After Kumandra

Namaari Part 9

Dedicated to Hook44 and Livingthedoelife.

                                  (<:>)

Namaari paced back and forth, alone in the throne room. She knew Ishan was up to something, but how would she uncover his treachery?

It was time to visit Noi.
                                
                                  (<:>)

She once again used a canoe to go downriver to Talon, where Noi resided with her newfound family. Noi had gradually warmed up to her, although their relationship was a bit strained. Thankfully, toddlers weren't ones for long grudges.

Her small size would make her the perfect spy.

If she agreed. And Namaari would make sure she did, for she had brought bribes.

Lots of bribes. She arrived at Noi's house, greeting her parents and moving to the living room.

"NAM-NAM." A voice cried out with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

"Noi!" Namaari commented with fake enthusiasm. "Good to see you. Wow, you've gotten taller!"

This carefully placed compliment make Noi perk up slightly.

"Y wu here Nam-Nam?"

Namaari (or I guess, 'Nam-Nam') decided to be point blank. "I have a secret espionage mission for you to embark upon, complete with riches beyond your imagination." Well, that was slightly embellished for a crate of cookies, but Noi wouldn't know that, right?"

Noi rubbed her hands together. "Up-fwont." She commented decisively.

Namaari gritted her teeth together, removing the jewelry from her arms and pulling out her bag of cookies. She should've brought jade.
No matter, she would get more.

"Half now, and half after you successfully finish the mission."

Noi squeaked indignantly. "Three quarters."

"eight sixteeths."

As smart as she was, math wasn't the toddlers' strong suit.

"Dun dun dun" Noi crooned gleefully. "Soap, wuts da mizzion?"

Namaari smirked.
       
                                   (<:>)

The toddler was surprisingly willing to travel by canoe, although Namaari chewed her lip worriedly. Could she save Noi if she went overboard?

Best to not go there.

Soon, they arrived back to Fang.

"That's Ishan. He is your target. Remember, you must shadow him for an entire day. No breaks."

Noi looked like she was about to cry, and Namaari relented.

"Potty breaks only."

Noi looked a bit happier. "Kaykay" she replied.

Namaari grimaced. What was she doing, trusting a baby?

A super baby.

Like that made her feel better.

She shook her head and vowed to focus:

Using her binoculars as she sat on top of a building with Noi, she found Ishan quickly.

She quickly attached a recording device to Noi's shirt and sent her on her way. "Stay safe and be careful Noi, I don't want to face the wrath of your parents."

True to character, Noi's mature little self stuck out her tongue and promptly climbed down the building, toddling after Ishan's disappearing figure into the local tavern.

Did this count as child labor? Namaari winced.

Soon, however, her attention was diverted. From what she could see at the window, Noi had climbed underneath the bar table in the corner Ishan sat at.

He glanced surreptitiously for eavesdroppers and then began.

"Do you have the insurgents?"

"They're a nasty bunch, Ishan, I don't think you want to mess with them."

"They don't need to be saints, they just need to be fighters" Ishan commented as the other man groaned.

"Why is this even necessary?" The man whimpered. "Just marry Namaari."

"Back up options are important. She's too stubborn for good wife material anyways."

Namaari rolled her eyes. She'd make a perfect wife...she was smart, kind, protective...for the right person.

She was startled out of her reverie by Ishan's next words.

"If she doesn't agree to marriage, we'll storm Fang's capital with our men, guns, and cats in a fortnight.

No.

Ishan was mean. Cruel. But planning a coup? It seemed like a lot, even for him.

Noi needed to get out of there. It clearly wasn't safe. After a transaction of some kind, Ishan began to head out. Him and the other man left at different times in different directions, but soon after Namaari saw Noi crawl back out and towards her building.

The threat was far greater than Namaari had ever imagined. If her mother found out about this she would certainly be forced to marry Ishan, and that could not be tolerated. No. She would have to handle this by herself.

She finished paying Noi, and they began the long trip to Talon. Namaari had to suppress a shudder.

What now?

______________________________________

A boy at my high school committed suicide yesterday. I didn't know him very well but my friends did. I just wanted to take a moment to remind you all that you're worth so much and are loved. If you ever need anything just message me and I'll be there. We can get you help. There is hope.

I have bipolar 1 disorder and PTSD, and I've stayed in a psychiatric unit for three weeks before. We all have our own struggles despite the smiles we wear, and we've got to remember that we're not alone. There's millions more like us.

Most of my readers are LGBT+ (I myself am bisexual) and I know life can present specific challenges for us. We've gotta stick together.

Love you guys and take care of yourselves,

(Sorry for the long note)

-NamaarixRaya ❤

National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255