Longer Journey to Come (Kavala)

by **Kassem** on January 19th, 2014, 1:10 am

Kassem's looked at Kavala's hands uneasily as they relieved his legs. he felt he were asking too much from her, especially since she was just recovering from labor. Well, alright. Just let me know if you need anything and I'll make sure to do whatever is in my grasp to make sure you get it. He new how hollow his word sounded, an escaped slave owning only his clothes and a pack on his back could only give so much, but many underestimate the generosity of Benshira and the fierce loyalty of Kassem.

Listening intently to Kavala's plans with his status. Her extensive connections that drew him closer to freedom, made him smile ear to ear and let out chuckles of suppressed excitement. She passed her healing hands over the cuts on his palm and he stiffened with fear, so much that his face grew slightly pale, out of fear of her discovering his wrist that had been cut so much, he couldn't feel anything if one ran his fingers over. He desperately tried to start talking as if it would hide his face should she discover the scars. I- I was a Kefasha. Meaning a slave that had been bought and has very few rights. Even if my master violated the few rights I had, the Jackals, or city guard, simply looked over his offenses because I wasn't worth the trouble. Kefasha are known for being unskilled laborers meant for mundane work. My master was a smith and wanted a Phet, which is a slave skilled in a certain field, but couldn't afford one. The auctioneer convinced the smith that I was actually familiar with blacksmithing, but I wasn't. He was careful with picking through this wound, I had to pay attention and learn how to treat iron quickly if I didn't want to be... abused more, but still- He used the word abused to cover a wide range of punishments, some he would refuse to say if his life depended on it. He quickly realized that he could let his emotions get the best of him and took a deep breath and tried to calm himself

So, if that helps find me employment, maybe I could find an apprenticeship in blacksmithing. I found that I could make a very ambitious apprentice. He smiled to try and air any tension out of the room. Oh, you do this very often? If I were to put a simple red mark over this tattoo that would signify that I were freed, but that would let them know I was a slave in Ahnatep and should they know a Benshira slave escaped from there as of recent... He went into thought and started talking despite a far off stare letting everyone know his mind wasn't exactly in the room with them. I should start looking for a job tomorrow. I just want to put this long journey behind me. He looked at Kavala still with a far off gaze, smiling sadly.

Yes, I'm eager to start anew. I'll look for housing and a job. And new clothes too, I'll need to look like I didn't just wander in from the desert. He rubbed his tattered ethnic clothes between his fingers, laughing lightly.

by **Kavala** on January 19th, 2014, 3:00 am

Kavala looked thoughtful but didn't say much as she ran her hands over parts of his body that were safe for a healer to examine without being too familiar. She noted the wrists immediately, glanced sharply at him because she knew self inflicted wounds when she saw them... but was smart enough not to push him.

"My brother, who is Ankal... a leader you would say... is talking of building a forge here. Do you know how to make horseshoes? If you do, that would be incredibly helpful. Maybe... you could help him build the forge and teach him a few things if you know a little something. If not, no big deal.. but I know he could use a second pair of hands. We could... let you live here in exchange and until we get the forge up and running, if you don't mind mucking out stalls or helping out with cleaning and doing odd jobs, we could include food, a room and pay you a little something... three or four miza's a day. When the forge is done, we could start paying you an apprenticeship rate of 6 gold mizas." Kavala offered, throwing that out there.

"And even if you don't want a job, you are still welcome to stay here as long as you need. You look like you and your dog here could use about a day or two of sleep before we even head into town to get those marks fixed. I don't know enough about tattooing to make a suggestion, but the artist in town will know exactly what to do. We can also pick you up some spare clothing and supplies when we go. You don't look like you own much." Kavala said, leaning back against the counter and looking curious at what the newly freed slave would say.

"I would also like to hear more of the city you are from. I've never been south of the Sea of Grass. I could tell you about the Kingdom of the Isur in exchange." Kavala said, grinning slightly. She grabbed a strand of her hair and twisted it around her finger deep in thought. "I've wanted to go south to see places there a time or two, but I wouldn't walk. I'd sail." She added, deciding for sure that's what she'd do if she ever went south.

Larik took that moment to peek back in and see if all was well. He gave his aunt a grin and the stranger a nod, and bustled back out like he had business elsewhere. Cadra, meanwhile, was leaning on the other bed, petting the dog curiously.

by **Kassem** on January 19th, 2014, 7:23 pm

Kassem caught sight of Kavala's glance and looked towards Hirem to avoid confrontation. He knew that look very well, his mother gave it to him when she saw those scars for the first time. Anyone who ever found out about the scars gave him that look and the reaction was always the same. He felt ashamed. But much to Kassem's relief, Kavala didn't confront him with it.

Well, I can make iron horseshoes, but because I have only limited knowledge of smithing, it takes me much longer than most before they're ready to be put under any stress. I do know all of the primary components that make a forge. I've never constructed anything though. If you'll accept me, I'll take that offer. His ears perked at the pay for an apprentice. He wondered if his cousins from home would wonder how long it would take to buy ten mules with that. No I don't really have that much to offer, but I can't have nothing for long! Kassem was optimistic, and ambitious enough to smite out any doubts he had in his mind that he remain in a state of poverty.

I myself am not from a city, I belong to a tribe of cattle herders, traveling the sands, looking for water and edible grass for our cattle. We lived in communities called 'Tents'. We call our community a Tent, but a Tent is actually a whole city of migrating tents! My people however do inhabit a city called Yahebah. I don't know much about it though. I know most of the wine we drink comes from there and the Temple of Yahal there too. His face lit up when talking about his homeland. Benshira are very devout to our god. Yahal is our 'great shepherd' as my mother would call him. He is the only reason why Benshira exist. To remain in his favor we must have faith and trust in him and listen to whatever path he leads us down. Trust is very important to him, I've been taught that we must find unwavering trust in ourselves and in him. Most everything we do is in worship of Yahal. Whenever we sing, dance, or play music, which we do almost every night, it's usually in praise of him. He took some time to try and organize his head for he had much to say. It was hard to think clearly because he was very excited to learn about the Kingdom of Isur. He had heard of Isurians and that they made the best smiths in Mizahar.

Because Benshira are very nomadic, we are largely independent from people outside of our immediate community. We have elders for every tent. The Sons of Rapa are Yahals priests who wander from Tent to Tent teaching us Yahals ways. We do have an ultimate authority under Yahal, the Prophet. Our current Prophet, Ahmas, was chosen by Yahal, much like the first Prophet, Prophetess Ziborah. He travelled with my tribe once, but I was just an infant. That's about as much as I can tell you... Kassem glanced over at Hirem to make sure he was alright. Much to his satisfaction, Cadra was tending to him. Larik seemed to be going out so Kassem offered a closed mouth smile as farewell.

Oh, if you do go down there, don't walk. Kassem joked. Spring is probably the closest weather down there will get to being 'good'.

by **Kavala** on January 24th, 2014, 8:11 pm

Kavala looked thoughtful, nodded, and ran a hand through her hair contemplating. She looked at Kassem with new eyes and nodded, wondering again if it wasn’t fortuitous that their pathways had crossed. He could make horseshoes. That was fantastic news. Limited knowledge was fine. In fact, that was more knowledge than Vanator had right now. “My brother is a little disadvantaged in learning. We grew up on the Sea of Grass, where there is no metal you see. And that means he’s had almost no contact with blacksmithing. The Drykas traded for smithing goods, almost entirely, and made hardly anything of their own that way. If we can’t make it from leather, bone, or the limited wood we have, then it generally isn’t something we consider we need. But here, in Riverfall, its different. Weapons, fasteners, even tools are important. I’m sure you and Vanator can learn together. There are a lot of women here, so he’ll be grateful to have another man around to share an occasional ale with and talk about… whatever it is you men talk about that isn’t your feelings or new perfume or doing some shopping.” The Konti said with a smile, her eyes dancing a bit with laughter.

Even though she was tired, Kavala was still in good spirits.

She raised her eyebrow though at his confession to being a cattle herdsman. The life he described was very similar to the horseclans, though they would never use the term herdsman. They were horseman who just happened to raise beef as well. She listened carefully, and Kassem could tell she was truly interested in what he had to say. “Your people and the Drykas sound very familiar. They both do the same thing, moving around finding forage for the herds, and we live in Pavilions not Tents. For example, I’m Kavala Denusk, of the Denusk Pavilion, Sapphire Clan. Your names sound much like ours. I wonder, somehow, if our two peoples are related and just separated by geography.” Kavala mused, then hushed when Kassem told her more about his religion and what the Benshira believed. She nodded, understanding, and had heard of Yahal though did not know much beyond that.

“Thanks for the advice on weather. That’s very important and I would not have known that.” Kavala said, looking thoughtful. “I’m assuming its incredibly hot most of the year. That’s what the rumors say, anyhow.” She said, thinking aloud and asking herself more than she was asking Kassem.

“It’s really amazing that no matter where you travel, people aren’t actually all that different. The cultures are fascinating, but inherently people want the same thing… safety, security, and comfort. Now I owe you some info on the Rivarians or maybe The Kingdom of Sultros.. whichever you are more curious about."Kavala replied, then rose. She had moved awkwardly until she stretched slightly. “But first I have two little ones to check on. Do you want to spend the night here and think about my offer? You two can sleep in the infirmary for now. Have breakfast with us in the morning and meet some people, then make your decision then? You might want to wait until you say meet my brother and some of the other people around The Sanctuary before you decide. If you can walk, I’ll show you two where you can sleep tonight.. its just down the hall, and then we can talk again tomorrow?” She suggested, knowing Kassem was tired.

“Or alternatively, we can head down into the commons, now that you guys have had treatment, and sit by the fire and talk more. Either way, I have two little ones I need to check on soon. I’m sure Chalce will be wanting me to relieve her of babysitting duties.” Kavala said, smiling slightly. She left it up to the runaway slave if he wanted to bunk in the infirmary immediately, catch some sleep after the food, and let his body heal… or go socialize more, but in a place where Kavala could tend her newborns.

by **Kassem** on January 26th, 2014, 8:16 pm

Kassem tossed the name Vanathor around in his head. This brother of yours, Vanathor, this is the same brother that is... Ankal? The one who talks of building the forge here? He was trying to remember the names and information of the people here. He ought to if there was a possibility of this becoming his work and home. I guess we will be learning much of smithing together! He pursed his lips in thought. It occurred to him that Kavala's niece and nephew looked nothing like her. Would Vanathor look like pale, white-haried Kavala, red-headed Cadra, or golden-eyed Larik? How exactly did this family come together? He pondered on the thought of how related people could look so different. Kavala being a different race than her family never crossed his mind. After all, the Konti seemed so far off to all shepherd people.

When the conversation drifted toward his culture and Kavala responded, enlightening him upon the similarities between the Drykas and Benshira, a child-like wonder surfaced and became apparent in his eyes. I see, that's really eye-opening. I don't know much of Drykas, but through what you've told me I can see that we are alike in more than one aspect. I wonder how coincidental these similarities are.

Upon hearing that Kavala had two children to tend to, he thought of her offer to go down to the commons with her, he turned to Cadra and Hirem. The dog lifted its head and perked its ears, signifying that should his companion walk away, Hirem would most likely follow. Kassem returned his attention to Kavala with a reminiscent laugh. Hirem and I slept on the same bedding in Ahnatep, in a hay-filled corner of our masters storage room. I'm going to stay with Hirem so we can both get some sleep. Thank you so much Kavala. He had made up his mind not to leave Hirem's side despite how much he loved talking to others. He wondered if by morning, they would be sleeping on the same bed. He knew both Hirem and himself would try, no matter how small the bed was.

by **Kavala** on February 2nd, 2014, 7:45 am

Kavala nodded. “Yes my brother Vanator is the one that is leader here, Ankal. He’s the one building the smithy. I’ll introduce you two at breakfast tomorrow.” The konti said, feeling better now and getting up to move around. She plucked a few things off the shelves and laid them out on the table beside the sickbed. They were packets one could dump into the water to dissolve the powder inside. She then went and fetched a pitcher of water and placed an empty mug beside it. Her movements were slow, deliberate, as if she were unsure of her own strength. Kavala was aware she looked weak in his eyes, but she was not going to hide it. Instead, she was determined to be around, riding, getting her muscles and her strength back.

Perhaps the ex-slave wouldn’t understand. Perhaps he would. Regardless, she said nothing. After a moment, she explained to him what she was doing.

“This is in case you have any pain in the night. Just pour yourself some water and dump one of the packets into it. Drink the entire thing and it should ease pain within just a few short minutes. I’ve healed you, but sometimes when you haven’t had food for a long time, that can even be painful to digest. Your guts might hurt. You might be sick or your bowels might protest. There is a chamber pot under your bed. We have better privies in the main hall, but this will suffice tonight. And if you are sick to your stomach and loose the contents of it, please drink lots of fluid. That will help. So eat cautiously and I’ll have Cadra leave another basket of food here, probably fruit and cold meat pies, in case you both get hungry in the night.” Kavala added, and then rose. She made sure she put a low burning oil lamp on the stand beside the man, knowing the dog would be fine without a light.

“Rest tonight. I’ll come wake you in the morning if you aren’t already up when its time to eat. Then you can meet everyone, have a tour of the place, and pick out a room of your own. We have several available.” She said, moving about once more and laying out extra blankets on the beds at Kassem and Hirem’s feet. “Hirem will have lots of dogs to play with in the morning. I think he’ll hold his own against the Imperial Watchers too. But in case hes been missing canine company, he can perhaps make some friends tomorrow.” Kavala said kindly, then gently patted Kassem on the shoulder.

“I’m glad you are here. And… I’ll be back in the morning. But you are not a prisoner. If you and Hirem want to get up an explore, you are welcome too if you feel up to it. The only thing I ask is that you guys stay out of the cow pasture. There is a bull there that is not friendly to humans or dogs. Nothing else here should hurt you.” She said quietly, offered them a smile, and then slipped out of the room.

Kavala would be back in the morning… and hopefully the pair would still be there.

by **Magpie** on March 1st, 2014, 11:46 pm

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Kassem :

Kavala :

Notes :

If you have any questions or concerns about what was awarded, please don't hesitate to PM me.
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