It’s hot. With her work at the breach, Amaya’s used to how hot it can get, but she’s been sweating non-stop since the Sunfire elves trapped her in a ring of fire. They make sure she has enough water, but it doesn’t stop her from feeling dehydrated.
Being a prisoner isn’t all bad, though. The one who captured her continually fights to keep her alive, and the interpreter - Kazi, they said their name is - reminds her of Gren.
But she can’t keep being a prisoner forever. Things are happening outside. Things she needs to be a part of. Perhaps her captor will find it in her heart to let her go. Eventually.
As she considers her options, the ring of fire parts for a moment, and her captor steps in, holding parchment and charcoal. Her eyes are fixed, determined, as she sits down in front of Amaya.
“Teach me your hand language,” she demands. “I cannot understand what you say, but you can write, and I can learn.”
Amaya feels a smile tug at the corner of her lips, and nods, taking the writing utensils and writing a phrase before she signs it. My name is Amaya.
“Amaya,” her captor repeats. She holds her hand out for the charcoal, and when Amaya hands it over, she writes her name. Janai.
Quickly, Amaya shows her how to spell it, then writes out the alphabet and draws Janai’s attention to her fingers. She goes through the alphabet, and can’t help but admire the intense focus with which Janai watches her. Learning sign language wasn’t an easy task, especially when beginning to learn in adulthood.
When she finishes showing her the letters, she gestures for Janai to try.
The expression on Janai’s face is a little confused, a little annoyed, a little hopeless as her shoulders sag.
“I don’t think this language was meant for people with four fingers,” she says, holding up her hand.
That’s okay, Amaya signs, then writes Try.
She does. She has to substitute her last finger for the lack of pinkie, but it works just fine. The shapes of her letters are hesitant and a bit sloppy. Amaya takes it upon herself to stop Janai whenever she doesn’t make the right shape, and position her fingers herself. Janai tenses at that, but doesn’t stop her, and mutters a thank-you each time.
They spend what must be over an hour learning the basics. Janai can introduce herself and ask simple questions, and Amaya notices how she puffs her chest out proudly, just a bit.
Something tells her that this isn’t going to be their only sign lesson.
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