Thread: Dynasty of Blood (Alvis Alendran & Danidoo88)

Why was everything so hard? Tomas and Rachel screamed their little toddler screams as they splashed each other in the bath water that was growing more and more filthy by the second. Water rations on this side of the village were expensive and the family generally shared bath water to conserve what little they had. As the oldest, Cat would be the last to go. Her eldest brother first, since he brought in most of what little money they had as well as the food as a hunter, parents second, because they worked the fields and could sometimes bring back some of the harvest. Then the smaller children because they went to filth faster than the rest of them. As a daughter, she was a surplus. She could work and there was every possibility that she would marry well but she was not as valuable as a son. Old prejudices made it difficult for someone like her to find work and the need to keep her hands and body soft so as to make a more attractive bride cut out rougher work, which was more easily available to a daughter of a poor family. The need to keep herself pure cut out many other possibilities as well. Cat sighed and wiped suds from her cheek as she tried to wrangle the toddlers. Her mother was working in the kitchen and her father was out weeding the garden so bath time was her responsibility. Besides, if she wanted her bath before the water went completely cold, she would need to get the job done quickly and the little ones always listened to her better than her mom. She was around more, after all. Not that it could be helped. When the babes were finally washed and dried, she slipped out of her now sodden dress and pulled her long chestnut hair into a bun to keep it from the mucky water. There was a small spring she could use to wash it later, if she was desperate enough. It was far too cold for bathing but she handle the frigid water for the short time it took to clean her hair. She had been about to step into the tub when her mother called to her from the kitchen. With a small curse, she withdrew her foot, which had already been submerged, and redressed before making her way toward her mother's voice. Yes, mama, what is it? She asked, trying to keep her tone respectful despite her irritation of being interrupted. Oh, there you are! Her mother breathed before giving her a critical once over. There's a carriage pulling up in front of the house, girl, here... she thrust a damp towel in her hands, ...wipe up your face and go out to tend the garden. What...Mama, why? I was about to take a bath... Just do it. This could be your chance! Just think if whoever is in that carriage takes a fancy to you. Just think what that would do for our family! Cat gaped at her mother for a moment before she wiped her face clean as she was told. Wouldn't it be better if I just took a bath really quick? This towel isn't going to... Her mother's face soured and her green eyes, the same striking shade as her own, narrowed. Catalina DeGana, you get out there this instant. With a defeated sigh, Cat handed the cloth back to her mother and stepped outside, shielding her eyes from the sudden glare of the sun for a moment before moving further into view. This was ridiculous. Why was it that she, all of a sudden, felt like a prized cow about to be sold at auction. Oh yes, you see Betsy over there? Yes, she is one fine heifer. Is she for sale, you ask? Oh no, I couldn't, I just couldn't. She's like family to me. She muttered as she walked over to where her father had been weeding. Well, that is a fair price you offer, a fair price but it breaks my heart to let her go. Oh, thank you! Yes that is very generous! I see you are a fair and just man. She yanked out weeds with perhaps a little more force than necessary and chucked them into the basket. No, no, mama. By all means, sell me off to some unseen whoever in that hoity toity carriage with the fancy horses. She sighed again and gave a discreet glance in the direction of the conversation. It wouldn't hurt to get a look at whoever she was suppose to be tempting. Not bad. Not old, at least. Gods! He was probably just asking for directions or something. This whole thing was ridiculous. What would a man dressed like that, in a carriage that cost more than the combined wealth of the village want with someone like her? She was pretty, yes, but she had a bitter disposition and a mouth that tended to run wild before her brain had a chance to reign it in. She was too thin and too...poor, she supposed. Nothing to dirty those expensive shoes over. Stupid. This whole thing was stupid. Her mama must have gotten some of that special herb mixed in with her cigarettes. She wished she could hear what they were sayi...Oh shit! Cat quickly looked away when both men turned in her direction and she tried to act as if she had been working in the garden completely unaware that they had a visitor. Gods! How embarrassing. Well what did he expect?! If he's going to go around flaunting his riches in a small village like this, of course, he's going to get stared at. Still... She kept her head down and focused on the garden until she heard an awkward clearing a throat. She looked up to find the weathered face of her father wearing a very comfortable expression. Sweetheart, we need to talk. Uh-oh. That couldn't be good. What is it, papa? He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from her off toward the direction where the carriage had disappeared to. That man...He...uh...Offered you a job. He held up his hand before she could protest. Now, it's nothin' crazy. He just needs a cleaner, sounds like, maybe a cook too. He...uh... Joseph slapped his hand against his thigh in frustration. Damnit, girl, look at what he can offer us. Cat blinked in surprise and sat up a little higher on her knees to get a look at what he held in his hand. She blinked at the bauble and then looked up at her father. I haven't said no, papa. If it will help the family... She let out a might gust of air. That sort of work is bound to roughen my hands though. Mama won't be happy. Of course I will. And of course she had been eavesdropping. This is a huge opportunity, Cat! We could always talk to the village healer before you go. Maybe they have some of that hand cream they supposedly got a shipment of a few weeks back and you can take your work gloves with you. She looked down at where her work gloves should be on her hands and scowled. Have you been weeding with bare hands? Deciding that it was better just to change the subject, Cat thrust her hands behind her back and looked at her father. I'll do it...for now. I mean, this whole thing sounds pretty crazy but, for now, I will try it. If things get weird though, I am not going to stay, no matter how much he pays y'all. Last edited Feb 5, 2019