than these small scraps to get through the night and next day in order to start scouting for a hit, "I still have plenty of fuel to burn." He ended about himself having energy to go out again today.
Zai jumped as Somra screeched, his instincts made him spread his knees and go into defensive mode, not having seen the spider that scared her and looking for something dangerous. When she spoke of spiders, his spine stiffened but his body went out of fight mode. She had a lot to learn. Thankfully, this particular area was not one where a little attention from a few homeless people and beggars would get them into trouble but spiders were everywhere and her reaction was clearly not controlled nor would be in a moment where it needed to be. He knew her reaction would piss off Khanh and well, anyone else who might be annoyed by shouting when they were laying low and by not being able to keep one's cool.
"Relax." He snapped a warning but it was too late. Despite the fact that they had killed many people in their wanderings and dealings, Zai was never a fan of violence and certainly not so toward a teenage woman less than half his size. They defended themselves, took on armed men, took on men who were equally fit and able. He was no stranger to violence or hurting someone but he would always avoid it if possible. So, when Khanh rushed forward and grabbed Somra, it made him scowl. Not that Khanh was wrong. In fact, his intention to teach this lesson was to keep them all safe and alive and maybe scaring the spit out of her would get through faster than a stern talking to. Still, she was little more than a child who needed to be taught. They had not walked onto the streets knowing how to manipulate it and stay alive either. Still, they couldn't afford to take chances, one mistake could mean death.
It didn't last long, thankfully, but Zai gave Khanh and disapproving look after he let the girl go. She sat there, shivering and crying, albeit silently, after Khanh walked away. Zai sighed and watched the girl admirably not move a muscle or make a squeak as another spider drawled across her foot. Sh learned quickly at least and he hoped Khanh saw it. He moved toward her, stepped on the spider that was now fleeing the scene of the death of its brethren and looked squarely at Somra, "It will get easier." he told her, "And then not even Khanh will scare you, let alone a spider." It was a lighthearted dig on his brother but also he hoped it would give Somra something else to think about. That and, he knew, if she tried to leave, she would not do so alive. They couldn't have her walk out and talk about them with that loud mouth of hers. Not when they just got here.
Nahash's voice made Zai turn and smile but he allowed his big brother to say what he would. Everyone did. No matter how close or how much you could tease and mess about with your big brother, he got Zai's respect as the detached and logical leader of their group. It was a fine line to skim but they had been doing it for years, especially because Zai knew when to quit and when to show respect.
Khanh criticized Somra again, and again brought up a valid point. At least he didn't come at her again. Then, things moved on because Tiye would be charged with making sure Somra acclimated. That made sense.
“She was the best Tiye could find?” Khanh questioned.
Zai tried not to smile at his brother's dislike for the red girl who was afraid of spiders, "Perhaps she was just tired of hanging out with nothing but cocks." He joked back but their conversation was cut short by Nahash getting back to business and Khanh mentioning food.
"Always thinking on your stomach, brother." He opened a cloth sack he had been carrying and pulled out a handful of dates, a smaller sack of pistachios, a piece of hard flat bread, and a few strips of dried meat, "So am I." He admitted since he was the one to have brought food, "I made a detour in the market."
He was accustomed to watching AKhmad and understanding most of what his long ago savior was saying these days and nodded, "I'll go too, brother." Because they would still need more than these small scraps to get through the night and next day in order to start scouting for a hit, "I still have plenty of fuel to burn." He ended about himself having energy to go out again today.
Tiye's eyes narrowed when Zai mentioned that Somra was afraid of a spider. She scowled at Somra. The last thing she needed to do was look bad in front of these men who had pulled her out of slavery and given her a place among them. Despite the fact that she had been with them for years, she was still the newcomer, the rookie, the woman. She was part of them but still too different to be their brother. Even the word sister annoyed her. She wanted to truly be one of them and right now, this girl, her plan to help pave the way to that goal, was making her look like she had poor judgement.
She hadn't been here in time to see the spider incident but something about her had turned Khanh the wrong way and getting them to accept her was now an uphill battle. Her crying wasn't helping either. She needed to stop being the thing all these men were afraid that all women were. Tiye had come a long way in order to break a lot of their ideas toward how useful women could be and now Somra was causing problems and wanting to uproot them all over a spider. She now had to gain back the ground she had lost for both of them.
When Nahash came in, she thought she would surely hear all about how she failed them. Thankfully, he was practical. He often was and she should have offered him the benefit of the doubt. But, as he approached, she prepared for it again, thankful that he only requested that she make the girl less conspicuous. Tiye nodded, "Of course."
"She was the best Tiye could find?"
His voice was low but it echoed enough for her to hear "Yes, she can help us. I don't remember you complaining when she and I handed you all those precious stones and golden jewelry we procured from the home of Taharqa's royal cousin." Tiye spoke with plenty of attitude but it still held a warmth that they all held for one another.
"Be a good mother to her, Tiye."
She rolled her eyes at him and approached Somra but not before sticking her tongue out slighting in Khanh's direction. Of course everyone thought it was appropriate for Somra to be in Tiye's charge. Had this flashy young man who didn't like spiders come along, they would not have done it. I guess they thought sharing anatomy was enough to pair them.
"Come, we must made you blend a bit more." She said as if it was the understatement of the year. She had traveled light, but there was probably a cloak she could wear until they found something in the market. She led Somra away from the men, "I'll speak with him about handling you roughly." She said quietly but immediately when she thought she was out of earshot, "But you must learn to be calm and quiet no matter what." Her voice was more firm now.
"Come, we'll go to the market and get you something more appropriate to wear. I'll also teach you a few things about how to deal with and vanish in crowds as well." She prompted. Gods, she hoped Somra would just agree and come quietly. The last thing she needed was another outburst or difficulty related to the girl to make her look even more incompetent.
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Tiye's eyes narrowed when Zai mentioned that Somra was afraid of a spider. She scowled at Somra. The last thing she needed to do was look bad in front of these men who had pulled her out of slavery and given her a place among them. Despite the fact that she had been with them for years, she was still the newcomer, the rookie, the woman. She was part of them but still too different to be their brother. Even the word sister annoyed her. She wanted to truly be one of them and right now, this girl, her plan to help pave the way to that goal, was making her look like she had poor judgement.
She hadn't been here in time to see the spider incident but something about her had turned Khanh the wrong way and getting them to accept her was now an uphill battle. Her crying wasn't helping either. She needed to stop being the thing all these men were afraid that all women were. Tiye had come a long way in order to break a lot of their ideas toward how useful women could be and now Somra was causing problems and wanting to uproot them all over a spider. She now had to gain back the ground she had lost for both of them.
When Nahash came in, she thought she would surely hear all about how she failed them. Thankfully, he was practical. He often was and she should have offered him the benefit of the doubt. But, as he approached, she prepared for it again, thankful that he only requested that she make the girl less conspicuous. Tiye nodded, "Of course."
"She was the best Tiye could find?"
His voice was low but it echoed enough for her to hear "Yes, she can help us. I don't remember you complaining when she and I handed you all those precious stones and golden jewelry we procured from the home of Taharqa's royal cousin." Tiye spoke with plenty of attitude but it still held a warmth that they all held for one another.
"Be a good mother to her, Tiye."
She rolled her eyes at him and approached Somra but not before sticking her tongue out slighting in Khanh's direction. Of course everyone thought it was appropriate for Somra to be in Tiye's charge. Had this flashy young man who didn't like spiders come along, they would not have done it. I guess they thought sharing anatomy was enough to pair them.
"Come, we must made you blend a bit more." She said as if it was the understatement of the year. She had traveled light, but there was probably a cloak she could wear until they found something in the market. She led Somra away from the men, "I'll speak with him about handling you roughly." She said quietly but immediately when she thought she was out of earshot, "But you must learn to be calm and quiet no matter what." Her voice was more firm now.
"Come, we'll go to the market and get you something more appropriate to wear. I'll also teach you a few things about how to deal with and vanish in crowds as well." She prompted. Gods, she hoped Somra would just agree and come quietly. The last thing she needed was another outburst or difficulty related to the girl to make her look even more incompetent.
Tiye's eyes narrowed when Zai mentioned that Somra was afraid of a spider. She scowled at Somra. The last thing she needed to do was look bad in front of these men who had pulled her out of slavery and given her a place among them. Despite the fact that she had been with them for years, she was still the newcomer, the rookie, the woman. She was part of them but still too different to be their brother. Even the word sister annoyed her. She wanted to truly be one of them and right now, this girl, her plan to help pave the way to that goal, was making her look like she had poor judgement.
She hadn't been here in time to see the spider incident but something about her had turned Khanh the wrong way and getting them to accept her was now an uphill battle. Her crying wasn't helping either. She needed to stop being the thing all these men were afraid that all women were. Tiye had come a long way in order to break a lot of their ideas toward how useful women could be and now Somra was causing problems and wanting to uproot them all over a spider. She now had to gain back the ground she had lost for both of them.
When Nahash came in, she thought she would surely hear all about how she failed them. Thankfully, he was practical. He often was and she should have offered him the benefit of the doubt. But, as he approached, she prepared for it again, thankful that he only requested that she make the girl less conspicuous. Tiye nodded, "Of course."
"She was the best Tiye could find?"
His voice was low but it echoed enough for her to hear "Yes, she can help us. I don't remember you complaining when she and I handed you all those precious stones and golden jewelry we procured from the home of Taharqa's royal cousin." Tiye spoke with plenty of attitude but it still held a warmth that they all held for one another.
"Be a good mother to her, Tiye."
She rolled her eyes at him and approached Somra but not before sticking her tongue out slighting in Khanh's direction. Of course everyone thought it was appropriate for Somra to be in Tiye's charge. Had this flashy young man who didn't like spiders come along, they would not have done it. I guess they thought sharing anatomy was enough to pair them.
"Come, we must made you blend a bit more." She said as if it was the understatement of the year. She had traveled light, but there was probably a cloak she could wear until they found something in the market. She led Somra away from the men, "I'll speak with him about handling you roughly." She said quietly but immediately when she thought she was out of earshot, "But you must learn to be calm and quiet no matter what." Her voice was more firm now.
"Come, we'll go to the market and get you something more appropriate to wear. I'll also teach you a few things about how to deal with and vanish in crowds as well." She prompted. Gods, she hoped Somra would just agree and come quietly. The last thing she needed was another outburst or difficulty related to the girl to make her look even more incompetent.
Somra’s eyes snapped to attention as the groups leader came in, standing up to his full and imposing stature. If there was anyone she was scared of more than Khanh, it was this man. The one that she would have actually listened to had he been the one telling her to be quiet in the first place, though that lesson had been well learned. Or at least she had learned to keep her mouth shut around Khanh, she didn’t necessarily learn to obey orders by any means. If anything she respected them less and actually felt hatred towards them, already plotting in her head.
She jumped just the slightest bit in surprise as Zai approached and squished the second spider, she looked up at him from where she sat, barely listening to his words. More important than his words as the look in his eyes, he seemed softer than the rest, gentler. He seemed almost sorry for the whole scene that had just happened. Almost. She didn’t know what to think of it, angry and untrusting, she was not foolish enough to think that he truly cared about her or how she felt. She did not speak, instead she averted her gaze from him, preferring to stare at the shadows in the corner.
But when Nahash made his entrance and stepped over to her, crouching in front of her, Somra’s nearly black eyes locked on his and she felt herself stop breathing for the third time that evening. She listened to his words, nodding just slightly but not speaking still. She felt she wouldn’t speak to any of them again, she had no desire to waste her words on these people, the ones who had stood by and watched as she was treated like something to be discarded out on the street. Her hatred still burned for each of them, though she kept her inner anger off her face, the last thing she needed was any of them knowing the rage that burned inside her and affected her future plans.
She stood as he made her, making no attempt to resist his forceful guidance, she could only imagine what he could do to her if she dared fight him on it. She could still feel the pain in her jaw, knowing that bruises would form upon her skin from the rough handling. Come morning, the marks would be obvious upon her face, and she was thankful for the ability to hide beneath her long hair and her hooded clothing.
She heard Khanh’s words, and while normally they would have earned a glare, she chose to ignore them, partially due to her newfound fear of him, and partially because she was certain she would not be able to stop herself at just a glare, if she allowed herself an inch, she knew that words would follow and things would likely end up worse. Better to keep quiet and play along for the moment until she could leave. She would slip out and go far and she would never look back, hoping the group would find themselves executed by either their enemies or the law.
She glanced over at Akhmad and noticed the slight change in his posture. ‘Too little, too late’ she thought to herself, averting her gaze from him, biting her tongue to keep herself from having an outburst. It was getting hard to hold her anger in, and she knew if she didn’t get a hold of herself she risked making things worse. She would not tie at the hands of these beasts in this filthy hovel.
Somra shook her head as the other woman said she would speak to them about the harsh treatment.
“Don’t.” She whispered, barely audible. The first word she had spoken since the entire episode had happened. She shook her head a second time as she suggested going to the market to find her something less conspicuous to wear. Instead she stepped over to the small bag she had brought with her, digging out a simple dark grey dress from among her things. She stood once more, and without a care for any of the others who stood in the room, she slipped out of her red dress, standing there stark naked for a few short seconds before the dark grey dress was pulled over her head. It was mute, and nearly reached the floor, leaving a bit of her back exposed along with her arms, it was slightly cinched at the waist with a belt, but for the most part it was loose and flowy, something she was still able to easily move in if her skills were required. She tucked her previous red dress into her pack, tying it back up before standing once more, she put her back up against a wall so she could face them all, reaching behind her to pull her long hair over her left shoulder, she silently began to braid her hair to get it out of her way as she waited for someone to tell her what to do.
She didn’t dare make a move without a command to do so, telling herself she just needed to appease them long enough to make it out of there alive at the first opportunity she had. Her anger had faded for the most part, leaving her feeling numb and exhausted from everything that had stressed her that night. Now she was left with her thoughts of escape, and she felt that was all that kept her sane at the moment, the idea that she would be able to rid herself of all of them. Hopefully soon.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Somra’s eyes snapped to attention as the groups leader came in, standing up to his full and imposing stature. If there was anyone she was scared of more than Khanh, it was this man. The one that she would have actually listened to had he been the one telling her to be quiet in the first place, though that lesson had been well learned. Or at least she had learned to keep her mouth shut around Khanh, she didn’t necessarily learn to obey orders by any means. If anything she respected them less and actually felt hatred towards them, already plotting in her head.
She jumped just the slightest bit in surprise as Zai approached and squished the second spider, she looked up at him from where she sat, barely listening to his words. More important than his words as the look in his eyes, he seemed softer than the rest, gentler. He seemed almost sorry for the whole scene that had just happened. Almost. She didn’t know what to think of it, angry and untrusting, she was not foolish enough to think that he truly cared about her or how she felt. She did not speak, instead she averted her gaze from him, preferring to stare at the shadows in the corner.
But when Nahash made his entrance and stepped over to her, crouching in front of her, Somra’s nearly black eyes locked on his and she felt herself stop breathing for the third time that evening. She listened to his words, nodding just slightly but not speaking still. She felt she wouldn’t speak to any of them again, she had no desire to waste her words on these people, the ones who had stood by and watched as she was treated like something to be discarded out on the street. Her hatred still burned for each of them, though she kept her inner anger off her face, the last thing she needed was any of them knowing the rage that burned inside her and affected her future plans.
She stood as he made her, making no attempt to resist his forceful guidance, she could only imagine what he could do to her if she dared fight him on it. She could still feel the pain in her jaw, knowing that bruises would form upon her skin from the rough handling. Come morning, the marks would be obvious upon her face, and she was thankful for the ability to hide beneath her long hair and her hooded clothing.
She heard Khanh’s words, and while normally they would have earned a glare, she chose to ignore them, partially due to her newfound fear of him, and partially because she was certain she would not be able to stop herself at just a glare, if she allowed herself an inch, she knew that words would follow and things would likely end up worse. Better to keep quiet and play along for the moment until she could leave. She would slip out and go far and she would never look back, hoping the group would find themselves executed by either their enemies or the law.
She glanced over at Akhmad and noticed the slight change in his posture. ‘Too little, too late’ she thought to herself, averting her gaze from him, biting her tongue to keep herself from having an outburst. It was getting hard to hold her anger in, and she knew if she didn’t get a hold of herself she risked making things worse. She would not tie at the hands of these beasts in this filthy hovel.
Somra shook her head as the other woman said she would speak to them about the harsh treatment.
“Don’t.” She whispered, barely audible. The first word she had spoken since the entire episode had happened. She shook her head a second time as she suggested going to the market to find her something less conspicuous to wear. Instead she stepped over to the small bag she had brought with her, digging out a simple dark grey dress from among her things. She stood once more, and without a care for any of the others who stood in the room, she slipped out of her red dress, standing there stark naked for a few short seconds before the dark grey dress was pulled over her head. It was mute, and nearly reached the floor, leaving a bit of her back exposed along with her arms, it was slightly cinched at the waist with a belt, but for the most part it was loose and flowy, something she was still able to easily move in if her skills were required. She tucked her previous red dress into her pack, tying it back up before standing once more, she put her back up against a wall so she could face them all, reaching behind her to pull her long hair over her left shoulder, she silently began to braid her hair to get it out of her way as she waited for someone to tell her what to do.
She didn’t dare make a move without a command to do so, telling herself she just needed to appease them long enough to make it out of there alive at the first opportunity she had. Her anger had faded for the most part, leaving her feeling numb and exhausted from everything that had stressed her that night. Now she was left with her thoughts of escape, and she felt that was all that kept her sane at the moment, the idea that she would be able to rid herself of all of them. Hopefully soon.
Somra’s eyes snapped to attention as the groups leader came in, standing up to his full and imposing stature. If there was anyone she was scared of more than Khanh, it was this man. The one that she would have actually listened to had he been the one telling her to be quiet in the first place, though that lesson had been well learned. Or at least she had learned to keep her mouth shut around Khanh, she didn’t necessarily learn to obey orders by any means. If anything she respected them less and actually felt hatred towards them, already plotting in her head.
She jumped just the slightest bit in surprise as Zai approached and squished the second spider, she looked up at him from where she sat, barely listening to his words. More important than his words as the look in his eyes, he seemed softer than the rest, gentler. He seemed almost sorry for the whole scene that had just happened. Almost. She didn’t know what to think of it, angry and untrusting, she was not foolish enough to think that he truly cared about her or how she felt. She did not speak, instead she averted her gaze from him, preferring to stare at the shadows in the corner.
But when Nahash made his entrance and stepped over to her, crouching in front of her, Somra’s nearly black eyes locked on his and she felt herself stop breathing for the third time that evening. She listened to his words, nodding just slightly but not speaking still. She felt she wouldn’t speak to any of them again, she had no desire to waste her words on these people, the ones who had stood by and watched as she was treated like something to be discarded out on the street. Her hatred still burned for each of them, though she kept her inner anger off her face, the last thing she needed was any of them knowing the rage that burned inside her and affected her future plans.
She stood as he made her, making no attempt to resist his forceful guidance, she could only imagine what he could do to her if she dared fight him on it. She could still feel the pain in her jaw, knowing that bruises would form upon her skin from the rough handling. Come morning, the marks would be obvious upon her face, and she was thankful for the ability to hide beneath her long hair and her hooded clothing.
She heard Khanh’s words, and while normally they would have earned a glare, she chose to ignore them, partially due to her newfound fear of him, and partially because she was certain she would not be able to stop herself at just a glare, if she allowed herself an inch, she knew that words would follow and things would likely end up worse. Better to keep quiet and play along for the moment until she could leave. She would slip out and go far and she would never look back, hoping the group would find themselves executed by either their enemies or the law.
She glanced over at Akhmad and noticed the slight change in his posture. ‘Too little, too late’ she thought to herself, averting her gaze from him, biting her tongue to keep herself from having an outburst. It was getting hard to hold her anger in, and she knew if she didn’t get a hold of herself she risked making things worse. She would not tie at the hands of these beasts in this filthy hovel.
Somra shook her head as the other woman said she would speak to them about the harsh treatment.
“Don’t.” She whispered, barely audible. The first word she had spoken since the entire episode had happened. She shook her head a second time as she suggested going to the market to find her something less conspicuous to wear. Instead she stepped over to the small bag she had brought with her, digging out a simple dark grey dress from among her things. She stood once more, and without a care for any of the others who stood in the room, she slipped out of her red dress, standing there stark naked for a few short seconds before the dark grey dress was pulled over her head. It was mute, and nearly reached the floor, leaving a bit of her back exposed along with her arms, it was slightly cinched at the waist with a belt, but for the most part it was loose and flowy, something she was still able to easily move in if her skills were required. She tucked her previous red dress into her pack, tying it back up before standing once more, she put her back up against a wall so she could face them all, reaching behind her to pull her long hair over her left shoulder, she silently began to braid her hair to get it out of her way as she waited for someone to tell her what to do.
She didn’t dare make a move without a command to do so, telling herself she just needed to appease them long enough to make it out of there alive at the first opportunity she had. Her anger had faded for the most part, leaving her feeling numb and exhausted from everything that had stressed her that night. Now she was left with her thoughts of escape, and she felt that was all that kept her sane at the moment, the idea that she would be able to rid herself of all of them. Hopefully soon.