Thread: Meet the Author [Goody + incendo]

Following her lead after watching her open her door, Mahon pulled the small lever and another pleased bark came from him as the door popped open. He shot her a glance, delighted with himself for getting the hang of this technology, also pleased with the efficiency and simple beauty of the construction. All carriages he'd seen in Pas had been very ornate, richly decorated, with golden handles sticking out on either sides of the doors for opening. Not only that but their wooden wheels allowed the riders to feel every bump in the road, the inward facing seats creating a cramped space inside, especially for him, with his long, muscular legs. He was fascinated by the sophistication and power of these carriages, wanting one for himself. Stepping from the door, shield and sword held in one hand, his helmet in the other, Mahon looked up at the building with curious interest, his eyes finding Mara standing beside the open door. It felt odd to be offered the way first but chalking it up to the customs of this place, Mahon entered the building, warily glancing around the bright, open space within. Ever the soldier, he first processed that they were alone, then let his eyes pick out strategic points of defense should he need to fight in a moment's notice. Slipping Claw back into his scabbard, Mahon finished his assessment of the main room and turned to Mara with a sigh. Do you have a wash basin or indoor pump? he asked, now inside the clean and rich manorhouse, feeling the dust clinging to his armor and the sweat and grime sticking to his neck and face. I would like to clean up before we eat. He followed her obediently to a room with amenities, blinking in awe at the cleanliness of it all. The pristine basin - a sink, she said - and an indoor tub for bathing, curtained off for privacy of use. There was a latrine in the corner - a toilet, she called it, but making sure to equate it with what he was familiar with - and she briefly showed him the silver lever on it that took the waste and water away. She also explained the function of the shower, assuming he wished to use it but he didn't, so, he merely filed it away. Truly...this place was wealthy if they could afford transporting and using so much water. Water that was clear as if fresh from a brook, clean and he assumed, safe. Left alone in the room, Mahon stripped off his scabbard belt, setting that, his shield, and helmet aside on a rug by the corner. Claw hummed a deep, melodious tone as it was propped against the wall and Mahon murmured reassuringly, Easy, old friend. You'll not be left behind, I promise you. It throbbed again, like a beautiful, deep sound in his bones, and Mahon cringed softly to be reminded. I have not forgotten... We will have our vengeance sated. The blood of Gammon will be in both of our teeth soon enough. Trust me. I will find him and put you right through his black heart. Leaning down, he stroked the hilt and pommel, rubbing his thumb against the white silver, moonstone eye in the middle of the cross, as Claw hummed in satisfaction, growing still and quiet from his reassuring promises. Somberly, Mahon drew back, looking at the loyal, spirited blade, wondering if he would be able to keep them. Determined to try his best, Mahon sighed heavily and turned to the sink basin, removing his gloves and setting them aside. Turning the water on was not hard to figure out, the silver lever ushering forth water pouring from places unknown, not even the sound of a pump being heard above the beautiful, gushing flow. Cupping his hands under the faucet, Mahon filled them and got to cleaning his face of dirt and sweat. The water was crisp and cold, exactly like from a stream, refreshing as it touched his skin. Rubbing it through his hair and on the back of his neck, Mahon closed his eyes as the coolness dripped over his tanned neck, down his back under his armor, cooling him. Water dripping from his dark beard, Mahon sat on the edge of the bathing tub, and began to remove and unbuckle his layers of armor. He had no idea if Mara and himself would be leaving again soon, but he'd been given the directive to make himself at home so, for now, he decided to relax and get out of his gear. First, the metal plates were removed from his shoulders and shins. Then he unbuckled the heavy leather jerkin, woven through with chain mail, setting it all aside with his weapons. In the end, he was left with a sand colored loose fitting shirt, tucked into his high-waisted, multiple buckled brown pants, with his boots still on, and a leather bracer on his sword arm. Glancing at himself in the looking glass, he sniffed stoutly and turned to the alien latrine. Pulling his long length from his trousers, he stood at the bowl and relieved himself, groaning softly in rumbling satisfaction, his urine hitting the water like a pressurized hose for at least a minute or two. With great fascination and delight, Mahon used the lever on the side, watching the swirling water take his urine away, tucking himself away with a smug smirk as water filled the bowl again, clear and clean once more. Reentering the room where Mara was, Mahon walked out , observing the space with a less threat-determinant eye, taking in the luxuries of the place. Finding Mara, he asked her curiously, Do you live here with your father's family, or do you have a husband? It didn't even occur to him that she could own this entire place herself, nor that she would be the only occupant. A small bell rang nearby and a soft pressure stroked at his lower leg, forcing him to flinch as he shot a look down. A spotted feline rubbed at him for affection and a derisive sneer contorted his features as he shoved it forcefully away with his boot. Not a kick but a very pushy, sideways shove with his shin. Immediately, the cat stumbled and turned to hiss violently at him in offense, swiping at him with a rapid triple pat of her paw on his boot. Hey! Mahon shouted, incensed. Get away, you presumptuous harlequin beast! I do not know thee! Be gone! She hissed again and Mahon lunged a stomp at her, roaring in anger at her challenge, daring to stand her ground to him. I will skin you and eat you!