THAMAYA ATIYA

THAMAYA ATIYA

Twenty-four | She/her | 170 cm | Human | Ghlaesian

Love, it will get you nowhere You're on your own Lost in the wild So come to me now I could use someone like you Someone who'll kill on my command And asks no questions — Muse

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

CW: Torture, blood She is a little crazy. It's fine.

~ Charm

"He's not coming."

Thamaya ignored the woman now dangling upside down from the trap she had set up for someone else. A minor setback. The boy was her target but having his mother would surely lure him out of his hiding spot.

She started to pace, waiting wasn't one of her strengths.

"I don't know why you're doing this, but he is just a boy. He did nothing wrong. Let us go and nothing will be lost."

Thamaya spinned the knife in her hand skillfully. One foot tapping impatiently on the wet forest floor. The words of the Queen did nothing to sway her, the boredom was more pressing. Whenever she gets bored, she does something rash and then there was no stopping her. A gleeful smile crept over her lips. My, it wouldn't be the worst losing control now. No one said anything about keeping the former Queen fully intact. Barely alive is still alive.

"You're getting paid for this, aren't you?" The former Queen keeps on talking, "I have valuable belongings hidden away. They can be yours, if you let us-"

With one swift movement Thamaya throws her knife. It hit the tree only inches away from the babbling woman's head.

"Bla bla bla." She leans down to retrieve her knife, close enough so that their noses touch, "I'm not interested in your riches. I do this for the thrill."

She rips the knife from the bark, returning to her pacing, knife swinging in her hand, "It's most fun if they run, the fear in their eyes, their careless little feet. When they think they have a chance, think they can get away."

She laughs, a deranged sound echoing through the dark forest. "Their screams when I let my knife do the talking. Mmh. Music to my ears."

When her dark eyes snatched onto the former Queen she saw the onsets of the fear she had described only moments ago. Her bravery was waning. Thamaya grinned excitedly.

"That dagger." The woman starts, putting on a brave front, "It looks like something special."

"Just a tool." Thamaya shrugs, "I don't need it to rip you open. I could use my bare hands too."

The former Queen swallows, "It's got a pattern on it. Does it have a meaning?"

"We shit-chatting now?" Thamaya stared at her blankly. "Save those charming words for your servants, Queen."

She drags the last word out mockingly. Then she halts, inspecting her nails, "Besides, I was told to be quite charming myself and if not for my personality, then I still have my Lucky Charm that can convince anyone." She grins, looking at the captured woman, "Do you want to see it?"

"I-" The former Queen had no time to speak, as Thamaya suddenly sprinted over, pushing the woman against the tree, knife pressing against her nose. 

"Can't you tell how lucky it is? Look at it real close, you will feel pure Luck touching you. You should feel honoured." She pushes her knife closer, drawing blood deliberately, but the captured woman didn't even blink. 

Annoyed, Thamaya steps back, licking her knife, she tastes her blood. 

"You're working for the old gods? I've met Fate once, they are fickle, you shouldn't trust in their motives."

Thamaya groans, loud enough so the woman will get the hint. Does she never stop talking?

"I stole this dagger off of a fat arse who said it was blessed by Luck." She turns the knife around in her hands, "He called it a Lucky Charm first, but to me, it's just a knife. It does the job as good as any other would. If you don't believe me, why not test its Luck and see if it would hit you when I throw it your way. Dare to wager?"

The woman shook her head, words all so nicely left her. What a waste of time. This was turning into a real buzz kill. She had been hunting these two for weeks and this is what she gets for her efforts? Waiting? Talking?

"It looks like…" she steps to one side, "That your little boy…" she steps to the right, "No longer needs his mommy."

She gives the former Queen a mock pout, "Have you been a bad mother?"

"I have taught him to keep himself safe first. He won't come for me, because he knows it would endanger us both."

"How boring." Thamaya walks over to the tree behind the trapped woman, "Then you have to entertain me until he learns that you should never listen to your mother. I already have a few ideas on how we can pass the time."

She cuts into the tree, cracking the bark open, piece by piece. "I think we should test the theory. See if this truly is a Lucky Charm. I always wanted to know. Come on. A little Luck won't hurt no one."

She grins sinisterly. "Oh, but silly me. I guess this one will hurt badly."

[ ~1387 words ]

NULBURNAD THORN

thirties? | they/them | 180 cm | Half-Dragoneer | Bullmarian

Facts hold your feet to the ground

Mind wanders off, chasing the sound

Of the storm clouds that whispered of home

From in between the truth and what we see

The thunder calls out what we choose to perceive

Echoing the size of our world

Ooooh, time will pass, and reduce to ash, our bones

— Will Cady

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

~ Souvenir

Nimble hands ghost over the neatly folded papers and books that lie on the extravagant desk. The scribbles on it told her nothing, but the pictures intrigued her. The broom along with her duties long forgotten as she curiously bends over the desk.

"I’m certain there are more pressing matters you should attend to."

The sudden voice spooks her, nearly dropping her broom as she spins around to the speaker.

"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to, it's not ever going to happen again. Please." Her pleading eyes met Nulburnad casually leaning against the doorframe, one eye was glowing yellow and the other was black. "Forgive me."

The servant dips her head low, shivers running through her fragile body. She was properly scared.

Nulburnad had noticed it rather early. Those not opposed to showing their dislike for them openly, were afraid of them. It's nothing Nulburnad personally bothered to correct or diminish, perhaps they even found some kind of delight in it. Reminding them of better times, when others still had good reason to fear them.

Nowadays there is little reason to fear them at all. It was an unnecessary struggle in their eyes, trying to hold onto the past.

"Stealing is a fairly good reason for someone in your situation to be replaced." They enter their study room, a dark green silk robe billowing behind after each step they take. Nulburnad ignores the whimpering servant and instead goes over to check if all was still in place. It was.

"It appears your only crime today is slacking off on your work."

The young servant breaks down properly now, tears streaming down her face as she crashes to the ground, weeping as she presses her face onto the floor.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Your kindness is too much for me to take."

They lift an impatient eyebrow. "I can punish you, if you'd prefer." Before adding: "And its Sovereign."

"I no!" She sits upwards in an instant, eyes wide, "I-I mean no, your eh, Sovereign. Please don't eat me."

Nulburnad rolls their eyes. Their ignorance is a constant thorn in their eyes. 

"I don't eat people." That was the truth, but they couldn't hide a small smirk accompanying their next words: "Too many bones."

Her eyes widened further. "I- I did not mean to disrespect you. It's just the rumours-" she bit down on her tongue, looking to the side.

"They are just that. Rumours. You should make up your own opinion." Nulburnad pushes their coat skirt over the chair, before sitting down at their desk. "No one from the east is eating human flesh. We are not so different from you as you may think. Check the facts first, before you believe what others tell you."

"Ooh." She clutches her broom tighter as she gets back to her feet, clinging to her Sovereigns every word. "So you can't breathe fire either?"

Nulburnad lifts a skeptical eyebrow, silently questioning her intelligence. "I cannot. No." It seems necessary to clarify.

She nods, one hand wandering to her chin, apparently there were more questions wanting to escape her.

"If that is all, you may leave-" They were about to dismiss her, when their eyes wandered to an empty spot at the corner of their desk. There was certainly something missing there. Something very valuable.

"Where is it?" Nulburnad jumps from their chair, pointing at the empty corner of their desk.

The servant blinks, following their finger. "I don't-"

"I have placed something very valuable right at the corner of my desk. Don't tell me it hasn't been there. I memorised all my prized possessions, you can't fool me."

She stutters, the tears once more daring to fall. "I-I was just cleaning. I didn't take nothing. I swear."

"Cleaning?" Nulburnad walks around the desk and right where it was supposed to lay, they bend downwards, looking below. There it was, fallen beneath the table, reflecting the light off the fire, it almost looks like it was calling for them. With relief they take the small trinket into their hands, dusting it off with careful hands.

"I-I didn't see it. I must have knocked it over by accident. It wasn't my intention to steal."

Nulburnad sighs, keeping it close to their person, shielding it from the servant's eyes.

"Do your task more properly next time. Now leave." They waited until she was out of sight, closing the door behind her.

Only then they walk closer to the fire, revealing a small silver ring in their palm. It had a very simple engraving on its top, lacking the elegance their currently worn jewelry exhibits. Silver too, wasn't a material they wore often.

Yet they clung to it, like it was the most precious item they possessed.

Turning it towards the light, the engraving reflected off the fire revealing the weak image of a wingless dragon. They smile at the memory attached to it. It had been a merry festival held in the east, to celebrate their dragon god Lim. Nulburnad had never gone to one before, but after relentless nagging, his friend convinced him to go and while there, brought this little souvenir for them, as a keepsake of their time together. A gift. A memory. 

Nulburnad took off one of their golden rings and put on the silver one instead. It looked very out of place on their long fingers, but they did not mind the incompatibility.

Afterall, it did reflect Nulburnads relationship with their friend perfectly. He had been charming, warm and carefree. All qualities Nulburnad had been told they lacked. Nulburnad always knew what they wanted and they were good at getting it. That was just a fact. Emotions and needs of others played a very little role in it. Sometimes even his own were left behind. How else could one achieve their goals? How else could one keep their promises?

Looking at the ring, it seemed almost like yesterday when he had given them the souvenir. When Nulburnad's ambitions had cost their friendship. And yet they have no regrets. They are closer to their goal than ever before, and that tells them it was worth it. That was all the jewel was there to remind them of. The past can fade into the back of your mind. A souvenir cannot.

[ ~1050 words ]

RALOF REILIFSON

Prompt from @oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

~ Fun

"They seem important. Are they our trainer?"

Merko, the young recruit next to him, shook his head, "That's the new Sovereign. You remember the tournament held in the city? No one expected it, but they were the one competitor that won the throne. People call them the foreign scholar."

"Don't they live in the castle?" Ralof asks, confused.

Merko laughs: "That doesn't mean they can't leave. Despite, if we become guards, we'll be under their command. I guess they just want to inspect the new recruits. Get a better picture to decide who is worth coming back."

"Oh, so they will decide who can come back?" Ralof stands straighter, trying to catch the Sovereign's attention with a wave of his hand, "I could ask them, tell them of our ambitions and maybe get a good word in for the three of us."

"Are you mad!" Merko pulls him back, making him stumble. "You don't just go and approach someone like them!"

"Why not?" Ralof frowns.

"You have to be careful with whose attention you grab. I heard they are a real snob, just look at all the jewelry. They think themselves better than us and I don't want to know what they'd do with your enthusiasm. Better to stay down, friend."

"Merko's right." It was Salek that joined them, a close friend of Merkos, all three seemingly the only ones here today coming from the lower districts, "I heard they even yelled at the merchant's guild for making their floor dirty. Made them run back out with their tails between their legs. The scholar is daring and cunning and they don't understand no fun."

Ralof frowns. "That sounds stressful."

Merko laughs, clapping Ralof on the back. "Don't break your head over it. Trust me, they don't care one bit about us either."

Ralof couldn't quite believe that. After all, they were training to become their guards, they must care about that. Otherwise, why would they be here?

He takes another look up to the walls, the Sovereign stands tall, hands clasped behind their back, speaking with the older man, their Commander, beside them. They did not smile once and maybe Salek was right. They hadn't had any fun in awhile, hadn't smiled in a long time. Ralof wondered how anyone could want to live like that. He's certain that it can't be by choice.

"Hurry, Ralof." Merko shouted, snapping Ralof out of it only to realise that everyone was gathering to line up. Damn, he was late again.

"Coming!" He ran as fast as he could, seeing Merko and Salek have saved him a spot next to them.

[ ~ 400 words ]

As a blacksmith he was used to only working with his dad and at times alone too, but he had to admit, training together was already alot of fun. If working together would be the same, he might have just found his callig. If he makes it into the recruitment that is.

He looks up one last time and noticed the Sovereign was watching them now. As if they were feeling his gaze on them, their eyes meet and with a kind smile and a little wave of his hand, Ralof greeted them. No smile from the Sovereign however. Then the Commander roared for their attention and Ralof had to look away.

ELORA ESKILDOTTIR

thirty looking | she/her | 153 cm | Elf | Nord

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

Many times you were spared, oh, I did my best Every night you would call for me with your steps I was trying to sleep I was trying to sleep for you Under perfection I woke As you protected your home Oh, I just kept getting stronger I did my best to control The growing unrest in my soul — Wolfie's Just Fine

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

CW: Drug use

~ Flashback

In a dusty corner, the sparse light barely makes the woman visible, buried beneath scrolls and books.

She slams another book closed, frustration eating at her every bone, while dark circles beneath her eyes seem to grow by the hour.

"Another dead end." She lets herself fall back into the chair, eying the scattered information in front of her. Nothing of value was found.

If only she would find an answer to her many questions, find a good lead to know how to continue. When frustration makes its way through, she starts to doubt her own decision. She chose this very topic of research, but perhaps it was never meant to be brought into the light. An answer never to be found.

She lifts her hand, pushing her sleeve up to reveal blackened veins running down towards her hand. It had been there ever since she was a child, she had read in the many books, that it was supposed to grow until it covers the whole of her body, but it had never changed. Not for her.

If only she could remember that day she got the black veins - but it was so long gone and she had been but a child.

Then by chance, her eyes landed on a detailed illustration in a book to her right. A mushroom, dried, used to clear one's mind. If she couldn't remember, perhaps that could force her memories.

"I need something very specific." Elora interrupted the cook. Her red flaming hair as passionate as her request.

"Don't you always." The cook didn't even look up from her work,"Found something interesting in your books?"

"It's research. Everything has the potential to be interesting, but only worth the goddesses' time, until I tested and studied it."

"What you need?"

"Dried mushrooms."

The cook lifted a skeptical eyebrow. "Just any mushroom or a specific one?"

"The one that will give me answers about my own mind." The woman explains, dark circles beneath her eyes.

"By the gods, you better be careful with stuff like that. It can smoke your brains out, I tell you." Then the cook sighed, "There is no stopping you, however. I know what you need. Follow my instructions and you might be fine."

"I'll take the risk."

"You Heralds are crazy."

The smoke made her face heat up, cold sweat trickling down her neck as slowly her mind started to swim.

She didn't notice it kicking in, or so she thought, but as she started to stand up, everything was spinning and she was smiling.

"How could you do this to us!"

She knew that voice.

"You only ever think about yourself, so selfish and unruly. Is it my fault you turned out to be such an ungrateful daughter?!"

She remembers that memory. It was the fifth pursuer her mother had send after her and Elora had refused his advances bluntly so. Again.

"I will miss you, Élie'rel." 

Her sister. She could never forget her voice.

"Don't ever change, no matter what anyone says. You will find your answers and surprise everyone. I am proud of you."

It was the last time she had seen her, had it already been too long to remember? 

She shook her head. Focus. She was here for answers, not to feel guilty.

Back then Eyrier Lay, the white Valley, was prosperous and lively. The grand elven city En'ayn Mun stood proud and beautiful, the eye piece of the whole area. Lush forests and fields covered the valley. It were merry times.

She remembers the smell of the baked goods sold in the streets, the softness of her bedsheets, the warm sun on her skin when she drank her favourite tea atop the balconies.

She could feel it now. Her mother was smiling at her, her face younger, carefree. Elora can't remember a time her mother had ever smiled in her life. It was a foreign sight.

Everything around her was bright, she couldn't make out the details, but she felt her mother take her hand, they started walking down a copple stone street. Then suddenly, the light vanished, it was suddenly utter cold, the sky was black and she thought that black snowflakes were falling from the sky. Ash?

Then screams, her mother grabbed her small frame, hefted her up into her arms. Elora didn't see them coming, but she knew they were there.

Her mother only stopped when they reached their home. She locked the door, before asking Elora questions, she couldn't make out anymore. Perhaps even back then, she didn't understand them.

Then suddenly her mother was ripped from her view, she looked around, but her house was foggy, she couldn't clearly see. It was like a dream, no a nightmare.

"Mother!" She shouted, her small heart beating wildly in her chest. Then something gripped her wrist, tightly, she cried out by the pain, it was painfully cold, it was freezing her arm solid.

Then it let go and everything went dark, as she sunk to the ground of the library.

ARN ARMUNDSON

sixteen | he/him | Human | Nord

Oh I'm not scared mother Can't you hear he calls my name Oh boy, the sky's not speaking And the wind will never learn your name Oh no you're wrong mother And the wind and I, I think we'll run away

— Finnegan Tui

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] ~Hatred

"I know it's not ideal." 

She says that every time you both set up the small little camp built out of twigs and leaves somewhere in the woods. As if it would change the situation, make it more bearable.

"I still remember the first blanket I made you." Her smile was weak, but her eyes glistened with fondness, as she tried to cushion the floor beneath your shelter, "You were so small back then, it swallowed you whole, but eventually you grew into it. You could never fall asleep without it." 

Her smile dropped then, as if realising that everything you have ever owned, every story behind it, was lost.

"I remember." Perhaps a small condolence, but for a moment her strained smile returned.

She laid out her coat on the wet wooden floor beneath the makeshift shelter, she never asked you to take off yours for the both of you to lie in. You noticed everything she had ever done, she did for you. Even if it meant, leaving everything behind. She never hesitated.

Sometimes you wonder if she regrets her decision. If she regrets having you. When will she realise that you are a mere burden to her?

"That should do it. You go in first, munchkin." 

"Where are you going?" She always leaves to make sure you are both safe. You know she barely sleeps to keep an eye on you too, you can see it in the shadows beneath her eyes. 

So far she always returned to you, you always found each other even amidst the chaos, but what if she can't find you? What if one time, she does not return?

"Don't worry." She smiles and draws a warm hand over your cheek, as if sensing your worries, "Make yourself comfortable. It won't be like this forever. Soon we'll be back in a cozy and warm bed, behind the safety of the walls and there will be no need to run anymore. I promise."

"When?" You ask despite knowing the answer.

"When we manage to have you do the proper ritual. When the God of Mountains will accept you."

"I have to perform a great hunt for that. All I do is hide."

"All when the time is right. Sleep now. I will be back shortly."

That too was something you have heard her say a lot since you both had been forced to flee into the woods. You're no longer certain that there will ever be a right time. How can you prove yourself, when she won't let you?

“You always pretend like nothing is wrong, but they took our home from us and now want to kill us. You don’t even hate them for it. Like we deserved what happened.” You scoff, not understanding how she can remain so positive despite it all not being your fault.

She halts for a moment, the smile from before is replaced with worry. “Don’t- Arn, look at me.” You begrudgingly tilt your head to meet her gaze, “We did not deserve any of it, Fate was playing against us. The people had chosen, they are afraid and think that the new ways are giving them more security, but it's not the system that is wrong. Not only.”

“So you do hate the scholar too.” 

“It’s okay to be angry, but don’t let your heart darken from it. They won, fair and just. I agreed to the rules and we would be a bad loser if we do not respect their win. So, no, I do not hate them for it. I think it was the right time for a change.”

“Why would the people like them better than us? We have been ruling over the North for generations. The scholar just arrived a few weeks prior to my coronation. It is just not fair.”

“I know the timing makes it look even worse.” She says with a tired sigh and you realise only now, that she must have been trying to appear strong for you, hiding her own frustration well, “I can’t promise you that it will all get back to how it was, that we will reclaim the throne, I think our time is over, but I can promise you, that we will no longer need to hide. That we do not need to be afraid for our lives and hide in the trees. You will sleep in safety. I will promise you that.”

You drop your head with a heavy heart. “I still hate them.” They took your big day from you, they ruined it all. How can she so easily forgive?

She hums, a sad look in her eyes. “It is your right to do so. Yet, you should try to sleep. We will discuss our options tomorrow.”

You watch as she gets up with alert eyes before disappearing into the darkness to lead any pursuers astray. She didn't even take her coat with her.

You try to do as she said. You try to make yourself comfortable, but her absence and the fear riddled with the growing hatred within your heart was making it difficult. If only you could do something to help. Make a difference yourself. But you couldn’t. You were nothing but a burden to her and powerless in a world that was ruled by power. You were only a child in the eyes of the adults around you. How can you change that?

You close your eyes, try to quiet the voices in your head. That the coat was smelling of her sweet and calm scent did help a little and soon you found yourself slowly drifting off. Afterall, it had never been about the blanket she had made for you, it was about having something of your mother close.

Even if she herself, seldom was.

[ 967 words ]

Next Part ➜

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

~ Mask

"Can I count on you, Herald?"

"Always." Elora nods, dipping her head lower in respect.

She thought to hear her goddess smile.

Iesis or Uwila | the goddess of wisdom, knowledge and healing | Animal: The Owl | Symbol: Open Eye

Sometimes she appears as a fair maiden, with long white hair and owl wings on her back. On her forehead a giant eye. Othertimes she is dark skinned, wrapped entirely in scrolls scribbled texts on body and paper. Owl wings and one giant eye for a face. Its usually her I- can't- be- bothered- to- dress- up look. She changes her look fairly often, based on whatever new powerful knowledge she consumes. The eye and the owl wings the only prominent feature that stay. Thus they became what people associate with her.