Curse of the Jackalmen

Appearances

A/n. I felt like my characters came off as two dimensional at first. This chapter shows more negative behavior I think. It kinda seems like filler, but it's kinda important in the grand scheme of things.

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I was unpacking my possessions when a loud rap echoed from the front door. I dropped the tunic I was folding onto my bed and poked my head out of my room to see if someone else would get it. The poor door was hit again, harder. Sighing I ran a hand through my hair and padded to it. Smiling politely I swung it open to a portly middle aged woman whose face was caked in over done make up and whose tunic and stolla were patterned and bordered, fastened with jeweled clips, and not detracting from her bulk. Behind her I could scarcely see a girl my age in a rose tunic with curly blonde hair in a sort of complicated knot thing on the back of her head. She was pretty. She had a confident look with bright eyes, dark lips, and white teeth. She was holding a covered basket.

"Uhh....hello?" I queried.

"Oooh just who we wanted to see! I was telling Aurelia, she's my niece you know. Parents dead, poor thing, I'm her only relation, anyways, I was telling her that I hoped we'd see that sturdy young man Dentrilus always tells us about. And lo and behold there you are! You're better looking than I hoped. I was telling your father the other-" The woman excitedly prattled . Her niece interrupted with clenched teeth behind a polite smile.

"Auntie Vita dear, perhaps we should tell him who we are.....?" She looked to my and introduced herself. "I'm Aurelia, and this is my Aunt Vita. We're your neighbors. We've come to meet your family and welcome you."

I showed them in with all the expected courtesy. I hastily cleared a portion of the room and bade them sit down. I really didn't like guests that weren't my friends. They always wanted to make small talk and I always struggled to remember courteous pleasantries. I wish Hemite was back with that water. Where was she? It didn't take that long to walk into the square, dunk in a vase, and carry it back. She could have made a dozen trips by now. I'd have to talk with her. Of late, it seemed she was becoming more disrespectful and independent. I'm considered very patient and kind, but she was getting on my nerves.

"Lovely house, though I do suppose it's rather neater when you've not just moved in. Suppose your mother will sort that out. I remember when your father married the woman. Caused quite some gossip. Anyways, we, though it was mostly me, decided that your family moving here warrants a little feast and party." I had almost forgotten the guests, until the lady started jabbering. She had a fruity voice that.suited her gossipy attitude.

"Sounds like a fine plan." I replied politely, smiling.

"Of course it is! Parties are what one lives for! There is one favor....."

"Yes?" I grunted.

"We usually have our cook just serve us, but she's going to be a bit busy. Have you any slaves to spare?" The woman inquired velvetly. I snorted at the thought of Hemite serving this woman who I'm certain she'd find distasteful. Hemite would probably hate me for agreeing to this, but I decided it would do her well to practice courtesy and manners.

"Yes. A girl a little younger than me. She'll learn fast." I thought the matter settled. The woman nodded thoughtfully.

"What does she look like? I hate having my food served by an ugly face. Ruins the appetite you know." The simple question took me by surprise. I never really thought about Hemite like that. I'd never had to describe what she looked like.

"She's not bad to look at...." I started. I paused. I really couldn't think of her as pretty or anything. But she wasn't an eyesore. She had even features and bright eyes, her nose wasn't too big or anything. It was plain but proportional.