[The Sanctuary] Don't You Worry Child (Vanator)

[Kassem]

.

Timestamp: 21st of Winter, 513 AV

Kassem slipped on his ragged, colorful cloak and slipped out to the evening air of the Sanctuary. He had just woken up in a tense and sweating nap. Nightmares plagued his dreams whenever he slept. They had been daily reminders that he was running for his life, that if he were reclaimed by his former owner, he just might receive the beating of his life, or worse. His mind began to fill to the brim with wonder about the safety this Sanctuary might provide.

What if these people would not accept him? What if he found himself in a position requiring him to leave the area? What if slavers came to reclaim him? He could spend a small amount of time in the wilderness, but what about defending himself? He had absolutely no idea how to fight, much less even hold a weapon. Perhaps he could learn from the people here. Deep in thought, he continued to stroll the yards of the structure.

.

[Vanator]

Chalce plucked the last arrow from the quiver Vanator held and set it to the shortbow. She drew, her gaze darting towards the Armsmaster before setting them on the target set against the wall of near the Horse Gate. "Its almost dark, I can barely see it," the woman complained in her Nari accent. "Just shoot." Van encouraged. The Inartan released the string, the arrow zipping off and thunking into the target. It was a decent shot, Van had heard the Inartans were skilled archers, and Chalce certainly seemed to pick it up easily. He made sure she practiced often. "There are you happy? Now can I get dinner...taskmaster?" The redhead quipped as she handed Vanator the bow and turned away. "Happy as a lark!" Van jibed back, flashing a wry grin at the falconer when she turned back and to offer him a scowl. She could not hold it long before she rolled her eyes at him. then she was off to the Within.

The light of Syna's glory had been swallowed up, and only Zintilla and Leth's glow in the cold winter sky illuminated the couryard. Van gathered the arrows from the target and slipped them into the quiver. Then he grabbed the bow and headed back across the arena. That is when he spotted Kassem. The young man wandered a bit aimlessly, slowly. There was no purpose in his leisurely gait, his gaze fixing here and there, and often nowhere in particular. Everything about his demeanor indicated Kassem was in a pensive mood, thoughtful and perhaps a bit anxious.

Vanator altered his course to intercept the roaming youth. "You seem a bit, lost. What's on your mind Kassem?" Van cut right to the chase. Everyone in Sanctuary was Vanator's concern, and not only for their physical safety. He cared for them as a whole. Maybe it was because he was a father, maybe because he was raised from birth to be an Ankal. Regardless, the Drykas sought to find what troubled the boy.

[Kassem]

.

Kassem's ears directed his attention to the Ankal walking his direction and calling out for him. It appeared he had just given a lesson in archery to one of the Sanctuary staff, who was now retreating to beneath the surface. He seemed to know a thing or two about combat, enough that people went to him often when seeking knowledge about combat. It must be necessary in the dangers of Cyphrus. But as far as he knew, his people, the Drykas, were nomadic so they must know how to defend themselves from the wrath of beasts and monsters.

As Vanator approached closer still, Kassem felt a sudden flood of stress fill his body. He always did find social situations... difficult. So Kassem began to brace himself for the oncoming conversation by taking a deep breath and fiddling with the fabric of his clothes. Oh, it's nothing. I'm just letting my mind wander. Kassem swept his troubles under the rug for a moment. He was quite longer still, but allowing himself the silence to think made his mind realize that he probably out to be a little more trusting and open with the people feeding, housing, and protecting him. After all, he might be living here permanently. It's just tha- I was just thinking tha- Opening up was always difficult for him. I'm worried about my safety. I'm afraid of being re-enslaved. Knowing my owner, sooner or later, he'll try to show that he isn't a force to be reckoned with. I can live in the wild but not nearly even close to half a season. I also have no idea what I would do if I were captured. Kavala had told me about the Rattling Chains slavers.

His distress was obvious in his face and the manner in which he combed his hand through his hair. I just don't know what to do, what my goals are, or where to go anymore. Kassem felt lost without a master telling him exactly what needed to be accomplished. Whether it be his Tent caring their family or his owner investing in his property, there was always someone to turn to and protect him.

An idea clicked in Kassem's mind. Vanator was just teaching Chalce how to fight, so maybe he could give a taste to the poor unguided teen of independence through combat. That was a bow and arrow you were just teaching Chalce how to fight with, right? I'm sorry to bother you, but maybe you could teach me how to defend myself as well? A bright energy shown through his face as it pleaded, waiting for a response.

.

[Vanator]

Kassem had been handled delicately by the Denusks. No family was more familiar with slavery and the way it wrecked people. The young Benshiran was a good man, but his enslavement had made him timid. Even as the Drykas drew closer to the boy, he saw the fidgeting begin, the furtive glances.

Vanator leaned against a rain barrel as Kassem began with an evasive reply. The Denusk did not push Kassem, but waited patiently, looking up to see the stars begin to twinkle in the retreated daylight. Patience paid off, and the youth began, with some difficulty, to reveal his heart. He was lost and still afraid. Kassem was not only recovering from the trauma of slavery, he found himself starting a new life with strangers, in a strange place. Vanator knew something of that, and they both had the same saving grace, Kavala. Van's advantage was that Kavala was his beloved sister. But Kassem was already under Denusk care, and would be treated as family.

Vanator sighed, then turned to Kassem with a small, soft smile. "Fear can be a good thing, in the right perspective. Reverent fear of the dangers around you keeps you alive. But son, you are safe here. You are under our protection. Kavala, Caelum and I will not let anyone take you. Should your master come, he will find that the Sanctuary family is a force of their own."

Van reached out and patted Kassem on the shoulder. "For now, you are here. We could use your help too, so you will not be without purpose. Take a day at a time for now Kassem, it's how you will get through it. And if you are to stay, you will indeed learn to defend yourself, everyone here does. It would be my pleasure to help you. What is your weapon of choice?" Vanator was excited. Getting Kassem involved as he and Kavala's goal.