|
|
Post by Nyte on Jan 8, 2020 22:52:26 GMT -5
 Name: Alexis Solamon Age: 24 Status: Slave since birth
It was a bright, warm, and beautiful day. The skies were a lovely blue color as only a few clouds gathered on the horizon and allowed the sun to shine down upon the trade town of Wheldrake. Rolling hills to the east sloped down to a sliver of plains where the city sat nestled up to a large, natural cove where ships from the open sea could take refuge while they unloaded their wares and goods. Passengers often traveled here in search of rare and exotic goods. The city itself was crowded, busy, and secured behind towering walls with spires at regular intervals to watch both inside and outside the city's parameter. Each part of the city was sectioned off, the residential district, the market, government, and finally the port side where the sailors were allowed to carouse while their captains made arrangements for their goods. The walls between the districts helped the guards regulate what entered and left the city as well as who. Nothing went without being inspected or notated by someone.
Within the marketing distract there lay a street that was lovingly known as Slaver's Row. A series of auctions where any kind of living creature could be sold and bought for the right price. Exotic birds, large cats, cave dwelling monsters and even humans. Those that were unfortunate enough to be forced into or born into the life of a slave were carefully inspected and cared for in the days leading up to auction. Those that made the sales wanted to make sure to earn the highest price they could for their property. The slaves were even dressed in decent clothing rather than the rags they were normally accustomed to. Of course this didn't stop the auctioneers from stripping the occasional man or woman when someone asked to see the full state of the person being sold.
Behind one of the larger stages of Slaver's Row a couple dozen men and women sat on a line of benches. Shackled together and being watched over by a brute who looked more like a bear than a man. Each slave was free of dirt, had brushed hair, and clean clothes as per usual. One by one they were taken from the group. A metal collar placed around their neck with a rope attached and separate shackles from the line that held the rest together. Then they were lead up a set of stairs to be presented to a crowd that had gathered and placed bids on various individuals. Nobles, Captains, or Shopkeepers wanted to purchase the slaves. It was cheaper than paying a free person to do the same job.
Finally, after a couple hours a woman with dark braided hair and a slender figure was finally approached by the auctioneer's hands, other slaves that worked to help keep their master's goods in line, and they slipped the collar around the woman's neck before exchanging her shackles. Once she was free of the group restraint she was guided from her seat towards the stage as the auctioneer began his informational run down of her specifics.
"This one is a younger girl, early twenties. Previously used as a hand maiden and kitchen maid. I've been told she can sew, speaks two languages, cleans and cooks. A very good prize for anyone looking for a new gift for the lady of the house if you know what I mean." The auctioneer joked to which the crowd laughed. Meanwhile Alexis simple stared out over the crowd with a blank expression. Passively wondering who would be her next master. "I'll start the bidding at a hundred silver pieces. Do I have any bids?"
Immediately a couple of hands went up and the race was on to get the young, pretty and seemingly talented woman. The bids quickly rose to over fifty gold pieces which was nearly unheard of for a slave who did not serve under a noble at some point.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 8, 2020 23:48:13 GMT -5
A good fortnight away lay the city of Tress. It was one of the more notable cities upon the continent. Though, most feared those who ventured from it. The city had grown to be hated for the mages within it. Evil devilish mages that took what they wanted. As their king wanted. King Azerius stood a strong man, a man of ambition. A man that wanted nothing more than to reign over all of the land that his grasp could reach. Though, there was one thing that stood as an obstacle for this king. Even with his powerful army of soldiers. Wheldrake. It was well fortified. Even with magic his soldiers would have a hard go at getting into the city. His plan? His youngest son was to infiltrate the city and gain access to the castle to plan an assassination…
Among the crowd that made bids upon the slaves a man stood in full armor. It glistened in the light of the sun, the silver seemed to be well shined. Though it showed spots of wear from battles of the past. He wore a great cloak over his shoulders that had the white fur of a wolf’s pelt, it turned into a beautiful blue that cascaded toward the dirt of the alley beneath him. His helmet remained on. Which had sparked the interest of a few. Some questioned him. As he did not wear the colors of their kingdom. Others passed him without a care. The man had arrived just before the first slave was taken onto the stage, he seemed more than interested in the trade business of the slaves. More than most knights anyway. Most knights didn’t possess the money to pay for such a luxury. They belonged to the king, more or less.
It wasn’t until the woman came upon the stage that the knight shifted. His eyes from within the helmet looked to those around whom began to bid. He watched as many raised their hands and the price began to climb higher, and higher. One noble raised his hand, he was a well rounded character. A thick scruffy beard upon his face, his shirt had stains from food upon it. Some members of the crowd looked to the filthy man in disgust, they knew what the slave would be used for. Especially from the likes of this noble...a man born into power and money.
“300 coins, going once….going twice...”
“400.” The knight rose his card. The crowd shifted to see whom had spoken up.
The fat noble man huffed and raised his card quickly. “500 gold!” He nearly yelled. He gave a smug look to the knight as if he’d won triumphantly in battle against him.
A chuckle came from the knight as the auctioneer began to call for last bids once again. The knight once again raised his card. “1000 gold.” A few gasps came from the crowd. Surly most didn’t dare bid against the fat slob of a noble and here this mere knight was challenging the man.
“You do not have such money!” The noble rushed over to the knight and poked at his shining chest piece. “He doesn’t have it! He can’t have her!” The man was breathing quickly from such quick motions.
Another chuckle came from beneath the helmet. “I’ve plenty more than that. Now.” He took a step to the side. “If you’d excuse me.” He spoke as he began walking toward the stage. The others moved out of the way as the auctioneer slammed his hammer down and named the knight to be the new owner of the young girl. The knight walked up onto the stage, he pulled a pouch from his waist and he poured the coins into the hands of the auctioneer, a chuckle came from beneath the helmet. “Should be at least what I’ve offered for her.” He seemed to look to the girl from beneath the shadows of the helmet. “She’s worth that at least.”
“Of course sir. Congratulations.” The auctioneer spoke as he nodded and handed the rope over to him.
The knight didn’t make another sound as he grasped the rope and turned. He pulled the girl forward, though it wasn’t so much that it would cause her to fall. He tugged her through the audience and to a tall black Clydesdale horse that had a single white stripe upon his face and four white socks. He glanced to her a moment and drew in a breath, almost as if he was contemplating something. Then he shifted his weight before he reached forward, his hands gripped about her hips. He lifted her up and positioned her in the saddle of the horse before he climbed up behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist and he gave a click of his tongue before they started forward. It was unheard of for a slave to be allowed to ride a horse. A few of the nobles that looked to the knight seemed petrified.
Without a word they rode from the city. They rode into the thick of the forest and down a long dirt trail that led to a cabin the looked to be freshly built. It wasn’t terribly far from the city, but far enough that the prying eyes of the guard would not know of the cabin’s existence. The knight climbed down and he lifted the woman down to the ground before he turned to her. “I’m sure you are hungry, yes?” He spoke before he turned and with a hold on the rope he pulled her inside. The cabin was warm with a stew bubbling over the fire. The knight led her to the table where he secured the rope in a knot to keep her from trying to get away. He then lifted his hands to his helmet. As if lifted it from his head he gave a long sigh. The man that stood before her had short black hair that was unkempt from wearing the helmet all day, he had an even short beard that lined his jaw and his eyes were an icy bluish grey color. He held a scar over his right eye that was noticeable only if one looked close enough, an old war injury. He was young though. He scooped two bowls of stew before he sat before the woman at the table. His eyes looked to her a long moment. “A useful set of tools that you have as a slave, hm? Two languages? That’s certainly a perk.” He smirked.
The man took a spoonful of his meal before he sucked in a breath. “Ah, ale.” He spoke with a smile. He stood and left the table. Serving her. This was something that most lords would never do with a slave. He brought over a mug and filled it to the brim with cool ale before he filled his own. He sat back on his side of the table and he took a long drink. He let out a sigh as if it was the first drop of liquid he’d had in days. “You’re going to be quite useful to me. I can see it.” He smiled as he looked to her. “Lucky for you I was at the auction. Otherwise you’d find yourself with that filthy pig of a noble. That just won’t do. Will it?” He tilted his head slightly.
“What’s your name girl?” He asked then his eyes seemed to study her. “I am Oliver.” He spoke before he took another spoon of stew. “Do, tell me about yourself. Perhaps I will return the favor if you’re interesting enough.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Nyte on Jan 9, 2020 0:07:20 GMT -5
As the bidding climbed Alexis would occasionally look to the auctioneer who looked like he had just landed himself in a gold mine. She had been sold a couple times before and never would she have dreamed the price would go up this high. When she noticed the noble who had bid on her she stared at the man with the same blank expression she had been wearing previously. However, when the knight bid on her despite the noble's interest she too looked as the rest of the crowd turned to see the strange challenger. The back and forth that ensued was.. surprising and Alexis's stoic expression showed confusion for just a moment as the victorious knight paid the eager auctioneer.
When he pulled on the rope attached to her neck she followed without hesitation and lowered her gaze as they made their way through the crowd. Her new master was rather mysterious but she had learned long ago not to ask questions. When they reached his horse she grit her teeth together. She was going to have to run, and only the gods knew for how long. Then he did something else surprising, he picked her up and set her in the saddle before mounting the beast himself and holding her in such a way that she would not fall off. As they rode outside of town she dared to try and steal a glance up at her new master's face but the helmet blocked her view and she feared getting slapped from her seat for moving too much while they rode.
Once they had arrived she continued to follow him without protest. Once inside she expected him to unshackle her and set her to work. To serve his meal and begin cleaning his modest home. Instead he simply tied her to a post and began to set the table for two. Alexis didn't sit. She didn't dare assume such a privilege, and simply continued to stand as her brown eyes followed him around the cabin.
"Alexis." She answered to his question without hesitation. "Though if you see fit you can rename me and I shall respond to it." She didn't have a commented at first about the noble whom he had beat at the auction. "I learned the second language from my former master. He was a tradesmen and insisted that I learn to listen to his clients' demands. I'm afraid the life of a slave.. might not be as interesting as you hope I'm afraid. I apologize if this upsets you Master Oliver." She bowed her head once more, still standing next to the post she had been tied to.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 9, 2020 0:40:32 GMT -5
Oliver watched her a moment, his brow slowly raised. He searched her eyes a long moment before he abruptly stood. He stepped to her and placed his hands upon her shoulders. “Why don’t you sit down? Hm?” He guided her to the chair and pushed down slightly. He looked to the shackles a moment before he held his hand forward. His fingertip touched the shackle upon her right wrist and it clicked open, then he touched the other and the two shackles fell from her wrists. Magic. He grinned to her then, just as a magician upon the stage would knowingly smile to their audience. “Perhaps your life has yet to become interesting?” He questioned an almost playful tone in his voice. “Well...depending on how you do.” He seemed to weigh something over in his mind before he moved back to his side of the table. He’d left the collar around her neck the rope still held onto the chain that tied it to the leg of the table.
He smiled to her then. “Alexis.” He nodded a moment, as if he’d resumed their conversation from before he’d stood and placed her into the chair. “You can just call me Oliver.” He spoke before he took another bite of his soup. He watched her a moment, a smile upon his lips, as if he knew his last comment might make the slave feel uncomfortable. Most masters were complete assholes. They took advantages of the slaves every chance they got, ranging from many different tasks that they would set before their new property. “I won’t expect you to clean.” He spoke then, still watching her. “Nor will you cook.” The playful smile came back upon his face. “You don’t even have to delve into the things that the fat noble would have made you do.” He was listing off everything that she would normally be required to do. “In fact.” He paused to drink his ale. “Are you going to eat?” He paused and furrowed his brows. “Drink. Eat.” He pointed toward the bowl of stew he’d made her and the mug he’d poured. “Ale isn’t any good hot, and stew isn’t any good cold.” He grinned.
Oliver leaned back in his chair, his eyes moved to the flickering flames of the fireplace for a moment before he looked back to her. He lifted his mug and took a long drink. After he’d given several minutes of silence he gazed to her. “I want to offer you a deal of a lifetime, Alexis.” He leaned forward toward his empty bowl of soup, his elbows pressed into the table as his hands still held onto the mug of ale. “Freedom.” He smirked then. “Something a slave could never dare dream of in these parts. It’s no wonder Wheldrake has enemies.” He chuckled softly and took another drink before he used the pitcher to refill his mug.
“Beyond that, I will offer you something more.” He watched her a long moment. “I’ll give you a home, a husband if you’d like. You can even choose who the man will be. You’ll become nobility. Something you could never reach without me. But I can easily make that happen.” He searched her eyes. “You just have to do one. Small….” He tilted his head back and forth. “Easy. It’s a really easy thing.” He grinned and chuckled almost wickedly then. “I want into the castle. I want to know the ins and the outs. I want to know every little crack and crevasse.” He’d set his mug down at this point as he leaned forward watching her closely. “I’m going to kill the king of Wheldrake so that my father may take reign over this land.” He paused a moment to allow his words to sink in. He knew that Alexis more than likely wouldn’t know who he was. Most didn’t even know he existed. He was the youngest son of the king, his two older brothers would gain the throne before he would. He was a shadow to most of the world. Though, that made him perfect for infiltrating the castle. He leaned back in his chair again and took a drink of his ale. “So, do we have a deal, Alexis?” He asked with a warm smile.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nyte on Jan 9, 2020 1:00:54 GMT -5
As Oliver stood and then guided her down to the seat across from him she offered him her first bit of resistance as he broke the social expected norms by even offering her to take a seat with him at his table, like an equal. She listened to him speak and only began to eat and drink the food upon his instruction. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being tested, trapped and at any moment his smile would fade and he would strike her just as so many before him had done.
When he made his offer she flashed him the same look of genuine confusion she had previously when he had first began to bid on her so aggressively. She stayed silent until he finished explaining his unorthodox offer. Her warm brown eyes studying him as he did so, and once he had concluded and asked for her confirmation she continued to stare at him for a moment longer. "It's not my place to question your requests." She finally replied and sat back from her half empty bowl of stew, though her ale was already empty. Food was far more common than finer things, like wine. "However, what you propose.." Her gaze diverted from his as she looked down to her hands which had been freed with just a simple touch of magic. She had seen magic before but it had never been used on her directly. "Why would a Prince of Tress entrust such intentions to a slave girl he's just purchased?" Alexis was quiet, dutiful and had a soft voice. She was not a fool however. The only reason she had learned as much as she had already at her young age and not been beaten till her face was black and blue was because she was rather clever when it came to the way she did things.
"You want me to teach you the layout of the castle, it's rotations, residents, and anything other information you deem important and offer a great reward in turn. What sort of insurances do you have that I wont betray you?" She wasn't challenging him, she would never dream of doing that, but genuinely seemed interested in his logic. Did this man truly thing she had no mind of her own and would follow orders blindly and without question no matter what the request? There wasn't much a slave wouldn't do for their master, but betray their King was a whole other beast.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 9, 2020 1:22:26 GMT -5
The look of confusion only caused Oliver to smile. He’d expected it. Even her small bit of resistance when he’d made her sit was something that he expected. He imagined that she’d never sat at the table with another other than slaves before. He stayed relaxed in his chair, his eyes watching her. Listening. He seemed entertained by her response at least, he didn’t frown. He leaned forward and filled her mug to the brim with ale. “Darling, I can give you everything that you’ve ever wished for.” He spoke, his eyes gazing into hers. “Is that not reason enough to give me what I ask?” He leaned back and then took in a breath. “Though, it is rather strange of me to ask you such a large request. I lied before when I said this would be easy.” He smirked.
Oliver tilted his head slightly as if to think. He shifted and took a long drink of his ale before he set the mug back down. He stood and walked over to her. “If you wish to disobey me so badly.” He reached his hand up, his fingertips touched the collar around her neck. “Then why don’t you do so right now? Run along to the king and tell him that the Prince of Tress is just outside the boarder.” The collar fell from her neck then, once again he’d used his magic. “You can even take my horse.” He spoke as he moved back to his chair. He sat down and looked to her a long moment. “If you truly want that, Alexis.” He smirked. “But what will that gain you? Think of yourself here.” He took another drink of his ale. “You were born into this. Yes?” He motioned to her. “Everyone hates Tress. The big evil kingdom.” He waved a hand and let out a breath. “But why is it that we are hated hm?” He paused to look to her as if he expected an answer. “We have everything that they want. Even your king wants what my father has. Yet. He cannot command it if he were to try. He could not command his army to attack Tress if he dreamed of it. His soldiers know that they are no match.” He grinned wildly then.
“Do you know what would happen if you went to the knights of the noble court? If you went to warn them of the assassination?” He watched her closely. “First, you could be shackled. You’re a slave. They wouldn’t allow you freedom just for such a good deed of saving their king. Then? When they can’t find any reason to believe your wild accusations against Tress you will be either traded or hung.” His words seemed to pour from his mouth, it was simple to him how things worked. “Or.” He lifted his eyes to her once more. “You can become something Alexis.” He watched her carefully. “You could be that noble lady that you see walking down the street.” He scoffed and shook his head. “You may view me as evil, or the devil’s son as most call my brother’s and I but do you know one thing about Tress that the other kingdoms have that we do not?” He smirked then. “Slavery. Poverty.” He watched for her reaction. “Why don’t you help abolish it? Unless you enjoy being someone’s pet. If that is the case then would you like me to take you to the filthy noble that would have had you tonight?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“If I could waltz into the castle and discover this information myself, I would. But a maiden to the king? You’ll learn everything there is to learn. You can learn of war plans as they speak them while you scrub the floor.” He smirked then. “Or you could the the hand maiden to his princess.” He smiled. “So long as I have an in. “Princess Astra is such a delight too. Perhaps that would be better for you?” He raised a brow. “If you do not want this, Alexis, then tell me. You may not see it as your place...but I can see it in your eyes, this glimpse of freedom is something you’ve been yearning for.” He sipped on his ale once again. “Don’t let me down Alexis. I spent all day at the auction waiting for the right slave to free. Don’t tell me I’ve wasted my time and money.” He chuckled then as he relaxed back into his chair.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nyte on Jan 9, 2020 19:45:47 GMT -5
As Alexis listened she didn't take her eyes off of him for a single moment. She had learned to read people very well over the years. It helped to know when she might get a beating or not and if her masters were in a listening mood. He didn't show any signs of deception though and seemed happy to explain the situation, his offer, and even released the collar from around her neck. As the metal fell from her throat and clanged against the floor at her feet she reached up and rubbed the skin that had been pressed against the collar. It was a bit tender as collars weren't a normal thing for her to wear at all times.
When he told her to leave, and that she could even take his horse she didn't even budge from her seat. She knew what he said was true. As soon as she got back into the city she would be clasped in irons and sold once more at the auction house. No, she wasn't going to leave, not yet, and though she would never openly admit it she did sometimes wonder what it would be like to walk the streets freely. Not be treated like live stalk and given a touch of respect every once in a while.
"How do you plan on getting me into the castle? Such places will notice a new face and how would I get the information back out to you? I wouldn't be able to leave whenever I please." She finally said after another long moment of deliberation. "What you say is true. No one pays attention to the slaves who are listening around them. I've overheard so many things that would get many men killed or worse. Of course, I've never betrayed any of my masters."
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 9, 2020 20:04:04 GMT -5
As Oliver waited for her response he merely smiled to her. He was relaxed, almost casual with her. As if he was speaking to a family member. Surly she’d never been treated in such a way. Though, he didn’t intend on beating her senseless or abusing her in any way. That wasn’t at all what he’d brought her to his cabin for. A grin split his lips when she questioned his plan. “I’m glad you’ve asked.” He leaned forward once again, his eyes locked on hers. “Lucky for you, sweet girl, the King has propositioned for more servants within his castle. Not slaves. Servants. You will not live within the castle walls. You will go to work and you will come home. So long as you can furnish proof that you are not a slave.” He stood and walked away from the table then. He disappeared into another room, a rustling was heard as if he was going through a box or rummaging through a chest.
When Oliver returned he stepped to her side with a paper within his fingertips. He set the blank page down upon the table before her. There wasn’t a single letter upon the page. He smiled to her, “I want you to get as close to the king as you can.” He placed his hand upon her shoulder as he knelt down next to her. He gazed into her eyes. “I want to know everything about him. My father has asked for me to do this and I cannot fail. If I do...” He paused a moment and pressed his lips together. “You may as well kiss the entire city goodbye, if you know any of your fellow slaves they will be obliterated. In the same fashion that my father has leveled other cities.” He looked back to the paper then. His fingertip pressed against it. “I believe that we are capable of so much more than the violence that my father spreads.” He had a soft smile upon his lips as words began to scroll across the page. It was a right to work. It looked as real as could be. It even carried the seal of the king. “Your last name?” He asked, his eyes gazed to her the silvery blue seemed to search for something then. His hand still lingered upon her shoulder as he looked back to the page and he filled in her name with his magic.
He was a highly skilled mage. Very capable of killing the king with the same fashion of violence that his father used on other cities that failed to kneel before their kingdom. Though, for some reason he did not want to resort to such measures. The prince looked to Alexis a moment, he gave a squeeze to her shoulder before he stood. “That dress suits you.” He spoke as he stepped back to his side of the table, he left the paper upon the table before her. “That isn’t quite freedom, but it is more freedom than you’ve ever had. But quite honestly I can’t wait to see you among the people of Tress. I’m certain you might smile more.” He cracked a smile of his own. “Or perhaps you are not one to smile at all?” He tilted his head slightly as he watched her. He seemed intrigued by her. Maybe that was the reason he’d spent so much money to buy her? There were other slaves that he could have chosen, but he’d picked her over all the others. “Do you know much of Tress?” He asked, “Are you certain that I am the devil’s son? Much like many of the others that live here.” He asked the question with a curious look in his eyes as he awaited her response.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nyte on Jan 9, 2020 20:49:38 GMT -5
Alexis continued to watch Oliver as he got up from the table and walked into the bedroom. The King wanting servants, paid commoners that served to earn a living. They were typically used for more public areas within a noble's home. So that the state of their slaves was better hidden in the shadows from their guests that came to their estates. She was all to familiar with the process and desire employed those that had their freedom. When he returned with the blank sheet of paper she diverted her eyes from his for only a moment as the words started to appear on the page without the use of a pen. Magic was truly something to be marveled. "Solamon." She replied when he asked for her last name. The city of Solamon was her birth place and slaves were always given the last names of where they were from.
"I've never had much reason to smile." She replied. "I know what I've heard of Tress. I have heard the Princes of Tress being referred to in such a manner, but I've also heard merchants speak highly of Tress that have smuggled their goods between the two kingdoms. I reserve my own judgment for now since, I suppose up until this moment, my opinion hasn't mattered so why bother having one at all?"
She reached up to the paper laying on the table and frowned as she looked at the scripted letters that were written out across the page. She couldn't read it. A slave who knew how to read was rather pointless so she had never been taught. "I'll trust that this says what it's supposed to." She commented before placing the paper back down on the table. "I can get close to the King. As close as you need me too. There's not much I haven't done to please my masters in the past and I don't see any reason to stop doing that now."
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 9, 2020 21:06:26 GMT -5
Oliver watched her curiously. Her answer was lackluster. He wanted to see fire in her eyes. But he supposed that with the life she’d life perhaps the fire was snuffed out when she was younger? She’d learned not to have an opinion. Which she made quite clear that her opinion didn’t matter, so why should she have one now? He frowned slightly, the first true frown that he’d given. He let out a heavy sigh and then shook his head. “I suppose you are right.” He spoke. “What you hear of Tress may or may not be true.” He smirked again finally. He stood and walked around the table to her. He placed his hands upon his hips that were covered in the shining steel armor, his eyes watched her closely. “The page says what it must. It is exactly as the king demands the paperwork to be. Believe me, I’ve been in the city for a few months now. I’ve only a month to complete my task before my father gives up on my plan.” He then let out a soft chuckle.
“To be honest, Alexis. The stories that you hear of the prince of Tress?” He raised a brow slightly. “Those are not stories of me. They are of my oldest brother, the next to overtake the throne of Tress. He is much like our father.” He spoke before he motioned for her to stand. “Come.” He spoke as he turned his back to her and walked to a closed door. He placed his hand upon the handle and pushed the door open to a small bedroom. It fit the size of the cabin. It suited it well. A quilt lay across the bed, neatly tucked. The prince turned to Alexis and studied her a moment. “Tomorrow you will apply to be one of the king’s servants.” He nodded. He then glanced to the bedroom. “I hope that this room suits you well. It should be more comfortable than most that you’ve experienced.” He reached to his forearm and pulled at the buckle of one of the leather straps that held his armor in place. He grumbled slightly as fumbled with it. In all honesty the prince had maidens in the castle back home that aided him with his armor. He had been struggling with it since the moment he’d left.
Oliver let out a sigh after a moment, his eyes lifted to hers. “Well since you say you’ll do anything.” He spoke a smile about his lips. “These cumbersome straps are rather difficult to loosen with one hand. Would you mind?” He raised a brow as he held his arm out to her. “Have you ever thought of what it would be like to live without a master, Alexis?” He questioned as he watched her closely. “Do you ever imagine it? What it would be like to have a home of your own?” He tilted his head slightly. “I wonder what it would be like sometimes to not have the obligations of a prince.” He smirked. “In some ways I am bound much as you are. The ties about my wrists may not be as visible, but they are there.” He fell quiet then. He seemed to be thinking deeply, his eyes closed for a moment, the amount of ale he’d drank was affecting him finally. It took a moment to finally settle in.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nyte on Jan 9, 2020 22:24:37 GMT -5
One month. She only had a single moon cycle in order to gather all the needed information for Oliver before it would be a pointless errand. Not to mention she highly doubted that he would bother to rescue her from the palace work if a Tressian army were to march. No, he'd have his own problems to worry about a poor slave girl who was simply gathering what would useless information for him at that point. "I'll have the information you need by a fortnight." She promised and followed after him to the room that he had made and set up for her comfort.
The simple room with modest furnishings was the greatest gift anyone had ever given her. Normally she slept on cots with a dozen or so other slaves. Sleeping alone in an actual bed would be a stark difference to what she had known her entire life. Tomorrow she would go and apply for the servant's position and then have to work her way into a specific job that would allow her to be close to the King. She didn't see it to be such a difficult task. She wondered why he bothered to explain that it was his brother that had committed the rumored atrocities rather than himself. Did he actually care what she thought of him? Perhaps.. perhaps not.. either way it was nothing more than small curiosity.
She saw him struggling with the grieve on his arm and when he asked for her help she gave a short nod in agreement. It was a request that fell more in line with what she was accustomed to. As she began to unclasp each strap that held the armor in place she glanced up to meet his gaze as he asked his question and even provided his own answer before she had the opportunity to answer herself. "I've wondered.. what it would be like not to have to clean someone's laundry and cook their meals while also keeping their house and providing for their guests all while I'm also trying to take care of myself. I've seen the women who work in the bars. They laugh, sing and seem to have just as much fun as the patrons who come for their drinks. It's hard not to be a little envious of that."
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 29, 2020 19:43:15 GMT -5
Oliver watched as she unclasped the buckles that held his armor in place. A smile curved up his lips as he caught her eyes. “Ah, the barmaids certainly are the more lively sort.” He grinned then as he watched her. “They work odd hours of the day, late into the night, but they can smash a stein over the head of a patron that looks at ‘em wrong.” He chuckled softly before he took the armor into his hand. He smirked and held his other hand out to her. In all honesty he’d been removing his armor with his magic. Doing it by hand wasn’t something that he’d really ever gotten accustomed to. He’d had magic since he was old enough to remember. He nodded slightly as if he’d had some sort of conversation in his own mind.
“You will earn your place in Tress.” He spoke as he took his other gauntlet. “You’ll see, Alexis.” He smiled. “You’ll be thanking me one day.” He winked as he stepped from the room. “Or not.” He shrugged, “You aren’t obligated to thank a prince for pulling you from the rubble of what would become of this city.” He shifted his weight slightly and tilted his head. “But, who knows where you might end up in a few months. Tress is a large kingdom. You might have a hard time choosing your home.” He smirked before he turned and walked to the other side of the cabin. “Don’t make me regret not locking you down, Alexis.” He spoke before he disappeared into his room for the night.
**
The next morning Oliver stood over the wood burning stove. He moved the skillet about rhythmically as he flipped a pancake about within the pan. He grinned to his accomplishment as he moved about the small kitchen. Oliver wore a finely threaded tunic of blue and gold and black trousers. Black cuffed boots reached up his calf nearly to his knees. He looked much more like a prince today than he had in the armor that he wore to the auction. Oliver arranged a stack of pancakes on two plates before he carried them to the wooden table. He tossed a log into the fireplace before he stepped over to Alexis’ door, he knocked and stood for a moment. “Time to eat, Alexis.” He spoke before he turned and made his way to the kitchen where he pulled a percolator of coffee from the stove. It bubbled within the glass fixture on the top of the pot. He poured two mugs of coffee and set the pot in the center of the table before he sat down to await her to join him.
It would be a long day for Alexis. He’d take her back into the city and she would apply to become a servant of the royal family. If she failed this would throw his entire plan in the gutter. She had to become a servant, otherwise...the entire city was as good as rubble. The princess would be one of the best for Alexis to get close to. The princess was about Alexis’ age, he guessed. That was one of the reasons he’d chosen her. Other than...well, he had a strange feeling in his gut when he’d seen her. None of the other slaves quite moved him to bid upon them. Then again, the thought of her going to the swine of a noble that wanted to have her so badly...that was reason enough to outbid him. No matter the cost. He’d heard of the things that noble asked of his servants. It caused Oliver’s stomach to churn. Even servants didn’t deserve that.
Oliver sat back in his chair and gave a slight sigh as he shook the thought from his head. He took a sip of his coffee before he leaned back forward his eyes looked across the room once again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nyte on Jan 29, 2020 22:29:21 GMT -5
Alexis simply listened to him speak as she continued to help him untie and unclasp his armor. He was a strange man. Of course she had never met someone assigned to kill a member of the royal family from another kingdom, but she didn't think he was really like many of his peers. She had met others from Tress, sailors and the like, who were all very gruff and to simply put it - just like everyone else. There was something odd about Oliver though. The way he conducted himself in such a bloody matter and the confidence he had in his discussions was nothing to scoff at. "Yes, well.. perhaps if I live long enough for you to actually fulfill your promise then perhaps I will ask for you help on such matters." She offered when he mentioned her not being able to find a place to live within Tress due to its large size.
With his armor undone and her favor complete she gave him a short bow and turned to enter her allotted room for the evening, closing the door behind her. Once she was alone she looked down to her hands and her un-cuffed wrists once more. It felt odd not having the weight there, or even the one around her neck. She smiled to herself briefly and then shook her head before going to lay down on the modest bed that he had provided for her. There was even a quilted blanket for her to crawl underneath and stay warm throughout the night. After curling up under the blanket and resting her head on the pillow it only took her a moment to drift off to sleep.
*****
Before the sun had risen over the horizon Alexis had woken up to the sound of the forest's avian inhabitants rustling and chirping as they woke the rest of the fauna up to start the day. Not to mention it sounded as if a wood pecker were trying desperately to get something out of a tree directly next to the exterior wall of her bedroom. As soon as her eyes opened she sat up, much like a zombie rising from the dead, and she got up to stand in the middle of the room. Alexis swayed back and forth as her balance was still waking up with her and as she looked over to the mirror of a small dresser against the wall of the room she once again noticed the distinct lack of shackles around her limbs and neck. "I'm free.." She muttered to herself.
Making her way over the mirror she examined herself carefully in the dim lighting. Her skin was dirty from the slave auction and her hair was a mess from sleep. Her clothes were dirty as well. "Oliver wants me to impress the King.." She commented and gently started to pull a knot out of her brunette locks. "I won't do that like this.." She said and sighed before turning to look at the door that lead back out into the main living area of the house. "I won't be gone long.." She reasoned before heading out of her bedroom and then outside, being sure to close the doors silently, and then headed down the path to a river that she had seen on their way in.
A couple hours later, just as the sun was starting to rise into the sky, Alexis returned to the cabin and entered through the front door. She had lost track of time and meant to return before Oliver had gotten out of bed, but when she stepped inside she saw that he was already up and had prepared breakfast as he was waiting for her. "Oh.. um.. sorry. I went to clean up at the river.." She explained as she was afraid he might interpret her entrance from outside as an attempt to escape. Her clothes were still slightly damp from washing them as they had not dried completely while she bathed herself in the river's cool water.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 29, 2020 23:15:33 GMT -5
Oliver lifted his eyes as the front door opened. His brows tugged together and the smile that he held the evening before seemed to be missing from his expression. His lips were pressed into a flat line as he looked to her. “I suppose I should have offered you a chance to get cleaned up.” He spoke, his eyes didn’t leave her. Without the dirt upon her skin and without the knots in her hair she looked much different. Beautiful even. Something that he knew was beneath her rough appearance at the auction. “I’m glad to see you returned.” He raised a brow slightly before he took another sip of his coffee. He hadn’t thought that she would have left the cabin. Then again, it also seemed he wanted to see what boundaries she would break without her confinement. “Though, might I caution you?” His smile finally returned to his lips. “The woods are no place for a lady. Especially around these parts. There are plenty of hungry animals wandering about...or even travelers from this kingdom or another that wouldn’t make a second thought of the things they might do to you.” His smile had faded slightly, “I’m offering you freedom, but, don’t get yourself killed, Alexis.” He took a drink of his coffee then. It seemed even if she expected him to be angry, he wasn’t the sort of angry her previous owners would have been.
Oliver stood then and stepped to her. He seemed to study her a moment. “We will get you new clothing at the market.” He spoke, his eyes gazed to a stray strand of hair that had filtered into her eyes. He reached forward then and tucked it out of the way. “Why don’t you eat, hm?” He placed his hand against her back. The way that he already treated her was almost as if she were already free. He led her over to the table and nodded to her to sit before he took his side of the table once again. “Do you have a color in mind that you would prefer for the gown? Perhaps something that the princess might like?” He studied her. “She may be the easiest way to get information about the kingdom.” He cleared his throat before he looked down to his meal. Oliver cut into the pancakes and ate a few bites before he washed it down with the hot coffee. “The king speaks very highly of his daughter, Amalie.” He smiled then as if he knew the princess, as if they were childhood friends. “I haven’t been graced with the chance to meet her.” He gave a soft laugh. “The trouble of being the Prince of Tress I suppose.” He grinned and took another bite of his meal.
The prince relaxed back in his seat a moment, nearly half of his meal was finished. His eyes studied Alexis once again. He seemed to be deep in thought. He took in a breath and returned his attention to his food to eat a few more bites. “We will ride into town, get your new attire and then it will be up to you from there.” He watched her for a moment again. “I trust you know how to act around nobility.” He finished his meal and then took another drink from his coffee. “When you are finished.” He gave a slight smile. “I’m going to get our steed ready for travel.” He lifted his plate from the table and set it on the counter in the kitchen before he finished his coffee. He grasped a cloak from a hanger by the door before he headed outside. Oliver walked the short distance to the stable that was near the home, the horse was already waiting for him. It bobbed its head and neighed as he stepped to its side. “Good boy.” He pat the nose of the horse before he grasped his saddle.
Oliver took several minutes to get the horse tacked up. By then he led the horse to the front of the house where he waited for Alexis to join him. He offered her his hand with a smile upon his lips before he aided her in climbing onto the horse. He then climbed on behind her and placed his arms around her waist to grasp on the reins. Oliver was quiet as they rode his eyes looked to the landscape, the distant mountains and hills. He seemed to be looking for something. Almost as if he expected an enemy to be lurking in the shadows of the forest. Once they reached the city Oliver dismounted and he helped Alexis down by grasping her hips and lowering her carefully. “M’lady.” He gave a smile. A few eyes were already upon him. His fine clothing clashed with the old tattered dress that Alexis wore. “Come on.” He led her inside a shop.
“Welcome.” A shot old woman with thick glasses stepped forward. Her nose wrinkled slightly to the sight of Alexis’ dress. “What is this…?” She questioned as she tugged at it.
“That is precisely why we are here.” Oliver spoke with a smile. “M’lady would like a new gown or two. Whatever she desires.” He looked to the old lady whom seemed to light up to the words.
“Oh yes. Yes of course. Hm. Come. Come.” She ushered Alexis over to a short stool to stand upon. “What shall we dress you in?” The woman looked over the thick frames of her glasses.
|
|
