Legends of Belariath
Jinx
Jinx Onak was born to the Sozoku Clan. This is a non-magical catperson clan known for thieving. She was going to be a usual catgirl of the clan, take care of her family while the man went out to do the thieving. She however could not stop herself from taking things. She watched her older brothers being taught and they taught her for she did not like to play with the dolls and toys she was provided with…Unless she got to steal them from unsuspecting playmates. Her father watched her closely, seeing the ease she had with stealing. He began to tutor when he was home, something that was not allowed by the clan, to teach a girl to thieve.
She grew through the years and her skill level grew as well. She found it quite easy to steal cookies and treats without her mother catching her, though her father always pointed out when he caught her, though he was proud of the way she learned so quickly. He wanted to show others but his wife was always reminding him that their Jinx was breaking the rules each time she stole something.
One day, an Elder was watching the youth play when his eye saw a young girl sneakily get away with a chocolate treat her playmate had set down for a moment. He watched as she walked away with the morsel, unnoticed by the victim, munching on the sweet. He touched his chin as he thought she looked too good to be a natural, though she did have a knack for theft. He thought someone must have taught her the clan’s craft. He had it on his mind to watch her closely and see how she develops.
Years went by and Jinx had grown into a beautiful young lady. Many of her former playmates were now trying to steal her heart rather than her toys. She found it amusing but kept her heart close to herself. She was not one for dreams of love and romance. She had it in her mind to gain fortune and power rather than a mate. It was on a special day when the young male men were brought forward to be introduced to the clan members as thieves, given a task, a special item to steal before sundown. It was like any other year, watching them. Jinx knew most of them by name for she was their age. She was a little upset they all got to be thieves, even though she could outdo them all, but she relented, knowing what her mother had always been saying, that it was against the laws of the clan. They came to the end of the boys and an elder stood, announcing that there was still one more. Everyone hushed instantly, confused as to who they could mean. He announced that there was one other, that the Elders had noticed years ago and wanted to watch to see if her skill grew. He said they had watched her and she had gotten better, better than many of the young men who have just been given their tasks even. We would like to test her here…today. Jinx Onak, please step forward.
Jinx couldn’t believe her ears. The Elder was speaking of her…Speaking of her skill and that she had been watched. She instantly jumped up, to her mother’s dismay. Her mother knew this had never happened before and that it would not turn out well. Her father was amazed and of course, proud that she was being recognized. He was a little worried though, in the back of his mind. Jinx gets to the front of the council, following the steps the other boys had done, having watched them for her whole life. She gets to her knee to learn her task.
The Elder announced that there was a goblin man that lived as a hermit at the top of the highest hill. He had a string of black pearls that was coveted throughout the lands. You bring that back here, before sunset and you shall be a thief in this clan.
The clan was dumbfounded, as was Jinx. This was nothing like any of the other boy’s tasks which were things like bring goblin wines or animals. Jinx’s father thought they must be putting her to the highest test, all because she was a female. Jinx’s mother was terrified, superior thieves had tried this mission and failed. She did not want to lose her only daughter. Jinx was anything but scared or worried, she was excited. She wanted to showcase herself as better than all the rest and thought this was the best way to do it.
Jinx and the other boys set out towards the goblin hills. None of the boys would speak to her, they were angered by her inclusion in the tasks…These boys who had been her friends were now trying to stop her at any rate. She kept away from them and made her way stealthy up to the hills. She slowly climbed, taking a harder route up to it, knowing he would be watching the easy route of course for people coming up. She gets to edge of his place and climbs the highest tree she can on the outskirt of his home. She watches for him, watching him as he did tasks, hulking around the property with anger. She licks her lips and grinned brightly as he makes his way down the hill, trudging off towards the village for something. She watches him as he reaches the bottom of the hill and then she drops herself on his roof with a small sound. She stands and goes off towards the side of his house, looking over the edge, finding a window open. She finds out why when she slips inside, to air the place out. It reeked… She begins searching over the cabin, trying to find where it would be. She growls with anger as she continues searching. She didn’t have trouble hiding her steps because the place was a wreck. She heard a growl and looked outside, seeing the man was already returning. She looked around and ran , sliding under his bed. She held her breathe as he instantly entered after she had hidden and he was walking around. She daringly edged closer to look up at him and watch what he was doing. She watched as he took the black string of pearls from his torn pants pocket and set it on a table in the middle of the room. She felt such excitement that her tail twitched, causing some rustling under the bed. He looked up, confused as to what the sound was and began searching his cabin for someone. She looked out the window and saw that it was approaching sunset. She bit her lip and said a quick prayer before she bounded out from under the bed, grabbing the pearls and dodging the goblin as she ran out of the cabin. He screamed and bellowed for her to come back, giving chase. She ran down the rugged pass once more, making her way quickly. The goblin couldn’t keep up though. She pushed the pearls into her pocket, still running, sunset edging closer and closer. It would be a photo finish indeed!
Most of the boys had finished their tasks with ease. The last of them being brought into the fold, but most were not even taking notice, all were still watching for Jinx, watching to see if she made it. There was one minute left and then it was over…Her family looked defeated as they knew it was over. But then there was a gasp and that set off a whole array of noises as they saw Jinx Onak bounding down the path toward them. She got there, panting as they watch, wondering. She then stood up straighter, reached in her pocket and produced the necklace. There were cheers all around for those who thought it amazing the girl had done it, had completed the task.
A particularly troublesome Elder although raised question to the achievement, saying nay, that it was past sunset, and that she had been too late. Many groaned and jeered at this but a good number agreed with this, saying she should not be allowed. Jinx was just watching, not believing she had done all this and was being told no! She stared as the Elders say they will have to confer on this.
Jinx was with her family when the Elders returned; she had changed and freshened up during the break in ceremonies. She waited and watched, on edge, wondering if all her efforts were fruitless. The troublesome Elder came forward, with a smirk on his face, and said that it was decided that she was not going to be allowed in the clan as a thief. There was arguing and fights over the decision. Most of the boys looked smug with the outcome. Jinx sat there, dumbfounded that this was happening, that she had done all that was wanted of her and she was still being held to an unachievable standard. She stared at the Elders, standing, the entire clan going quiet and watching her. She simply turned on her heel and made her way to her cabin that she shared with her family.
It was an awkward night at home, her parents arguing over the outcome. Her mother saying she was glad they had ruled in such a way, her father outraged she would say such a thing. In the middle of the night, though, Jinx left the cabin. She left the village. She left the clan. She would not be included in such a place that would not allow her to be what she was born to be. She left them and never looked back, dropping the Onak from her name and being known simply as Jinx.
Now in Nanthalion, she has found fortune. She is a home owner, with her own stone house, barn and bathhouse. She has a nixie slave and a thriving business as a huntress. She has made many friends in the land and even a love or two. There is quite a future for this catgirl thiefer.