06-25-2017, 05:50 PM
The inquisitive softness of Nari's tone was a departure from how things had played out in Rigiel's mind. Maybe his master didn't know of Rigiel's previous standing. His previous caretakers surely did, and spared no effort in reminding Rigiel how his high birth meant nothing in this new life. If anything, it would only wet his potential masters' appetite for humiliation. It wasn't every day old blood became available to break and bend. Outwardly, the snow leopard hadn't given the slavers the pleasure of seeing him rattled, but he'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit it sent his mind into overdrive, imagining all the worst case scenarios possible. For now though, it seemed his punishment wouldn't be so severe. Of course, Rigiel could still be in for a sour, sordid surprise, but if that was to be the case it wasn't readily apparent.
His eyes detached from the floor with the beckoning tug, raising to make sure he didn't bump into anyone as people drained into the streets, not only to avoid any ensuing chaos with flaring egos and the like, but also out of his own curiosity, never having been out of the small confines of his snow laced temple. Unconsciously, when Nari addressed him with a question, his gaze crossed with the sphynx's for a moment, out of old habit, before disengaging elsewhere. Speaking to someone without looking into their eyes was an uncomfortable experience for Rigiel, but he'd been warned to refrain from staring. Many people didn't take it kindly, he'd been told. Still, it felt dishonest, like he was hiding something by not returning the gaze. Frankly put, it irked Rigiel to no end.
"The mountains. I lived on the summit of Mount Natrai, snow all year round." The highest mountain of the continent, the closest to touching the gods, some said. No amount of divine protection was enough to counter the greedy nature of men, however, he mused. Rigiel's ears perked at his new master's name, a bell ringing from the confines of his memory. The name of Anashka was recorded on many accounts, some historical, others romancicized, but most importantly it was part of the Deliah's records, not as one who sought counsel, but as a visitor curious to the ways of the north. Records Rigiel knew by heart. Perhaps he could share such accounts with his master at some point in time. He certainly seemed to hold special significance of his mother's name...
The gesture of 'here' was followed by Rigiel, his attention shifting towards the decaying city. It would probably have been a wondrous place in the past. He'd read plenty on the world he never thought would get the chance to explore, and the glimmering great cities of the desert were painted as greats centers of art and commerce, with great bazaars sprawling through streets and streets without end. In a way, it was a disappointing sight, but it was still more than Rigiel had ever hoped, bigger and more colorful than the white peaks he'd called home. So much so Rigiel straggled a bit behind, with Nari feeling the pull when the chain was stretched taught.
Resuming his walk behind Nari, Rigiel noticed the stares on himself as they pushed past. At first he wondered if his mostly white fur was that uncommon a sight to warrant such attention. It only hit him once Nari shoved the cloth at him that he was, after all, absolutely naked. Granted his fur was rather thick, so it wasn't an issue of coverage per say. He understood the awkwardness though. Quite vividly, by the suddenly embarassed look on Rigiel's face, tail coiling tightly around his leg. "O—of course, master..." he mumbled, avoiding Nari's gaze this time for entirely different reasons. The afghan was tied sideways over his waist, like an improvised mini skirt. In a way, it made Rigiel feel even more self conscious, emphasizing his feminine waist and hip line. "Do you approve, master Nari?"
His eyes detached from the floor with the beckoning tug, raising to make sure he didn't bump into anyone as people drained into the streets, not only to avoid any ensuing chaos with flaring egos and the like, but also out of his own curiosity, never having been out of the small confines of his snow laced temple. Unconsciously, when Nari addressed him with a question, his gaze crossed with the sphynx's for a moment, out of old habit, before disengaging elsewhere. Speaking to someone without looking into their eyes was an uncomfortable experience for Rigiel, but he'd been warned to refrain from staring. Many people didn't take it kindly, he'd been told. Still, it felt dishonest, like he was hiding something by not returning the gaze. Frankly put, it irked Rigiel to no end.
"The mountains. I lived on the summit of Mount Natrai, snow all year round." The highest mountain of the continent, the closest to touching the gods, some said. No amount of divine protection was enough to counter the greedy nature of men, however, he mused. Rigiel's ears perked at his new master's name, a bell ringing from the confines of his memory. The name of Anashka was recorded on many accounts, some historical, others romancicized, but most importantly it was part of the Deliah's records, not as one who sought counsel, but as a visitor curious to the ways of the north. Records Rigiel knew by heart. Perhaps he could share such accounts with his master at some point in time. He certainly seemed to hold special significance of his mother's name...
The gesture of 'here' was followed by Rigiel, his attention shifting towards the decaying city. It would probably have been a wondrous place in the past. He'd read plenty on the world he never thought would get the chance to explore, and the glimmering great cities of the desert were painted as greats centers of art and commerce, with great bazaars sprawling through streets and streets without end. In a way, it was a disappointing sight, but it was still more than Rigiel had ever hoped, bigger and more colorful than the white peaks he'd called home. So much so Rigiel straggled a bit behind, with Nari feeling the pull when the chain was stretched taught.
Resuming his walk behind Nari, Rigiel noticed the stares on himself as they pushed past. At first he wondered if his mostly white fur was that uncommon a sight to warrant such attention. It only hit him once Nari shoved the cloth at him that he was, after all, absolutely naked. Granted his fur was rather thick, so it wasn't an issue of coverage per say. He understood the awkwardness though. Quite vividly, by the suddenly embarassed look on Rigiel's face, tail coiling tightly around his leg. "O—of course, master..." he mumbled, avoiding Nari's gaze this time for entirely different reasons. The afghan was tied sideways over his waist, like an improvised mini skirt. In a way, it made Rigiel feel even more self conscious, emphasizing his feminine waist and hip line. "Do you approve, master Nari?"