I didn't really like this aspect of the job. Getting paid always felt like I was doing more harm than good. Taking a piece of the little remaining wealth in this town and devouring it for the sake of survival was definitely more cruel to me. They couldn't spare much but since word got out to a place that far, they decided that sending young and hopeful runners back and forth would at least benefit the village by drawing new potential customers from out of town. 

"Have a good evening, Lord Toquatzin." I said my usual goodbye, even if my voice was tired and my pronunciation was a bit stiff, as he presented me the payment, shoved into a sack and tied neatly at the end. As I took it and heaved the bag over my shoulders, feeling a sharp pain radiate through my back for just a quick second before dulling again, the man nodded and gave me an enigmatic look. He appeared as though he expected something more from me, eyes blinking slowly and his wide eyebrows arching downwards. What was that supposed to mean? 

It seems he wants to say something else? Usually I wouldn't even bat an eye at another customer after collecting the reward but there was an awkward energy about his pose that compelled me to remain for longer. What did he want? What would he say?

I tilted my head, rolling my eyes subtly to the side before returning my gaze to him and looking up through the top of my vision at him.

"I see that spark in your eye, Yolotl. That seed of curiosity grows with each delivery you hand me.”

What the hell is he going on about now? Does this fool have to say everything he thinks? How about learning some subtlety and decency. I did my best to not show my distaste, but man does he make it difficult.

"I have to head back. My mother will worry."

"Please, spare me one more second and come with me. I simply wish to talk. Walk with me."

What's this? He wants to talk? About what exactly? Even his slow tone and calm composure would not mask his demanding intentions and the request could not be ignored. His soft and calculated expressions just screamed for my compliance. The only person who has me so perfectly manipulated. Well...Other than my mother at least.

Lord Toquatzin's estate

Year of 12-Flint

Ah, speaking of.

I sat on another reed mat, resting my back against a woven box meant for sitting, not meant for carrying precious papers and such. A sigh escaping my lips before I could hold it, filling the open air with it. 

Why was my mother here? What are they planning?

My mother kneeled next to me, an amused expression crossing her tired features. While she was not entirely relaxed, her gaze traveled between my face and the lord's, laughing softly with a glimmer of uncertainty in her dark brown eyes. My head lowered itself as a pit grew deep in my belly and my neck burned with nerves.

What were they planning? Hold on, I think if I ran now my mother would be far too weak to give me a good chase.

Oh no wait, mother wouldn't hesitate to wring her hands around my ankles and keep a steady hold as she dragged me back to this position, I'm an idiot.

So I stayed seated and forced a smile at the fool and my mother while I waited for this farce to start. My hands smoothed out the creases of my simple agave fiber cloak, making sure to put on a calm act as they began their talks. 

“Young one, you shall accompany me back to the capital.”

Hold on, what did he just say? I understood him that time, I simply could not help but stare at the nobleman blankly, jaw going slack. Did I hear him right? I know I did this time but surely, he jests. I quickly shifted my head slightly to the right to meet my mother’s gaze and held it, awaiting an explanation. Leaving home was out of the question.

 Mother knew this but I think my disgruntled expression was too obvious because she quickly shot me a stern look. 

“My precious jade, what Lord Toquatzin is graciously doing is granting you an opportunity.” 

Nänä stated as she cast a small pile of papers onto the nobleman’s refined wooden table, each page different from the last yet equally as detailed. On one page was the sketch of Amamitepec’s humble plaza, depicted with simple produce stands and skilled artisans seated on woven reed mats while the aroma of sizzling maize tlaxcalli wafted from open-air kitchens, tempting passersby with their enticing scent. 

On another page, joyful children chasing an innocent lizard and one child gleefully poking it with a long stick. Sketches of small birds and herbs from the nearby forest, although hastily drawn, shown by the rough lines and overlapping, were clearly depicted as though a novice scribe had jotted it down.

Oh, bother. 

I could not stifle the exasperated sigh that left my mouth and felt as though someone was grinding a rock against my ribcage with each word she spoke. 

“An opportunity to hone your skills and make a name for yourself in the capital. You’d be a fool not to take it, my son.”

“The capital is barely holding on as is, mother.” I quickly retorted. “And wishing not to leave my only home for some haughty city in the lowlands is not foolish.” 

I turned my gaze off to the side to avoid seeing that furrowed brow of hers. That crinkled nose of hers, her mouth slightly agape as she struggled to articulate words. That expression alone said so many things I felt ashamed. She believed my reluctance to be selfish, didn't she? Most would agree with her. 

This opportunity would not come twice. Tenochtitlan was the vibrant capital of the Triple Alliance. It was a small island situated on Lake Tetzcoco yet it is well known that its influence resonated far beyond its meticulously planned cityscape. 

You dream of making it big in the textile world? Tenochtitlan is the place. Craved handcrafted masterpieces? Head straight for Tenochtitlan. Awful and ill-bred jokes? Tenochtitlan fits your preferences! And don't worry, if you are looking to buy some spicy condiments, Tenochtitlan has some of the most savoury chili peppers this side of the world, exported straight from Xochimilco itself!

But if it’s such a great place, why did Lord Toquatzin hold such a stiff face whenever his home city was brought up? Why did the passing merchants hold a tone that mixed lament and apprehension in their voice whenever Tenochtitlan became the subject of discussion?

The signs were there, everyone noticed. But nobody questioned it. Or perhaps they were afraid to.

The desperation was clear on my mother's face, her eyes bright and hopeful that I would at least consider it. She was always like that, and she never let those rare moments when she could see that I was slipping through her fingers slip away. Like now. She was already ahead of me, gripping onto that thread, those two pieces of the fabric that was our future together, with the fierceness and determination that no tenacious animal could dare to match. 

As persistent as he was though, my mind was made up.

Why would I leave my only home for a land filled with strangers? A land where no doubt I would be looked down on for the green tattoos on my cheeks and arm?

Lord Toquatzin crossed his arms and let out a thoughtful hum and my mother pursed her lips. With a steady tone she began to elaborate more, her hands balling the ends of her agave skirt into her fists to conceal the slight shakes of nerves, as she kept her shoulders taut and her face determined.

“This apprenticeship will do you well, Yolotl, even if you do not plan to pursue scribing. My child, you have lived in a bubble your whole life, sheltered from the dangers of the world and have grown accustomed to it, you live in ignorance of the whole universe waiting to be explored.”

She tenderly reached over to cup my cheeks like she always would when I was younger, closing the distance and tightening her grip with every passing second. I couldn’t help but let the tension release from my shoulders at the familiar gesture. Even if I hated to be touched, the way her loving calloused and creviced hands pressed and squished the sides of my face just felt right.

She always called me chalchihuitl. The word for that shiny green stone in the lowlander's language.

Her precious green stone. 

I found her reference to the bright green gem absurd since our own would barely resemble the splendors that are seen among nobles, but it never stopped me from grinning like a fool, a burning warmth that couldn't be stifled building within my chest.

Was it selfish of me not to care about that? All I wished for was a happy life here with her. The only thing I long for and the thing I crave more than life itself. How can this fool understand? Why would she side with that useless toad anyway?

Forcing my emotions to subside, I could not ignore her trembling arms or her determined smile.

She was trying so hard... 

Lord Toquatzin let out a hearty chuckle. Then the nobleman stood up from his seat and walked over to where we were, slowly settling down as though it hurt him to sit so close to us. My mother leaned in closer to me, her eyes lighting up as the nobleman planted himself into his chair once more. I sat there, unmoving yet unable to calm my thrumming heart. It was pounding like a drum, filled with eagerness and anticipation.

His tone was gentle, and he was holding that sly smile I loathed so.

"I am certain your father would have wanted this too." The toad then tried to offer me the comfort that could have only come from family. No stranger should be so forthcoming, so warm and comfortable in my presence.

My father. That was not his place to mention. Not a stranger. Who was he to utter such lies to my face? As though he has the right to do so. As though he cared. He didn't have the right to bring him up like that. As if he had the slightest inkling of what he would say if he were here.

The venom came out without a second thought, "I don't want to be another servant for a noble bastard like you!"

“Ñ'uspi! Mind your manners, boy!”

Oh crap. She called me by my personal name. She meant business. Nänä placed her hand behind my head and gently pushed me back down onto my knees. She desperately did the same, quickly bowing her head out of respect for the nobleman, no doubt attempting to stay a free woman.

"Please, forgive my insolent son, Lord Toquatzin. There are times where his head cannot seem to catch up with his mouth." She apologized. 

Politely smiling up at the nobleman she nudged my head further down onto the mat. 

"Now, Yolotl. Apologize to the revered lord, my son. Tell him you will consider his kind offer." She grumbled. 

I would rather eat rocks again. That was the thought running through my mind. There was no way in hell I would bow so easily, to apologize to someone who didn't deserve an ounce of my pity or mercy. And for sure I would not regret it if I threw my hands back up and launched my balled fist right into the man's dumb grinning mug.

He dared to talk as if he cared for me. Was that his way of looking for a new worker to call his own? The best way to have someone close to him was to act so patronizing and kind to his servants, treating them as though he respected and valued their input. It was not like this was the first time he tried to pull this little stunt. This was just the first where the toad brought a witness along to persuade me to comply.

His kindness was just a falsehood and a way to lure me into a false sense of trust.

Wait, what did I just hear?