Sara, wrapped in a blue silk bathrobe, muttered to herself as she scoured her clothes violently at the sink in her room. She draped the washed clothes next to the small fire heater before slumping into a chair. Wiping her daggers with a rag, she glared at Kismet who sat at the bed across from her. “Seriously, why do I always get stuck with you? It’s like people actually go out of their way to make me miserable or something.”
“It’s not like I enjoy it any more than you do, and your constant whining doesn’t help.”
“Why did you even join the military anyway? You could’ve made Princess Delphi much happier by just staying with her all the time. Hell, it would’ve made everyone a lot happier,” snapped Sara.
“I want to be able to protect her. Some of us have a purpose for joining other than fame and boosting our ego, you know.”
“Stop acting like you’re so noble. Besides, what do you know? You’re just a stupid furlicker. Now turn around and don’t look!”
Kismet averted her eyes with a sigh as Sara began slipping into her dried undergarments. “I don’t see why it even matters if I’m looking. It’s not like I’m ogling you or anything.” Kismet turned back to her and stared. “See? Whoooooops, I looked!”
Sara crumpled in a desperate attempt to conceal herself. “What the hell is wrong with you? Stop watching me!”
“Oh no! Don’t you feel so violated now? I don’t know if I can control myself after seeing you. You’d better be careful, I might rape you,” teased Kismet.
Sara spun her back to Kismet, her face burning with embarrassment. She slipped her undergarments on, careful to keep her back to the Catheran. “Shut up, that’s not funny.”
Kismet laughed at Sara. It felt wonderful to cause her so much embarrassment. “Why is it such a big deal anyway? I wouldn’t be surprised if almost half the soldiers have already seen you naked.”
“What do you think I am, some floozy whore? And for your information, I have never let a man see me.” She flung the robe at Kismet before huffily getting into bed. “Now stop bothering me. I’m going to sleep.”
Kismet welled with satisfaction. She watched Sara close her eyes and calm herself down. The power of sleep always amazed the Catheran in its ability to make everyone appear harmless and peaceful. But she found that such a façade is usually a lie. Only when everyone is asleep is there ever true peace for her. She slowly crept up to the archer until she was breathing down her neck. Sara opened her eyes, only to be licked across the face, making her shiver with disgust. “What the hell is the matter with you?!”
Kismet roared with laughter. Sara hooked her right arm into the side of Kismet’s face. She pointed at the door. “Get out and leave me alone!”
“What the hell is going on in there?” called in Devin, pounding on the door.
Sara pulled open the door, her face flushed with anger. “Tell that damn furlicker to stay away from me!” Kismet held out her robe to cover herself, but she slapped it away as she continued. “I’ll pay for my own room, I don’t care. Anything to get away from her.”
“I don’t know how in heaven’s name the two of you managed to make it this far. Do you have any idea how bad you’re making us look right now? If you hope to make it any further, you better shape up, and suck it up. The innkeeper has already reserved an entire floor for us. You’re not getting another room. Learn to deal with it and get some rest. And for heaven’s sake, shut the hell up.” Devin returned to his room next door, muttering to himself. “I swear...it’s like babysitting a bunch of kids.”
Sara closed the door with a growl. She glared at Kismet as she climbed back into her bed. “Leave—Me—Alone! If you don’t, I swear I’ll—”
“Whatever, I don’t care. Who would want to be in the same room with you all night anyway? I’ll just leave. Go ahead and get your beauty rest, you’re really starting to look like you need it.” Kismet grabbed her cloak and headed downstairs.
First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: A Second Home, Scene v2
Next: Strangers in the Night, Scene v2
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
An Impossible Pair, Scene v1
Sunday, July 12, 2009
A Second Home, Scene v1
It was not until sunset when the soldiers had finally reached their destination. A group of Republic soldiers stood at the entrance to the town to greet them.
“Devin! It’s been a long time. Glad to see you made it,” said the large soldier standing in front with a booming voice. His armor had the markings of a Lokem commander.
“As are we, Garrick. As are we,” replied Devin with an exhausted smile.
The caravan entered the fortified walls of the border town of Koln. The soldiers handed the wagons over to the Republic. The exhausted soldiers were covered in mud and their uniforms disheveled along with their hair. Garrick let out a boisterous laugh. “Seems you’ve had quite the march. Come, we’ve arranged a stay for all of you at the towns finest—What is this, Devin? You actually brought that damned fur-licker with you?”
“By order of the Silver Guard. It’s not as though I enjoy the complications she brings me.” Devin looked at all the turned heads and low whispers of onlookers. “I apologize for any problems it’ll cause, but please bear with it.”
Garrick sighed heavily. “Alright. But if so much as starts anything, she’s walking home.”
“Fair enough.”
Garrick wrapped an arm around Devin and began leading him further into town. The soldiers followed closely behind them, chattering amongst themselves and observing the busy market place. Kismet watched everyone stare at her nervously and point fingers, mumbling to one another.
“So tell me, how was the road? It seems you were caught up in the storm,” asked Garrick.
“It definitely could’ve been better. The past two days were rather miserable, but we did run into an old friend,” replied Devin.
“Hazalin,” muttered Garrick sourly. “Let me guess. He wanted the food.”
Devin nodded. “But only three of the carts. He never was a greedy guy.”
“But you made it with all of them. How’d you get out of it?”
Devin gave a sly smile, his words filled with a fatherly pride. “We were originally with twelve wagons, but Raze had the back three filled with boxed rocks instead of food. It seems she predicted this would happen. Lucky for us, Hazalin used a strategy that prevented him from being able to check the wagons.”
Garrick roared with laughter. He shook Devin with amusement. “Oh how I would’ve loved to see the look on his face. I must say that’s quite some woman you raised there. She’s really proving herself to be General Atraea’s daughter. The both of you must be proud.”
Devin couldn’t help but smile. Every moment he spent or thought about Raze, he couldn’t help but feel remorse. But it was also Raze who saved him from wallowing in a pit of depression. Raze had become his light in the darkness…his pride and glory. “Who wouldn’t be? She’s a living prodigy.”
“Hah! I guess I can’t argue with that.” The group reached a very large inn four stories in height, six rooms wide and two rooms deep. The only place that compared in Rokan that compared was Heaven’s Perch. “I’m sure you’re all exhausted, so I won’t take any more of your time. The cargo should be loaded and ready to go by noon tomorrow, so feel free to rest in. You’ll be staying here, at A Second Home. We reserved the entire first floor for you. There’s a dozen rooms, each with two beds, so you’ll have to pair up.”
The owner greeted them with a smile. The small rim of grey hair left on his balding scalp accentuated the small wrinkles of age that were beginning to form on his face. “General Devin. It is an honor to host your stay here in Koln. I’m Owen Peterson, the owner of A Second Home. I hope you’ll find our inn suitable to your standards.”
Devin gave him a reassuring smile. He gazed at the large sign, decorated with a delicate floral pattern. “It certainly looks exceptional. Easily one of the nicest inn’s I’ve seen.”
“Your words are most kind. Please, come in.” Owen opened the doors and gestured the soldiers in. He snapped his head to Garrick when Kismet passed by. “Commander, you never told me they had a Catheran with them.”
“I apologize Owen. I didn’t expect it, myself. Please, just bear with it.”
“She’s going to end up scaring all my customers away. And people will hear that I housed a Catheran for the night!”
Garrick patted the innkeeper’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, but there’s no other option. Who knows what would happen if she were roaming the streets on her own. It could cause a panic. If anyone ever questions the idea, just tell them it was by my order.”
Owen stared at Kismet and let out a long, drawn-out sigh, cursing his luck.
First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: A Starving People, Scene v1
Next: An Impossible Pair, Scene v1
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Starving People, Scene v1
“Rise and shine sleepy heads. We have a long day ahead of us, and it starts with resurfacing the caravan,” announced Devin.
Everyone groaned loudly in an exhausted stupor. The wheels of the caravan were submerged nearly to the axels. The rain had finally stopped, but the ground was still muddy. Devin lead the groggy group to the front wagon and patted the edge of it. “Let’s start with this one. Six on each side, let’s go. We have a lot of distance to cover. If you want to sleep in a bed tonight, we have to get moving.”
Nakita lead Kismet by the wrist toward the back of the caravan. “Come with me.” She released her grip once they reached the rear. “Since you’re a Catheran, you’re well attuned with the elements of nature, right?”
“I suppose so.”
Nakita knelt beside a back wheel and placed her palms on the floor beside it. “Help me raise the wagon.”
Kismet positioned herself at the other back wheel as Nakita began counting down, “On three. One…two…three.”
The pair sent a surge of energy into the ground, solidifying the earth around the wheel, while raising it up. Kismet practiced manipulating the earth through many of her sleepless nights, but never had she used it to lift such a large amount of weight. It was a bit taxing, but she surprised herself with being able to resurface the wheel so quickly.
“Tch. I guess Catheran blood surpasses years of training,” spat Nakita, who progressed slowly with her side.
The irritation in her face left Kismet uneasy. She slowed down her pace on the second wheel. “I usually practice throughout the night, since there isn’t much else to do.”
“Must be nice having all that extra time,” said the witch, sourly.
The Catheran dared not speak anymore. The lack of sleep was as plain as day on the sorceress’ face, and even more in her patience. Kismet slipped her a bit of help as she worked on her side.
“Stop it. I don’t want your pity.” Nakita’s voice pierced her ears like needles. She could feel the young witch’s icy glare through the wagon that separated them.
The air was thick and moist as they lifted the wagon out of the ground. Kismet eyed the ridge as they continued uphill through the pass. As the path grew steeper, it became more and more silent. The birds, even the wind, seemed to have disappeared.
As the end of the incline came into view, a man walked into view on the ridge in front of the caravan. Devin signaled for everyone to stop. “Who goes there?”
“Devin. It must have been almost two years now.”
“Hazalin? I guess it has. And if the stories are true, then this won’t be the kind of reunion I would hope for,” replied the general.
“Unfortunately, that is the case.” All along the ridge which surrounded the caravan rose a small army of Kival archers, arrows aimed and ready. The soldiers instinctively brandished their weapons, trembling in fear at their grim situation.
Devin and Nakita, although fully aware of their situation, maintained a stoic front. Devin never took his eyes off Hazalin. “Eleven years ago. Lokem archers lined theses ridges to ward off the invading Cathera. They expected a smooth operation, but they grossly underestimated the Cathera and nearly forty soldiers died. Surely you don’t want to make the same mistake again.”
Hazalin’s face briefly flashed with agitation and remorse. “Those soldiers died as heroes. If it were not for their bravery, thousands of people would have died by the fangs of those monsters. Besides, I’m sure the both of us would prefer avoiding any unnecessary bloodshed.”
“I’m sure you don’t expect us to just hand over the caravan.”
Hazalin let out an amused huff. He waved Devin’s words away with a loose hand. “Of course not. After all, you wouldn’t want your precious sister country starve. Fortunately, for the both of you, we’re not as greedy as The Republic. All we ask is for you to release your three back wagons.”
“The Republic won’t take too kindly to losing a quarter of its food shipment. Considering how desperate they are, it’d only be a matter of time before it becomes a manhunt if this continues.”
“You can tell The Republic what happened here if you wish, but don’t forget who we are, Devin. We’re fully aware of Lokem’s situation. We’re the ones who suffer for it, not them. Day after day we go hungry, scrounging for food, eating whatever we can find just to stay alive. Don't you see? We’re only taking what is rightfully ours. Until we establish our new home, we need food as well.”
Devin scanned the archers above them. The odds were horribly against them with the two dozen soldiers outnumbered two to one. Even if they could make it through, heavy casualties would be inevitable. “Release the back three wagons.”
The three wagons slowly rolled back down the hill away from them. Hazalin signaled for the archers to retract their weapons. “You’ve made an honorable decision, Devin. You not only saved the lives of those here, but also the lives of many of my people.”
The Kival watched the caravan continue its march through the pass with Devin in the lead. He passed under Hazalin, leaving behind words that echoed in the Kival commander’s ears. “My pride is not worth risking the lives of my soldiers. That is all.”
First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: Playing With Water, Scene v1
Next: A Second Home, Scene v2
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Playing With Water, Scene v1
“What did you see?”
“There was someone on the ridge about a hundred paces ahead of us. I only saw the person looking over here for a few seconds and haven’t seen them since. I couldn’t see much other than their cloak,” reported Kismet.
Nakita looked further down the pass. She couldn’t see more than twenty paces in front of her before it became pitch black. The earth was boggy and the wheels of the caravan were sunken. “Whoever it is, we should be safe for the night.”
She turned back inside and began drying the sleeping animals. Lu walked to her side, rubbed the back of his neck, and cleared his throat. “Thank you for drying our uniforms.”
“A sick soldier is a useless soldier,” replied Nakita, without redirecting her attention.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you dry everything so quickly?”
Irritation flashed over the young witch’s face. She resumed drying the animals as she explained, “I pull the water to the surface, turn it into ice, then shatter it so that it falls off.”
Lu crouched beside her to watch. Ever since he was little, he was always fascinated with magic. Unfortunately, his blood was never potent enough to control magic well. “That’s ingenious! Oh, I was also wondering, what do the essences on your gloves actually do?”
Nakita finished drying the horse in front of her with a sigh. She gazed at him coldly. “They amplify the ability to manipulate water, while also serving as a source. Want me to show you?”
“That would be great!” he exclaimed.
“It lets me create water, like this.” She took his hand in hers. She hung her right hand over his. A small stream of water trickled onto his open palm.
“And I can manipulate it, like this.” She froze the water into a long spike. He watched in terror as she thrust it downward. His heart stopped as the ice melted upon contact with his skin. The water that covered his hand froze and began to slowly encroach his arm. Nakita left Lu to his freezing arm and returned to Devin’s side. Lu desperately hammered off the ice that encased his hand before returning to the company of his sleeping comrades, with a lingering chill running down his spine.
Nakita pulled a pair of jerky out of her ration pouch and handed one to Devin. She filled his canteen with water as she spoke. “Having her keep watch throughout the night again?”
Devin tore the jerky with his teeth. “She offered. Says she has nothing else to do anyway.” He paused for a moment for a large gulp of water. “I’ll admit, she’s actually very useful to have around—”
“Low maintenance, definitely. But quite the headache when it comes to bringing down our reputation and having to stop all the quarrels. I just hope Raze knows what she is doing,” chimed in the young sorceress.
“I’m sure she does. She always thinks everything through. If I had to trust anyone, it would be her.”
Nakita let out a small laugh, “I wouldn’t really expect to hear anything else from her adoptive father.”
“And what about you? She’s been there for you ever since you came to Rokan. You two are basically sisters,” huffed Devin.
Nakita looked out into the rain. Kismet’s yellow eyes shimmered eerily in the darkness. “You know I trust her with my life. She just tends to be a bit more radical than I’d prefer at times.”
First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: Jastor's Pass, Scene v1
Next: A Starving People, Scene v1
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Jastor's Pass, Scene v1
Despite being able to rest through the night at inns along the way, four days of sixteen hours of travel a day drained the energy and spirit out of the escort. Not an hour went by without the grumbling of fatigued soldiers, and it only grew worse with every passing day as the skies grew cloudy. It was the fifth day that everyone had dreaded, as there would be no town or village to rest at for the night.
The sun had set, and the rain began to pour. The caravan trudged through the mud, the soldiers clinging against the side of the wagons for shelter under the tarp. As the march continued, the tarp could not save them from the frigid winds that soaked them to the bone. The march was silent and exhaustive.
By the time the caravan had reached the Jastor Mountains, which served as the border between the Rokan Empire and Lokem Republic, everyone was shivering uncontrollably.
They quickly sought refuge behind a crevice in Jastor’s Pass, which separated the mountains and served as the main road between the two countries. The soldiers quickly erected three large fires and stripped down to their undergarments, laying their uniforms near the second fire. Everyone huddled around the fire, desperate for warmth, caring not for modesty, with the oxen and horses tied near the third fire.
Nakita stood beside Devin and Kismet as they watched the soldiers quickly set up camp. She eyed Kismet, who just watched everyone silently. The Catheran was soaked just the same, but did not shiver or display any signs of discomfort. “Aren’t you cold?”
Kismet shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”
“Go keep watch while we dry up,” ordered Devin.
Nakita was used to the cold. In fact, she enjoyed the cold, but being soaked for hours was too much for even her to endure. She felt what little warmth remained leave with Kismet as the Catheran stepped back into the rain. She turned back to Devin, who now also began to shiver. “You noticed it too?”
Devin nodded with a grim expression. His words were quiet. “No one was at the checkpoint, and the rain should bring no exception. Unfortunately, we have to make this delivery.”
“Heavens forbid we have a smooth delivery,” replied Nakita, tugging at the tunic that plastered itself uncomfortably onto her body. “I guess I should dry us so we can rest while we can.”
She hovered her palm over her drenched clothing. The essences imbedded in her gloves emitted a dim blue glow as the water that soaked her clothes and skin collected upon the surface, where it crystallized. As she continued along, the ice shattered into a small shower of scintillating beads that melted as they touched the earth. After finishing, she stepped close to Devin and began on him. The soldiers huddled around the fire eyed Nakita oddly, watching her slowly hover her palms over the General.
Devin followed Nakita to the uniforms that lay next to the second fire. He gazed out at Kismet who sat alone in the rain with a stoic face. “She seemed to notice as well.”
Nakita nodded as she dried the uniforms. “At least she’s more observant than this lousy bunch that can only think about themselves.”
“Who do you think it is? I doubt any group of bandits would be willing to risk targeting a military escort, much less the Kival.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me if it were them. They’ve been growing desperate, raiding our villages and kidnapping for ransom. Besides, I’m sure you’ve heard about Hazalin.” She rose to her feet and turned to the half-naked soldiers. “Your uniforms are all dried. Dress up when you’re done gawking at each other and get some rest.”
Nakita followed Devin outside. Kismet’s wet fur melded into the darkness, making her difficult to see apart from her eyes, which glowed a faint yellow when she looked back at the camp. She was completely drenched, but it didn’t bother her in the least. She combed her hair out of her face as she spoke. “We’re not alone.”
First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: The Ice Witch, Scene v1
Next: Playing With Water, Scene v1
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Ice Witch, Scene v1
Slow posts, I know. I'll try and work on this more frequently. No guarantees though.
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“All seems to be in order. We will be leaving in five minutes,” announced Devin.
Sara sauntered up to Kismet with a mischievous grin on her face, followed by a small group of her lackeys. “Hey, Kismet.”
Kismet rolled her eyes away.
“You know. I was thinking about yesterday and I just wanted to say, I was completely out of line. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did.”
The Catheran cringed in disgust when Sara stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her. If there was one thing that annoyed her more than Sara, it was when she would give a fake apology, often followed by some insult.
“So I decided to buy you a little something to show you how sorry I am.” Sara pulled out a red leather collar with a bronze tag. “See. I even had your name engraved on it—Furball.”
Sara’s group chuckled in amusement as Kismet sighed with annoyance. Sara leaned closer, with a grin on her face. “It suits you better than the one you’re wearing now. You’ve had that thing on forever.”
Sara reached to unfasten Kismet’s silver leaf collar. Kismet violently gripped her arm with a piercing glare. “Seriously, what is wrong with you? Do you really have nothing better to do with your time?”
Sara gave a big shrug with a mockingly innocent look. “I was just trying to apologize for yesterday. No need to get all catty about it.”
“You really are pathetic.” Kismet threw Sara’s arm away from her with a groan and walked off.
“Hooo, I feel bad for you, Sara. Having to put up with that every time you’re on assignment,” commented one of the lackeys.
“I know, right? Just my luck to be stuck with Furball here.”
“She has to be bringing you down. You should request a squad reassignment.”
“You don’t think I’ve tried? Ever since day one I’ve tried to get away from that freak. They must enjoy watching me suffer. And I swear, I’ll skin that damned cat alive if it costs me my spot by Raze’s side,” replied Sara irritably.
Silence befell the group when a young sorceress passed by. “What’s she doing here?”
Nakita Elise of the Royal Guard, was speaking with General Devin. Her mixed blood made no effort of hiding itself. A full head shorter than Devin, her dark-brown Rokan hair and her icy-blue Telan eyes was unmistakable to anyone who had ever dealt with her. The thin leather and embroidered red cloth that formed her armor signified her status as a full-fledged wizard.
“Don’t tell me she’s going with us too. First the Catheran, and now the witch?” said another.
“Witch? You know her? She just looks like some mage girl.”
“You don’t know who that is, Lu? Look at her gloves. They’re etched with silver runes, and those blue gems are essences of Undine.”
“Wait. That’s Princess Lydia’s Guardian, the Ice Witch? I never knew that was her. After all the stories I’ve heard about her, I expected her to look more…cruel.”
“Don’t let the way she looks fool you. You heard what she did to Sandler right?”
Nakita walked by the group of soldiers toward the rear of the caravan. Her neatly tied, long, smooth hair was pinned fashionably by ornate gem-studded pins, complimenting her profound figure. She gave them an ice-cold gaze as she passed by, sending shivers down their spines.
“Best to avoid her as much as possible,” the soldier warned.
Lu looked at Nakita once more, unable to believe that members of the military could fear such a well-mannered looking young woman. If anything, he found her to look mysteriously charming.
First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: In the Kitchen, Scene v1
Next: Jastor's Pass, Scene v1
Monday, June 22, 2009
In the Kitchen, Scene v1
Wow, it's been forever since I've worked on my writing. I'm going to try and start working on it a bit again, now that the school quarter is over. And yes, I know, the title of this post is rather lacking.
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Kismet peered into the massive kitchen castle. Over forty cooks and aids weaved between each other, as noon grew closer with every minute. As the workers passed by her, they never failed to give an irritated glare. Kismet scanned over the kitchen. The bright golden blonde hair took little effort to spot in the sea of brown and black, not to mention the white silken dress amidst the rough cotton tunics, trousers, and skirts.
Delphi met eyes with Kismet through the traffic, waving cheerfully. Her sky blue eyes sparkled along with her smile. “Kismet, you’re back!”
Kismet made her way through to the young princess’ side. She couldn't help but notice the mess that covered the princess' dress. “At it again, I see. Just look at you. You have flour and strawberry custard all over you.”
Delphi looked down at her self, confused. “How’d that happen? I was being extra careful too.”
Helen chuckled. She began brushing off the loose powder and crumbs stuck on Delphi. “I hope you don’t expect to stay clean after baking. I told you, you should’ve changed into something else first.”
Helen, 37 years old, was Delphi’s wet-nurse. She, like King Marcus, enjoys spoiling the young princess as if she were her own precious daughter. Delphi always sought out Helen in hopes to learn and take part in common work. Kismet also took part from time to time, since she could never pass up the smile it brought to Delphi’s face.
Kismet glanced at the giant flower-shaped pastry on the counter. It was large enough to serve maybe ten to twelve people. The crust was slightly burned, and much of the dough seemed a bit under-baked, but it was definitely an improvement over some of Delphi’s previous attempts at baking. “Looks yummy.”
Delphi’s face lit up. “You think so? Here, try a piece.” She dug her fingers into the pastry, tearing a piece off the edge, then thrusted her fingers into Kismet’s mouth.
“Ah…Your Highness! Manners!” Helen scolded with a stern glare.
“Oops, sorry,” said Delphi, rubbing the back of her head.
Kismet swallowed the pastry and chuckled, gesturing at her hair. “You should’ve wiped your hands first.”
Helen sighed, shaking her head. “I’ll go draw a bath.”
Delphi blushed as Helen left the kitchen. The two stepped out of the kitchen, away from the bustling noise and activity. Delphi sat on a nearby chair and lowered her head while Kismet picked the food out of her hair.
Delphi hit Kismet’s thigh. “You got hurt again!”
“It’s no big deal. It’s almost healed already.”
“No big deal? Your bandages are completely stained with blood!” she exclaimed.
Kismet picked the last of the bits out of Delphi’s hair and sat on the floor beside her. “Seriously, it’s not that bad. Here, I’ll show you.”
Delphi turned her head and covered her eyes as Kismet began unraveling her bandages. “Eww, no! No, no, no. Stop! I don’t want to see it!”
“It’s not that bad, see?”
Sure enough, the wound had healed significantly. What was once a bone-deep gouge was now no more than a moderate cut. The princess peeked through her fingers. Kismet played with the wound, flapping it open and closed, with her thumbs. Delphi shoved her roughly. “Stop that. It’s disgusting!”
The Catheran let out a hearty laugh. “Okay, okay. I’m stopping. Come on. Let’s go get you washed up.”
Kismet quickly rewrapped the bandages around her leg then stood up. Delphi hopped off the chair and held her Catheran’s hand as they walked toward her bathing chambers. Delphi always loved holding and petting Kismet. She loved how her sandy brown fur was always so soft, how her auburn hair was always so smooth, how her body was always so warm and comforting, how she gently purred, and how she licked her face in affection.
“So are they going to let you rest a few days to recover?”
Kismet shook her head. “I’m going with them in two days. We’re going to help escort the food caravan to Lokem.”
“Lokem? But that’s at least eight days away!” whined the princess.
Kismet frowned. “I know. I’m sorry, but it’s my job. I have to show them how hard I’m willing to work.”
“But it’s already so lonely without you. A whole half of a month is too long. Can’t they let you stay since you’re hurt?”
Kismet wrapped her arm around Delphi and rubbed the princess’ shoulder comfortingly.
“Sorry. I’m going to miss you too, but I have to do this. Maybe we can bake a cake when I get back.”
Delphi scrunched her face into a pout. “Fine.”
First: Kismet vs. Bandits, Scene v1
Previous: The Researcher, Scene v1
Next: The Ice Witch, Scene v1