Looking back, I'm surprised I wasn't terrified. My Father sold (saved) me. My Yautja Arbitrator Owner cured me. Matriarch A'yate accepted me. There was no one left. My survival was now entirely up to me.
I had no more freebies.
Let me clarify.
My dear Father raised me. He looked after me. He went so far as to sell me to make sure I lived. I know of "fathers" who barely give their children a second thought. I counted myself lucky to have a Father who loved me. And cared. And nurtured.
But I'm getting too personal.
Moving on, we have my Arbitrator. He cured me. No illness could hinder me anymore. He was even tasked to see to my wellbeing from then on.
Matriarch A'yate. She gave me my final blessing. I could now start my new life in this alien world.
See a pattern? All of them gave me a means to my survival. Elements. Tools I had to use.
I was accepted. Sure. Now I had to make sure I stayed that way.
In this period of my life. This one instance of space and time. My life was finally in my own hands.
In short. I had to get the Arbitrator to like me.
At least. Like me enough to let me stick around. And not grow bored of me and possibly throw me away.
I had to plan this right.
So I observed him.
He lived a very rigid lifestyle.
He got up early. Slept late. He was prone to be out of the house a lot (imagine that, me calling an alien den a house). I had never seen him eat any meal yet. He fed me. Of course. Feeding himself was something I had no idea about.
I also noticed that he piled work onto himself. He always seemed to need to be someplace. Having to do something.
His only hobby was training. I noticed that one day.
He would go to his training room and kill imaginary foes with his sharp knives. But even that seemed like a chore to him. Another "job" he needed to do.
I'm sure it relaxed him. Long ago. But now it only irritated him.
He would tense and every swing. Growl at every lunge. I was sure there was some sort of pent-up anger in him. Something. With his heavy breathing. It always looked as if he was more agitated than when he started. He always seemed like he was about to slaughter someone.
He was very intense.
So what's a little girl to do?
I didn't like staying in the Arbitrator's room. It was claustrophobic.
Since Matriarch A'yate blessed me. The weight I felt had lifted. I didn't feel confined to that one place. Of course. I far from thought of the Arbitrator's den as my own. But I no longer considered myself a whole outsider.
I dared to wander the house. The Arbitrator was out again.
Often, he would leave as soon as he gave me my morning meal.
Now, I can't be expected to eat and Sing at the same time. He wasn't giving me much to work on.
But moving on.
His home was a maze. I would wander a bit. Wanting to see if I remembered my way around.
Sometimes. I made it to the kitchen without backtracking. I always thought the Arbitrator would return and not find me. I didn't want to be scolded.
But in a day or two. I wandered with little to no pressure.
I happened upon the Aseigan. Once. Way in the back of the house.
The slave part. I discovered.
I figured what I felt about the Aseigan.
They were like the homeless on the street. The addicts. You pitied them. But you didn't want to look at them. Because you don't know how to help them.
For the life of me. I didn't want to be them.
Out of everywhere in the Arbitrator's house. I had one favorite.
The banquet hall's opened doors. Where the pond was.
It's here I pondered on what I was to do.
I knew my mission was to win the Arbitrators favor. But he gave me no ready opportunity. He was constantly moving.
He stopped for no one.
In an active lifestyle. What was I to do? Me, who had always been to sick to move.
I went on my knees. Facing the pond. Seeing my reflection on it's surface.
I Sang.
I had been told to Sing. Not to wait to be told to Sing. Not to find a reason to Sing. An opportunity to Sing.
Just…Sing.
So I did so.
The Arbitrator was quick to notice this change.
At breakfast. I Sang before starting my meal. Taking the time to make my bed. Or nest. Whatever you wanted to call it.
He actually seemed amused by this. He even stayed a while longer.
Imagine. He even sat on his bed.
Of course. The minute I started eating. He left immediately.
Usually. I wouldn't Sing at all if he wasn't around. But. I thought this made things lonely and silent.
So I Sang to myself to past the time.
Just like I did back in Heavenfall.
His home was too big. Too silent.
It eased the emptiness.
Although the Arbitrator never gave me signs. Not a hint of hope. I continued to Sing.
I would Sing every time I was to eat. And he would stay. Watching me.
When I stopped. He left.
Simply. Callously.
Of course. The only reason he cared was my voice. I expected no applause.
But for him to wash his hands off me. Seemingly. Was not a promising sign either.
Yet. I pursued.
Often. When I Sang out of loneliness. I would turn and realize he had been listening. So I began to Sing some more.
It was the only ting I had to hold on to. My Singing. It was the only thing that reassured me. Told me I wasn't a lost cause. Not yet.
One day I lounged in my little cage.
Looking up at the sky.
I decided there where three places that could be my own. My nest in the Arbitrator's room. The entrance overlooking the pond. And my cage.
I could wander the house. Sure. But it made me think of my life. How I could wander. Endlessly.
Metaphors creep up on you when you don't want them to.
I had taken a pillow from my nest. I clutched it now. It looked good. Here in my cage. It gave it a bit of life.
I'm not sure what I searched for in the sky above me. Perhaps an Angel. One to look after me in this alien planet. Surely God was not against it. God was supposed to be nice.
Anyway, I had just barely noticed the Arbitrator coming through the hallway.
He had been gone overnight.
I admit. I was a little hungry. No one had given me dinner.
It was things like this. It made me feel I still wasn't safe here. Not entirely.
He seemed frustrated. Like he hadn't slept.
Without giving it much thought.
I Sang.
Not really for him. And perhaps just a bit for me.
I Sang of a Hero. Coming home. Always.
Perhaps it was someone else. Singing through me. Promising. Something.
Strange. And maybe a tad too religious. But it's what I felt.
When I stopped. He knelt before me.
He stared at me. And I him.
I clutched at my pillow.
He noticed.
"Naxa."
He held up the fruit he had always given me.
I'm sure it was his way of being sorry. For making me skip my meal.
In any case. He began teaching me Yautja.
It was a tactic. More or less. He couldn't have someone ignorant around him. That. And it would be easier for him to tell me when and how long he'll be gone.
He taught me to understand it.
I'm sure he didn't expect me to speak it. I didn't try to.
The Arbitrator still worked as hard as ever. On the side he would teach me words. Like homework.
"Nok."
He showed me a lengthily rod.
"Nok."
He repeated. Wanting to know if I understood.
I pointed at the rod.
Perhaps he thought I was being a smart-aleck. He huffed. And took the rod away.
"Nok."
I looked around. I found a small statuette on his desk. I pointed at it.
Nok. 13 inches. A Yautja unit of measure.
He huffed again. A more positive huff.
I wished he would stop patronizing me. Last time he taught me the word Tjau'ke. He handed me a rock. I had to give him another rock. Twice. In order to tell him that. Yes. I now knew Tjau'ke means rock.
I can take the hard stuff.
But he simply leaned back on his chair. Got back to work.
He would often take me to his study. Where he would use his Yautja technology. His desk would project a red monitor. And he would move his claws about it.
Sometimes it looked as if he was reading a list. Other times he would be reading profiles of some sort.
He would growl. Often.
I could see his fist shake. Lightly. A crushed note. In his clenched hand. The tension of his claws was unmistakable. With the same pent-up anger I had been noticing.
I Sang him a tune.
He was still frustrated. He was always frustrated.
But his shoulder's became less rigid. He brushed off the note. And his anger.
He continued working. He could bare it. Apparently.
As long as I Sang.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The day came. When the Arbitrator took me to his training room. Kerhite. As I was told. Repeatedly.
The walls were filled with knives and blades. They hang high and ended low. Waiting to be used. Stands and stalls had similar tools. A huge clearing was in the middle. Circular. Better for training.
Today's murder weapon. Ki'its-pa. Hunting spear.
A huge alien rod. A killers tip.
The Arbitrator stepped into the center of the clearing. He twirled his weapon. He breathed harshly.
"Kv'var."
He said.
Exercise. This was nothing more than exercise for him.
He lifted the spear up. Parted his legs.
"Hiju."
Combat stance. Fighting position. Whatever sounds better.
He was angry.
I saw it in his eyes. When he came back. He had ripped away the curtain that acted like a door to the hallway. He would've done much worse. I'm sure.
He saw me. In my cage. And beckoned me to follow him.
I knelt. Watching.
"Je'ha."
One.
He cut the wind. It cried.
"Je'hu."
Two.
His arms moved. Graceful. Stressed. His form was perfect. Yet. He was strained.
"Ke'hu."
Three.
He knew he was strained.
He swung his weapon up. Slashed an enemy from behind him. His dreadlocks danced in the air. Slapping it in the face.
But it wasn't good enough.
He growled. Lunging at an attacker. Someone who wasn't there. Only he was there.
And me. But that's not the point.
He fought this enemy. Growling. Hissing.
Breaking.
With a mighty shove. He knocked over a stand. I saw the glimmers given off by the fallen blades.
He roared.
He arched himself backwards. Mandibles flaring.
He forgot about teaching me. Forgot imperfection. He merely attacked. Erratic. But masterful.
He was a wild animal. And in that there was control. He willed for someone to attack. He knew no one would. No one could challenge. So he destroyed his Kerhite. Took the blades and cut the wind.
Do you wonder if I was scared?
Wonder if I feared. Prayed for myself. I was told once to only pray for things that truly mattered. As for fear. I feared not. I knew this was coming. I planned for this to come.
I needed him like this. I needed him out of his cage.
He swung his blade.
I Sang.
There can only be one Caged Bird.
For a moment. He paused. A moment no one else could of seen.
In that moment. I saw my face in the shining silver. I saw his eyes.
He struck again.
Je'ha.
Once more.
Je'hu.
Another.
Ke'hu.
As I Sang in my melodies. He struck with his blade. As my hands shook with each strain of my voice. His shoulders calmed with every movement.
He was the master of his body.
He was a killer.
I saw it now.
Before. He was tense. Distracted.
Now. I saw his form as what it should have been always. A deadly beauty.
I Sang louder.
With every stretch of his muscles. Calm. Controlled. Ready to release at any moment. Release the monster within. He had the power to end life. He used it when he wanted to.
He was the Alpha.
His blade sliced with the power of a king. No longer did his claw clench to tightly. Shook a fraction to much.. He had it now.
He always had it. He merely forgot.
With every note I Sang. He followed with his arm. He followed with his body.
Was I leading? More of a measure. But I may be being modest here.
With every change in lyric. He changed his attack. With every up in tempo. He quickened his pace. Every slow. He halted. He breathed when I breathed. I stretched a word. He kept his form.
He was deadly. And like the blade in his hand. I was his new tool.
He turned. Ready. Capable. Powerful.
I stopped.
His blade froze just a fraction in front of my face.
It was a close call.
Before me. The Arbitrator breathed heavily. Though not harsh. Not like before. He stared down at me. I saw sweat on him.
I wondered if he even felt them.
The Arbitrator lowered his weapon.
He patted my head. Ruffling my hair. And past me by.
It was the first acknowledgement I'd been given.
Let me clarify what had happened.
I needed the Arbitrator to explode with rage.
I could have Sung while he trained from the beginning. But it would have done me no good.
I had Sung for him while he worked. It served as a numbing. Nothing more. He was distracted and irritated. Combine it was the wall hindering me. I needed him to release that anger. Succumb to the rage.
Only then could I be of use.
When one has a headache. He lays himself down. The Arbitrator moved to much to lay down.
Headaches can weaver with pills. The Arbitrator would take no pill.
You can move through the headache. Let it run it's course. Continue on despite it. The Arbitrator attempted to do so. But he only added more.
The final method. Detonate the headache. Snap. Then you're free.
The Arbitrator had more than a headache. But the method still stands.
I had refused to Sing until he was over the edge.
A gamble. But it worked.
I admit. I was partially relieved. A feeling altogether new to me.
All my life. I hadn't the chance to truly feel things. I had Father to reassure me. What he said was what I lived by. If from his mouth he said things were fine, so it was.
I'm not altogether sure that I was worried to begin with. But I do know that relief washed over me. It felt like tingles on my skin. And my stomach felt untwisted. I knew my plan had worked.
Feeling things was definitely worth the effort.
The day after. I was arranging my nest.
I figured that since the pillows that made up my nest were mine, I could use them however I liked.
The one I brought over the other day looked nice in my little cage. So I took two more. I had to economize, however. I had only so many pillows. The floor hurt. I needed them more in my nest. But it looked nice. My blue one. My red one. And my purple one. I was truly feathering my den.
Well. A small corner of it at least.
Anyway.
The Arbitrator arrived. He had a long cloth dangling from his clawed hand.
Child curiosity washed over me. I peered at it. Thinking. Maybe. That it was another dress. It was a lovely shade of maroon. I would've loved to have one.
But. Alas. It wasn't.
It was a curtain. A tapestry. With golden embroidery. And black swirling patterns.
He must of gotten it from the market place.
He had some trouble placing it though. A perfectionist. His whole den was filled his trophies. Acting like decoration. And furniture. The curtains were additives. But he already had so many.
He caught me staring.
I looked down. Perhaps it was impolite to stare.
The Arbitrator clicked his mandibles. I peeked upwards. He was staring at my cushions. I thought he was angry at my audacity. After a second or two. He handed me the cloth.
Surprised. I quickly took it. Fingering the thread count. Like silk. But rougher. Stronger.
A lovely shade of maroon…
I looked up. Got up on my feet. It was an effort. I had to jump. But I managed to swing the cloth across every corner of the top of my cage. Like a canopy. It was long enough.
I sat and hugged my knees. Admiring my handiwork.
The Arbitrator was watching. Arms crossed. As always.
At least he thought I was innovative.
But this was short lived.
He received a message shortly after.
I'll tell you something right now. The Arbitrator wasn't fond of social gatherings.
In the Yautja world. There were ritual ceremonies. For just about everything. Chivas. Seasons. But if you've seen over a thousand. You've seen them all.
But he was an Arbitrator. A public figure. He made sure the Code was obeyed. And if it wasn't. He made said offender pay hell. He knew Elders. Ancients. And Matriarchs.
Ah, yes, Matriarchs.
To strengthen Clan relations. To get an update. If a Matriarch said that Elders, Arbitrators, and Ancients should gather just to see each others faces. It was so. My Arbitrator loathed it. But he would smile and bare it anyway.
I said hello to politics again.
There was a small problem though.
Two days later.
In the banquet hall. I was looking over the lake again.
The Arbitrator was listening to a recording. An array of clicks. Series of them I yet to understand fully. A red monitor next to his face. He had a few jewels in his hand. Rings maybe. And was throwing it casually up in the air. Whatever the recording told him. It had his utmost attention.
Going to the gathering was simple enough. The issue was whether he would take me.
Apparently. He had been given an off-handed request to show me to the rest of the class. I had no idea of this. I figured it out after. So oblivious, I paid only partial attention to his peculiarities.
I suppose he was justified in his hesitation. I was his private property. Did he really want to flaunt me? It wasn't as if I had really proven my worth to him yet.
I looked at the pond. Perhaps it was nature intervening. Divine guidance.
I think it was because the water was so beautiful. Like crystal. I felt like I wanted to thank it.
So I Sang.
Singing to water is rather silly. I didn't think much of it at the time.
Rather. I drowned in my tune.
It was happier than the ones I had Sung. Recently.
When I stopped. The Arbitrator stopped playing with his trinkets.
He began to leave the room. But not before throwing the jewels at me to catch.
They were lovely. By the way.
He made a decision.
Arbitrators are constantly on the move. Tracking. Judging. Executing. To them. Invitations. Were open as per there schedule allowed. If they couldn't make they were forgiven. If on the job.
But my Arbitrator planned to make sure no such thing happened. Better to show me now and get it over with. Sedate the curiosity of his peers. Unless an Arbitrator with his set of talents was needed specifically. He was busy for the evening.
Incidentally. It takes a Yautja quite a while to get ready. More so than a human.
Things must be done days in advance.
The Arbitrator had a lot of armor.
His usual uniform. A deep raven black. So black that I felt if I reached out to touch it. I would be reaching into an endless black hole. It had marks and chips. Proof of his conquests. Every killed Bad Blood. Meticulously crafted to be flexible. Resilient. He only fixed it if it needed fixing. He liked to keep the dirt on it. Only cleaning if he wasn't busy. Or if filthy with blood.
He has a soft spot for his old armor. From before his Arbitrator days. His Clan Leader armor of a silver tone. Farther still. His old armor from his Blooded days. Tortured with scars and scratches. I doubted it even fit him now. Not that he was ever skinny. The fact that he had added even more muscle to his body since then was incredible though.
His ceremonial armor. A true work of art. A polished. Liquid black. Shining with death. Patterns carved into his plating. Only visible when light touched it at a certain angle. Etched with gold Yautja words on his wrist cuffs. Verses. Perhaps. It seemed like something he would have. A long cape the color of night. Long. Flowing. It was impressive. To say the least.
"Awu'asa."
He clicked at me. Showing his collection.
Right. Can't forget my vocabulary lessons.
The Arbitrator watched me closely. By now I could easily tell that he had something on his mind. Though it didn't seem to urgent.
He turned back to his Awu'asa. Perhaps imagining what else he could add to his garments.
I found it funny. Hiding my smile.
Yautja can be such Divas.
Arrangements for myself were to be made shortly.
I hadn't much thought for my appearance in any way. Things like that don't concern a dying person. And even now I didn't feel a self-consciousness about it. I had no one to impress. Nor would I ever.
My white dress. The one I had since my audience with the Matriarch. I admit that I cherished it some. I had nothing else and it was beautiful. More than I could ask for. Given circumstance. I tried my best to keep it the soft snow glow it came to me in. But. Alas. My efforts were solely in vain.
As I laid in my cage. I notice how faded it looked. I had tried with all my might to keep away from dirt. Carefully made sure nothing spilled when I ate. But all whites fade regardless. It saddened me some. My little dress. Still pretty. No longer young.
Yautja don't share the same sentiments.
My Arbitrator came from the hallway. Taking strong steps. With purpose.
He nodded at my direction. Stepping aside from my cage. He crossed his big and powerful arms and waited.
Imagine my surprise. When I saw what was coming through the hallway.
They were the smallest Yautja I had ever seen. Female. At that.
I thought of Matriarch A'yate. They would never live up to her. To even dream it would be treason. At this point. I realized. How their heads where bowed. Their hands clasped tightly.
Female Aseigan.
I nearly marveled. Nothing like the regal presence that was Matriarch A'yate. They were small. Most likely weak. Not fit to be a respectful Yautja Female.
The Arbitrator growled. Possibly scolding me about gawking at mere Aseigan. It wasn't dignified.
Though I noticed how he made a great effort to avoid all contact from them. Turning his head away. And standing far.
Female Aseigan are opt to make Males extremely uncomfortable. They're used to their powerful breed of Females.
Anyway. These Aseigan approached me. Bowing. They were three. Lithe and about my size. I saw that two of them were carrying a chest.
My Arbitrator extended his arm. Horizontally. A command I have come to know.
I etched farther to the corner of my cage.
Aseigan or not. I didn't know them. They made me nervous. All Aseigan did.
I stared at him. Hugging my knees.
He returned my gaze. Nodded.
The command was absolute.
No room for argument. He left. Likely to look after his own affairs.
I wanted to glare at him. I didn't. But I thought about it very hard.
Clear signs of improvement. This emotion thing.
Moving on.
The Aseigan were here for one purpose.
Currently. In the baths. They acted upon said purpose.
They dipped my head. In the pool.
My white dress. Neatly folded aside. Was stripped from me sure enough. It was an uncomfortable feeling. Being naked. In front of them. But it had to be done.
They went to work quickly. I was in the water. One of them continually poured the liquid on my arms. With her hand.
My head was dipped again.
Another ran her claws through my hair. Now wet and manageable.
Yautja hair is rubber like. Thick. A braiding ritual has to be done in order to get it the way it is. Human hair is another thing altogether. I'm sure it was strange to them. But they weren't brought to question.
Instead. She added a few braids. Into my thin locks.
The third Aseigan. She held onto me. Keeping me from drowning.
Once that was done. I was brought out.
From their chest. Pure black and engraved. They pulled out a cloth.
Sensible. Brown. Long.
They wrapped it around me. Feeling it. I noticed. It was made of the same material as the Arbitrator's loincloth.
I admit. They are excellent tailors.
With a knife. They cut the excess. Swiftly. And from their magic box. They pulled out thread. Black in color. And needle. The Aseigan moved quickly.
The thread pierced through the cloth. At my side. I felt her skilled claws move down. And down. And down. The needle barely grazed my skin.
Thus. My new dress was formed.
It covered my chest. Down to my ankles. A simple thing.
More from their chest. Leather. One of the Aseigan lifted my foot. They made quick sandals for me.
As far as jewelry goes. A simple. Black. Iron bended. Arm bracelet. It twisted into a symbol. One I had seen on the Arbitrator's armor. His mark. I suppose.
My left arm had the grace of this decoration. The Aseigan. Kneeling before me. Gently pushed it up my white skin.
I had notice. In detail. How they treated me. They dared not touch me roughly. Every action they did was gentle. No. Careful. They kept me at arms length. Out of the way. Never looked at me.
They're heads bowed. Eye contact was out of the question. I had been watching them. They went about their work. Never dreaming of looking up. They did not chat. Silent.
At one time. I thought I and Aseigan the same. Now. I realized. It was not the case.
They were slaves. I was…
I had no idea. But I knew I was more.
The Aseigan stepped back. Clasping their hands. Just the same as I had first seen them.
I took the notion that they were done.
Their work complete. They retreated out of the baths. Taking their magic box with them.
Left alone. I stood. For a moment. I searched briefly for my little white dress. I found it. Close to where I had been bathing. As I walked to it. The beat of my new scandals echoed. Through the walls.
I tucked my little dress away. I would come back to get it.
The Arbitrator had ripped my lab gown to shreds. I did not want the same to happen to it.
Safely placed. I exited the baths.
When I came to my cage. He was already waiting.
Dressed in his death armor. Necklaces made of bones and skulls. Hung round his neck. A spiked collar. When I stepped closer to him. I noticed. Small skulls clipped in his locks.
He turned out rather nicely.
He did a once over. Glance at me. Head to toe.
Under his scrutinizing gaze. I bowed my head.
Though. Curious as I am. I peered upwards.
His head was crooked to one side. I watched him finger one of his boned necklaces. He placed it over my head. Around my neck.
I reach for it. A simple thing. A star like shape. Perhaps a bone not found in the human body. It hung from a simple black string. Strong. Durable.
I looked up at him.
Satisfied with my appearance. He swung himself about. His cape whooshing. Leaving the room.
I had to follow him.
A long series of walking ensued.
At this point in my life. I realized. Walking long distances was not something I enjoyed.
Ah, well. More on that later.
The trip. Agonizing on my part. But not altogether awful like the last times. Was uneventful.
The real action started inside the Matriarch's palace.
I knew it wasn't Matriarch Ayate's palace. It was a close friend's. Though I'm sure I never met her.
My senses were brutally attacked. For the second time in my stay in this alien planet.
So much was the sudden overwhelming. My Arbitrator had to steady me.
He placed his clawed hand at my shoulder. Hiding the fact I nearly fell over. Expertly.
I was thankful.
Also.
I was in a palace full of Yautja.
Overwhelmed was an understatement.
I felt their eyes upon me. As I and my Arbitrator walked further into the sea of animals.
I kept my eyes to the ground. But I knew. With the unwavering pace of my Arbitrator's gate. That he was unperturbed by the stares. He was neither nervous. Nor anxious.
It comforted. A little.
I reached out to his flowing cape. Only slightly. To avoid the notice of the onlookers. I caught a slither of the cloth.
I did so. Half to not fall behind. Half to feel as if no other Yautja would want to snatch me away.
To feel like I had a Protector. If I was to call him that. And that he would not let me be prey to those around us.
I could breathe a little bit easier.
It's tradition. And good manners. To greet the hostess of the gathering.
It's what we were doing.
My Arbitrator knelt before the throne of the house's Matriarch.
I followed suit. Getting on both knees.
My Arbitrator clicked his greetings.
I call him My Arbitrator. Now. To distinguish him from all the others.
We were surrounded.
Arbitrators in black. Never as imposing as my own. Watching me like a detestable Bad Blood.
Elders in gold. Offended by the impropriety of me being in the room. Against all doctrines of the Code.
Clan Leaders in their silver. Shocked that my Arbitrator actually went through with bringing me. The audacity.
The Matriarchs. Scrutinizing and unimpressed by my simple-ness, my frailty, my humanity and the overall fact that I was a female.
Curious. The lot of them.
Politics is such a childish thing.
The House Matriarch's throne. An elegant chair of black and gold. Stood on no tower placed. But firmly on the ground.
She spoke to my Arbitrator then.
In my lessons on Yautja language. There were objects and people. And in occasion. Actions.
I cursed that He had not taught me conversational words.
I knew she spoke of me. Enticing him to show my worth. Matriarchs had the luxury of getting right to the point. No one questioned what they wanted.
My Arbitrator was no exception.
He nodded to her. Once.
He stood. In all his dark glory. And bid me to do the same.
Surrounded by spectators. I thought. In an act of free will. To quench their thirst upfront.
I Sang.
Perhaps I was bold. Perhaps I would never be one for politics.
In any case. Every note. Chord. Octave. Came from my throat.
I lost myself. Briefly.
And for a moment. The room full of monsters disappeared.
Briefly. I felt a twinge of control.
The rewards for my efforts were reaped accordingly.
I had stopped my Singing. Opened my eyes.
I knew. Beyond doubt. That they looked in awe.
It's a splendid thing. To surpass expectations.
My Arbitrator certainly enjoyed it.
The Matriarch of the House called for the Cn'tlip. And. Truth be told. The room became more pleasant.
Alcohol was a universal indulgence. Clearly.
Yautja surrounded my Arbitrator.
He was the flavor of the night.
They clicked at him. Their topic of choice. Where he had managed to find a little Songbird such as me.
The House brought ale. He. Had brought the entertainment.
They fawned over him. Imagine. Grown killers fawning. But it was unmistakable.
Matriarchs. Daughters or nieces of Matriarchs. Brushed past him. Coyly. More enticed females ran their claws on top of his shoulders.
His little pet was a smash.
They talked not to me directly. Such a thing was absurd. But they did glance at me. Increasingly.
With their attention drawn to Him. I was able to see the beauty of the palace walls.
It was grander than my Arbitrators. With the obvious woman's touch. Trophies did not adorn. Statues. However. Were abundant. Torches lit with blazing fire. Crafted like works of art. The powerful image of a female Yautja standing tall above the rest.
"Paya."
My Arbitrator clicked at me.
I remembered the name. She seemed important.
As the night drew on. The crowd of guest became more relaxed.
I noticed. That my Arbitrator became more jovial. With each drink of his Cn'tlip.
His chest puffed. Prideful. As they gathered in hoards to talk to him.
He often gestured towards me. Entertaining his onlookers with information. Trilling. Occasionally. His mandibles upward to what I guessed to be a smirk of some sort. As he talked to them.
Probably. Telling them about how well I can keep a tune.
I was called to Sing more.
He placed his claws a top my head. Signaling his request.
I saw. How his chest filled more. His eyes satisfied. With how awestruck his peers became.
I Sang an upbeat tune.
We circulated.
Moving about the large room.
He would make me to humor the new faces. I obeyed.
Though he teased them. Staying only for a Song. Moving quickly somewhere else. Having his chalice. Crystal. Filled with the wine of the House.
I realized. Quite surprised. That he was showing me off.
I sang louder. Better.
I didn't want to disappoint.
The hours past. I listened to the Yautja. Imagining. That they spoke tales of my Arbitator
For in their world. One does not brag of what he's done. Only keep silent. As others tell fantastical tales of their deeds. Regardless of extraordinary altercations. That can. Or cannot. Be true.
I did hear His voice. Rather endlessly. My Arbitrator's. To clarify.
He rumbled. Talking politics.
This was. Of course. The reason for the gathering in the first place.
Business is always before pleasure.
Between hauling me around. He was almost a mediator. As Clan Leaders bickered about this and that.
If borders were truly crossed. My Arbitrator raised his hand. Told so-and-so to retract. And the issue was solved then and there.
An Arbitrator's judgment was absolute.
Unless. Of course. A Matriarch got into it. She could overrule whatever she wanted.
Matriarch A'yata was there. She saw me through the crowd.
She nodded at me.
I beamed.
In an act of mercy. Perhaps on seeing how tired I was. I was allowed to sit.
I was currently laying on a square bed. Bright red.
The cushion was fine. And soft. Velveteen. I thought. But doubted.
It seemed a flimsy fabric. Not one Yaujta would use.
I laid myself on it. Half-sitting. The bed was tall. So my legs dangled if I did not.
Above me. Crystalline shards hung. A chandelier. Glittering.
Similar beds existed. Here and there. Some were smaller. Others had sheer curtains.
Like a club with booths.
Though I was tired. I still wanted to see it all.
By now. Most of the Yautja were satiated. Lounging. Murmuring. I was free to look.
The red carpet. A deep blood. Worn from the hosting of gatherings just like this. For years. And years. And years.
Glass. And crystal. Hanging. Intricately. From the high ceilings. There was one such beauty. Near me. It hung like a curtain. Shaped like a pyramid. Only two noks above the floor.
Fire made them glow. Torches. Also little campfires. Some on top of tables.
One was near me. I watched the flames.
Like dancers.
I was shaken. From my dreams.
My Arbitrator sat next to me.
Maybe he was tired. Maybe it was the drunken daze in his eyes.
I suppressed a smile.
For a while. I continued to look at the flames. Sleep trying to lull me away.
I heard him trill.
At once. I felt his hand upon my head.
I froze slightly. Surprised.
He petted me. Small strokes at the top of my skull.
Purring.
A soft rumble. Emitting from him. Onto me.
I felt like I lost something.
But gained something grand.
Though I didn't know the meaning of it.
Not yet.
When I awoke the next morning. I was in my nest.
He had added one or two things.
More pillows from his bed. Skins too.
I didn't mind the extra comfort.
Generous. In fact.
I sat up. Staring around my little nook. Noticing. That though his bed was far from bare. He had indeed. Given me some of his own luxury.
There was no bowl of fruit.
My Arbitrator was also absent.
I figured. I would have to go to the banquet hall.
I did so. And found Him waiting for me.
His splendor of last night was forgotten. His usual attire donned.
He watched me enter the room. He was standing. Near a chair. I walked closer.
Once close enough. He handed me a plate.
Fruit. It had. Yes. But also meat.
Absently. I marveled at the offering.
I did not look up upon him. I merely took my plate.
I sat in my little spot. Near the water.
My throat was sore. Just a little. From all my Singing last night.
But I hummed a small tune.
Some days past.
Since I had so much in my bed now. I picked up a habit. Of taking something from there. And putting it in my cage. One. By one.
Maybe. That way. I thought He wouldn't notice.
I had just brought in another pillow. Gold this time.
I was admiring the sight.
I heard clicking. My Arbitrator was home.
I turned to see him.
Him. And to my surprise. A few others.
Aseigan.
I thought. With mild dread.
With them. They carried. Small loads.
Bundles. From what I could tell. Of cloth.
Curious. Though I was. I moved not from my cage.
My Arbitrator glanced at me. Leading the fray.
Of course. He did not stop. Ever forward to his task.
They headed for the banquet hall. Aseigans bowing their heads. Passing me by. I watched them go.
I hugged my knees.
Time passed.
Shortly. The Aseigan returned.
From the hall. Ever submissive. More so. If believably possible.
They went towards the exit. Leaving.
I wondered why they came.
I didn't wonder long. My Arbitrator appeared. After they left.
I watched him.
He beckoned me. With his talons. To follow.
I did.
We walked to the banquet hall.
I didn't know what to expect.
As we continued on. I felt my heart. Thumping.
We did not stop at the table. He gave no signs. And his huge frame. Kept me from seeing whatever he wished to show me.
He stopped. Suddenly.
I halted.
For a moment. He paused.
Then. His cape cutting the wind. He turned. Showing me.
A little nest on my favorite sitting spot.
Near the water.
In the height of bad manners. I did the unthinkable.
I stared at it.
This continued reaction. To everything He did. Was beginning to make me feel utterly stupid.
Yet. You mustn't blame me. Not really.
I wasn't used to his surprises.
He had been doing a lot. Lately.
It shocked me. To a minor degree.
I realized. That I thought. That everything he gave me was a divine gift. A graceful charity. But as I thought about it. He was supposed to take care of me. This was natural. Was it not?
Well. Yes and no.
I went towards it. Knelling slightly. Then completely.
The fabrics. Just like the ones from my nest. And my cage.
Soft. Expensive. But different.
Embroidered with words and pictures of stories. I traced the thread count. Images of Hunters. Fighting. Conquering.
Yautjan words. Telling tales. Verses.
Furs of monsters I'll never know.
I pieced things together.
As I looked towards the water.
My Arbitrator behind me.
As my Protector. Of shorts. He made sure I was okay. This meant feeding me. Clothing me. Nothing else required.
But he had been giving me these small prizes. Bit by bit.
I had enchanted him.
Like a true Siren Songstress. I wrapped him in my Songs. And in my own naïve way. I hadn't even noticed myself.
Perhaps I'm thinking to highly of myself. Is what I thought. What I felt.
But I lost my freedom. In a fractured way.
I had been in limbo. Master of my fate.
My choices. Would have had me killed. Or delivered.
They were My choices. Though. I ruled them. I picked them.
But now. I felt. Like I didn't have to fight anymore.
I was finally safe.
So safe. That I relaxed. In my sea of furs.
He would not cast me off. The Arbitrator. My Arbitrator.
Su'ete'cha'aka.
I suddenly remembered his name.
I never forgot it again.
