The Overdogs
folder
Angst › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
1
Views:
1,010
Reviews:
0
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Angst › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
1
Views:
1,010
Reviews:
0
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.
The Overdogs
I think I can remember everything. From the time I was an early child to the present day. And don't think I'm considering the small, unimportant events of everyday life, heaven's no; I'm talking about every detail of anything that ever held significance.
But, I should start at the beginning; it would probably make more sense from there. Now, where should I start? Ah, yes, my home; the desolate wasteland that it is. I have lived on this land from the time I was born and I think one day I will become truly united with it as they lower my body into the cold, hard ground. Sounds depressing, doesn't it? Well, it the thin-skinned it can be too harsh to survive, but for creatures like myself it's just a way of life. Now, let's go back many years to when I was a small child"¦
I was the only loved child of my father's, though he had many, but claimed very few. My mother, whom I don't remember very well, was an independent woman who fought alongside my father and was very lovely by my father's memory. I don't believe child rearing was a path she wanted to take for herself. Nevertheless, I do recall how she liked to cradle me, in those few minutes of intimacy she aloud herself. And I was her only child, so every ounce of maternal need was lavished onto me and I didn't object, but honestly, I was too young and it wouldn't have done any good; stubbornness is a family trait. She didn't look like my father or myself, which I thought was kind of strange, since I look like a smaller copy of my enormous father. Her features were dark, completely opposite of the two of us. Her hair was cut short, so to keep it from being a hassle and her eyes were a dark, ruby red. Her skin resembled the color of tanned leather, but I remember her skin being smooth and lineless and surprisingly soft in spite of her past and her life choices. I can't say I miss her, because I never really knew her, my father quickly took up her place and became my mother and my father; he became my world.
I was never an unruly child, so I was free to run through the house and entertain myself in a fashion as long as I didn't disturb his things, which was fine by me; all he had were dull and dusty things. I stayed in my wing of the house most of the time, tinkering on this gadget or that. I was a very reclusive child and hated when friends of my sire would bring their children. It would always end with them running downstairs, their eyes full of tears and me being scolded. But I never did anything wrong to them, they just didn't like my games; it's all a hypocrisy really. I typically ignored our guests and shrugged lifelessly as they would ask me questions to answers they really didn't care about. They all wanted to be polite, especially around my father, but he didn't pay them much mind, they all wanted something from him and he loved that most of all. I considered it all dreadfully boring and counted the seconds till they would leave our house and it would be blissfully silent once again.
My father and I lived happily together for some time before he had to go back into battle. Those damn peasants and warring neighboring nations; they would always take my father from me and leave me with the house servants that all feared me, the silent and pale skinned child. I would walk out to the stables as he would climb upon his massive black mare, for which I was named, and he would smile and tell me it wouldn't be long, and then he'd be off for days and sometimes weeks at a time. And of course at the age of six I couldn't help but be concerned for his safety. After he would ride through our massive gate doors I would turn with my heart saddened and face the castle's staff with a sigh. They knew better than to say anything so they would part to let me back into the estate and finally shuffle in behind me. This routine was practiced many times during my childhood, unfortunately I had come to the age to understand where he was going and the peril he was putting himself in. At least when I was younger I was ignorantly unaware, but I have always preferred knowing the truth of matters, instead of having the facts hidden from me, I don't believe people can be happy being blissfully ignorant, I just think they're ignorant.
Anyway, I wasn't the only one who missed my father's presence, the house seemed to mourn his absence and the place felt quieter and colder during these periods, perhaps it was my longing for him to return or maybe it was my imagination. While he was gone I rarely ventured out of my room, there really wasn't a reason. The servants would knock quietly on my door leaving a small tray of food and drink. I ate in my room usually sitting in the window, staring out thinking about my father and the danger he constantly put himself in, but mostly my ideals and the want to be known, to be infamous throughout my homeland.
He returned from this excursion earlier than expect and I remember hearing his mare's hoof beats clamoring up the path, waking me up prematurely from my sleep. I grabbed my robe and tied it tightly around myself, dashing down the stairs, elated to see him home so quickly wanting to meet him at the gate. I called loudly to the servants to get breakfast fired up quickly my Father had returned home! He rode up to the doors fiercely straight in his saddle, never looking more regal than when he came home from battle. I smiled so wide, I thought my lips were going to tear. He dismounted at the door; dropping Mabet's reins and he rushed over to me, scooping me into his arms, hugging me tightly. Did I mention that he's also the most affectionate upon returning home? Can't complain all that much, at least not until he starts squeezing too hard, temporarily forgetting our size difference. I let out a quiet cough and he chuckled setting me down, but still smiling broadly.
"Hello, Mabet, did you miss me?" His red eyes glittered with mischief and I nodded earnestly, feeling stupid for being so excited, "Yes, very much Sire, although I didn't expect you home for quite some time. Is everything well?"
I was concerned that he was only making a quick return before he headed out for a longer period of time. His shaking head squelched my worries and I waited for his explanation. The stable hand came to collect Mabet, but I ran over to her and stroked her face softly, thanking her quietly for bringing him home to me. My father watched silently as I handed the reins to the stable boy, but then he walked over to her and unloaded a small basket from that was secured behind his saddle, just in front of his bundle of clothe that consisted of a bed roll and thick, but soft underclothing to wear under his armor, which he was currently wearing. I eyed the basket curiously wondering what he was hiding from me. He smiled and placed it at my feet, petted Mabet quickly and dismissed the stable hand and turned his attention back to me.
"Father, what is it? Is it for me?" I blinked as I looked up at him. Presents aren't foreign to me, but when he is away at battle he can never bring me anything, not that I would ever expect a thing from him.
He chuckled and nodded, "Yes, Mabet, it's for you, and no, I didn't bring you a head or any other appendage, so get that look off your face. I looked up at him with embarrassment, but this only made him chuckle harder. His whole body seemed to shake when he laughed, it was easy to tell if he was truly amused, "Just open it, child." I crouched down and unbuckled the top and slowly pulled back the lid, almost afraid of what I was going to find. To my bewilderment the bottom was full of hay and in the corner was a small white creature that gazed up at me, blinking in the morning sun. I gasped quietly and reached slowly towards it, letting it take in my scent. After but a minute I felt a soft, sand-paper tongue lap out and lick my finger and a quiet purring erupted from this white mound of fur.
I laughed quietly and gently picked my new little kitten up, cuddling him under my chin, knowing instantly that I was going to love him forever and he I.
"I guess that answers my first question. I'm glad you like him, I found him in an abandoned mill and I thought it was high time you had a full time companion around here. "Thank you so much Father, I love him."
OoO
I spread out over my long bed with my new book about a race of people I had never met and they seemed to have extremely different physiological makeup than mine own. I get dangerously interested in other races, and I can't help but wonder about dissection"¦
I shut it heavily having read the same passage at least twice. I just couldn't concentrate nor could I get comfortable in my formal clothes. Apparently we had a new foreign leader visiting today so formality was a must. I hate to admit but I always got a bit excited when new dictators came to strike deals for my father's aid or support. I probably shouldn't assume he's a dictator, but that's usually the type that associates with the Overdogs and my family.
I climbed out of my bed and smoothed the crisp white sheets neurotically until they were completely smooth again. I turned to stare at my reflection in my floor length mirror and sighed as I looked over my slowly developing body, my black formal robes clinging a bit more than they had in the past. "No wonder the servants are frightened of you"¦" My sheer white skin and my red eyes, and with no hair breaking up my features, they were rather piercing. I smirked at my reflection, straightening the high collar on my frustrating garment and headed for the door.
I met my father at the bottom of the stairs in the main foyer; he was looking splendid in his dark armor. His breastplate was sculpted in deep silver, handcrafted by the most skilled and talented artisans among my people.
"Mabet, you look very nice, I'm glad you put on your formals, I know you're not thrilled with them, perhaps we'll get some new ones for you soon." I smiled and nodded, "I would appreciated that Father, something less"¦"
I picked up the draping cloak-like fabric, "flowing? Not resembling a cape, besides, I'm terrified they're going to get stuck in something one of these days."
My father nodded and patted my shoulder. "I don't blame you, perhaps we can get you something more like mine? My son in matching armor, wearing our family signa proudly upon his firm chest?" He quirked an eyebrow at me, clearly in jest. I didn't even have time to smile before a loud knock came to the door; I just smiled and quickly squeezed his hand.
Our house servants fell into place, with my father's personal guards appearing from the shadows to stand watch. With everyone in place the door was signaled to be open and I was surprised to see only three figures standing in the doorway usually when foreign leaders come they bring a whole entourage with them.
My curiosity was heightened.
The three foreigners stepped inside and the door closed behind them, shutting out the bright sun. My father took a step forward and extended his arm in welcome; the tallest one stepped forward clasping arms with him and a broken pattern of dialogue began. "Welcome to my home, Altair, I hope your journey wasn't too taxing."
But, I should start at the beginning; it would probably make more sense from there. Now, where should I start? Ah, yes, my home; the desolate wasteland that it is. I have lived on this land from the time I was born and I think one day I will become truly united with it as they lower my body into the cold, hard ground. Sounds depressing, doesn't it? Well, it the thin-skinned it can be too harsh to survive, but for creatures like myself it's just a way of life. Now, let's go back many years to when I was a small child"¦
I was the only loved child of my father's, though he had many, but claimed very few. My mother, whom I don't remember very well, was an independent woman who fought alongside my father and was very lovely by my father's memory. I don't believe child rearing was a path she wanted to take for herself. Nevertheless, I do recall how she liked to cradle me, in those few minutes of intimacy she aloud herself. And I was her only child, so every ounce of maternal need was lavished onto me and I didn't object, but honestly, I was too young and it wouldn't have done any good; stubbornness is a family trait. She didn't look like my father or myself, which I thought was kind of strange, since I look like a smaller copy of my enormous father. Her features were dark, completely opposite of the two of us. Her hair was cut short, so to keep it from being a hassle and her eyes were a dark, ruby red. Her skin resembled the color of tanned leather, but I remember her skin being smooth and lineless and surprisingly soft in spite of her past and her life choices. I can't say I miss her, because I never really knew her, my father quickly took up her place and became my mother and my father; he became my world.
I was never an unruly child, so I was free to run through the house and entertain myself in a fashion as long as I didn't disturb his things, which was fine by me; all he had were dull and dusty things. I stayed in my wing of the house most of the time, tinkering on this gadget or that. I was a very reclusive child and hated when friends of my sire would bring their children. It would always end with them running downstairs, their eyes full of tears and me being scolded. But I never did anything wrong to them, they just didn't like my games; it's all a hypocrisy really. I typically ignored our guests and shrugged lifelessly as they would ask me questions to answers they really didn't care about. They all wanted to be polite, especially around my father, but he didn't pay them much mind, they all wanted something from him and he loved that most of all. I considered it all dreadfully boring and counted the seconds till they would leave our house and it would be blissfully silent once again.
My father and I lived happily together for some time before he had to go back into battle. Those damn peasants and warring neighboring nations; they would always take my father from me and leave me with the house servants that all feared me, the silent and pale skinned child. I would walk out to the stables as he would climb upon his massive black mare, for which I was named, and he would smile and tell me it wouldn't be long, and then he'd be off for days and sometimes weeks at a time. And of course at the age of six I couldn't help but be concerned for his safety. After he would ride through our massive gate doors I would turn with my heart saddened and face the castle's staff with a sigh. They knew better than to say anything so they would part to let me back into the estate and finally shuffle in behind me. This routine was practiced many times during my childhood, unfortunately I had come to the age to understand where he was going and the peril he was putting himself in. At least when I was younger I was ignorantly unaware, but I have always preferred knowing the truth of matters, instead of having the facts hidden from me, I don't believe people can be happy being blissfully ignorant, I just think they're ignorant.
Anyway, I wasn't the only one who missed my father's presence, the house seemed to mourn his absence and the place felt quieter and colder during these periods, perhaps it was my longing for him to return or maybe it was my imagination. While he was gone I rarely ventured out of my room, there really wasn't a reason. The servants would knock quietly on my door leaving a small tray of food and drink. I ate in my room usually sitting in the window, staring out thinking about my father and the danger he constantly put himself in, but mostly my ideals and the want to be known, to be infamous throughout my homeland.
He returned from this excursion earlier than expect and I remember hearing his mare's hoof beats clamoring up the path, waking me up prematurely from my sleep. I grabbed my robe and tied it tightly around myself, dashing down the stairs, elated to see him home so quickly wanting to meet him at the gate. I called loudly to the servants to get breakfast fired up quickly my Father had returned home! He rode up to the doors fiercely straight in his saddle, never looking more regal than when he came home from battle. I smiled so wide, I thought my lips were going to tear. He dismounted at the door; dropping Mabet's reins and he rushed over to me, scooping me into his arms, hugging me tightly. Did I mention that he's also the most affectionate upon returning home? Can't complain all that much, at least not until he starts squeezing too hard, temporarily forgetting our size difference. I let out a quiet cough and he chuckled setting me down, but still smiling broadly.
"Hello, Mabet, did you miss me?" His red eyes glittered with mischief and I nodded earnestly, feeling stupid for being so excited, "Yes, very much Sire, although I didn't expect you home for quite some time. Is everything well?"
I was concerned that he was only making a quick return before he headed out for a longer period of time. His shaking head squelched my worries and I waited for his explanation. The stable hand came to collect Mabet, but I ran over to her and stroked her face softly, thanking her quietly for bringing him home to me. My father watched silently as I handed the reins to the stable boy, but then he walked over to her and unloaded a small basket from that was secured behind his saddle, just in front of his bundle of clothe that consisted of a bed roll and thick, but soft underclothing to wear under his armor, which he was currently wearing. I eyed the basket curiously wondering what he was hiding from me. He smiled and placed it at my feet, petted Mabet quickly and dismissed the stable hand and turned his attention back to me.
"Father, what is it? Is it for me?" I blinked as I looked up at him. Presents aren't foreign to me, but when he is away at battle he can never bring me anything, not that I would ever expect a thing from him.
He chuckled and nodded, "Yes, Mabet, it's for you, and no, I didn't bring you a head or any other appendage, so get that look off your face. I looked up at him with embarrassment, but this only made him chuckle harder. His whole body seemed to shake when he laughed, it was easy to tell if he was truly amused, "Just open it, child." I crouched down and unbuckled the top and slowly pulled back the lid, almost afraid of what I was going to find. To my bewilderment the bottom was full of hay and in the corner was a small white creature that gazed up at me, blinking in the morning sun. I gasped quietly and reached slowly towards it, letting it take in my scent. After but a minute I felt a soft, sand-paper tongue lap out and lick my finger and a quiet purring erupted from this white mound of fur.
I laughed quietly and gently picked my new little kitten up, cuddling him under my chin, knowing instantly that I was going to love him forever and he I.
"I guess that answers my first question. I'm glad you like him, I found him in an abandoned mill and I thought it was high time you had a full time companion around here. "Thank you so much Father, I love him."
OoO
I spread out over my long bed with my new book about a race of people I had never met and they seemed to have extremely different physiological makeup than mine own. I get dangerously interested in other races, and I can't help but wonder about dissection"¦
I shut it heavily having read the same passage at least twice. I just couldn't concentrate nor could I get comfortable in my formal clothes. Apparently we had a new foreign leader visiting today so formality was a must. I hate to admit but I always got a bit excited when new dictators came to strike deals for my father's aid or support. I probably shouldn't assume he's a dictator, but that's usually the type that associates with the Overdogs and my family.
I climbed out of my bed and smoothed the crisp white sheets neurotically until they were completely smooth again. I turned to stare at my reflection in my floor length mirror and sighed as I looked over my slowly developing body, my black formal robes clinging a bit more than they had in the past. "No wonder the servants are frightened of you"¦" My sheer white skin and my red eyes, and with no hair breaking up my features, they were rather piercing. I smirked at my reflection, straightening the high collar on my frustrating garment and headed for the door.
I met my father at the bottom of the stairs in the main foyer; he was looking splendid in his dark armor. His breastplate was sculpted in deep silver, handcrafted by the most skilled and talented artisans among my people.
"Mabet, you look very nice, I'm glad you put on your formals, I know you're not thrilled with them, perhaps we'll get some new ones for you soon." I smiled and nodded, "I would appreciated that Father, something less"¦"
I picked up the draping cloak-like fabric, "flowing? Not resembling a cape, besides, I'm terrified they're going to get stuck in something one of these days."
My father nodded and patted my shoulder. "I don't blame you, perhaps we can get you something more like mine? My son in matching armor, wearing our family signa proudly upon his firm chest?" He quirked an eyebrow at me, clearly in jest. I didn't even have time to smile before a loud knock came to the door; I just smiled and quickly squeezed his hand.
Our house servants fell into place, with my father's personal guards appearing from the shadows to stand watch. With everyone in place the door was signaled to be open and I was surprised to see only three figures standing in the doorway usually when foreign leaders come they bring a whole entourage with them.
My curiosity was heightened.
The three foreigners stepped inside and the door closed behind them, shutting out the bright sun. My father took a step forward and extended his arm in welcome; the tallest one stepped forward clasping arms with him and a broken pattern of dialogue began. "Welcome to my home, Altair, I hope your journey wasn't too taxing."