Closed A Woman, Her Dog, and the Innocent Bystander

[Si'Kara Zulaca]

Godstouch
57th of Fall, 514
One Bell Past High Sun

Earlier this morning, she had been sitting and plucking aimlessly at the strings of her harp. Momma had been restless the entire morning, jumping from the bed to her lap, fidgeting until she could see out the window, and then vaulting back to the floor to chase her tail a little bit. Clearly the lapdog was going a little stir crazy. Much like her dog, she was too. The last outing she had taken beyond the plantation was to have tea with a Morealis. Aside from that one outing, she had been in and out of the city only for brief visits and errands. That had proven interesting, but she had quite enjoyed the kiss of the sun’s rays on her dead flesh. Even if she didn’t really feel much anymore, the mild warmth that had seeped in past her parasol had been welcomed. Si’Kara wanted to relish in this warmth while she still could remember what it felt like. One day, in the not to distant future, she would not remember what it was like to be alive to appreciate the smells and feelings of the outdoors. They will become dead to her, like so many other things had already become.

She was quick to dress. As a Dynast, she probably should have worn something that was more than this dress, but her only other dress was bulky and would cause her to overheat. Besides, a day on the town was not going to cause her status to fall that heavily. She put her necklace on before she cinched the neck closed, straightening out the skirt for any loose wrinkles. Slipping into her shoes, Si’Kara picked up Momma. The little dog yipped in excitement, eager to get outside and run around. With her parasol packed on her wrist, she left to summon the carriage to take her into the city.

----

Dry Island
57th of Fall, 514
Three Bells Past High Sun

It had taken a little bit longer for the carriage to be drawn up and to make it into town. It was bustling, as normal, with people going about their daily business. Those that were privileged to be in a carriage were dressed as Dynasts, the normal gaudy and over done fabrics evidence of their station. Slowly, slave and servant numbers began to dwindle as they headed towards the east bank. As soon as they struck Dry Island, she bade the driver to stop the carriage. Did she really intend on buying anything? Not really. This was just a chance to observe society at its strangest and finest. A melting pot of people, rich and poor, smart and dumb. It allowed her to ask questions and get answers. The carriage jerked to halt as it was pulled over, and the driver promptly was there to help her down. Si’Kara nodded politely, wishing to treat Godstouch property with some sort of respect. Afterall, she had been one of them. She understood their daily trials and qualms with the Dynasts. ”Wait for me around here. Find some shade to keep the carriage cool for my return.”

Si’Kara got strange looks for her garments, but she held her head high and rolled her shoulders back to partake a role of authority and meaning. The small heels on her shoes clicked as she walked about, dodging puddles where children had decided to scoop out handfuls of water from the fountains before being chased away by shopkeepers or the law. Idly she twisted the parasol in one hand, bouncing Momma in the arm of her other hand as she walked. There were so many things to see and do in the city, and she had all of eternity to do it. At first she busied herself walking around the square. This square reflected strange and calm in the shadows of the Hall of Dead and the Mortal Solace. For a time she watched people come in and out of both places, amused to see slaves and servants alike being led away from the healer like a scolded child. Getting hurt on the job was not always favorable and often cost the master money in the process.

When she was done idling, she wandered toward Dry Island Plaza. Many people milled about, shadier creatures heading into the Radacke house of pain. She had heard of the bondage center, and almost wished to find someone that would her play with them in that way. It would help her understand the human psyche she told herself, and all around just sounded fun. As she entered the square, Momma gave a whine towards a nearby gutter. With a sigh, Si’Kara wondered over to the spot and set her pooch down. Even the animals had trivial needs such as evacuation of ones bladder. Si’Kara placed a hand on her lower abdomen, knowing full well she did not have that need. Once Momma was done, she paws at Si’Kara’s ankle. Grimacing, she picked up her beloved animal and held her at arms length. The tail wagged while little droplets of liquid fell from the hairs beneath her tail. Stepping over to someone who was in the vicinity, she thrust the dog into the man’s arms, who did not look like he was from the area. ”You shall accompany me today sir. I hope you find it a privilege to walk with me. Now let’s go.”

Well that was simply uncalled for. Very Dynast of her.

[Kreig Messer]

You know those days where you hope to just be lazy? Well apparently Kenash didn’t like like that! You see, our dear Brawler, also a squire of the order for those interested, was taking his time wandering about Dry Plaza, trying to look like he was trying to be useful when in fact he’d rather laze about under a tree and have a nice lovely nap under some tree somewhere. He didn’t mind the hustle and bustle of the plaza, he was used to busy places and he doubted a Kenashy could handle (or survive for that matter) the hustle and bustle of a Sunberth market place. Moving through here was cakewalk…..


Now here is where fate itself is playing its lovely little joke on him, you see… almost out of petching little nowhere someone thrusts an adorable pup in his hands, and this adorable little pup is quite spoiled looking on by the looks of the petching little bowtie on its head. Kreig was about to complain about this only to be promptly cut off before he even had the chance to think of the words he wanted to say. The woman was a pretty little thing, she wore a pretty fancy dress and had this nice dark long hair. Her eyes looked tired though, actually something seemed entirely off about her as he noticed how pale her skin was.

“Wait…what?” Kreig couldn’t believe this as her words sank in, she was her petching errand boy or something, and she was a shyke-ass dynast! At least that was the assumption forming in his head especially after she so casually shoved her dog on him and told him to follow ‘ Yahal help me, for I think I’m about to murder someone real soon’ Kreig muttered to himself.

“Ah, yes miss…. such an honor to be the proud companion of a dynast member” He said, deadpan as possible as he followed behind the woman. He supposed he had no choice but to play nice, though in his mind the dreaded possibilities the Dynast would subject Kreig to seemed to stockpile into the tens of thousands.

‘ OH the things I do for Syliras….’ It shall remember his sacrifice with fondness and regret.

x

[Si'Kara Zulaca]

He gave in without so much as a sniff. This made her halt. She ravaged her mind quickly for some kind of explanation, but again, the answers escaped her. Freeborns would have said no, another Dynasty’s slave would have at least tried to argue they were here on business, and tourists would have been downright confused. Turning around, she eyed the man she had handed her little dog too. Naturally, Momma was panting and wagging her tail without a care in the world. She was happy as long as she was in someone’s arms. Stepping close to him, she peered up at him. This also made her become really aware of how short this body was. As an Eypharian, she normally towered over most of the population. Now, she was forced to look up.

”You aren’t from around here, are you?” Si’Kara started, snaking a hand in attempts to grip his right wrist and turn it over. When she did not find it there, she grabbed for his left wrist. Surprisingly, she found the brand on his wrist. This was strange place for it to be and strange for his attitude. Why was he so subservient? As a Freeborn, he was entitled to his rights. He didn't have to take her shyke. Yet here he was, carrying her small dog.

”Well, as you have already agreed to accompany this afternoon, I will hold you to your word. My name is Si’Kara Zulaca. This is Momma,” The woman stated, giving her pup a scratch underneath the chin. ”We are just spending the day looking in the windows and wasting our time. Hopefully, we will answer some of life’s greatest questions. Come along.”

With a gentle twirl of her skirts, she took the lead along the road, her footsteps light and her shoulders drawn back. ”So, tell me about yourself. Don’t be dull now.”

[Kreig Messer]

' Well this isn't awkward at all' Kreig thought sarcastically as the Dynast checked his wrists for his mark, as if he did something co fusing. The pup didn't seem to mind being moved from arm, which somehow made it more endearing though he so hoped to rid it of that rediculous bow on its head! "No ma'am, I'm more of a long term visitor in this fair city, the party I'm with are involved in trade talk" Kreig answered, if she knew anything of the trade delegation from Syliras than she would know of where he came from and just who he's affiliated with.

Kreig nodded to her as she gave him the benefit of her name...and her Momma. He raised the pup and looked a the small thing as it stared back at him then seemed to look around, then he looked back at the clearlt human looking Zulaca "...The family resemblance is astounding, I hope the patriarch doesn't mind me handling your mother this way" The tone in which he spoke was laced with bitter sarcasm and at a volume he believed she could not hear. He listened to her as she explaibed what they were doing....and from the sound of it it was just plain ol' people watching.


With no real choice but to follow the women, Kreig tried to muster up some sincere friendliness as he knew staying in the bitter tone might just be his death if he weren't careful ' 'sides, it paid to be friendly '

When she requested that he talk about humself he nodded, there was no harm in that really... though he did worry about her possibly finding him boring, he heard the Dynasts interest of people was like a tornado, one would have to try very hard to gain their long term interest....and even then that might not be a good thing.

"Well Miss Zulaca, I suppose the obvious begining would be my name. My name is Kreig Messer and I hail from Syliras, 28 years of age and a squire of the Syliran Knights.... does that satisfy your curiosity?" He hoped, he could certainly say more but going on more woud be laying himself bare and there are some things he hoped to keep to himself.

"What of you Miss Zulaca? I am afraid my knowledge of the Dynasties is only a passing one..." Kreig found that admitting your ignorance in an appologetic tone was far better than feigning you knew enough about a person. The problem was he didn't kniw if the Dynasties , or at least this particular one, appreciated it.

"I hope you do not mind indulging my own curiousity..."



x

[Si'Kara Zulaca]

So, Sir Messer thought he was funny, implying that she had come from the womb of a dog. Harhar. Si’Kara rolled her eyes as she walked on, wondering if taking this Freeborn along for the ride was a good idea. At least it made her look slightly more Dynast, having someone carrying her dog and following her along. Definitely a very Dynast thing to do, even if it seemed stranger to her. Seasons ago, she used to be the one carrying the bags and stumbling beneath the odd shaped parcels. Multiple arms had helped her, but that just ment she was supposed to hold more.

”A Syliran. You are a little ways from home, aren’t you? And on top of that, a squire to a knight. You must think you are someone…” Si’Kara stopped momentarily to peer into the window of a music shop, various instruments staring back at her. Inside, a patron was setting a violin on the table, asking the shopkeeper for some aid in tuning it. Absently she twirled the parasol above her, before turning back down the street. This man was proving to draw up more questions. He was far more interesting than what she would find in the windows of lively shops. She would have to break him of this thought process. He was a Freeborn, and in the eyes of the dynasties, that meant he was a nobody.

”You need a lesson, hm? Well, there are many Dynasties here in Kenash. From the Zulaca, which is my family, to the ostentatious Morealis family or the ice-cold Vantha family by the name of Lorak. We run this town. Nothing escapes our sight. You would be wise to keep your nose clean and your head down,” She slowed down to give him a sidelong glance. ”Which will be difficult with the clothes you are wearing. Do you own anything of worth? Something of silky or lined with lace or brocaded? I highly doubt it. Hmmm.”

She walked ahead again, observing those around her. Some Freeborns made an effort to be in style. Others were too poor to care. Slaves and servants were garbed based on their master/mistress’s preference. Here she was, walking around with a Freeborn that was somewhat in the middle somewhere. She pondered this new project, wondering what she might be able to do about it. ”You are attractive, Sir Messer. Beneath all that mediocrity and grime. We shall certainly have to fix that. Then you will truly understand what it is to be me.”

[Kreig Messer]

‘Ahhhh, there’s that Dynast charm I was so looking forward to seeing’ came the thought as Kreig trailed behind “If I were someone as you put it, I have the distinct feeling I wouldn’t need the brand on my left wrist now” He remarked as he carried the puppy who was blissfully unaware and comfortable being carried around. He hated how the Dynasties considered themselves the center of everything, not just Kenash ‘ I bet they woulnd’t last thirty days without their creature comforts’ And it was probable he would win that bet….. but just probable, who knows after all? They just might surprise him in that regard.

When she spoke of the Dynasties he was hardly surprised by her superior attitude and her unflattering descriptions of the other houses and it reaffirmed his belief that the Dynasties were a lot like Sunberth’s gangs, though he noted that by mentioning at least two of the families it meant she had something against them…..or held a measure of respect, something that could go either like the flip of a coin. He let out a small grunt of protest at the mention of the quality of his clothes, he knew they weren’t much but he rather liked them…. They were probably the most practical thing compared to some of the clothing he’d seen worn by the rich folk of this city “Hrrrmmm….yes yes, the only thing of note I own is my dress uniform. Of which I’ve no doubt you’ll find unimpressive as well”

He had no desire to be recognized by most of the families, so he really didn’t care about his state of dress. At most the only thing he cared about was not cause an incident that would put the Order in shame in front of these blue-blooded Neanderthals that wouldn’t know how deep their hedonism went if you shoved their heads deep into each other’s arses and made a giant arse circle that could be seen from….well, somewhere very far.

“Oh you think I’m handsome…” He said with no tone of amusement, if she was complimenting him he’d rather hear less condescension from someone who looked like a dead body walking about “ And what do you mean by ‘fix’? I agreed to accompany you, not be some sort of test subject for whatever it is your thinking!"

x

[Si'Kara Zulaca]

”I dress uniform has a time and a place. Trust me, I know that.” Having been of the slave society once upon a time, she had seen trends come ago. Liaisons from Syliras, knights and their squires, would show up dressed in their garb emblazoned with the tree of their order. Even as she milled around, plates filling her six arms, she had not missed the fact that uniforms made men look superior and attractive in their own way. ”As for the remark on handsome, yes, I think you have a nice body. If it stays in its condition towards the end of your life, you should find me. Maybe I can find a purpose for your body as a vessel for my family.”

If he hadn’t figured out that she was Nuit yet, he probably would be leaning towards the idea now. She carried on, window-shopping as stores passed by. She let his complaint of being a ‘test subject’ fall in deaf ears for the moment. As an embalmer, it was always beneficial to learn how to make things look better. To trick people into believe someone that was dead was actually alive for a few second more. Soon they came upon another little shop, which she stopped to look into. From the doorway, the smell of fresh pastries and warm chocolate wafted into the area. Begging children from across the street eyed those that came out of the store with the delicacies. A morsel to eat was one thing, but these things were a treat. She understood what it was to look upon something more decadent and wonder what it tasted like.

”As for your earlier statement, you are incorrect. Yes, you agreed to accompany me. What that entailed, you did not inquire about. Now, I consider you a project, a simple means to an end about understanding life as we Kenashians know it.” Vague as it was, she knew what she was talking about, and that was all that mattered. She tapped the glass lightly, turning her head to look at her unwilling companion. ”Tell me, do you know what those taste like? Chocolate pastries and desserts? I wish I knew what it was like.”

[Kreig Messer]

Kreig’s teeth grinded as the Zulaca woman definitely took his words with little regard, by the gods she really thought of him as a Test Subject!! ‘ Dynasts are…..without a doubt…..the most….conceited….beings….EVER’ Kreig thought as he followed behind her absentmindedly petting the puppy he held in his hands. And what did she mean by Vessel?! Was it some weird Dynast ritual or something? Kreig didn’t really want to know especially if it had any relations to her looking like a dead corpse, he wondered if all the Zulaca looked like her….. then wisely decided that for his own sake that that was also something he didn’t want to know.

The entire situation was simply ungodly, if this were anywhere else he’d probably sock her right now and be done with it ‘ Think smart Kreig, a few bells of embarrassment might be a lot better than getting the Order into trouble because you couldn’t handle a bunch of overaged brats’ He kept telling himself as he followed behind the Dynast child ‘ ‘Sides, if you hit one of them you might find yourself dead…. Not that it wouldn’t be worth it but in the same vein it would be an utterly stupid way to die’ He mentally sighed again.

As the passed by a few windows, the sweet aroma of pasties and sweets assaulted the brawler’s nose. A sweet delicacy that certainly made the rare treats back in Sunberth pale in ungodly comparison, gods that was something else that could be added to his list of annoyances he had about the city. As they stood in front of the offending shop, Kreig found himself wishing he could have one… The last time he had such a treat was when he was with his sweet little Claire back in Syliras, the memory of the sweet rolls they had purchased seemed like a lingering memory on his tongue.

“I know what a sweet roll tastes like….Can’t say I know what these tastes like” Kreig answered honestly, pastries as fine as the ones that seemed to be here would be unknown to him, nor did he know of the taste of Chocolate. He was certain there was something like it back in Syliras but quite honestly he’d never had the opportunity nor interest to try them ‘ Certainly do now’

x

[Si'Kara Zulaca]

Si’Kara was rapidly finding that Kreig was going to be the perfect test subject. As he looked into the window, talking about sweet rolls, she could see it on his face. If he hadn’t thought about trying it before, she would be a miza that he wanted to now. Even she wanted to, but it would have been futile for her to eat them. The taste would have died before getting passed her lips, and the food would have sat, souring and decaying in her empty abdomen. The last thing she needed was enhanced decay because she was negligent and tried to eat. The life of a corpse.

Sweeping around Kreig, she walked into the store, beckoning ever so slightly for him to follow her with Momma. Sure, the dog was most likely not welcomed in an establishment such as this, but as a Dynast, she felt she was entitled to do what she wanted when she wanted. Besides, there may have been something fanciful she could feed her precious lap dog. At least, a small tidbit that might not kill the dog. As soon as she entered, a fair young human stepped up in her pristine apron. Much like the other help that worked here, she was blonde with a bright blue eyed gaze. Whatever she was thinking, Si’Kara could not tell, but the façade at least allowed her to believe she enjoyed her job.

”Greetings. Welcome to Patisserie Novak. If I am not mistaken, you must be a Zulaca. How can we help one such as yourself, madame?”

”Such pleasantries. See Sir Messer, we are treated a different way than the commoners. Would you have recognized him as a squire of the Syliran Knights?” Her question was directed at the helper, whom seemed taken aback only briefly. Yet, before she could answer to help the poor man out, Si’Kara waved her hand dismissively. ”I did not think so. Well, what do you have to offer me, precious flower?” Si’Kara chortled, leaning forward to investigate the girls face closer. Now that would be a prime body to run around in the sun for a little bit. Already pale, life would have been stricken from the girl’s skin with ease. Maybe this woman would look good as a corpse too.

”Might I suggest the macaroons? They are our specialty and highly desired by Dynasts. I am sure the taste would be even pique your palette, madame. Please, follow me. You may refer to me as Naureen, if you see something that catches your eye, madame. ”

Seems the girl was a little lippy and quite aware of what the Zulaca name meant. Pursing her lips, she decided to keep this in mind when the time came to pay. Maybe a little arm-twisting could save her a miza or two. Turning to look at her companion, Si’Kara tilted her head in Naureen’s directioned. ”Well, go on. Follow her. Pick a few out. Consider this the first experiment.”

...]
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[Kreig Messer]

He could not contain his sigh as he gently petted Momma’s forehead and followed the Zulaca brat into the store. Of course as they entered Kreig could barely contain his astonishment as he saw the various assortment of fine baked treats on display ‘Gods damn it, this is definitely going to be a form of punishment’ He thought, and when the brat took such snide pride at being recognized he could only roll his eyes as he muttered in a tone so that he wouldn’t be heard by the pretty young lady attending to them“Yes, I’m sure the sight of known big money spenders is enough to get anyone’s respect” And generally speaking that was a fact true anywhere, considering the clothes she wore anywhere in the world she would have been treated with respect without even the name, well….perhaps except a few places. He chuckled quietly as he imagined her being treated with respect in Sunberth only to find her purses of Miza mysteriously vanish the tick after.

“You know, there is this revolutionary new concept called being humble…..” He remarked after she had taken a jab at him not looking like a squire of the knights, or to be more accurate; Not looking like a somebody of importance. ‘Yeah, like being a somebody of Syliras has helped us so far here in Kenahs’ Kreig thought quietly while also mouthing a silent apology to young miss who was attending to them, whether she appreciated it or not didn’t really concern him as it was more the principal of being kind and polite that mattered…..the Dynast arrogance could simply eat his shyke if he could ever get away with it. He shook these repetitive thoughts of his away as it really wasn’t going to do him good
.
He obliged the whims of the Zulaca as he followed the young saleswoman and took a look at these macaroons. They looked quite delicious and said as much as he randomly picked one. The size reminded him of biscuits really, it was round and had a smooth yet hard touch on the surface, hesitating for only a tick he took a generous bite out of the treat and his eyes widened ‘ By the gods, the surface is so crispy but the inside is sooooo…sooooofts He turned to look at the Zulaca woman, he wondered what she thought of this. Quickly he came to the realization that she might be taken a perverse pleasure in seeing taking the bite.

‘ Probably saying ‘See? The finest things in life that you can never dream off is found only here’’ Came the thought with a complete mimicry of the pale Dynasts voice. He looked down at the pup who was still in his arms, Momma seemed to be looking at him with a bit of anticipation as of waiting for something. Honestly he wished he could give it something just direct its gaze away from him, but he didn’t think putting it down would win him any points and he didn’t want to burden the young miss helping them just so he could break off a tiny peace for the pooch.

x