Despite knowing what I would find on the front page, I purchased a newspaper on my way through the city. As expected, the shootout at the antiques store was the cover story. Seeing that was all I had the stomach for. All I felt at that moment was shame that I allowed a miniscule dispute such as that to escalate into a front-page story.
Such a massive breakdown of structure would not go unpunished. I know for certain the Highblood will have me put through a suitable punishment for thrusting the family into the public stage. Even if our activities have reached the press in the past, not an individual outside the family knows who runs this city from behind the curtains.
The thought of the rustblood still refused to leave my mind at the time, and she seems to have carved out a space for permanent residence. Even if I was the one that brought her here, the reasons behind that act elude me. The courtesy of leaving a lady in such a place may have been part of it, as well as the necessity of keeping her silent. The more definite alternative meant her death, and I am grounded in my belief that the spilling of blood over business should not be done unless its necessity is concrete. Against the popular belief of many other members of this family, the Highblood is not nearly as lenient with me as them.
Prior to this writing, she had been housed in the the small keeping room for the few days since our return to the manor. Before tonight, she had not spoken a word since her arrival.
Her lodging in my thoughts meant that I felt some small amount of pity for her, and I knew that three days without food would be difficult even for one who spent her days since the brooding caverns in the slums. I decided to take the initiative and bring her a small meal, enough to keep her healthy and uncomplaining for some while. I examined the room connecting to hers and took a short glance up and down the adjacent hall, making certain that no observers were present or would be. Following that short reassurance, I pushed open the unmarked door to her current accomodations. Despite having gained some amount of control over the strength of my hands, I was unable to avoid the leaving of a definite impression of my grip.
As the door swung open to the fullest extent its hinges would allow, I finally caught sight of her. Her sweeps in the slums had granted her a deal of agility, which she was in the process of employing to move herself from the bench to the furthest corner of her away from me to the far corner of the room. It was a small room, 8 feet by 8 feet so it would not have helped much in getting away from me anyways. Her eyes, even if they did not meet mine, still showed some emotional clash of serenity and dread.
Such a contradiction was something practically unknown to rustbloods. The stolen glances of her eyes betrayed the hunger in her stomach, but she retained enough control to make no move for what I held, even as the plate was gently released from my hands and onto the metallic bench we had given her as a makeshift bed. Even as her stomach growled and made her want of food audible, she had not made any motion in the slightest towards what I had brought.
Noting her fright of me, my stern voices reassured her with something along the lines of I have no plans to bloody my hands with the likes of you. Her response? Then why did you grab me and bring me here? I explained that before I brought you here. It would have been easier to kill me. I am a slum-dwelling lowblood. Not a troll in this city cares about me. Did you not notice the inherent courtesy of my refusal to send you into harm's way? She looked down at the bench she was seated on, nodding in silent agreement.
That courtesy destroyed my livelihood. Even if she had not intended to, she spat as she spoke. My experience with insubornation prevented this from doing any more than irking me.
I assured her, Regardless of my acceptance or refusal of the offer, your shop would have been levelled. All I did was make your survival a certainty. My voice may have been too harsh, as she flinched from the small motion of my nudging the tray towards her. As I stood and stepped out, I would have sworn on my loyalty to the highbloods that I heard a small "thank you" before I closed the door.
When I closed the door I noticed one of the olivebloods out here, and The Family s best sharpshooter he was too. He did not look happy, but granted when did he ever look happy? Or even slightly amused. He growled at me. And just what the hell were you doing in there? I have no idea if this some sort of mood or his default state of mind. I spat back at him, Watch your tongue, buffoon. You have no right to question me. This family has a great many foes we pay you to dispose of. Insolence may lead you onto the very same list as them. His horns were massive; nothing could hide them unless he was to wrap his head in gauze. That would make him an easy target. There was always the possibility of him wrapping his head in gauze, but such actions might actually improve the look of his face. Yeah, and I'M the idiot for wondering why you keep a liability around. He was in that passive-aggressive tone of voice that made me want to turn his skull to dust.
I am not a liability, and neither is she! If anything, I am the backbone of this family, protecting it from insubordinate whelps with mouths too big for what they're worth." My voice resonated throughout the room, furthering the sting of my words.
How ignorant can you be? Since when does protection mean that anyone with a printing press has what you did on the front page?
At precisely the wrong moment, a knock came from inside the door to the rustblood's accomodations. Incensed as I was, my hand slammed on the door with enough force to make it ring. Momentarily forgetting whatever pity I held, I shouted Quiet, you! into her room. Her reply was a sharp yelp, leading to a silence that was far too long for any sane troll to feel comfortable in. "I-I was only notifying you that I had finished with the food... and..." She paused. Her voice was barely audible, but I heard it nonetheless. "I... have to pee." I took a small, exasperated breath and shook my head before turning to the door. Opening the door for the second time that, I find my eyes locked into hers, a small sigh escaping my black lips. At least try and be less lewd about such things. Sorry, would you rather I state I must use the facilities? It was only as she spoke these words that she began to rise from the bench and actually take a look at me. Of course, she was still too frightened to meet my eyes, and so preferred the sort of look that made me think she was trying to see something through me.
My only reply was a stark "Yes."
I ll remember that. I turned, noting that our insufferable killer-for-hire hadn't recognized his chance to duck out. I pointed to him and then nodded. Show her their location. Even after days in the security of the manor, the shaking of the gun battle in front of her store had not left her.
Since I had been able to stand upright, I had been running errands for the Family. This sudden shift of life and side of the law from her old situation must have been nothing less than jarring. Our "mercenary" oliveblood grumbled something under his breath and gave her a wave, indicating he would be her guide whether he liked it or not. He did slow his arrogant stride in the least, preferring a pace that seemed as if he was trying to get her lost and punished for wandering the halls.
She quickly scurried out of the room, away from me and after him. After a few minutes of my solitude in that room had passed, I traced their course and relieved the oliveblood of having to attend to her. She finally exited almost ten minutes after my arrival, which prompted me to stand and give her a glare cold as stone.
What possible reason could you have to remain there for such a length of time? Her face gave a small turn towards that dark shade of the lowest blood there is, and her eyes shifted to the floor without a sign of returning. If the look on her face was anything to go by, she was greatly embarrassed. Regardless of her current emotional state, I remained firm, both in stance and tone. She mumbled something or another, so I let it pass for the most part.
Out with it. Keeping secrets here is no way to last very long. My tone remained stern as I verbally illustrated how she could retain her life. All received the same unfliching intonations, with the exception of those few the highbloods deemed too fragile for it. Other extremities had to come too... The darkening of her face and slow pace of her speech made her embarassment and unwillingness to continue evident.
I will allow you to end this line of conversation. Th-thank you, sir... Before I turned to leave her, I noticed her biting her lower lip. She seemed dead set on following me.
Do you have anything else to say?
Almost as if in response to my turning, her hands darted behind her back her eyes resumed their steadfast floor gazings. Even if her wavy hair had fallen and obscured her face, I had seen that look once before, when I was convincing her that coming to the manor was her best hope.
No sir," was all that came from her meek mouth. I find myself holding a peculiar amount of doubt for that. You face tells the tale quite well. Now say it and be done with it. I-I am just scared is all... sir. More something that should be kept to myself unless asked for in such a manner you have sir. Fear does not equate to the very plain embarrassment on your face. It's... from being put on the spot like this. Explain to me how this is you being placed on the spot.' I am used to being walked upon, ignored and shunned by those of your blood. Being called to attention is just... new for me... I am used to being a girl in the background and behind a counter. Not front and center as I am now, sir. Serious questioning on matters such as the reasons behind my delays in the restroom just makes it... unbelievably embarrassing... Then perhaps you should take care of these affairs in a more timely manner. If you were to get too inquisitive here, it would be the end of you. The... the food you so graciously allowed me to eat is drastically different from my usual diet. Please, don't take that as, complaining sir, it was quite good and I do thank you... perhaps it would be for the better if I kept quiet now. Her last few words came faster than rounds from one of the family's trademark firearms, as if she scared out of her wits I would react and cut her off. She bit her lip once more, as if to ensure she would say nothing more. Perhaps you should return to your accommodations. I agree. Sorry for wasting your time, sir. At least you understand how to address your superior. Especially when that superior has the means to end my life without a scrap of regret.
Despite my best instincts, this remark hit in exactly the manner she had not intended. My visage twisted towards anger, but I knew if I was to slap her it would have broken her brittle neck. As much trouble as that would have saved, having her blood on my hands would be a torment for whatever sweeps this life gave me. My hands balled into fists, then became loose again as I inhaled deeply. Her eyes were shut to a point that looked almost painfully tight, as if she expected the blow to land at any moment. After a few dragging moments, she nodded, opening her eyes and looking up, her gaze settling on her surroundings rather than me. C-can I ask when I will be let go, sir? She was shy almost to a fault at this point. Her body shook, giving her an unnecessary appearance of fright. I just shook my head before I just sighed. Even the head of The Family has no knowledge of such things. Her only reply was a single nod, almost as if to make sure she heard me right. When I failed to respond, she continued with I guess... I'm still forced to stay in that tiny room, aren t I? She seemed to have realized the words that came from between her mouth and brought her hands up to cover her face. A small sigh came from between those hands followed by a whimper. My expression softened almost undiscernably, but it retained its look of sternness. You will be moved to a furnished room within the hour. I informed her.
R-really?! Thank you, very much s-! she exclaimed. Her excitement and overflowing joy came out in her words, but I was forced to cut her off with a shake of my head.
Save your breath. I cut in before she could finish.
She slapped an almost unimaginably delicate hand over her mouth and nodded. It was still so gracious of you to do that. For... your captive, no less. Those who mistreat guests will find themselves on the other end of the barrel eventually. Experience has taught us the best choice is to provide guests what is expected, as well as a small something more. So, until I am moved to this new room, I am to either stay near you, or in the small other room I was originally in? Is that right, sir? Near me, in that room, or with the escort I assign you. As it was my idiocy that brought you here, I have been assigned the 'prestigious' position of your caretaker. I made certain to emphasize my detest on "prestigious." It was utterly degrading for one of my hue to be forced into acting as some kind of substitute lusus for a rustblood, but I would be loath to callously disregard the orders of the Highblood.
U-understood, sir.
Based on the tone of her voice, that wasn't the whole truth. What is it? I growl.
Is there... anything you want me to do, sir? There was nothing to do but tell her Return to the room for now. I will do anything to stay out of that room, sir. She had returned to that fear-tinged rapid fire of words.
What do you find so repulsive about it? The entire room, sir. The cramped feeling it has. I am... not one for small spaces, sir. Convincing the chefs to make you that meal taxed my relations enough for today. Such a favor will take time and all present are on edge due to your arrival. I understand sir. Still, you have my thanks. It was unbelievably kind of someone of your status to do such a thing for me. Didn t I already say mistreating of guests is not something I care to partake of? Yes... several times. This kind of grace is seldom given to those of my position." She smiled again, her refusal to meet my eyes making it almost... heartrending.
You seem to have a tendency to reiterate yourself in favor of simply recognizing that there is nothing more to say. Well, yes, that's a part of it, and I really want to stay out of that room, sir. Unless of course you wish to explain what was going on at my shop, since I now seem to be a part of it. A risk such is that is too great for any sane troll to take. Once again, I understand..." She paused again, her visage turning to an emotion that should have been accompanied by the slapping of her palm across her forehead. "Oh how rude can I be? I have not introduced myself. She began to bow, but I cut off this ultimately futile gesture.
I already know your name. Anyone with the spare change for a newspaper knows it. She blushed lightly, the maroon hues on her gray cheeks seeming to change in some way. The lower castes did not take to organized crime as the nobility did, and I preferred to avoid association with them altogether.
What is your name? she asked lightly.
Stoic as ever, I responded Equius. That is the only portion of my name you will be receiving, and it is all you need of it. That's a lovely name for an indigoblood, and I really think it's actually fantastically fitting. Her expression of nerves turned to a small smile, as if a burden had been taken from her shoulders. I was unable to make sense of it at the time.
Don t bother to explain. I do not see how it is 'fitting,' nor do I wish to. I was not going to sir. Just filling the silence until my new room is done. According to you." She had begun to babble again. "Are you always this stern with guests? Her frankness was a small shock. Remaining stern and detached was a part of the profession, but I did not think I carried it to such extremes. How so?" I guess a better term just be that you're incredibly distant or I guess kind of imposing? She continued to babble.
That is none of your concern. I responded quickly to her, narrowing my eyes under the cracked glasses.
As I stated, I was just trying to fill the silence. I would focus on keeping silent about what has taken place recently. I am just wondering about my keeper, and I will sir.
Another blush came up again, so soon after the last. She spoke up once again, shifting the conversation to a much stranger subject.
May I have the honor of... looking up into your eyes as we converse? Or would it be... unfitting... because of our class disparity? As ponderous as I find such a request, I believe my bringing you here warrants at least that. Once that had been granted, she nodded and slowly lifted her head up, somehow making the conversation that much more personal. Without my infamously cracked glasses there would have been nothing preventing her from taking a look at my eyes and seeing their direct gaze into hers.
Thank you, it seems more respectful on both ends.
My hand seemed unconsciously drawn to to the broken stub that once had been called a horn. The gesture drew attention along with the hand, and her eyes visibly widened as she caught sight of it. Now you see why I prefer my headwear on business.
What came next shocked me, even more than her extremely recent and blunt statement of my demeanor.
I like it.
Had my glasses not been in place, she would have seen how I was blinking as if I was dazed.
What? Must have hurt like shit though when it happened. There was nothing to do but shake my head and sigh. There really was nothing else to do in response to half of her words and actions. No matter how much uncharacteristic grace she possessed, the grime in her veins was omnipresent.
I understand that such methods of expression are appropriate in your former area of habitation, but such mannerisms are not taken well here. Oh, sorry, it's just, I can t even begin to grasp how much that would have hurt. But yes, I am fond of it. Her eyes drifted from the jagged edges of its snapping back to my face with another sweet smile.
I don t see much appeal in it. It is character really. Symmetry is nice but breaking it shows character. Plus, shows you can take a lot and still keep going. Are you implying this is my own handiwork? No, no, of course not. Unless it is, of course. No. Thought so. No one can take that much pain and have it happen because they did it to themselves. Still amusing. How so? She was actually making my interest in what she was saying peak.
Just is, are you embarrassed by it? It stands out too much for my tastes. Hence, my preference for headwear. Say you weren t in this business, would you still have that preference? Once again, my only response was a shake of the head. My life has been The Family since I had left the caverns.
I can t imagine another life. It was truth, cold as the bodies of the interfering police at her antiques store and hard as the teal-stained dirt road in front of it. As I can never imagine coming into such a life. Guess I ll have to start trying until I m let go or dead. A shiver ran down her body, the thought frightening in the way chucklevoodoos are. No, you won t be coming into anything. Our affairs have nothing to do with you, and if you attempt to make them about you, the result will invariably be elimination. My arms folded across my chest, the inevitable wrinkles in the suit of no concern to me.
You brought me into this you realize. I know how a scant few things work in this business. Not because I was in it, but because I have had close friends killed because of it. There will always be someone looking over my shoulder to ensure I don t step out of line. I didn't say I was coming into it either. What friend are you referring to? It s not important.
I seemed to have scared her again. She simply strode to the nearest wall, pressed her back to it, and slid down, bringing her knees to her chest as she neared the floor. Even at this pitiable gesture, I did not ease off in the least.
Then do not bring it up. Why did you ask then? It was a passing thought until you asked. Because you seemed intent on bringing it forward. That was not my intention. You have control over everything that comes out of your mouth, so it must have been. Not so, you may have thought it was. But my intention was to point out that thanks to you bringing me here, I m now living the rest of my meager sweeps within your family's view. She laughed a dry, humorless, almost deranged laugh. I chalked it up to nerves and continued. So it would behoove you to remain silent about most anything you see here.
Her answer was yes, with an addendum of But aside from my explorations in old ruins, this is the most exciting thing I've been a part of. She moved from her position against the wall and had the audacity to sit at my side, as if she had brashly assumed she was my equal. Intimidation must also factor into it, of course. Well, you have the strength of an indigoblood, while I can toss you through walls with my mind. So in a sense we are, in combat terms, equal. I could tell she was trying to think of a way to add "should it come to that" without it sounding strange, but gave up.
Is that a threat? That's just what I mean, you're doing the intimidation thing right now. And no, it was only an observation. But I know you won t hurt me. Yet, anyways. She was beginning to traverse topics she had no right to. Do not press your luck. I am not trying to, as stated, I am just observing. She laughed and yawned, this second laugh grating my nerves much more harshly, but the yawn signalled that I would be able to sleep, rather than continue in a foul temper. Keep your observations to yourself. Maybe I will. Since I let them be known to you, they point out flaws. Another grin. If she continued acting in this seemingly intentional aggravation, I would not be responsible for my actions. But I will stop now. Finally. I m still scared out of my wits about being here. The nerves are just gone so I can stop shaking and think more clearly. Without bothering to reply, I pulled my sleeve up to take a look through the cracked glass of my watch. I stood and began to head off, with her almost naturally at my heels. I turned back around, retrieving a length of cloth from one of my pockets and blindfolding her. She had no objections, not even nonverbally expressed ones. She seemed to understand my reluctance to take the chance of revealing any more of the manor to her.
I placed her hand on my shoulder and guided through a long hall, past numerous other members of The Family before I turned towards a door. Once I had opened the door and ushered her within, I untied the blindfold for the sake of acquanting her with her new housing. There were only two doors, the one I had entered through and a second, leading to an adjacent chamber.
Do not leave this without my permission, and only if you have someone as your guide. The other door is to be firmly shut at all times. If you open it, the matter should be unbelievably critical. It seemed as if my words had not reached her ears. She was too busy filing through the bookshelf and had already selected some item or another for her enjoyment. I left her to her own devices and locked the door between her dwelling and the hallway, then opened the door I had advised her against opening. Little does she know that these are my quarters she lies next to.
Enforcer Zahhak