[Mkguild] Life As We Know It pt IV

[Jack Moore]

AN: I was hoping for some attention. Still am.

Life as We Know It pt. IV

Janelle
Morning came despite me wishing it wouldn’t. When you are in the Metamor
Keep Watch, you are over worked and under rested. We have too few Wardens
and an entire valley we theoretically protect.
In practice we protect no one because they don’t want us.
I yawned as I forced my thin blue tabard over my dinosaur-style snout. I
belted it at my waste, making sure to attach my sword, club and a length of
rope. After that I walked over to the mirror, examining my uniform.
Not a stain, not a tear. I smoothed a wrinkle so my tabard was completely
flat. Perfect. There is a mindset about Wardens. We’re incompetent, we’re
second rate knights. When I become Justicar and lead the Watch, I will
change all of that. Before then though there are small things I can do,
like look presentable.
If you don’t respect the uniform, you can’t expect anyone else too.
Kaysar was now sleep growling. His ears twitched and he began to claw at
something under the sheets. It made me smile as I watched. He’s so
innocent. Eli what did I do for you to bless me like this? Kaysar rolled
over. I kissed his forehead.
"Mommy has to go to work now Kaysar." I whispered. "I promise I’ll be back
tonight." He mewed and rolled over again. I could stay…no Janelle. You have
work. I gave him one last lingering glance before leaving him to sleep.


I waited at the table until Mrs. Aubrah arrived. She arrived with a basket
of food and a friendly smile.
"Let me help you with this." I grabbed the basket, only to discover she was
carrying a pot with her. "How on Earth do you carry all of this?"
"With a lot of focus and luck." The binturong said. "I gotta bring my own
pot, yours is cracked."
"I didn’t know that." I said.
"That’s because you never use it and we are all grateful to the gods for
it." I rolled my eyes. "You seem tired. Didn’t sleep well?"
"Not as well as I needed." I said, rubbing my snout. "Is it that obvious?"
Mrs. Aubrah got a fire started.
"A bit." She said. "Actually, we need to talk. I brought some sweet rolls
for us for breakfast."
"I don’t eat breakfast." I said. "I will be off—
"Janelle we really need to talk. One meal won’t kill you." I sighed and sat
down. Mrs. Aubrah joined and handed me a large and very sticky roll. I
ripped a chunk out.
"This is very good." I mumbled. Mrs. Aubrah nodded. "What did you want to
talk about?"
"It’s about payment." Mrs. Aubrah said. "Specifically, I’ve not been paid
for almost a month." My stomach dropped. "I’m willing to overlook it Janie
because I love you and that wonderful son of yours. But stuff like food?
That cost money."
"It does." I ripped out a chunk of the roll. "And I am sorry. I’ve been
behind on money, I will pay you by tomorrow. I’ve just…I’ve been busy."
"I know." Mrs. Aubrah said, sympathy in her eyes. Her arm touched against
mine. "I know how busy you are. I know how underpaid you are."
"I’m more underpaid lately." I said. "My bed is broken and I need to repair
it. Wages from the Watch have been delayed and Kaysar has outgrown all of
his tunics." My claws dug into the wooden table. I pulled them free before
she noticed. Never let them see your anxiety. "In spite of this I have an
idea." Mrs. Aubrah cocked her head.
"They’re offering me a promotion, or the chance to be promoted. To Sergeant
in the watch. It comes with a pay raise and a more stable working schedule.
All I have to do is work for it and it’ll be mine."
"That’s wonderful Janie!" Mrs. Aubrah crowed. "You’ll have more money and a
better position." I turned my eyes back to the table. My blue fingers
clawed at the wood again, now turning the surface into splinters.
And I will be one step closer to becoming Justicar. Mrs. Aubrah knew I was
thinking about that. Anyone who knows me knows my ultimate goal. To fix the
justice system of Metamor Keep. To bring universal justice to everyone.
I must have been lost in my own little world longer than I thought because
next thing I noticed was Mrs. Aubrah stroking my shoulder.
"It’s not an easy decision though is it." I shook her arm off. "You can be
honest with me Janelle."
"Okay. Then realize this is me being honest when I say I am fine." It isn’t
a lie if you honestly believe it’s true. "Yes the thought of a big
promotion is a source of stress but it’s worth it." Besides finding that
bull is a much bigger source.
"Alright." Mrs. Aubrah sighed. "You know, I never had a kid of my own.
Getting to spend time with Kaysar is the best part of my week. But he
misses his mamma. All this Watch stuff stresses you but it stresses him
also. Don’t let it consume you." My stomach started to churn.
"Everything will figure itself out." I said, standing. "I need to get to
work now." Mrs. Aubrah nodded. I could feel her eyes staring at me as I
walked out the door.
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