Post by tovaana on Jun 2, 2020 17:45:22 GMT -5
Muze [9 turns old, Vavithan 12 turns old – just before he apprentices]
Muze glanced boldly at her parents, her even more bold determination brimming and ready to burst. She then glanced at her brother, who nodded minutely, but his eyes told her to be cautious. She was through being cautious around her father, he needed to know her plans. There was no use ‘asking’, she knew he’d say no.
Everyone was eating mostly quietly; father would bring up a fishing thing here and there to mother, who would nod politely. She didn't like how mother’s eyes always seemed sad.
“I’m going to start helping Vav with his boats. He says I’m really good with my hands.”
Father’s sharp and somewhat startled gaze went from Muze to Vavithan, and back to Muze. “It’s not surprising my son’s a good instructor.” She also hated the way he said ‘son’ and the word ‘daughter’ never touched his salty lips. “But those hands are meant to be helpin’ your mother.” His narrowed gaze softened and she swore she saw him nod ghostly, as if that took care of that problem. That problem, being her of course.
“But I-“
“’Nuff said. Eat your evening meal in silence and gra’tude, or go straight ta’bed.” He said without looking up, as if swatting a fly in his sleep. It wasn’t as if Muze’s outbursts were abnormal, but since he hadn’t looked up, he had missed the determination in her set jaw.
“It wasn’t a request, or a demand.” Muze sat up more straight and met her father’s angry gaze. “I’m just letting you know.” She stated matter-of-factly.
“Do you see any other girls out there on the docks?” Muze opened her mouth – “from our docks?” Muze closed her mouth, but reopened it just to get cut off again. “To bed. I’ll have no more of this nonsense.”
Muze didn’t move, her jaw still set. “I wasn’t hungry anyways.” She said, standing up and pushing her plate rather roughly aside. She stormed off to her room, rather grateful for the break. Her room was more like a refuge, but her father had realized what he had done and had sent Vavithan to get her to help with evening dishes.
“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him.” Vavithan said in a whisper on their way back. She didn’t need his help, but it was nice to have him on her side.
After dishes she made sure to avoid anywhere her father might show up, not wanting to argue with him further on the subject, especially if Vavi thought he had some pull with the old man. Not that she needed his help…
As she came into her room late that night, her stomach grumbled from a smell. Her brown eyes were drawn to a plate in the dimness, on the wooden plate was a roll and dried fish. She pursed her lips and with a set jaw she stomped over and flopped on her bed. She lay there a while, but was unable to sleep. She tried changing out of her clothes, brushing her hair, and counting flits in her mind – but she was unable to sleep through the groaning of her stomach.
Finally she looked over at the food and frowned. She didn’t understand her mother. How could she really care for her if she wouldn’t stand up for her? She didn’t want food. She wanted to be heard. Her stomach growled and her nine turn self discipline crumbled as she went to grab the plate of food. Well, she’d need the strength if she was going to be working with Vavi in the morning. She’d do both jobs if she had to get what she wanted.
