Nightmares of Toto-Rak
Location: unknown, Time: unknown
The following text is probably not safe for work, nor those weak of heart.
Normally Nihka didn’t mind the dark. Here in this room, though, there were no stars to guide her and no moon to light her path. The room was so dark even a keeper could not see and she had lost track of how long she’d been there. Her only markers for time were the persistent, arrhythmic drip that echoed through the room and the few times Weylan had visited her.
“That actually hurt,†Weylan chuckled as he rubbed his cheek. “Might make a man think you don’t like him.â€
Nihka growled, backing into the corner of the small room, as far away from him as she could. Her wrists were bound together behind her back, and her eyes were aching. There was a shutter in the ceiling that, when opened, filled the room with bright light. After bells in darkness, the effect was debilitating. Weylan approached, squatting down in front of her, leaning in close enough that she could feel his presence, see his shadow on her eyelids. Tentatively, she opened an eye, only to see his cruel smile.
“You’re lucky.†He pat her cheek; she tried to turn away but he gripped her chin tightly and forced her to look at him. “You’re lucky he told me not to rough you up too much or we’d be having a lot more fun. Damn shame, really. Still, if you want to eat you’ll behave. No more kicking, kitten.â€
She kicked at him again, bringing her shin towards the side of his head. Before she connected, he caught her ankle and gripped hard. He clicked his tongue as he stood, yanking her leg up which sent her body to the floor. He stood there for a moment, holding her up by her ankle so she couldn’t get any leverage, then with a laugh he dropped her and took a few steps back.
“You’re damn lucky, cat.â€
Nihka pulled her legs close, curling up. Her skirt had fallen out of place; she did her best to move it back into position but without her arms there wasn’t much she could do. She ached all over, her head hitting the floor, leg from the spear, belly from the punch, wrists burned by the ropes. She had bruises everywhere, but Weylan was right that no one would see them against her skin. The worst pain of all, though, was the aching in her chest. She missed her daughter.
It was hard to tell the difference between her dreams and reality. There was nothing to do in this room but try to sleep and ignore the dripping water. They’d started leaving cooked meat outside the door, just letting her smell it, but all they brought for her to eat was water and a stale chunk of bread. Once, they even had a piece of cheese.
“You know what, cat?†Weylan stepped into the room, holding a plate, the door closing behind him. The scent of roasting meat filled the air. “This bread is shit, isn’t it? You don’t really want it. I think you want a nice red antelope steak, fresh off the fire, just dripping.â€
Nihka winced, eyes closed, as the brightness overpowered her. Just thinking about the food set her stomach rumbling. Though she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction, her body insisted, and he laughed.
“That’s what I thought. Bet you can smell it, too; that’s my lunch. But hey, as a favor between old friends, I’ll get rid of this bread for you.†He smirked coldly and stuffed the hunk of bread in a pocket. Her stomach growled again. “Your stomach is more talkative than you are, puss. What’s wrong?
“...kidnap...†Nihka opened one eye, risking the light to glare at him.
“Kidnap? No, you were arrested. I know, it’s too subtle for you. But there is a difference, trust me. Anyway, I’ve been wondering. You had quite a few linkpearls on you. Seems a little odd for someone who doesn’t talk, don’t you think?â€
“...talk plenty...â€
“Of course you do. Meow meow. I’m sure you have a lot to say. Probably talk for hours, don’t you.†Weylan sneered, and spoke in broken, slow phrasing. “What...... .....want...... .....dinner...... .....cook... ...... tonight......... eat.......want....â€
Nihka scowled, and Weylan laughed loudly.
“I was in Ul’dah the other day. Saw that poster of you, with that man’s arm draped over your shoulders half naked. A room full of kittens, all hanging off of him, and you right in the center. You’ve been holding out on me this whole damned time. But that’s not too important now that you’re here, is it?†He grinned, looking her over.
In the darkness of her room, she heard Weylan’s laughter. The water dripped, landing in a puddle, and echoes resonated like a cruel chuckle that lasted long after he left.
Weylan held up a small platinum bracelet, making sure to put it in the light, so that Nihka could see the shape in silhouette. Her ears twitched as she glanced up at it, then back down. She couldn’t look at her wrist but she knew what was missing. Anstarra’s promise bangle.
“It’s that seeker bitch, isn’t it? The one that threatened me in the Boar?â€
Nihka choked down a sob, looking away.
“I hear she’s looking for you, and I have a theory. Correct me if I’m wrong, okay? She doesn’t like feeling inferior to anyone. She’s that stuck up, superior sort. That kinda bitch, she’d die if she had to marry someone smarter than her. Problem is, she’s so stupid you’re the only one that fits the bill.â€
“..idiot... Weylan.... Not deserve marry.... Not promise deserve... not first know ... love..... about… find.. Anstarra.. find Nihka....†Nihka growled, bracing herself against the wall, feet planted hard on the floor.
“Still feisty. I think I’ll throw it out, too. Spare her the trouble.†Weylan laughed and pocketed the bangle. “On the other hand, I’ll be keeping this.â€
Nihka turned to glare at him, opening her mouth to say something choice, when she noticed in his hands he was holding her knife. The blood drained from her face, watching as he inspected the last possession she had of her mother’s. Nihka’s ears twitched up and she almost choked, lurching to her feet.
“..back.. give.. back.. give .. give back....â€
“Hells if I’m going to give you a weapon!†He walked forward and planted a boot on her chest, shoving her back against the wall. She hit with a grunt and fell to the floor. “It’s quality work, you know. The grip’s a little small for me, but the blade is perfect. An excellent knife for a poacher. It’ll be fitting when I kill a few with it, don’t you think?â€
Nihka kicked and flailed until she managed to right herself, sitting back up.
“Either way, I think my steak is just about done. I’m going to go have a bit to eat. Have fun in here, okay?â€
Her body ached. Her arms hadn’t been untied since she got here. She wasn’t sure how long it was, but the skin around her wrists was starting to peel, and her shoulders were locked up. The water dripped, echoes like laughter keeping her from sleeping.
“What does it mean?†Weylan stood in front of the door, arms crossed. Her mother’s knife was still on his hip.
“...mean....†Nihka looked at him, head tilted.
“Neruhm.†Weylan frowned. “Can’t you hear it?â€
“Not..n..not say...!†Nihka’s eyes went wide.
“Neruhm? It’s a strange word, isn’t it? And it’s got a powerful sound I like. What does it mean?â€
“...name.. is.. name ... not.. not say please.. please....â€
“A name? So you can hear it. Echoing off the walls. Neruhm. Neruhm. At first I thought I was imagining it, Neruhm, over and over. Whenever I walk past your room, whenever I’m visiting.†He approached, and squatted down in front of her. She backed into the corner, ears folded back. He reached out, caressing her ears as he murmured the name, over and over. Nihka whimpered and tried to shrink, curling into the corner, and he just got closer.
He was interrupted by the sound of screaming, muffled through the wall. Weylan smiled, and pulled back, leaning on his heels.
“You hear that? One of your neighbors. The screaming used to annoy me, but when I’m with you, I hope it never stops.â€
Hours later, in the dark silence of her room, she could still hear it echoing faintly off the walls. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. She heard him laughing.
Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm.
Location: unknown, Time: unknown
The following text is probably not safe for work, nor those weak of heart.
Normally Nihka didn’t mind the dark. Here in this room, though, there were no stars to guide her and no moon to light her path. The room was so dark even a keeper could not see and she had lost track of how long she’d been there. Her only markers for time were the persistent, arrhythmic drip that echoed through the room and the few times Weylan had visited her.
“That actually hurt,†Weylan chuckled as he rubbed his cheek. “Might make a man think you don’t like him.â€
Nihka growled, backing into the corner of the small room, as far away from him as she could. Her wrists were bound together behind her back, and her eyes were aching. There was a shutter in the ceiling that, when opened, filled the room with bright light. After bells in darkness, the effect was debilitating. Weylan approached, squatting down in front of her, leaning in close enough that she could feel his presence, see his shadow on her eyelids. Tentatively, she opened an eye, only to see his cruel smile.
“You’re lucky.†He pat her cheek; she tried to turn away but he gripped her chin tightly and forced her to look at him. “You’re lucky he told me not to rough you up too much or we’d be having a lot more fun. Damn shame, really. Still, if you want to eat you’ll behave. No more kicking, kitten.â€
She kicked at him again, bringing her shin towards the side of his head. Before she connected, he caught her ankle and gripped hard. He clicked his tongue as he stood, yanking her leg up which sent her body to the floor. He stood there for a moment, holding her up by her ankle so she couldn’t get any leverage, then with a laugh he dropped her and took a few steps back.
“You’re damn lucky, cat.â€
Nihka pulled her legs close, curling up. Her skirt had fallen out of place; she did her best to move it back into position but without her arms there wasn’t much she could do. She ached all over, her head hitting the floor, leg from the spear, belly from the punch, wrists burned by the ropes. She had bruises everywhere, but Weylan was right that no one would see them against her skin. The worst pain of all, though, was the aching in her chest. She missed her daughter.
It was hard to tell the difference between her dreams and reality. There was nothing to do in this room but try to sleep and ignore the dripping water. They’d started leaving cooked meat outside the door, just letting her smell it, but all they brought for her to eat was water and a stale chunk of bread. Once, they even had a piece of cheese.
“You know what, cat?†Weylan stepped into the room, holding a plate, the door closing behind him. The scent of roasting meat filled the air. “This bread is shit, isn’t it? You don’t really want it. I think you want a nice red antelope steak, fresh off the fire, just dripping.â€
Nihka winced, eyes closed, as the brightness overpowered her. Just thinking about the food set her stomach rumbling. Though she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction, her body insisted, and he laughed.
“That’s what I thought. Bet you can smell it, too; that’s my lunch. But hey, as a favor between old friends, I’ll get rid of this bread for you.†He smirked coldly and stuffed the hunk of bread in a pocket. Her stomach growled again. “Your stomach is more talkative than you are, puss. What’s wrong?
“...kidnap...†Nihka opened one eye, risking the light to glare at him.
“Kidnap? No, you were arrested. I know, it’s too subtle for you. But there is a difference, trust me. Anyway, I’ve been wondering. You had quite a few linkpearls on you. Seems a little odd for someone who doesn’t talk, don’t you think?â€
“...talk plenty...â€
“Of course you do. Meow meow. I’m sure you have a lot to say. Probably talk for hours, don’t you.†Weylan sneered, and spoke in broken, slow phrasing. “What...... .....want...... .....dinner...... .....cook... ...... tonight......... eat.......want....â€
Nihka scowled, and Weylan laughed loudly.
“I was in Ul’dah the other day. Saw that poster of you, with that man’s arm draped over your shoulders half naked. A room full of kittens, all hanging off of him, and you right in the center. You’ve been holding out on me this whole damned time. But that’s not too important now that you’re here, is it?†He grinned, looking her over.
In the darkness of her room, she heard Weylan’s laughter. The water dripped, landing in a puddle, and echoes resonated like a cruel chuckle that lasted long after he left.
Weylan held up a small platinum bracelet, making sure to put it in the light, so that Nihka could see the shape in silhouette. Her ears twitched as she glanced up at it, then back down. She couldn’t look at her wrist but she knew what was missing. Anstarra’s promise bangle.
“It’s that seeker bitch, isn’t it? The one that threatened me in the Boar?â€
Nihka choked down a sob, looking away.
“I hear she’s looking for you, and I have a theory. Correct me if I’m wrong, okay? She doesn’t like feeling inferior to anyone. She’s that stuck up, superior sort. That kinda bitch, she’d die if she had to marry someone smarter than her. Problem is, she’s so stupid you’re the only one that fits the bill.â€
“..idiot... Weylan.... Not deserve marry.... Not promise deserve... not first know ... love..... about… find.. Anstarra.. find Nihka....†Nihka growled, bracing herself against the wall, feet planted hard on the floor.
“Still feisty. I think I’ll throw it out, too. Spare her the trouble.†Weylan laughed and pocketed the bangle. “On the other hand, I’ll be keeping this.â€
Nihka turned to glare at him, opening her mouth to say something choice, when she noticed in his hands he was holding her knife. The blood drained from her face, watching as he inspected the last possession she had of her mother’s. Nihka’s ears twitched up and she almost choked, lurching to her feet.
“..back.. give.. back.. give .. give back....â€
“Hells if I’m going to give you a weapon!†He walked forward and planted a boot on her chest, shoving her back against the wall. She hit with a grunt and fell to the floor. “It’s quality work, you know. The grip’s a little small for me, but the blade is perfect. An excellent knife for a poacher. It’ll be fitting when I kill a few with it, don’t you think?â€
Nihka kicked and flailed until she managed to right herself, sitting back up.
“Either way, I think my steak is just about done. I’m going to go have a bit to eat. Have fun in here, okay?â€
Her body ached. Her arms hadn’t been untied since she got here. She wasn’t sure how long it was, but the skin around her wrists was starting to peel, and her shoulders were locked up. The water dripped, echoes like laughter keeping her from sleeping.
“What does it mean?†Weylan stood in front of the door, arms crossed. Her mother’s knife was still on his hip.
“...mean....†Nihka looked at him, head tilted.
“Neruhm.†Weylan frowned. “Can’t you hear it?â€
“Not..n..not say...!†Nihka’s eyes went wide.
“Neruhm? It’s a strange word, isn’t it? And it’s got a powerful sound I like. What does it mean?â€
“...name.. is.. name ... not.. not say please.. please....â€
“A name? So you can hear it. Echoing off the walls. Neruhm. Neruhm. At first I thought I was imagining it, Neruhm, over and over. Whenever I walk past your room, whenever I’m visiting.†He approached, and squatted down in front of her. She backed into the corner, ears folded back. He reached out, caressing her ears as he murmured the name, over and over. Nihka whimpered and tried to shrink, curling into the corner, and he just got closer.
He was interrupted by the sound of screaming, muffled through the wall. Weylan smiled, and pulled back, leaning on his heels.
“You hear that? One of your neighbors. The screaming used to annoy me, but when I’m with you, I hope it never stops.â€
Hours later, in the dark silence of her room, she could still hear it echoing faintly off the walls. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. She heard him laughing.
Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm. Neruhm.