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Post by Moonlight on Dec 1, 2010 14:32:29 GMT -5
The young man's rich ruby gaze was sharper than a dagger at her words - Almost starting to give her a chance, until the condescending superiority showed. She was no different. Just another self-righteous human that thought they could do no wrong.
"Perhaps we would not be viewed as evil if humans would get off of their pompous rears and accept honest practices from us lowly evertos, we would not be the bane of mankind," Ezra said softly, his voice little more than a hiss. Venom dripping from his tone.
The everto removing his dagger calmly, setting it beside his bedroll whilst the human was watching. Knowing the simple action would be seen as warning. And it was. More and more, being alone again was seeming appealing. Marking the discussion as closed, however. He had nothing more to say to her. Sleep eventually taking the thief after tucking the ring inside his tunic, as if simply to prevent tarnish. But no more tarnished than his opinion of humankind.
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Zorayda
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Post by Zorayda on Dec 1, 2010 14:38:25 GMT -5
Elssandra scowled deeply, but did not turn around when Ezra made that last provocative statement. She really, really was not liking this man...
The sound of metal sliding against a sheath caused her to jerk her head around sharply. She watched with suspicious eyes as he purposefully made it clear that he didn't like or trust her, either. Elssandra narrowed her eyes and promptly stood up, walked over to her bow, arrows, and her small hunting knife, and brought them over to her bedroll. She was infuriated by Ezra's actions and attitude. Could he not see that she was trying to be civil?
Well, if he wanted it that way, fine. She could handle herself like a big girl. She lay back down, eyes open and watchful. She didn't fall asleep for hours, and when she finally did, her hand was still gripping the hilt of her knife firmly.
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Post by Moonlight on Dec 1, 2010 15:26:06 GMT -5
Dawn came early, the first hint of sunrise already having Damien and Kendra awake. The two milk siblings were conversing quietly as they readied their weaponry and supplies, careful not to wake the rest of their company unnecessarily. Rose red was beginning to seep into the pallid gray sky of morning light, an array of colors depicting the rising sun. A beautiful sight that they would've enjoyed had it not been for the fact they were riding for war support.
It was not long before others began to wake, one by one. Supplies were soon packed, although not yet refreshed. Serafina herself had left not long after to find a blacksmith while they restocked, hoping to earn a few extra pieces of coin to help the small armada continue along without needing monetary assistance from nobles of other countries.
It was noonhigh before they had gathered sufficient supplies, restocking their mule-drawn wagon as whole. Armor was repaired as well while they were in town, although Ezra was hardly around for most of the morning. When he did return, a second knife was hooked to his belt. Both Damien and Phobos cast the everto thief a wayward and wary glance, although allowing it to pass without comment. Phobos himself, however, surprising them with an interest in a displayed dagger. Costly, yes. But the shy mage seemed to have surprising amounts of knowledge about the blade, even if he did not know how to use it.
Kendra turned to Elssandra after a moment, noticing she seemed to edge away from Liam and especially Ezra whenever they were within two horselengths of her. "... What is the matter?" she queried softly, tilting her head.
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Zorayda
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Post by Zorayda on Dec 1, 2010 15:36:28 GMT -5
Elssa woke with the others, silent as they all packed up to leave. The others knew the way, so she simply followed them, avoiding Ezra at all costs. She kept sending scowls in his direction, but his back was turned, so she didn't have the satisfaction of knowing he saw her severe dislike of him. She avoided Liam, as well, but she wasn't irritated at him as she was with Ezra, so he was safe from her grumpy mood.
She walked silently alongside Kendra, her pretty cobalt hair tossed gently by the wind. Elssa looked at her when she asked her if something was wrong.
"..." The young woman frowned in return, wondering if she could tell Kendra about the thoughts she was having. Obviously, telling Ezra didn't work last night...but maybe Kendra was different.
After a long moment, she spoke. "I was raised to despise everto-kind," she said slowly. "And being suddenly introduced to two of them, when I have never been close to them...it caught me off-guard," Elssandra admitted. "And...it seems Ezra has absolutely no tolerance for it. Which I understand...but I did try to be civil..." she trailed off, grumbling and scowling once again at Ezra's back.
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Post by Moonlight on Dec 1, 2010 15:54:47 GMT -5
The young woman nodded after a moment when Elssa paused, encouraging her to continue. The cobalt tressed myrmidon quiet as the archer spoke, though casting a sidelong glance to Liam in apology. He knew of the common racism quite well, as did Ezra. They had been raised in the midst of it. But circumstances had clearly taken solidly different results. She could only hope that no one chose to strike out against her friend again - Knowing he would not stand up for himself for the risk of execution. It was a crime in itself for the everto to strike a human in many provinces.
Sighing, she turned her attention back to Elssa. "... I realize that many are raised that way. It could take time to grow accustomed to the change ... But is it truly worth the anger, the hatred that is bred, simply because someone is different?" the cobalt tressed warrior queried, her voice soft. Not pressing. Simply questioning. "We cannot choose our parents ... The same goes as to how we cannot chose the type of our magic, if we've magic at all. And are the bloodlines of an everto truly different from that? I would not believe so ..."
The young woman continued walking through the thin cobbled street, pale amber gaze trailing over the displayed wares. But her mind was not focused on obtaining a fair deal. "If given a chance ... People may realize that they alienate others simply as a form of dominance. All are capable of risk. We humans are the ones that lie in the wrong," Kendra finally murmured, quiet. Barely audible.
She heard footsteps behind them, although did not miss Ezra's bemused glance.
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Zorayda
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Post by Zorayda on Dec 1, 2010 16:07:12 GMT -5
Though Kendra's voice was soft and soothing, Elssandra felt herself become even more irritated at her words. She was trying to dominate the everto race? She was causing hate and anger? Elssa did nothing of the sort. Her immediate response was to be defensive. Not to be rude, however, she kept her face blank of her anger. Remember that she is Damien's sister. Remember that she is Damien's sister. Remember... Elssandra kept repeating that mantra in her head, attempting to remain calm. Kendra's striking likeness to Damien kept Elssandra's tongue in check.Remember to whom you speak.
"I have never done anything to their kind, or said any harsh words against them. I only know what I have heard, and none of it was very good...until now. You are the only person who has ever said these things to me--about everto kind being equal or anything like humans." Elssa could hardly keep her voice free of sharpness or anger. She managed it, however, in the face of who she thought to be a noble. If it were anyone else, she'd probably be using biting sarcasm or yelling.
"And I will never do anything to harm either your friend Liam or Ezra," she continued, glancing at the two of them. "But I am sorry to say that I cannot simply forget everything I have ever been told by the elders I once respected and loved. Their words are the only things I have now." With that, Elssa quieted and continued walking, her mind racing. It was confusing, to be told two different things by two different groups of people that she trusted.
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Post by Moonlight on Dec 1, 2010 16:30:50 GMT -5
Elssandra's response was hardly unexpected. Even common. But the revelation that no one at all stood among the evertos where Elssa was from was disheartening. Yet it also explained her defensive stance. "... I did not say that you were part of it," Kendra murmured, trying to placate the younger woman. Keeping her own stance, however. Unwilling to change. "May I ask, however, what makes an everto's life worth less than a human's?" she asked quietly, the simple question carrying the weight of a horse in it. Her tone was not condescending, nor was it superior. Simply quiet.
"I understand that your teachings will not change over night ... All I can ask is that you simply try," the young woman added quietly in response to Elssa's words, keeping her own tone level. Even if the archer's common view point was plainly solid, Kendra was holding to some margin of hope that the archer would at least tolerate her companions.
Pausing upon noticing Liam in one of the merchant stalls ahead, and more particularly the fact that the green haired monk seemed highly abashed. After a moment she could see that he'd been trying to buy something, but the shopkeeper would have nothing to do with him. Shaking her head, Kendra moved forward. Even a monk's robes did not protect her friend from scrutiny and racism. "What is it, Liam?" she intervened quietly, although the myrmidon's presence startled the merchant. Causing him to jump, even, at her silent entrance.
Painfully aware of the merchant's disgusted glower, the ruby eyed monk's words were equally quiet. "... I was simply trying to help gather the remainders of our supplies," the young man said softly, avoiding both of their gazes. Apologetic towards his longtime friend for causing yet more trouble.
"I do not serve monsters. Get out," the merchant said stiffly, crossing his arms. Glaring at both of them, clearly grouping the blue haired warrior with the everto seeing as she'd addressed him by name.
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Zorayda
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Post by Zorayda on Dec 1, 2010 16:41:47 GMT -5
Elssandra physically stumbled at Kendra's next question. What?!
She whipped around, her hazel eyes blazing. She was about to open her mouth to speak but did not, instead opting to exhale sharply through her nostrils. Her lips were pressed in a hard, furious line. Elssa, mind yourself. She closed her eyes and counted to ten before answering...but then opened her mouth to find that there really wasn't a good answer to that question. So Elssa kept her mouth shut, her walk turning into a crisp, angry march. Kendra's next words were lost to her as her head pounded with her racing heartbeat.
What was the answer, then? Elssa didn't really feel like having her morals and beliefs questioned by strangers. Who cared how she felt? It wasn't any of their business...
She almost ran headlong into Kendra as she crossed to go to Liam. There seemed to be a problem in getting the supplies needed for their journey.
She was still angry at Kendra, and this seemed the perfect opportunity to release her pent-up frustration. She marched up to the merchant and whipped out her bow, poking the man in the chest, hard. Her hazel eyes were still angry.
"Here," she snarled, slapping down the remainder of her gold. It was quite a bit much more than was needed to pay for their supplies. "Take it and give us what we need. It is none of your business with whom we travel." Her tone and face challenged the man to argue. Today was just not a good day to cross Elssa, it seemed.
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Post by Moonlight on Dec 1, 2010 17:16:19 GMT -5
Elssa's sudden intervention with the situation caused Kendra to arch a brow, although made no move to stop her. However, she was about to caution her to control herself as the merchant reluctantly complied. Sullenly so, and without grace as he slammed the items on the counter. This would not end well. Nodding to the chestnut tressed archer as they exited, Kendra's palm rested on the hilt of her blade as they walked. Wary.
Knowing all too well that it had drawn attention - The confrontation as whole, not merely them joining it. Murmuring her thanks to Elssandra, however. The young woman was assertive in her manner, which was a good thing. But sometimes one had to be wary of where they asserted themselves. Liam was carrying half of the supplies they'd bought off to Kendra's left, hanging behind them somewhat. His head was bowed, as if ashamed.
Kendra licked her dry lips uncertainly, her pale gaze remaining on Liam. Although she could offer a word of comfort, it only seemed to make a worse affect on him as she'd seen in the past. But he was not at fault simply for living. It was something that he needed to fully realize, even if it seemed partial as it was.
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Zorayda
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Post by Zorayda on Dec 1, 2010 17:36:22 GMT -5
(I couldn't resist one more quick post. >.> Bad Kelly >< I need to do homework.)
Elssandra felt much better after her outburst, and she even answered Kendra with an "It was my pleasure" before calmly walking out with some of the supplies in hand. She was glad to be tall sometimes--she hoped that her height had at least made the merchant nervous. She just wished she wasn't so willowy and thin...
Her eyes fell upon Liam as she exited the stall, and she suddenly felt remorse. Was this how the evertos were always treated? It got Elssa wondering what it would be like to be one of them. Miserable, most likely, judging by the shopkeeper's quick and harsh words--words that probably would stick in Liam's mind forever. A monster... Elssa shook her head slowly. Whatever the evertos were, they weren't monsters... or so she'd seen so far. Even if she wanted to punch Ezra in the face.
She looked at Liam. There wasn't really an emotion there--she just simply looked.
"I apologize," she said almost inaudibly. She reached out a hand to touch his shoulder, then realized what she was doing and snatched it back as if burned. Her eyes became fearful and she quickly put space between herself and the everto. They may not be monsters, but they still weren't a race to be trusted.
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