<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">The kick had surprised Altair, especially considering he was being cooperative at that point. He hadn't expected more reprimand, especially given that mostly he was rewarded for his efforts when he was behaving. If he wasn't nausea before, he would have been after the abuse to his genitals. The first kick had him toppled; he couldn't breath. The rest were just insult to injury, and Altair wondered if it had been worth it to obey at all. Doing so didn't seem to earn him any sort of benefit in that instance. He was going to be black and blue all over, and more sore than he could ever remember being in his entire life.<br/>
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Resentment continued to flicker like a low burning flame, but he didn't wield his temper again. Even if he wanted to, he simply didn't have the physical capability given everything he'd just endured. It took him a moment to compose himself enough that he could even sit up, much less do as the Captain was finally bidding him, as much as he wanted to leave. He said nothing more, simply focused on making towards the door, his body slick with sweat.<br/>
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Making it to the quarter deck was a punishment in itself, and he gripped the railing to steady himself. He had paused, peering over the railing and considering throwing himself to the ocean, just so that Cygnus wouldn't have the satisfaction. What condition would he arrive in, upon reaching land, and what sort of master would he be sold to? No one as uncivilized as Cygnus, he hoped.<br/>
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Altair didn't want to give up just yet, not when this was only temporary. How bad would it have to get before he decided even temporary, none of it was worth it? He'd miscalculated already, in this instance, and caused himself enough trouble. Cygnus didn't want a Dusanian slave. He wanted more of what he was used to, apparently. Altair didn't want to become that, but in the end, adaptation was a means to survival. The crew aboard the ship stayed out of his way, but they didn't help him, too weary of him now considering how he must have angered their captain. His progress was slow going, but in the end when he made it, he crumpled to his knees. Still, towards the mast as he was expected. Direction hasn't been given if he was to remain standing or not, and Altair hadn't the strength even if Cygnus expected it. He could only trust that his compliance had made the mean pick a lesser sort of punishment. One that wasn't lasting, at the very least.<br/>
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“<i>Lain, tena homai ki ahau te kaha</i>.” He looked to the sky, and closed his eyes.<br/>
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<div class="bbCodeBlock-content"><i>Lain</i> = the name for his goddess; please give me strength.</div>
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