Random muses and prompts

Beyond the Walls (part 2 of the unfinished story)

Baratrum, a city of dead life in a realm of listless nothing. The outside, as I was taught, was dangerous, and only those born and raised there could survive. I was neither of those, but the walls of our city could not contain a genuine curiosity.

In a world where freedom is restricted for safety, I was able to escape because of my aunt. My mother and father were no one, numbers in a crowd, and so were my siblings, destined to spend their life working to support the feeble and elderly parents who graciously gave them life. My aunt, however, was a chief, the lady of the city, our ruler. She elected which of her children, which of her siblings, and whether her husband was valuable to the people and an heir to her rule. Until her word gives blessing, we are all no one.

I plead with her one day while making shapes out of cooled magma. Let me outside, I signed to her, reaching for the hem of her dress, just once. Mama will come with me!

She signed back, Only if you behave and get a job.

They had been trying to get me hired by a farmer for a long time so I could earn my keep, but I steadily declined. I had signed back, Take me outside and I will get a job.

If you break your promise I would force you to work, yes?

I shrugged and agreed. My aunt's brow furrowed, she slipped into the shadows of the household without signing another word; it was as if she had suddenly lost interest and left me alone.

I spent the day packing a small pack of things: a notebook of vatomour skin to write on, a charcoal pencil, and a jar to collect things in. Later that day, before the end of the workday, a servant of my aunt's appeared, a worried smile on her red-brown face.

Hello, is your aunt the chief? She signed. She had a way of signing, there was an accent to it, hinting that she, or her family, were not a native Baratrites. It was clumsy and fast, although easily understood.

I am. Has she summoned me?

The servant nodded in a kind manner, but I caught another fearful look from her. Your aunt wishes to escort you beyond the walls of Baratrum. She wishes to see you soon.

I do not sign in response, but I do bow at the waist and slip inside the house to gather my pack. As I slung it over my head, I considered the girl's expression. When I approached the door, she was still there. I offer a smile to her,

You have a way of signing--are you from Greater Baratrum? Greater Baratrum was the entire realm beyond Baratrum, which was the capital city. I know a few travelers retired to Baratrum after their bones grow brittle and they find the city of refuge.

The servant gave me a look, somewhat surprised and somewhat irritated. I check myself; I will not ask that question anymore. I did not know she didn't appreciate it.

I am from Baratrum, but my family retired here. Most Baratrites hate being out there, did you want to go out there?

Yes. I have always wanted to see what it looks like. Do you know what it looks like?

She and I were walking at a slow pace toward the city hall. She slowed even more to consider my words. My parents told me that it was so hot their hair would erupt into flames. It would be a shame to lose your hair.

Why? Is it not just hair?

A Baratrite's hair length is representative of their status. Is that not common?

I shake my head, running a hand through my hair, which was down to my shoulders. Burst into flames? My concept of the outside world was different than what I imagined and I never even had a taste of it.​​​​​​​