Blessings? [Mort]

Zuzana Bryant

It was the day after the party, which was a celebration for the new Duke and Duchess of Rhoynar as well as the wedding. It was a little over a day since she hadf ound Kaz again with the help of Allison. The dark looking man, newborn vampire had been happy to see her, even though they had parted ways a while ago. Zanna had managed to survive on the streets for the time being, though she was too young to remain out of danger alone. She streets were harsh on anybody, especially the streets of Rhoynar. With the pirates walking around the streets, searching for business. Pickpocketing was the only way she had survived so long and without the help and protection of Kaz, her guardian... she had ben exhausted. The eight year old had gone to bed early that evenng to get some much needed sleep. Though she had slept fairly well for once, she still felt uncomfortable with so many strangers around.

A few days ago she couldn't imagine to be living with the Duke and Duchess and to see Kaz, living and well. Though she didn't know that Kaz had changed into a vampire. Allison had learned her a thing or two about magic. So if magic was real, even though her parents had never really shown that it was real, what else was? Vampires and werewolves, were those creatures from nightmares also real? Did she live in a world that was that dangerous...? Zanna walked across the hallways, the long pathways in the castle that she had just seen for the first time yesterday. Her brown eyes were calm and intelligent, she was known to be very inquisitive. A dark haired man catched her eye, one that looked a lot like Kaz. Her footsteps altered to a faster pace. "Kaz?" She called, though the posture seemed off. When she stepped closer she noticed it was another man, not Kaz. Who was he?

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends

Zuzana Bryant

The dark looking man didn't seem overly surprised to see the young child. Even though she was young, she was very perceptive. He seemed to slow down his movements just a tiny bit to allow the young child to catch up and look at him. Something was different to him from Kaz, maybe it was his build though they looked alike. Family from Kaz maybe? Her eyes lingered on him for just a little over ten seconds before warily moving towards the near vicinity. The girl had learned to remain very watchfull to every little movement, smell, and sound. For those small things told her a lot. Her hearing however was a lot weaker then that of a vampire, though she of course did not know that the man in front of her was one. She would not recognize him for what he was. Simply because she hadn't got enough knowledge on those creatures. Shs realised that he wasn't the Grand Duke though only the way she looked at him told so. Her voice was suddenly lost and Zanna turned into the shy child she naturally was. "You confuse me with my brother", The dark haired man said, with a warm smile. Her intelligent eyes lifted to meet his after which she frowned a little. She hadn't known that Kaz had a brother. She had never heard him talk about one, though she could not ignore the fact that they looked alike. Very much so. "I'm Mort", The man, no vampire; introduced himself. He seemed to be an easy going person. Though he probably wondered who she was and what she was doing around here. She managed to give him a tiny smile before looking around the silent hallway. Her small heart thudding a little faster then normal, with her nerves. For the stranger was making her nervous and a little insecure. "I am Zanna", She whispered with her voice high and soft like chimebells. Though the child didn't mention what kind of bond she had with the Grand Duke and why she was looking for him. What could a child like her bring someone like him, like Kaz. Zanna was only eight years old and as such was innocent. Zanna looked at him before she swallowed uneasily. "I didn't know Kaz had a brother," She spoke, her voice was calm and soft though also a little strained. Zanna was still tired but just couldn't sleep.

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends

Zuzana Bryant

It probably wasn't the first and wouldn't be the last time that someone confused Kaz with Mort or the other way around. The brothers looked so mucb alike, especially in the dark that it was uncanny. It meant that even Zanna, one that knew Kaz quite well, had not noticed her mistake until she looked closer. He seemed nice, but as every child from the streets Zanna knew that a nice look dodm't mean anything other then just that. People that looked nice could be mean and people that looked mean and dangerous could be nice. Never go on looks only. Zanna was immediately cautious, for Mort was not the person she had been looking for or the person she knew.

Though she saw no problems with intorducing herself. After all Mort had done the same. She was still a child with manners. Zanna decided to ask him some question about himself and Kaz, for it was a tid bit strange that she hadn't known about his brother. He didn't seem to have any trouble answering her question. "I didn't exactly grow up with him, that's probably why", He explained after he had nodded. Zanna couldn't imagine not growing up with family if they had been alive and well. Mort kept his answers vague so she had a feeling that he was hiding things, and secrets were dangerous; mostly. "So, why were you looking for Kaz?" He asked, probably wondering if he could help the eight year old. Most grown ups had trouble leaving her to fend for herself. Something that could be useful, especially since the streets were that dangerous. "He has been my caregiver for a while," She told him, calmly with a soft frown. Mort didn't need to know more then that, it was enough information for him to fill in the bits and pieces he needed to.

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends

Zuzana Bryant

While she didn't get too bad a vibe from the man, it didn't mean that she trusted him. A girl like her, didn't grow up hearing and believing fairytales. Instead she knew that the world was a big, bad place full of big, bad people that she had to dodge. Though a lot of things in fairytales were true here, like werewolves and vampires. Though she had never really spoken with one, nor did she wanted to. Dangers were something that she tried to steer clear from. Even though with Kaz as caregiver she had seen her fair share of troubles. Like pickpocketing when a king saw that happen. It was not her smartest move ever, if she said so herself. No eight year old could survive without any help, and Kaz was the first to give her some, after her father had passed away. Had been killed in a bar fight.

If the girl had known about the fact that Kaz and Mort were both vampires, she probably would have demanded some answers. Some assurance that she would be safe from any harm. She was afraid of the sight of blood, after treating her fater a few times for wounds he had gotten in one of the many fights he had fought in. Zanna knew that he had threatened the woman taking care of her before he died more often then not. Which was maybe why she tried to get Zanna settled into an orphanage. To not be reminded of her father. "I'm glad to hear he has been good to you", The Kaz look a like replied. "I think he might still be asleep though. Is there anything I can help you with at the moment?" He asked, after which Zanna nodded. She was hungry and bored, while she didn't know where they got their food from here. She could eat something... in the very least a piece of bread or something. "I am bored, and hungry," The girl mentioned.

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends

Zuzana Bryant

Meeting the brother of her caregiver, of Kaz was something new. While she had noticed him at the party they had thrown, it was strange to know that the dark haired man still had family around, whom he had not spoken about. Though, Zanna had to admit that she did not speak about Kaz that often. She had somewhere known that he might have been in trouble and didn't want to mess things up even more for him. Zanna did not fear anyone that was a friend of Kaz and Allison, both adults were to be trusted and that meant that the small girl was a bit more trusting towards Mort. Besides that she felt safer knowing that Kaz was nearby and would protect her if needed. As any growing child, the brown haired innocent looking child was in need of something to eat. Be it some toast or just some fruit like apples. A smile appeared on the lips of the young men, making him appear softer, nicer. "Let's go find the kitchen then, I bet they can miss some snacks for you there", Mort replied, though Zanna knew it could be hard to find something like that in a Castle like this. The hallways only were bigger then the homes she had known. Her bedroom was not the largest room in the Keep but still humongous. As soon as he suggested to find the kitchen, and food; the man moved towards the stairs and Zanna had to run to catch up with him. Which made her more playful side appear.

Her eyes were sparkling while she touched his leg and calmly stated. "You're it," Which meant that she had started a game of tag. Her short legs were fast, something she had learned during her time on the streets was evading people. She was smaller and because of that faster. She could easily move around things that had the adults slow down. Besides that Zanna needed to use some of her restless energy in order to sit calmly at the table for breakfast. As every eight year old, even those that were used to the hardships of life, she loved games and right now that game was tag. The girl moved down the stairs fluently, while keeping an eye out for the adult and trying to make it harder for him to follow her. Though the hallways were to big to use anything to her advance. It was a good training for her when she wished or needed to pick pockets again.

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends

Zuzana Bryant

Zanna probably creeped out many adults with her intelligent, penetrating eyes. Almost as if the girl would notice every little mistake, every small thing that was unusual. It was a bit of her instinct coming into play. A knowing that was never turned off, she could tune into people, read them. Though Zanna didn't know about her excisting magic, the magic did allow her to do so more often then not, automatically. The child did show some typical child-like behaviour, in the need of food and in her playful antics. For now she deemed the older man worthy of her trust, which was a huge commitment for the small girl. Kaz was one of the only ones, that had gotten it quite easily. It seemed though that here in the Keep she was safe. People wouldm't dare to harm her, right? Not under the noses of Kaz and Allison. Both of whom reigned the country. Especially not in their home.

It seemed like a perfect time and occasion to play a game of tag. It was an innocent and fun game; one she hadn't played in too long. It had been all about surviving on the streets, in dark corners, with the drunk and criminal. Zanna had to fight for food daily, had to steal money from those that didn't watch their coins enough and had to remain low, hiding for most dangers. Unless she decided to help someone that had put themselves in danger by trying to steal something they shouldn't, like Romeo. A man she had safed from a knife in his back. Zanna had touched his leg, telling him he was 'it', he had to try and catch her. She ran down the stairs, quite easily and into the hallway, which was long and mostly straight. The man followed her, tried to keep up with the fast child. Her soft giggles and laughs moved along the hallways while she moved past them. She took a few turns before she heard Kaz's brother speak. "Kitchen is that way," She had taken a wrong turn and now had to move passed the man, who was blocking her. She had to play this smart, get him distracted if she could. Or use a path that was less likely to be used by an heavier adult. Her soft playful smile didn't leave her face while her twinkling eyes moved to look at his softer eyes. "Not fair," She joked while pulling her lip out, in a soft pout. Maybe she could dodge him and get away from him before he could tag her. Zanna took a step and managed to move out of his way and zigzag across the hall though she was getting tired fast. He probably could outrun her unless he was holding back. The girl was not stupid, on broad paths like this without any other people walking around; grown ups should be able to outrun her easily. Catch her without trouble. Though she liked the way he allowed her to have a fair chance. He was a fun playmate, she hadn't really expected it from him, to be fair.

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends

Zuzana Bryant

Kaz had never played with her, they simply didn't have the time to do so. Instead she had to pickpocket money and other stuff from people, passerby's that might be innocent. It was a fun game that made the young girl loosen up a litle and relax. It seemed that it worked both ways, Mort also seemed to enjoy the little time with the girl. She might be a child but she was known to see through people. The way she naturally handled Kaz and used her instincts to have fun with Mort; was the way she expressed it. When she by accident took a wrong turn he was able to block her path for a bit, though she managed to evade him and get away from him quite easily. The man laughed, apparantly amused by it. He had blocked her path, but not good enough. When the hallways got smaller though, he had it much easier catching up with the small brunette. "Tag", The dark haired man exclaimed while softly touching her back. Zanna didn't know that they were already near the kitchen. Until Mort told her so, "I hope you're still hungry," He said while pointing towards one of the nearby doors, which had a name plate with 'kitchen' written upon it. The child couldn't read, but understood his gesture and smiled thankfully. Zanna stil was hungry enough and it was a fun and great ending from the game they had played. The girl reached out with one hand towards him and took his hand, for she was quite shy amongst strangers. The eight year old needed to be reassured.

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends

Zuzana Bryant

Mort had fixed her boredom and was busy fixing her a small breakfast as well. Something that the young girl needed, especially since getting off the streets a few days ago. The warmth and the difficult circumstances, made for a tired and exhausted child. After a good night's rest as well as a few good meals, the girl felt stronger then before, which made for an energetic youngster. Having taken care of the first problem, which was her active mind and body; Mort now could solve the second problem. Getting her something to eat from the kitchen. They had arrived at the kitchen but Zanna had been to shy to get in there, into a new place without someone she trusted. Though Mort still wasn't trusted enough to walk outside the property with, she trusted him way more then the cook. Even when the woman appeared to be very nice and friendly. His cold hands made her frown, it was starnge. No heath, no body warmth. Was he ill? when the older lady looked at them, the girl got distracted enough not to ask any questions about it. "Can I Help you?" The woman asked friendly but also very professional in a way. Not cold, but still the girl couldn't help but notice it. no time for chit-chat or a conversation. Only time to work. "Yes, is it possible to get a snack or even a small meal for my friend right here?" Mort asked in a pleasant voice. When Mort med her eyes for a moment, the girl looked at him with a small frown, noticing the coldness of his touch, he did appear normal other then that though. It was quite a mystery. One the child wanted to solve. "Take a seat. I will prepare her something", The woman told, before turning around to get some food prepared. Mort squeezed her hand softly, gently making her relax a tid bit more before he took her towards the table to sit at and wait.

Zanna had some questions but she didn't want to ask them. She was very perceptive, especially if something was strange. Like it was to have a brother of Kaz across her, seated and calm. Almost a look a like, and she knew that Kaz his body temperature had been colder then normalas well, something had happened when she had been on the streets alone, without Kaz's help. But what, remained the question. Something she felt she wouldn't and shouldn't ask when the cook was still nearby. Maybe Mort would answer some of the questions she had, but she didn't know for sure. It might have been secret. Did Alli know? The girl looked at the dark haired man before speaking. "Mort?"

Innocence is like polished armor;
it adorns and defends