work in symmetry [r]

In hindsight, maybe she shouldn't have trusted Trialen's judgment. It was he who recommended this particular bunch of mercenaries, swore that his dwarven kinsmen were the best for the task. Dared to suggest that she wouldn't have to fret in their company. Jenova laughed then, and she found that amusement creeping back up now, though this time tinged with hysteria.

Ten minutes past dawn, and thus ten minutes late. The scenery might have been picturesque – snow-peaked mountains, a red-stained sky, tall trees, and a rickety old barn – though the beauty is the one thing that Jenova didn't seem to take in. Amongst the stillness, she first fidgeted, then plaited the old mare's mane, then the tail. Sighed.

She hadn't slept that night. Between the crippling awareness that she wouldn't be able to defend the cargo on her lonesome, and the feeling that someone would burst into the abandoned stable, and... do something, Jenova found herself alternating between pacing . Even hours later, her hands shook as she double-checked that the waterproof leather cover was secured properly – she had already made sure that the contents was packed safely.

The Flying Nugs – and what a name, too. Perhaps someone would be interested in an “exotic” nug pet? Were nugs edible? Would her Orlesian clientele be interested in a shipment of nug meat fresh from Orzammar? Or would the morbidity of eating those little rats be more fitting to Tevinter tastes? Oh, and nugs would be such a pain to transport, too... Wouldn't they make pathetic squeaking noises constantly? Wouldn't they smell?

Jenova sniffed, brushed invisible lint off her fur collar, adjusted the fit of her shirt, smoothed her hair. Any minute now, surely. Any minute now, she would hear the approach of that brigand. Based on her limited interactions with dwarves, they generally seemed like the talkative bunch. They would be speaking. Bearded? Yes, mostly bearded. Some will have those strange tattoos branded across their faces. Stubby fingers, short nails. Dwarves. Broken teeth. Jenova found that she had been holding her breath, and exhaled slowly, taking small solace in her constructed expectation.

Any minute now. She busied herself with triple-checking the buckles And yet, when she did hear footsteps, Jenova jerked to straight-backed attention, startled nonetheless.

jay

LAIKA OF GS!