A/N: This oneshot is about the first time Shu'Rahn and Layilqua meet.
First Encounter
For a few, long moments, the training room was quiet except for the panting that came from one corner. A small, human boy was doubled over leaning against his knees, strands of light brown hair falling into his eyes, a silver blade lying untouched at his bare feet. A black loincloth was the only thing that covered and protected him. When a bell sounded, the boy rushed back into action. From the stands that surrounded him above, orders were barked at him.
"Shu'Rahn, let's try this again and this time, get it right!"
The words made the boy look up briefly, towards the person who had spoken. The harsh words had come from none other than Tarquin Zian, Vogga the Hutt's major-domo. His green skin was easily visible from the long white robes he wore.
As three separate doors to the room opened, the boy once again focused on the task at hand. This was his fourth training session today. He was unsure of the time but surely it couldn't be any earlier than late afternoon. Naturally, he felt tired and wanted to rest but he knew it would displease his master, so he kept going. When the doors reached the top, three Gamorreans, two Weequay and two Geonosians came out. They all instantly looked to the boy and without waiting, they attacked.
The two Weequay were first to reach him and he managed to block both blows with his sword but the next two blows came from two sides and he was only able to block one. The other knocked him to the ground. The boy made no sound as he hit the hard surface and he quickly jumped to his feet and dodged the next blows as well as the others charging towards him. At the other end of the room the boy stopped and turned. The two Weequay were right behind him but the other five appeared to be more interested in fighting each other than him.
Deciding to focus upon the greater threat, Shu'Rahn engaged them again. The blades they carried were similar to his but a little longer. He knew his master was trying to make it hard but not impossible. As the three blades moved, they gleamed vibrantly from the bright lights that filled the room. For the most part, the boy held his ground but on the seventh hit against him, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.
A pained cry flew from his mouth as he felt the blade of one sword scrape down his side. A gasp then echoed the large room as one Weequay grabbed him by the hair and yanked him to his feet, dangling him just like a puppet. Instantly, Shu'Rahn struggled to break free, kicking out at the one that held him. When one foot finally connected the Weequay winced but it was enough to release the boy who fell heavily to the ground with a thud. Quickly he recovered enough to grip his sword tightly and ram it into the stomach of the Weequay who seemed to just watch the commotion.
Pulling the sword from the Weequay, it fell to the ground, dead and Shu'Rahn quickly moved away from the one whom still not had recovered. Holding his sword up, he ran past the two Geonosians and cut them across their backs, spilling their blood across the seemingly clean white floor. Screeches of pain reached him easily and once reaching the wall to the other side he stopped and leaned against it, panting.
The Gamorreans refocused quickly and turned to face him before charging, snorting as they went. Shu'Rahn shook his head breathlessly, hardly believing that it was not yet over. He then made to run around and dodge each one of them but ran into the other Weequay which picked him up by his neck and slammed him against the wall, causing him to drop his sword. A choking sound resonated off each wall as Shu'Rahn struggled to breathe but it soon ended when each door to the room opened and Shu'Rahn was released from the Weequay's death grip.
From above him in the stands, Tarquin's voice was heard again. "That's enough," he stated sharply. "Master Vogga wishes to see you."
Shu'Rahn looked up at the Twi'lek and nodded his head a few times, indicating that he understood what he was told. He walked to the side door he originally entered and waited as two guards stood beside him and escorted him to Vogga's private chamber. As Shu'Rahn entered the room, he subtly glanced around. Compared to all the rooms Vogga had, this one was probably the most lavish and comfortable. He knew Vogga enjoyed spending time in here. It was private and away from all prying eyes.
The first thing Shu'Rahn noticed was what was happening around Vogga. Two slaves, which he knew, Jade and Rhynna were attending to Vogga, stoking his thick skin and making him comfortable while he watched... Shu'Rahn swallowed hard. There was a young girl, with long purple hair dancing for Vogga. Patches of blue, gold and silver shimmered towards him brightly off a tight green bikini. The outfit was complete with a long shawl that hung off her straps and flowed elegantly with every movement. Her feet were adorned with dancing shoes and her legs with black stockings that reached her mid-thigh.
In an instant, the girl stopped dancing at Vogga's order as the boy approached and came to a gentle stop in front of him. Vogga immediately looked him over, noticing the blood and cuts that covered him. Before long, Tarquin entered the room and took his place beside Vogga and Shu'Rahn continued to wait, knowing that you don't speak unless spoken to.
"Well, boy," Vogga started in a deep slow voice. "I hear your training is improving. Do you agree?"
Hesitating slightly, Shu'Rahn shrugged, unsure of whether or not to give his honest opinion. "I suppose so, sir," he answered in a respectful tone. "I won't deny that it's been hard but worth it. I do believe I have improved."
"Good, good," said Vogga with a slight chuckle. "I am glad that you agree because I will be going on one of my many trips, which I'm sure you're aware of, and it will be to my retreat on Groth and you'll be coming with me." Vogga paused momentarily, watching the boy's expression. "You will also take part in a few fights within the Shadow Arena, which I know you've heard about too. How does that sound?"
"I would be honoured, sir," said Shu'Rahn confidently.
"Good to hear," purred Vogga. With a single look, Tarquin went to the door and it opened with a hiss before the stomping of the same two guards entered. "Take Shu'Rahn to his quarters so he can rest up. He's going to need it."
The guards bowed to Vogga as did Shu'Rahn before turning and leaving the private chamber. They made the short walk within minutes and another door opened. After Shu'Rahn entered the cell, the door was closed and locked behind him and he turned to look at the room. It was small but contained what he needed. There was a refresher unit, a small mat for him to sleep on and a small trunk which contained no lock. Quickly, he settled himself upon the floor and leaned against the wall. Just like the other times, he was waiting for the door to open and a slave to join him so he could be cleaned and could heal for the next round of fights he was going to have to endure.
While he waited, Shu'Rahn decided to get everything in order and he got back to his feet and placed his sword in the truck box and closed to the lid firmly, resting upon it for a moment before opening it again and taking out his blue loincloth. Quickly, he changed and instantly, he felt better. After putting the black one away, he went back to where he had been sitting and all he could think about was his past. He'd only had a short life so far but to him, it felt like he was years older than he actually was. He was sure training and fighting was taking it out of him. Not once did he ever complain as it would mean a punishment but sometimes he did wish he could be a normal child and not have to fight for his life most days. It was exhausting.
As Shu'Rahn got lost in his thoughts, the door soon opened again and in walked a tall, slender human female with platinum blonde hair. Startled, Shu'Rahn jumped visibly, obviously not noticing that she was there. She gave him a small chuckle and smiled kindly.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I did not mean to disturb your thoughts."
With a shake of his head, Shu'Rahn dismissed it. Her apology was not necessary. As the woman reached into a bucket she had brought in with her, he looked her over. Jade was one of the most beautiful humans he so far had the pleasure of meeting. The most striking feature she possessed was her platinum blonde hair that reached her hips and her sliver eyes that gleamed bright in any light. She wore a traditional slave outfit, a brassiere, panties and long veils hanging off it on the front and back and the entire outfit was silver, matching her features perfectly.
As Jade wiped the blood from many of the wounds, Shu'Rahn glanced up at her face. The expression was blank, unreadable, but Shu'Rahn still wondered if he could guess at what her mind was occupied with. From the many things running through his head, Shu'Rahn decided to ask a safe question to start with. It was almost a little awkward without any sound but the water being rinsed into the bucket. Sure, they knew each other but not as much as he would like. There were always new things he could learn.
"On Groth, why is it called the Shadow Arena?"
A tiny smile graced Jade's pale lips but her hands and eyes didn't waver from her job. "I don't know for sure," Jade started in a very quiet voice. "But the rumour I've heard came from a couple of slaves that were here before me. Kaida knew them. They said it was because the shadow of death haunts it, knowing that another victim is coming its way. Every time people step into that arena, someone has always died."
A small chuckle left Jade's lips and Shu'Rahn knew it wasn't because it was particularly funny but because of the incongruity of it. It was absurd to think such things but still, no matter how silly it sounded it seemed to fit and all of them knew it. With steady hands, Jade continued cleaning Shu'Rahn up and once the blood was gone; she began rubbing a few potions on the wounds. Whenever Shu'Rahn gasped loudly, Jade cringed slightly and muttered an apologised.
"Who was... that...?"
Shu'Rahn trailed off and this time, Jade looked at him but he was looking elsewhere, seemingly deep in thought. Her head moved sideways slightly and within seconds, her curiosity got the better of her. "Who was what?"
"That girl in Vogga's private chamber?" Shu'Rahn muttered quickly, as though not wanting to say the words.
"Oh, her," said Jade, her smile going a little wider. Shu'Rahn's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink but he said nothing more. Jade decided to spare him anymore embarrassment and she sighed softly. "She's Vogga's newest slave. Her name's Layilqua. She's half-Theelin, about your age, very quiet and shy, doesn't talk much. She and her mother were taken by Vogga actually."
"What else do you know about her?"
"Not much," said Jade quietly. "Her mother does most of the talking. Layilqua's new and she needs time to open up, but when I know more about her, you'll know."
Shu'Rahn nodded slowly. He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed but he pushed it aside and moved on. "How are you and the others?"
"We're mostly fine, thank you," replied Jade quietly. "Kaida received a small beating last night, but she's healing already. I'm just glad her punishment wasn't more severe, considering how long she's been here."
"What did she do?"
"She talked back, argued with Vogga," replied Jade softly. "I think she's almost reached the end of her rope. But I am hoping that the talk I've had with her has helped."
Shu'Rahn nodded again at those words. Unable to think to more to say, he leaned into the wall further and sighed deeply. It had been a long day and right now, he was just looking forward the sleeping it off. As Jade finished up, she placed everything back in the bucket before getting to her feet. Before turning away she looked down at the boy and smiled softly.
"Sleep well," she said quietly. "We're leaving for Groth tomorrow."
Shu'Rahn nodded and returned the smile. "Goodnight."
Jade turned and walked towards the door. After knocking firmly three times, it opened and she instantly went through. It closed immediately and Shu'Rahn was left alone, with nothing but his thoughts which were currently mixing between Layilqua and the trip to Groth which he couldn't deny he was nervous about. After what Jade said, he wasn't so sure it was going to be such an honour if he happened to die there.
Sighing deeply, Shu'Rahn finally moved from the floor and dragged himself the small mat in the corner and he lay down heavily. Within moments, his eyes felt heavy and they closed. The last thing he remembered thinking of before everything turned fuzzy was Layilqua.
As the large yacht landed on the planet of Groth, everyone was quickly ushered inside the palace. The night sky was dark and covered with clouds that were tinted a mossy green. As Vogga's slaves were placed in their quarters, they all dressed for the coming event in silence. Jade watched over Rhynna and Layilqua as they dressed in their new outfits for tonight. For a change, they were going to wear matching outfits made of white silk and white knee high boots.
When Jade was finished dressing, she walked to Layilqua and helped her do up her boots. With a murmur of thanks, Layilqua stood beside Jade as they all left the room, heading towards the main chambers, escorted by two guards that walked behind them, weapons raised in hand. Immediately, the three slaves stepped onto the stage and the music started. All of them moved in time with it and gradually, guests filtered in through the main door.
When Shu'Rahn entered the room along with a guard, he made his way to Vogga and stood beside him. For a little while, Jade's eyes remained on the boy, wondering if he was alright. She was aware of what was coming tomorrow. They all were and it was something Jade was dreading. The knowledge of what he was going to face was known to her but she had said nothing. Telling the boy would only make him feel worse. She was sure of it.
Halfway through the evening, Jade stepped off the stage and walked towards Vogga and waited patiently. "Mhann Mantenis will be arriving soon. Greet him at the door."
"Yes, sir," said Jade quietly, bowing her head slightly before moving towards the main door. Placing her hands behind her back, she waited patiently.
As a large shape appeared in the distance, gently rocking to the sides, Jade stood up straight, showing the curves of her lean body clearly. When they were a few feet away Jade avoided looking in Adan's direction, despite the Zabrak beneath the chair struggling greatly with sweat pouring down his face and the features contorted in what she conceived to be great pain. She also avoided looking towards the females beside him and looked straight up at Mantenis. Slowly and respectfully, Jade bowed her head and body.
"Good evening, Master Mantenis," she spoke clearly. "It is a great pleasure as always to welcome you back to my master's home here on Groth."
Mantenis bowed his large head slightly, acknowledging her. Jade turned on her heel and led them straight to Vogga who appeared overjoyed at the sight of his friend. When beside Vogga, Mantenis' chair was stopped and the two looked at each other.
"How are you my old friend?"
"Good, good," Vogga said with a great chuckle. "I am glad you could be here. And... Who are these lovely ladies?"
The chains connected to the girls' collars were unhooked for a moment and they moved to stand in front of Vogga and they bowed politely. One was a very tall Arkanian Offshoot while the other woman was Aruzan and short in stature.
Mantenis pointed to the Arkanian first. "This is Eyra and the other is Sola. I have decided to bring them with me as the others have gone."
Jade and the others looked both of them over. The tall Arkanian was beautiful. She had long white hair that cascaded down her back and around her shoulders effortlessly, pale skin that gleamed in the lights around them and pale golden eyes. She wore an orange bikini decorated with sequins and beads along the hem which jingled lightly when she moved. The long flowing cape behind her was semi-transparent and reached her knees.
The Aruzan was much shorter in stature and had light blue skin and very dark blue hair which looked almost black and was tied up in a high ponytail. Her dark eyes avoided all other eyes while they looked her over. She wore a purple bikini decorated with the same sequins and beads along the hem as well as a matching cape. And both wore matching veils over their faces and sandals that wrapped around their feet securely.
"Very nice, Mhann," Vogga commented as both girls were placed back onto the collar.
With one look Jade bowed to Vogga and Mantenis and went back onto the stage with Rhynna and Layilqua. For the next few hours all slaves entertained Vogga and his guests until most people had left the main room. It was only then all slaves went to their quarters, including Mantenis' slaves and Shu'Rahn.
When the door was closed behind, the room was quiet as all slaves made themselves as comfortable as possible. After several minutes, Jade brought everyone into a circle and after the quick introductions their usual routine got under way, telling their stories to everyone else. Once Vogga's slaves had told theirs, only Eyra and Sola remained.
"Who'd like to go first?"
Both girls looked at each other but eventually Sola raised her hand, indicating that she would. "After hearing your stories, I almost feel a little left out. My life has actually been pretty simple, perhaps bland compared to yours. I was born on Aruza. I lived with my parents, I'm an only child. I believe my parents tried to have another but gave up, saying they were happy with me. I never left Aruza until slave traders came to my village, looking for someone new and I was one of the people taken."
"Do you parents know what happened?"
Sola nodded. "Yes, they saw me being taken. I'm not sure if they'd tried to get me back or even tried to track me down but I love them. I do hope they're happy whatever their current situation."
"You haven't always belonged to Mantenis though, have you?" asked Jade.
"No," said Sola. "I've had quite a few masters. Mantenis would be maybe the seventh, I think."
A few of them nodded and soon the attention went to Eyra. She shrugged and seemed to withdraw into herself, clearly not liking the attention but she eventually spoke. "Well," she said quietly, her voice incredibly soft. "I was born on Arkania. I'm an only child too. My father died when I was a year old and my mother raised me. She remarried but he wasn't an offshoot like myself. He was quite abusive until I was five and my mother found out. We fled to Dantooine where she had a wealthy relative and we lived with him. When I was fifteen, I went to Coruscant, meeting up with a few friends. After a few nights there, a few bounty hunters attacked a night club we were at and they captured a few. And we were sold to slave traders."
"And how many masters have you had?" asked Rhynna quietly.
"Not many," replied Eyra, looking at the Twi'lek. "Mantenis is my third master. I was first sold to a human couple but they didn't keep me long. I'm unsure of the reason but after a few weeks they sold me to a Twi'lek who was looking for someone like me and I was with him for a long time."
"Why did he sell you to Mantenis?"
"He wasn't a very young Twi'lek and he said I had given him what he needed for some of his last years. I was his only slave and he treated me fairly well. Well, to be honest, it was paradise compared to this."
Jade chuckled bitterly. She wasn't exactly surprised to hear that. She felt almost certain that almost any master would be better than Mantenis. The room once again turned silent and everyone moved somewhere comfortable to sleep. Jade settled herself in one of the corners and soon Layilqua joined her. Jade smile faintly, placing her arms around the young girl, holding her close.
Soon the sounds of sleep filled the room but Jade was the last to go. For a while her eyes remained on Shu'Rahn's still form, watching his chest rise and fall evenly. Jade sighed heavily. Hopefully tomorrow was going to be alright.
The next day, the Shadow Arena was packed with people from all over the galaxy. In Vogga's private box sat the three slaves he brought with him along with Mantenis and his slaves. As Vogga slowly made his way to a microphone, the whole stadium turned silent and all eyes went straight to him.
"Welcome to the Shadow Arena!" he announced loudly. "Today's match shall feature my best fighter Borg Zhar against one I have been training, Shu'Rahn." There was a small pause. "Compared to previous times, things will be different. Borg will not fight with a shield at his own request and neither shall Shu'Rahn. Both will fight with the same long bladed sword and have the same use of space in the arena. Let the fight begin!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and as Vogga made his way towards his box, the first door to the arena opened. The ground rumbled faintly as heavy footsteps came through the door. A massive Houk stepped out and many people cheered, shouting words of encouragement towards him. Borg seemed to relish in the attention and he threw his arms in the air, wanting them to get rowdier.
The tall Houk was definitely impressive looking. His skin was a deep violet colour and as the sun beat down on him it shone with a sheen of sweat already seeping from the pores. The large head sat upon wide, broad shoulders. Borg turned slowly as a door opposite the one he entered opened. He growled menacingly as the smell of young human reached him.
Eventually, Shu'Rahn entered the arena, dressed in a metal belted burgundy loincloth with thin leather straps hanging from a ring around his waist. It almost looked like a shredded skirt. Just inside the door, Shu'Rahn stopped; seeing the tall Houk made his eyes widen and a breath catch in his throat.
Swallowing hard, he immediately stepped cautiously to the side. The sight of Borg alone made his knees go weak. His form was intimidating to say the least. As the drum to the side echoed around the stadium, Shu'Rahn exhaled sharply. That sound meant the fight had started and the people surrounding them once again called out in cheers and yells of words which made no sense to Shu'Rahn. It all sounded like gibberish.
Without warning, Borg moved quickly, dropping his sword, charging towards Shu'Rahn, reaching him within seconds and giving him no time to defend. Shu'Rahn was grabbed by a large hand around his neck and thrown to the other side of the arena, hitting the side before going down. He groaned loudly and the crowd shouted their approval. Borg laughed and egged the crowd on further.
The Houk strode over to where Shu'Rahn lay and pulled him up by the arm, his feet dangled, not even touching the ground and he was then thrown to the other side, hitting the wall before landing heavily on the ground once again. Shu'Rahn groaned loudly and held his stomach, ignoring the blood that dripped steadily from his nose.
All the slaves in Vogga's box turned away and most had trouble looking back to what they were seeing. Shu'Rahn was about to be crushed like a bug by Borg who was almost as tall as a Wookiee with the same amount of strength. Layilqua subtle looked away from the others and glanced at the floor, her face set in concentration. Perhaps there was something she could do to assist.
Approaching the boy again, Borg bent down and pulled Shu'Rahn to his feet. The boy took the small opportunity and swung his sword at the giant mass in front of him but failed as Borg took hold of the blade with a thick hand and threw the sword away, not caring where it landed, but Shu'Rahn managed to see where it fell.
Holding each arm out to the sides, Borg pulled them in opposite directions until finally, he heard one distinct crack. Feeling satisfied with one he kicked the boy hard in the ribs, hearing a few more cracks before letting go of him. Once again, Shu'Rahn fell to the ground and cried out loudly. Tears stung the back of his eyes. He watched as Borg walked around the edges of the arena, he laughed and still encouraged them further.
Pain radiated through Shu'Rahn's body and gradually he struggled back to his feet, now only having use of one arm. Taking a step towards his fallen sword, he winced heavily. The broken ribs were definitely not going to help him now. Just as he reached the sword, Borg turned and charged towards him but this time, something was different. Shu'Rahn cowered for a moment but when nothing happened, he looked back. Everything still seemed the same but appeared to be going in slow motion.
Taking the odd opportunity for all he could, Shu'Rahn turned back and picked up his sword. Turning back he ran the best he could towards the beast before him and swung heavily. The entire blade of the sword pierced through the Houk's thick skin, right through its heart. Then suddenly, everything moved back to normal speed and it abruptly turned silent, except for the shocked choking sounds filling his ears from the side.
And then, Shu'Rahn's ears were filled boos and hisses as Borg went down, hitting the ground with a sickeningly thud. Within seconds of his sword falling to the ground, bloody, he was ushered from the arena by several guards who protected him from harm. Once inside, Shu'Rahn was manhandled roughly, the guards who ignored his injuries and immediately took him to the dungeons located under the palace.
As they came closer to a black door, Shu'Rahn lifted his head and sighed weakly. He knew exactly what that room was. It was a torture chamber. It was filled with all things Vogga liked to use against his slaves when they had done something particularly bad. Shu'Rahn didn't need to ask why he was being taken in there. It was because he killed Borg. The fighter that Vogga had invested so much time and money into and the fighter that Vogga most depended upon for his good income.
A cry echoed off the dark, grimy stone walls as Shu'Rahn was thrown in the middle of the room, landing on his stomach. The guards wasted no time in telling him his punishment. "Master Vogga has ordered fifty lashes for the defeat of Borg." The guard paused to laugh crudely. "He also thinks this will be a good thing. Make you stronger. We'll see though, won't we little boy?"
The boy exhaled shakily, hearing no other words but fifty. He shuddered violently, knowing that the pain he was feeling now was about to double, perhaps triple. As one guard stood by the door, another grabbed hold of the whip from the wall and forced Shu'Rahn to his knees. He supported himself on one arm as the useless one hung by his side, doing nothing and he waited. It wasn't long before the whip came down hard against his back, the cracking sound resonated around the room multiple times and with each one the boy cried out in agony and tears instantly stung his eyes.
Once it was over, the guards ignored the blood running thickly down Shu'Rahn's back and hauled him to his feet and leaving the room. They arrived at the cell quickly and the boy was thrown inside one of them. A faint groan rolled from the boy's mouth but he said nothing, knowing it would do him no good. Talking back would only give him another punishment and he felt sure he wouldn't survive another round of anything right now. It would be too much.
"Put this on after you've been cleaned up," one guard hissed harshly, throwing his blue loincloth towards him.
Slowly, Shu'Rahn managed to pull himself up off the floor and ignoring the loincloth on the ground he dragged himself across the room and sat against the cold stone, he shivered as the cold entered his wounds and the blood from his back stuck to the wall. His mind raced with the knowledge of everything that just happened and it made him instantly questioned how he was still alive. By all measures he should be dead by know. But he wasn't. Borg was. He breathed in and out deeply. Even trying to figure it out himself didn't help. He, along with everyone else, knew that Borg was his best fighter and Shu'Rahn was sure he was also going to be blamed for the disturbance that caused him to win but maybe it was coming later. His breathing turned shakier as he could already sense it coming.
After a few minutes, the door opened with a hiss, making Shu'Rahn jumped but the person that entered the room wasn't a guard. It was a slave. And certainly not the one he had expected. The young girl walked towards him, carrying a bucket and as well as the things Jade would use to help him heal and she gently knelt beside him. Forgetting his personal feelings for a moment, shock overcame him.
"I'm... I'm not gonna be killed?"
Layilqua turned her bright eyes onto the boy, looking him over questioningly. For a moment, she seemed lost. "Why would you be killed?" she asked in an almost inaudible voice.
"Because... I won... I won," Shu'Rahn repeated, making sure he heard himself correctly, still feeling the shock. "D-didn't you notice what happened out there?"
Layilqua gently shook her head and went about her task. Remembering what Jade told her she started with a wet towel, cleaning the blood off Shu'Rahn's body. "I know of nothing like that," she answered quietly. "Vogga was angry he lost his best fighter but he was certainly glad that you've exceeded his expectations. That's why the lashings were the only punishment."
"Oh," Shu'Rahn mumbled slightly.
He supposed he should be feeling relieved but it brought up other questions that he had no answers to. The first one being, what could possibly have caused everything to slow down? And the second being, why was he the only one who noticed it?
Putting it out of his mind, he watched Layilqua work and did his best not to wince as she touched places that were sore and sensitive. "Are you not in pain?"
"Not really," said Shu'Rahn, suddenly feeling breathless. "Must be the adrenaline, I guess." Nodding slowly, Layilqua continued, not saying anything. "Did Jade tell you what to do?" Again, Layilqua nodded. "She looks after you while your mother isn't here, right?"
"Yes," came a soft reply.
"I thought so," said Shu'Rahn evenly. "She's like everyone's mother. She looks after everyone and makes sure we've all had food and that we're warm. But I've noticed that the younger someone is the more she'll try to do for you."
There was a small pause and as Layilqua bandaged his arm, managing to get it to hold in place. Shu'Rahn still watched her. There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on but all the same, he liked her, for reasons he couldn't explain. But deep down, he knew he didn't need to. He just hoped she never does anything to receive a punishment of death.
"Are you settling in well?"
Layilqua shrugged, her features suddenly showing indifference. "I suppose," she answered. "Of course, I would rather not be here."
"Me too," the boy said quietly.
Looking at each other again, they locked eyes and smiled faintly. Turning away, Shu'Rahn sighed. For some reason, the pain was nonexistent and he was going to live to see another day. And he figured if this girl was going to be in it then it was definitely worth it.