章節 3: Her Name Is..
Naivety can do many things, in its worst case, get you killed.
It was mid day when the sun was beginning to fade along the sky. That was when I bought her, but now what do I do? I am in no way capable of taking care of another person, I can barely take care of myself. With the mental state I'm in, I wasn't sure if I was toxic to be around.
"Ancestors grant me your wisdom."
Through all my pacing and pondering she waited patiently for me, standing completely still, with no intention of saying a word. For me, and now for her, I must focus on survival.
Since I'm in the central market I asked merchants about the mercantile rules. It was pleasing to learn of its lenient nature. "You have the ability to sell any goods in central without the need for a stall, so long as you pay the tax to the overseer of the market place." one fellow said.
This may work out in my favour. In my village we practiced what most call dirty pottery, due to the unconventional way we go about it. Instead of removing stones and debris from soil, we incorporate them into the final piece.
The idea sounds great but will it sell. That's a good question but it is far too late to start any of this now. We made our way to the gate casually walking through. As we leave we hear the resounding thud behind us.
I look forward first, then towards her, I don't know if I'm ready for this. But I dont have much of a choice.
"There is a decent enough spot to camp around the first hill westward, it's about a half days walk. Will you be alright?"
I only received a nod. I made a slight gesture forward and she proceeded without objection.
Once we reached there was a great rock providing just enough cover in the event of rain. We make camp and decide to restart tomorrow.
As we sat she didn't have to say it but I could tell she was cold. If it wasn't obvious by her shivering then the imprints through her very revealing shirt could be seen as one. Despite my attempts to talk to her, she remains silent. Her closed nature made it difficult to discuss much of anything with her, so I opted to stay quiet instead. I'm going to get a fire started, at least then she will be alright.
"You" Startled I look towards her. "I never got a clear look at it until now, That...tattoo? Are you a?"
"This? Yes... I'm a kaya I believe you people call it"
I was reminiscent of my fathers last words to me, yet my emotions were interrupted by a loud obnoxious laugh
"I don't see what's funny?"
"You don't fit the bill of legendary warrior"
"We practice the ways of nomads not warriors, sure we receive impact training but in our culture we prioritize nomadship"
"So what's with that tattoo stuff anyways?"
"Once you reach 18 it is a tradition for men to get a traditional tattoo once every six months. It's supposed to be a symbol of loyalty and masculinity, it's usually part of a larger life ceremony that can last for almost a week. For women, it's every two years."
"Such a detestable rank system!"
Before I was able to answer her, she had turned her back to me. Just like that our conversation had come to a shocking conclusion. Now I've done it.
We remained that way for a week.
To my surprise she was still next to me staring into the distance, still calm, still quiet. I almost wanted her to flee. Almost, because what's more dangerous than being lonely.
I find it uncomfortable to hold the chains in my hands for any amount of time. Oddly enough no one seems to bat an eye, until I let go. Others become worried she'd take off but, she never did nor make an attempt to.
"Can I consider this a success?" In a weeks time I've managed to get a tiny grasp of how currency works. 500 bronze is 1 silver, 100 silver is 1 gold. Bread was priority number 1, It was cheap and very sustainable. It had grown into a regrettable routine, but at least I am still alive, and she with me.
This rock has become something of a home. I prefer it out here than In the city but I am selfish. I never once asked her how she felt about it, but even if I did she wouldn't have said anything. Just stand there.
On the plus side we gained a few bronze coins since then, with It I decided to buy her some new clothes to help ease the tension. That along with the fact her current wear barely covers anything. She didn't even react, but then again what did I expect, she still has said very little since that day. Mostly nods for yes, and shakes for no.
"Hey, you should try on the clothes I bought you, I apologize if its to big."
She gave me side eye, surprisingly not as cold as usual. "Try it on after you dip In the river"
She sighed, standing straight up beginning to undress. I look away hastily.
"Right here?"
After taking off her top, sitting back next to me, she leaned in close. Dumbfounded I back up, she speedily forces a kiss.
"Whoa hey, what was that for?"
She continued her advance
"Wait seriously..Stop!"
"Is this not what you want?"
In my mind I thought this was a great change of pace, no longer am I drowning in loneliness. Still, despair was there and now guilt, this isn't right. I don't know you.
"No"
"If not for this, why buy me?"
Cocking her head to the side looking almost displeased. I could tell she's been wanting to ask that for awhile.
"Honestly I don't know, I just moved without even thinking. Before I knew it I had your chains in my hand... I just wanted to save you, I just didnt want to see you die"
She smiled for a second and not a moment more, stating it in a sinister tone.
"Its a shame"
She rose to her feet, her movements deliberate, and paced about ten steps away from me. My experience in combat was limited, but the unmistakable sound of a blade being unsheathed was something even someone unexperienced as me could recognize.
"Is that the same blade you wrested from your slave master?" I asked, my voice steady despite the rising tension.
Her surprise was evident. "How did you know?"
"Just an educated guess," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
"So, you're aware... I could easily end your life right now," she stated, a cold edge to her voice.
The subtle clinking of her chains accompanied her words, a chilling reminder that even in bondage, she was a formidable threat.
"Kill me? For what, saving you?"
"You don't seem frightened. Aren't you going to try to escape or beg for your life?"
"I see no reason to."
But internally, I was screaming. She had a blade, and the situation was escalating rapidly. I could hear her shifting her weight, muscles tensing, preparing to strike. My mind raced – I had only one shot at evading her attack. The moment I detected any movement, I would have to act fast.
As soon as I heard the rustle of her clothing, I lunged to the left, narrowly avoiding her blade.
"Where did you learn to dodge like that?" a mix of frustration and admiration in her voice.
"Have you already forgotten?" I replied, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.
"Don't mock me!" she snapped.
This time, I stood up, turning to face her squarely as she readied herself for another attack. But as I rose, something in her demeanor shifted. She hesitated, her grip on the blade loosening ever so slightly, the deadly edge lowering as if weighed down by an unseen force.
"Weren't you going to kill me?"
"Would you like me to?"
"Well uh I mean no but wait what?"
"I do what I need to do to survive, I may be in chains but I am no slave."
"Your hard to read, you know that"
"It's Aldis"
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