Miss Edwards found herself dressed in an elegant white dress and making her way out onto the streets. She truly hated leaving the rich gardens behind her, however tomorrow was the Blood Oath ceremony, and currently she only had one that she wished to be Bound. She almost found herself curling her lip at the thought of Tyler. Sure he was good at cleaning, however he was easily replaceable, and that attitude! She couldn't stand his face, constantly creased with a frown. It didn't do to have such a displeasing face mar her perfect household. Today he should be either cleaning something of hers of helping the other two with the preparations for the Blood Oath ceremony. He of course was an easy choice, though until tonight he wouldn't know he was chosen. None of them would until tonight, when the final preparation were set out. She'd given strict instructions to both Jason and Evangeline regarding the preparation and was almost looking forward to the night.
She continued her pace down to the slave markets. She needed a girl to get rid off, one that hopefully would be caught easily or at the very least be annoying so that she could rid the world of another useless servant. As she finally arrived, she found herself in the middle of a bid. A small delicate looking girl was on the platform, evidently needing a bath and new clothes, while people started the bids. Angela took the girls appearance in. Terrified green eyes, long dark hair and thin, weak looking frame. It was a shame really that the bidding was already taking place. She would probably not make it five miles away, making her a nice easy catch.
Miss Edwards let her eyes rove over to the rest of the slave groups. Just behind the girl was a Native American girl, how also had a fragile appearance. The girl looked slightly familiar, and Miss Edwards had the distinct feeling she'd seen the girl at the slave market many times before. In fact the more she looked at her, she was certain this was the case. The girl must constantly be being resold, which evidently showed she was not worth much. Seeing this was the case, Angela quickly decided she would be joining Tyler. She looked weak making her an easy target and seeing no one wanted her, wasn't much good as a servant. A slight smile passed over Miss Edwards features, it was an easy choice, meaning she would be out of this filthy market place and in the safety of her own home soon enough.
She fingered the gold wrist band waiting in one of the volumous pockets of her dress. Once bought a slave instantly had to be labelled so that escape was less possible and it would be easy to return them to their masters. She herself made all her slaves where a simple silver wrist band, like a cuff. A simple A.E was carved into each one ensuring she would not loose any of her servants.
She'd purposefully bought a small size, deciding that whoever she chose must be weak. Evidently she'd been right. Now all that was left to do was wait until the green eyed brat was sold, so she could purchase the one behind her.




Jason glanced over his mistress's instructions. He was feeling distinctly uncomfortable about being asked to prepare the elements for tonight. The more tasks his mistress gave him, the more worried he was about the choosing tonight. He most definitely wouldn't be Bound, but in his opinion being a Hunter was far worse. After all failure would result in torture and then death, and success would label him a murderer. He felt sick, and immediately turned his thoughts back to the list. What he had to prepare wasn't helping anything.
He'd been ordered to deliver the kitchen staffs instructions on the feast. It seems Miss Edwards would be celebrating getting rid of her least favourite slaves tonight. This, however was not what was bothering him. Further down the list was strict instructions on where to find the brand and how to stoke the fire down in the cellar. The reminder of the brand made his scalp prickle with unease. The night before the Blood Oath ceremony, both Bound were to be branded with the specifically designed brand. It was a long piece of metal, with a small iron "x" soldered to the end. On the eve of the Blood Oath ceremony, the brand was placed in the fire until white, before being carefully placed on each of the Bound's left side of the neck.
Jason shivered involuntarily. This was another reason not to be a Hunter. In his household it was customary for the Hunters to execute the branding in front of the Master. The male Hunter to brand the female Bound and vice versa. He still couldn't rid himself of the sounds of the last celebrations Bound as the brand was applied to their necks. Both had been found a week later…
Jason refused to think of what happened after that. He continued looking down through the instructions while fingering the gold wrist band. He hated the thing. It was a constant reminder that there was no more freedom. Every time he considered taking it off, however, his back would ache with the slight reminiscence of his last escape attempt. The result had been a large, pink scar diagonally down his back. His muscled back had been laid open by a sword by Miss Edwards instructions. She had witnessed it, making sure it was executed to her standards. Just before she'd left she'd made sure to remind Jason why he had received it, and warn him in her silky voice that it was best to not try again. She left then, giving instruction to beat him senseless. After that he hadn't dared try again. He found himself fingering the tip of the scar in his left shoulder with his fingers, before sighing slightly and striding down the hallway.
The only upside to his current predicament was the presence of Evangeline. Truly he was completely smitten by her. He couldn't help it. He found her quite simply stunning ,and liked the presence of her company. Seeing that Miss Edwards had implied he was to get help, Jason had quickly decided who that would be. As he was passing in the hallway, he noticed Tyler. The sight of the boy gave Jason a quick stab of fear for him. Tyler currently wasn't a favourite with Miss Edwards, which wasn't much of a secret...and with the ceremony looming...Jason shook his head, trying to rid himself of the thought.
He gave Tyler a quick nod in acknowledgement before continuing down the hall. While he wasn't strictly allowed to speak to the other slaves, Jason, with his current position, was allowed a few leniency's. Even so, it was always good to be on the safe side with Miss Edwards. It wasn't uncommon for other slaves to attempt to climb higher up the ladder with a few unnecessary tales. Especially today. Feeling heavy, Jason finally managed to find Evangeline. He found his face lighting up slightly at the sight of her, but forced himself to control it.
"Miss Edwards left us a few instructions" was all he said, though his eyes told different stories. He handed her the list allowing her to read it for herself.





The growing number of people in the market place made Arya feel sick with apprehension. She'd already watched a dozen or so people sold, and she could feel the line in front of her grow steadily shorter. Her hands were bound awkwardly behind her back, and feet were shackled together to minimize the possibility of escape. Her throat was raw from the lack of moisture and her stomach felt hollow and empty. Everyone around her seemed different. She stood out like a sore thumb amongst the locals, her pale skin standing in stark contrast to the darker tones around her. One of the slave masters grabbed a club and hit her harshly on the back of the head. She let out a pained gasp, but shuffled forward slightly. The stocky young lad in front of her was forced forward and she watched as the crowd started to place bets on him. The whole process made Arya feel completely worthless as the bidding grew louder and soon a wooden placard was hung around his neck saying simply "sold".
The boy was quickly taken away and handed over to his new master. All of the bidding was like this. There was simply no way to escape. As soon as you were sold, your feet were unshackled and you were taken straight to your new master end of story. Something sharp dug into her back as she was forced forward and onto the rough platform. Her green eyes widened at the sight of so many people, and she found herself unconsciously stepping backwards before one of the men shoved her forward again. Her mouth went dry as the man selling her began to highlight her good features. All Arya managed to notice were the words "serving girl" and "cooking" as the rest of the words went into a blur.
She was forced to stand there as the man continued to talk her up. Her tattered white dress was torn and dirty, her long black hair now tangled and unkempt. She could just imagine how many would want a half starved girl of sixteen, that obviously did not have much strength to her.
Seeing that he wasn't having much luck on swaying the crowd to buy her at more expensive price, he tried a different tact.
"...and of course after you use her for the serving and cooking, there's always the option for a cheaper bound slave."
Arya's face transformed into shock. She'd only heard of Bound servants briefly on the ship. They were simply described as the least favoured slaves that were up for the worst type of punishment. No one bothered enlightening her further. Surely they couldn't already decide to punish her already? She hadn't even been bought yet...she briefly wondered what exactly being Bound would entail, but quickly decided against the thought process. If it was worse than some of the other punishments listed, she didn't want to here about it.
Another pang of hunger hit her hard, and she swayed slightly, before one of the men gripped both her arms holding her steady it wouldn't do to have her collapse and only add to her undesirable features. She glanced behind her, finding the next person in line, waiting for her part to be over.

The girl behind her was obviously Native American, and very delicate looking. Truly she was rather beautiful to look at, her deep blue eyes and tanned skin giving a stunning contrast. Arya's head was suddenly wrenched around to face the crowd. Evidently the bidding was beginning. The girl behind her probably wouldn't have any trouble being sold.

Patience Jones sighed and looked over herself in the mirror one last time. Long softly bouncing blond curls, warm browns and tans for makeup to highlight her blue eyes, and a lace dress that dipped in the back and floated gently around her knees. She was a vision. Too bad she was merely going to the slave market. With a heavy sigh, she turned away from the mirror and sat at the end of her bed to slip on a pair of diamond-encrusted heels.

While doing so, she glanced at her watch, standing obediently by her door. She gave him a slight smile. "Send for Zoë." She ordered with a flick of her wrist and watched him leave. Once he'd returned with the girl, Patience crossed to her vanity and lifted from it, a silver chain with a singer ruby teardrop dangling from it. She clipped it around her neck, allowing it to rest against her collarbones as she also reached for a pair of ruby teardrop earrings. "We're going to the slave market today Miss Brooks." She said, half excited, half dreading. She'd always enjoyed picking new slaves, but she'd never enjoyed the filth of the place. She wouldn't even have to go if that stupid brat hadn't stolen her sisters sapphire necklace. The thief had been one of Patience's bound and when she'd found out what she'd done, she hadn't wasted a second in having the girls hand cut off and beat. Unfortunately, little Evangelina had died of blood loss and unfortunately, her executioner grew ill after the beating and died as well, taking away both a Hunter and a Bound in a manner of four days. Now she had to find replacements the day before the ceremony.

Once fully ready, her and Zoë left the house and headed towards the market on foot. "Lovely day." She smiled, and Zoë merely nodded her agreement. Patience rarely left the house without a slave on-hand and Zoë was usually her first choice. The girl was soft spoken and pretty, giving the appearance that Patience wasn't too hard on her slaves, but not so pretty that she took the attention away from her master. Ever since her escape, she'd been the perfect slave. There were a few hints of rebellion left in her, but nothing that a beating couldn't fix every now and then. Patience had to admit, the girl knew how to survive.

Once they were at the market, she stopped and turned to Zoë, handing her a purse-full of money. "Take this and find a Hunter for me. I want to be out of here as soon as possible. If you even think about trying to escape, I'll have you dragged back home by your hair and this time, you wont survive the beating. Once you've got the Hunter, you're not to inform him of his fate. Simply walk him back to this spot and wait for me. I better not beat you here. I don't like to be kept waiting." And with that, Patience dismissed her and turned away towards one of the many bidding platforms.

Being brought out onto the platform was a small girl with startling green eyes and long black hair. She could use a good bath and a change of clothes, but other then that, the young girl was beautiful. She was also very frail and weak. That much was obvious. One of the guards had to hold her up while they listed off her strengths as a slave. Nothing but a serving girl. So would be perfect as a Bound. Glancing at the row of slaves behind the girl, Patience saw that there was a young Native American girl then a boy, then another girl. The Native American girl seemed delicate and might make a good Bound, but there was something different about the girl before her. Just looking at Ayra, she seemed much less likely to survive.

When the bidding started, Patience raised her fingers. Slowly the bidding raised, but Patience stayed persistent, keeping her face passive. About halfway through the bidding, a familiar face appeared and Patience cut through the crowd to stand beside the elegant form of her friend Angela. "One of my Bound and one of my Hunters died." She rolled her eyes in annoyance, lifting her fingers once more. "Now I need replacements."

Finally, the bidding stopped and Patience allowed herself a small smile in the direction of the girl, locking her blue eyes onto her green ones as they slid a "SOLD" sign around the girls neck and led her from the platform towards her. "She'll make a perfect Bound." Patience said evenly to her friend and glanced at the platform as the Native American girl was brought out.

Once her new slave had reached her, Miss Jones smiled a deceptivly sweet smile and grabbed the SOLD sign from her neck. "You wont be needing that," she spoke in a voice to match her smile before pulling a tiny necklace from her pocket with the smallest of diamonds hanging from it. The clasp on the back was engraved with the initials P.J and was impossible to open once closed, the chain impossible to break. She reached forward and clasped the necklace around the girls neck and sighed. "Alright. Let's be getting back. Goodbye Angela." She called to her friend over her shoulder as led the girl back towards the entrance. Zoë better be waiting there.



Zoë lay on her cot, hands behind her head as she stared at the ceiling of the little hut she shared with twelve other slaves. A knock at her doorway startled her into a sitting position. It was only James calling her for Miss Jones. With a sigh, Zoë stood and followed James outside, across the property, and into the house.

Miss Jones was at her vanity as usual. Sometimes Zoë wondered if there was anything else the woman did but stare at herself in the mirror. It must take her over four hours a day just to get ready. Though it certainly paid off. Zoë had been Miss Jone's faithful slave for two years now and still found herself gasping every time the woman looked at her with those blue eyes. She'd always wished to be a blue-eyed blonde and not a green-eyed brunette.

Miss Jones explained to her that they were to go to the slave market today, and once there, handed her a purse of money, telling her to look for a Hunter. For a moment, all Zoë could do was stand and stare at the little pouch in her hand there was certainly enough in it to get away. All she had to do was slip into the crowd and away. Forever. Easy freedom. Zoë raised her hand to the small diamond at her neck and fingered it. No. She'd never get away. All hope of that had been beat out of her after her first try.

Deciding to simply obey, Zoë turned into the crowd and headed for one of the bidding platforms. Being brought out was a boy. "Fredrick Walters." The auctioneer announced and Zoë looked him over. He certainly wasn't the typical Hunter type for he lacked muscle and brutality. He was perfect. Miss Jones had left Zoë in charge of her money, and though she'd lost most of her fight, she was more than happy to rebel in small ways. Getting Miss Jones a weak Hunter and giving the Bound a better chance would be perfect.

The bidding started and Zoë raised her hand. Instantly a man came over to her and loomed, hands on hips. "Who are you? Not a master. Either you scurry back to your master now or I drag you back to her."

Zoë shook her head and looked up at him."No!" She exclaimed, holding out Miss Jones's card. "I'm Zoë Brooks. Miss Jones sent me to do some bidding for her." As if to prove her point she lifted her left hand again, revealing the bird-shaped tattoo there as she did so. The man's eyes narrowed as he read the card, but nodded and sighed, handing it to her and turning away.

Once the bidding had ended, the guards brought the boy to her and Zoë gave him a slight smile, handing the card to the guards. "He's for Miss Jones." She explained briefly before removing the "SOLD" sign from his neck. "I'm Zoë Brooks." She told him. She knew that slaves weren't supposed to talk, but Zoë was a favorite of Miss Jones and telling her name couldn't hurt. "Fredrick Walters right?" She asked, country accent twinging her words.

Without really giving him time to answer, she simply turned and jerked her head towards the entrance. "Come on. My head's on the line if I keep Miss Jones waiting." At the entrance, Zoë let out a deep sigh to find that Miss Jones had not yet appeared and stopped to stand, waiting with Fredrick just behind her.



Vera hated the market. She'd been a slave for three years now, but either her master got tired of entertainment, or they couldn't handle her attitude so she was constantly being sold and resold. In the past three years, she'd been with twelve different families. And all of them gave her the same report: "Wild, unruly, refuses to follow directions, relentless." So far, she'd managed to dodge being Bound every year, but somehow she doubted her luck would hold out this year. Her bad reports had knocked her price way down, ironically, making her and easy sell and with the Bloodoath ceremony tomorrow Vera had already forced herself to accept that she didn't stand a chance of missing out again. The second she was bought, her new master would realize their mistake.

The market was pure torture. Nothing but stench, starvation, desperation, and probing eyes. Being sold like an animal was downright humiliating. They had a market similar to this one back in her tribe, but the goods had consisted of jewelry, valuables, handmade crafts, and animals. Not human beings. Her tribe would have never tied up a human like these people did. It was disgusting. There was nothing Vera wanted more to be back with her tribe. Home and safe where everyone called her by her tribe-given name Free Bird and she knew every single face. But they were dead. Dead or enslaved like herself.

Glancing down at herself, Vera knew what the buyers would see. First they would probably see her eyes, startling blue against her tanned face and deep black hair, then they would note her clothes, torn and dirty from sleeping in a cage for three days waiting to be sold. And finally they would notice the things about her that made her purely Native American like her long black hair, her evenly tanned skin, the beaded braclets decorating both arms, the seven piercings that ran up the edge of each ear, the sparkling ring in her belly, and her tattoos. One on her left shoulder, depicting her tribe name of Free Bird and one running up the back of her ankle in a pattern of tribal swirls. She was obviously not a native to their land, but then again, most of the slaves weren't.

Ahead of her, a small girl with black hair and bright green eyes was pushed roughly onto the platform, stumbling and tipping. Vera caught her eyes for a second and held them, feeling the fear there as though it were her own. She gave her a slight nod of encouragement and their gazes parted once more as the bidding began and the girl stood there, frail and small. No matter what, on her turn, Vera would not allow herself to look weak. They always chose the small ones to be Bound and she was already delicate looking enough. Playing the innocent role would only assure her a spot in the Bloodoath ceremony.

The girl before her was bought by a blonde woman in the crowd and Vera was shoved forward onto the platform as soon as the girl was gone. She stumbled once, but caught her footing instantly, standing as tall as she could with her small height of 5'6", raising her head and turning to give the guard who had pushed her a glare that could melt steel. The auctioneer began listing off her strengths: "Vera Free Bird Washington 98. Beautiful voice, great entertainer, good with cleaning, serving when not entertaining, not good with cooking, somewhat unruly." Somewhat. Vera let out a snort and turned her blue eyes on the crowd as the bidding began, not afraid in the least bit to meet the eyes of her takers.

Evangeline was finished with cleaning the floors of the kitchen, and decided to take a seat against the wall. As she was waiting for the floors to dry, she began to fiddle with a patch on her skirt. She noticed that a small hole was there, small enough to ignore, but big enough to fit two fingers through. She sighed softly, glad she was alone. She stood up and walked to the cabinet, grabbing a needle and thread, and sitting back down. She threaded her needle with the black thread, and began stitching up the rip. She tucked back a chunk of long hair, and began to think about the ceremony coming up. She wasn't scared, but she wasn't happy either. If she was hunter she would have to kill a bound, and she wondered if she would be able to do it. She decided to think of something else. She began to think about her life when she was free. She had missed her elegant clothing, her lavish jewelry, being able to read and bake to her hearts content. Life would never be the same now that she was under the control of her Mistress. She bit her lip, and held back tears. Even if she was alone, she would show no weakness. Again, she began to consider different things to think of, but her mind instantly was drawn back to her free life. There were so many things that she missed. She knew it would never be how she wanted it, no matter how much she fought. But thankfully, she had Jason to keep her company. She wasn't quite used to him yet, but he was growing on her. With that strong, tall, muscular build, and those warm brown eyes, she felt as though she would melt. She hid it, though. He didn't seem to show an interest in her, or so she told herself. She noticed the way his eyes would twinkle and light up when he saw h-her thought was broken by the sound of footsteps nearing the kitchen. Evangeline was still working on sewing the rip in her skirt, when she heard Jason stepping into the room. She peeked through her extremely long platinum hair, her cold, soul-less blue eyes landing on him as she continued to work. She slid the needle into the bottom of her skirt, and took a small breath. Jason wouldn't bother her unless it was important, so she stood. Her clothes, whatever was left of them, were dirty rags with patches of miscellaneous fabrics to fix the tears. The clothing did not flatter her. They hung loosely over her body, her collarbones showing from how low it hung. She took a small deep breath, patted herself down slightly, and looked up at him. She began to blush, noticing he already was gazing at her, the same way he always did, but she quickly averted her eyes and looked down at the ground. His height always had intimidated her-well, all of him had intimidated her, but she would never, ever let that show. She tucked back a strand of smooth, wavy hair, and waited for him to finish talking. "Oh. What nee-needs to be done?" Damn. She thought to herself. I let it show.

Ayden rested his head on his arms and gazed out the window. His forearms rested on the sill, he was held up on his knees, uncomfortably supported by the creaky wooden cot. A small breeze blew through the open window, ruffling Ayden's black hair and carrying with it the scent of pine. He'd grown somewhat used to the scent since he'd become a slave. Pine. It was odd, looking at trees. Trees in general were just odd. Ayden was used to spotting the occasional bush in the vast dunes, but that was it. And the animals here! He'd nearly passed out the first time he saw a squirrel. It was so... furry! He was more accustomed to camels and deadly lizards and the occasional owls or fox. In fact, he'd made good friends with an owl once. It left one day and never returned. At least it'd taught him that good things come and go. 

Like freedom. 

He nervously fingered the small diamond on the chain around his neck. Proof he was the property of none other than Miss Jones. He smiled slightly. Once, he'd heard someone call her "Patricia". He'd thought about calling her that to her face, but he doubted the beating would be worth it. Ayden sighed audibly as a bird fluttered nearby. It's not like his situation could get any worse. Not too long from then, he'd be running for his life through unknown territory. Worse, his pursuers were most likely faster than he was. Ayden was positive he'd surely die. His father had said once, "Death is not to be feared, for those who fear death are selfish with their life." He hadn't understood its meaning very well until he'd become enslaved. Now, he was trying his hardest not to be afraid. After all, once he died, he'd meet his brother once more...

The Bound slave discreetly wiped a tear from his eye. 

 Tyler Skies
Sighing as he started cleaning up the floors in the rooms, he swept, wiped, sprayed. He did everything he didn't want to do here, he frowned slightly and looked around the place to make sure everything was clean and tidy. Leaving to clean up another room in this place,"How many rooms does she have?" He told himself, probably a thousand of them and he was left to clean them all, as he walked he looked at hunter as he nodded at him since they couldn't, he knew something was coming up. He knew he was the most hated by 'Miss', and he didn't care to fix it, well because, he had a feeling it was a little too late for being a buddy buddy to her.

As he walked inside the other room, he wondered if she just dirtied up the rooms just because, she wanted him to do more and more work. Sighing again he frowned as he sprayed, swept, wiped, and moped the marble floors in this particular room, reminds him of his bathroom back at home, oh how much he wanted to runaway, and never look back. Be free like he was before he came here, he wondered how he was ever going to get back home. Not ever wanting to stay here anymore, he hoped that he was chosen, he really hoped.


Frederick Walters

He looked around, his eyes squinting from the sun brighting up in the sky. Watching as a few people turned into a whole crowd, now he knew where he was, he was being sold. But, why was he being sold no one would want a skinny looking boy as their servant, just look at him, even he as smart enough to know that he didn't look like he was good fit in shape. Sighing he watched as a few people started biding, his arms and legs were starting to hurt, but he finally was sold to a woman, she introduced herself as she took the sign the said sold on it.

He was going to introduce himself but, it was too late, she was already walking away, as she said come on, he went,"Where am I?" He knew he wasn't even home. But, he was still on planet earth, he knew that much,"Why am I being bided bon like an animal?" Looking down he was no animal he was pretty sure that he could pick up a fork and eat a fork with it. He continued waiting on the girls two responses to his questions, it would be rude of her if she didn't.

Angela was surprised to see her old friend Patricia at the market place. The two of them were neighbours, and it was always nice to have a friend to call on and exchange the gossip.
"One of my Bound and one of my Hunters died...Now I need replacements."
"That is unfortunate, good thing money is no issue" Angela replied nonchalantly, waiting for what she hoped to be her purchase, to step forward.
"She'll make a perfect Bound."
Angela glanced up at the green eyed girl which was coming towards her.
"No doubt she will. Doesn't look like she'll last a day" Angela said smiling as Patience spoke to her new slave, hiding a small sliver of jealousy. It didn't really matter, after all it was exceedingly rare for a Bound to survive, however it would make it quicker for Patience to get her Hunters back. Angela raised her hand for the bidding of the next girl. Vera, they had said. Patience gave her a quick goodbye before heading back to the entrance. Finally the bidding stopped and Vera was bought before her.
Angela placed the appropriate amount of coins in the slave masters hand, before snapping on the gold wrist band. Like most slave tokens, it could not be removed without the metal being destroyed. Unlike Patience she didn't bother hiding her strict nature.
" You are to call me Miss Edwards, I will give further instructions once we arrive"
Angela herded the girl past the entrance, giving Patricia a slight nod before making her way back home. Unlocking the front door to her elegant house, Angela hustled the girl inside. She led her over to the servant quarters, underneath the rest of the house. A small, barred room with a single bed was all that each slave was given. Vera, since she was new, also had two suits of clothing hung out.
"Right. Take a bath in the servants bathroom, and exchange your current attire with these." Angela pushed the two white dresses into Vera's hands. "I'll expect you ready in around fifteen minutes. I will send one of the other servants to instruct you further"
With that she turned and marched back around the house. She found Tyler cleaning one of her large marble floors.
"Tyler. My new female slave has arrived. You are to wait for her outside the servants quarters. Once she comes out I want her to help you clean the rest of the house. Both of you are to wear clean clothes for tonight, and make sure you are available. Do I make myself clear?"
She wasn't into being tactful about the choosing for tonight. After her feast she would have her Hunters and Bound bought before her. As per usual, the Master, or in her case, Mistress would read out the basic rules before having both the Bound branded. They would be kept in the cell beneath the parlour until dawn the next morning, when they would be released.




Jason watched as Evangeline slowly pushed back a strand of free hair.
"Oh. What nee-needs to be done?"
He pretended not to notice the stutter, seeing she was obviously uncomfortable with it. He looked unhappily at her before finally managing to speak.
"The branding needs to be prepared" he said after a pause. He grimaced. The whole thing was sick. Seeing that the mistress was out of the house, he found himself daring to voice his opinions.
"I just can't stand to think of who'll be next this year" he let out a sigh "It's good enough for us, we're certain not be chosen as Bound...but Tyler? Miss Edwards doesn't have to try to let us know who's being next. As for the girl I have no idea."
He found himself fingering the golden cuff at his wrist, as was his habit when something upset him. The sudden opening of the front door, jerked himself to his senses. He glanced warily at the door to the room himself and Evangeline were in before turning back to her, motioning for them to keep moving. Miss Edwards was not known to be slack with punishments.
He started off towards the parlour. Miss Edwards had had a new cell built underneath it, specifically for the ceremony. It was considered good luck to have better preparations for it, and Miss Edwards had not failed to take advantage of it.
The large metal door, with it's barred windows sent an involuntary shiver through him, but he forced himself to open it in search of the brand. The room was completely bare, with the exception of the box in the corner. A small pile of wood and the brand were to found inside. He started piling up the wood inside the corner, directly under the vent, trying to push away thoughts of what it was for.




Arya stood shaking slightly as each bid was put forward. Eventually it stopped, and the harsh wood of the SOLD sign was forced over head. She was swiftly taken down, and steered by her shoulders towards her new mistress. A mistress she certainly was. The woman before her was evidently wealthy, with long, silky golden hair. It was curled tastefully and framed the ladies face beautifully. A large, tear dropped shape ruby rested at her bear neck, matching the ones in her ears.
Her stunning appearance only added to Arya's worry as she realised that evidently this lady was used to getting what she wanted. Her tattered dress, and hollow cheeks stood out in stark contrast to her new mistress. A sinking feeling went through Arya as the woman's cold blue eyes met her own.
Arya found her gaze frozen in place as she watched the woman look over her purchase. The man behind her finally released her as he noted she was now in the hands of her mistress.
The woman's face broke into a smile. It was so unexpected, Arya found herself relaxing slightly. The smile was so different to what she had seen in those icy eyes, Arya felt perhaps things would be slightly better than she had anticipated.
Arya flinched slightly as the SOLD sign was lifted from around her neck.
"You won't be needing that" Her voice was sweet and inviting and tentatively Arya started to let down her guard, her fearful expression dropping somewhat and revealing her exhaustion. The woman pulled out a small silver chain, with a tiny diamond hanging from the centre. When she made a motion to put it on Arya, the girl almost stepped back in surprise. That was until she saw the small P.J engraved into the clasp. It was only a small glance before the soft snick of the mechanism in the clasp snapped shut. The necklace only reinforced the idea that there was no hope of ever regaining freedom.
"Alright. Let's be getting back. Goodbye Angela"
Arya's head twisted and just managed to get a glimpse of "Angela" before she was herded off to the entrance of the slave market. Behind her, the native American girl was sold, and that was when she was herded off to Angela. Arya managed to give her a weak smile before being marched out of the entrance. The smile held no joy, but a sort of accepting sadness.
When they finally reached the entrance, Arya found a shorter girl waiting with another boy. The girl was evidently a slave too from the necklace around her slim neckline. The young woman had a slim, small build, but seemed to possess a wiry, non direct strength. She also had natural green eyes, and a slightly tanned skin tone. The male was also slightly tanned, but also quite tall. He also didn't look particularly strong, however seeing his age, Arya doubted his weaker appearance held much strength.
Her deep green eyes probed both of them over, before glancing at her mistress. She still had no clue what to call any of them. Not that it mattered. Slaves weren't supposed to talk unless spoken too. She bit her lip. She hated thinking of herself as someone else's belonging, though there was naught to be done about it now.

At the gate, Patience was pleased to find that Zoë had carried out her orders perfectly and was there before her. She was not pleased, however, when she saw the boy she'd selected. "Zoë." Patience snapped in that way of hers that let her victim know they'd better watch out while also seeming pleasant to those around. "I'm sure there was change." She held out the hand at the snide comment. Surely the boy couldn't have gone for much. He didn't look even the least bit strong. The young woman placed the pouch of leftover money in her hand. Decidedly heavy. As she'd expected.

She let her blue eyes roam over the boy. He was tall, but didn't seem strong. She'd sent Zoë to get her a hunter not a serving boy. She sighed drastically. That was the trouble with sending slaves out to do anything. No matter how obedient, they always looked out for their own. Rather annoying. "Does he have a name Miss Brooks?" She asked raising one slim eyebrow.

"Oh, yes. Frederick Walters." The girl answered her meekly and Patience nodded. "Well Fredrick, Ayra." She nodded to each of her new slaves in turn. "Come along, it's filthy here. I'll introduce myself back at the house." And with that she turned and left with the three of them in tow. Once at the house, Patience smiled. Her home was always a sight to lay eyes on. "This is my home." She said, gesturing to the grand building and vast front yard before them. "Welcome to the Jones Plantation." She stopped at the door and turned to them with an openly welcoming grin. "I'm Patience Jones, your new master, but you are to call me Miss Jones only. There is to be no stealing, talking to other slaves, speaking out of line, disobedience, embarrassing me in front of guests, or back sass." Her smile dropped into a cruel glare. "Any breaking of these rules is severely punished."

And with that, she turned on her heel and lead them through the winding maze of her house to the back door. "The servants quarters are seperate from the house." She explained and opened the door. Outside, the double doors opened up into a vast yard decorated with an elaborate garden. The whole yard slanted on a hill down away from the house so it was easy to see the slave huts lined in a neat row at the bottom of the yard. She lead them straight down to them.

The huts were dismal little living spaces made of a total of six pieces of wood. Four for the walls and two for the roof. They were no better than dog sheds when it came to protection from the elements and didn't even have a floor, but they did their job well enough. There were eight of them all sitting in a neat line. On the very end was one slightly larger one made of marble. That was used only for the Blood Oath ceremony.

Patience led them down to the last hut and inside. There were six small cots laying on the dirt ground and a single window with no glass, but a mesh screen instead. On one of the cots sat Ayden, staring out the window. The sight of him made her lip curl slightly. She would be glad to be rid of him. She turned to the others. "Zoë and Ayden stay here already, but recently I've lost a few servants so you'll be taking their places. This will be your room. She pointed to the two empty cots, each with two changes of clothing on them. The girls cot had two freshly washed lace dresses on it and the boys two sets of white khakis and white sweaters. "You can wash up in the servants bathrooms behind the huts, after that Ayden here will give you a tour of the house." She turned to Zoë. "Zoë, you have a few moments to yourself. Answer any questions these two have and then go into the market and pick up some groceries with the change from Fredrick." She tossed the girl the pouch and gave them all a "warm" smile. "All of you be ready for tonight."

After her not-so-subtle hint, Patience turned and left, making her way up through the gardens.



"Where am I?" The boy asked as she lead him away and Zoë felt a sharp pang of guilt. She knew what is was like to wake up one day and not know where you are, what was going on. "Why am I being bid on like an animal?" Deciding to break the rules for him one more time, she stopped in her tracks and turned to face him.

"Alright. First of all you should know that me talking to you is completely against the rules and I could get beat for it, but I know how you're feeling so I'm risking it anyway." She breathed deeply and looked around for Miss Jones. No where in sight. Then again, she had a funny way of being able to sneak up on a person. "You're in Tarsha and you're a slave. I don't know where you came from or how you got here, but you're no longer a name, you're property okay? Follow the rules and things should be okay for you but Miss-" Blonde hair bobbed in the crowd, headed towards them and she was cut off as Miss Jones made her appearence.

Zoë quickly closed her mouth and gave Fredrick and apologetic glance before turning her eyes on the girl Miss Jones had bought to be Bound. She was stunning. Not in the jaw-dropping way of her master, but in a more subtle, natural way, though it had the same affect. She was weak and frail looking and Zoë guessed that getting a girl so perfect to be Bound probably took a large chunk out of Miss Jones's pocket, but she'd evidently thought it was worth it. The woman had a peculiar way of choosing the weak and the pretty to be Bound, as if she were trying to rid the world of anyone prettier than her.

If that were so, then she was going to have a hard time with her friend, Miss Edwards. Sometimes Zoë wondered if their friendship was real or a keep-your-friends-close-and-enemies-closer kind of deal. "Zoë." Her name made her jump. How was it that Miss Jones could sound harsh and gentle at the same time? She peeled her eyes from the girl and placed them back on her mistress, to meet the woman's steely glare. The look sent a shiver up her spine that only stopped when she pulled her blue eyes away to inspect Zoë's purchase. Obviously she was displeased and it brought a small smile to Zoë's lips to see the woman angry. She'd only done what she'd told her to do so there was no way Patience would beat her yet she'd probably just lost her the ceremony and wasted her money.

Then Miss Jones started to lead them back to the house and Zoë followed along patiently as she showed them their room and their clothes. "Zoë, you have a few moments to yourself. Answer any questions these two have and then go into the market and pick up some groceries with the change from Fredrick." She reached out and caught the pouch Miss Jones threw at her just in time. The deceptively warm smile on her mistresses face made her sick and Zoë had to look away. "All of you be ready for tonight."

Zoë jerked her head up and watched Patience's retreating form, green eyes wide. What?! All of them be ready? Oh God, what did that mean? She looked at the other three. She knew the two new slaves fates were sealed, but her and Ayden? What was going to happen to them? Zoë had tried to escape earlier in the year, but since then she'd been a perfect little angel, making her a shoo-in for either Bound or Hunter. Dammit, she knew she'd overdone it.

Plopping down on her cot next to Ayden, Zoë groaned and looked up at the new two. "Fredrick, and I think she called you Ayra?" She gestured to the girl. "I'm Zoë Brooks." Her southern accent twisted her words slightly and she gave them the best smile she could even though she knew what they were up against. "I suggest you start preparing yourselves for the worst."



Vera glared down into the eye's of the bidders before her, hands crossed tightly across her chest. One woman raised her hand every few seconds, face passive no matter how high the price went and Vera turned her eyes to study her face. She was beautiful as was the woman talking nonchalantly beside her, Ayra in tow. She watched as the blonde lead the weak looking girl away, but managed to catch the sad smile shot her way before she disappeared into the crowd. The bidding slowed as people turned away until finally only the caramel haired woman remained and a "SOLD" sign was slung over her neck, a man pushing her from the platform and down to her new master.

The woman reached over and handed the man a small pile of coins that could have paid for her to eat for a year. "You are to call me Miss Edwards, I will give further instructions once we arrive" She said calmly before slapping a gold cuff around her wrist. It was a bracelet actually, but it felt like a cuff, and it stood out sharply among her handmade tribe bracelets. Vera stood as tall as she possibly could and followed Miss Edwards away.

When they reached the woman's home, Vera had to keep from gasping. She'd been with some wealthy masters, but this woman's house was the largest she'd seen in a long time. The entire block was nothing but huge plantation homes. Back before her enslavement, she'd lived in a one room hut with five other siblings, her four grandparents, and parents. Granted, it was large for tribe standards, but this was ridiculous. No matter how hard she tried, Vera could never quite get over how many things and how much space these people needed. This woman's house could probably hold her entire tribe comfortably.

She followed in silence as Miss Edwards brought her down to the slave quarters. A tiny little room with one cot and two uniforms folded neatly on it. She almost laughed. This was more like it. She rubbed at the cuff on her wrist and sighed deeply. "Right. Take a bath in the servants bathroom, and exchange your current attire with these." Vera allowed the woman to push two uniforms in her hands. "I'll expect you ready in around fifteen minutes. I will send one of the other servants to instruct you further."

Vera rolled her eyes as the lady walked away. "send one of the others to instruct her further." She scoffed. These people never did anything on their own. Glancing around the small room with big blue eyes, she groaned and threw the dresses back onto the cot. No way would she wear a dress. Her current clothes may be dirty, but she would just wash them and they'd work just fine. A pair of jean shorts and a white blouse never hurt anyone. It was the nicest outfit she'd ever really worn. The blouse was made of a flowing sheer material with little flowers sewed down the front. It may be stained, but after a good was Miss Edwards could get over it. If she was going to be Bound anyway, who really cared?

Leaving the dresses behind, Vera set off in search of the servants bathrooms. They were relativity easy to find. She closed the door firmly and placed a small side table against it to keep anyone from coming in before running the water in the small bath. Good thing she was a small person. After making sure it was the right temperature, Vera started with her jewelry, slipping each one of her handmade tribe bracelets onto the end table until all that was left was the gold band that marked her as property of Miss Edwards. After her bracelets, Vera took out every single one of her earrings, then her clothes before sliding into the warm water.

Instantly, she felt better. She hadn't had a bath in two days. She let out a sigh and cleaned herself before climbing out and letting her clothes take their turn in the water. They dried as she replaced all her jewelry and once she was back in them, Vera drained the water and left, heading back to her room.

The only reason she'd worn so many bracelets was because anything that you couldn't wear was thrown away as soon as you were sent to the market so she'd worn every single one. She really didn't need all of them anymore so she slipped off all but her five favorites and placed the rest under the small cot. She left a thick leather one on and slid it down to the base of her wrist to cover the ugly gold band there.

Feeling complete, Vera kicked the dresses aside and sat on the cot to wait for Miss Edward's other slave for "instruction".

"Zoë...I'm sure there was change."
Arya couldn't be sure, but there was something harsh about the comment, even though it somehow was hidden under niceties. The girl, Zoë, handed the woman the purse.
"Does he have a name Miss Brooks?"
"Oh, yes. Frederick Walters."
"Well Fredrick, Ayra.Come along, it's filthy here. I'll introduce myself back at the house."
Arya stayed silent during the conversation, staring helplessly down at the floor. Eventually they were ordered forward, and Arya forced her feet into moving, one step at a time.
When they finally stopped, Arya glanced up at the house. Her green eyes widened in shock. The house was mansion.
"This is my home. Welcome to the Jones Plantation."
Arya could only stare in wonder at the huge building before her. The lawn alone was huge, enough space for around five or six of her peoples spring tents. The memory made her choke slightly, so she forced herself to think of the task at hand. Her mistress opened the door to the monster of a house in front of them.
"I'm Patience Jones, your new master, but you are to call me Miss Jones only. There is to be no stealing, talking to other slaves, speaking out of line, disobedience, embarrassing me in front of guests, or back sass. Any breaking of these rules is severely punished."
Arya's stomach tightened in remembrance of all the stories she'd been told of Tarsha's cruel masters. The welcoming smile from Miss Jones was gone, replaced with a dangerous glare. Arya shuddered slightly, her small hands striving to keep still as they shook. Miss Jones continued to lead them through the twisting corridors of the mansion, until they reached another door.
"The servants quarters are seperate from the house."
Arya couldn't help but feel some relief. She couldn't stand living in such a permanent structure. The outside was a vast, and over the top garden. All sorts of different plants decorated it bathing the garden with different colours and shapes. That was when she saw the slave huts. They were like tiny sheds, not truly enough to live in. Arya's heart sunk. At least there was privacy. She continued to move on with the others, as they continued into the slave quarters.
At the very end of the row of crudely built shelters, Arya saw a larger one built of marble. Something about the place warned her this was not somewhere anyone wanted to be, however Miss Jones didn't seem to be slowing down. As they continued past the other shelter, Arya gave Zoë a frightened glance.
They entered the last hut, and Arya's whole body went cold. There were small cots on the bare earth, with a small, meshed window the only view to outside. A boy her age was seated on one of the cots. She couldn't help but stare slightly. He was darker than anyone she'd ever seen. Sure enough, she was lighter than most people here, however there was something decidedly tanned about him. What shocked her the most was the fact that it was obviously faded, and the thought of the tan going even darker was something new. She gazed speechless over him.
He was evidently the same age as herself, and there was a small piercing in one of his eyebrows. Arya's people were not used to the custom, even the females never pierced their ears. Something in his look terrified her. There was something distinctly sad about him.
"Zoë and Ayden stay here already, but recently I've lost a few servants so you'll be taking their places. This will be your room."
Arya moved her gaze from Ayden, and glanced at the two cots set aside for herself and Fredrick. Two lace dresses were placed on her own. At least one thing would be better.
"You can wash up in the servants bathrooms behind the huts, after that Ayden here will give you a tour of the house. Zoë, you have a few moments to yourself. Answer any questions these two have and then go into the market and pick up some groceries with the change from Fredrick. All of you be ready for tonight."
Something about her last sentenced sent a thrill of fear through Arya. Something was up and she had no idea what to expect.
"Fredrick, and I think she called you Ayra?"
Arya nodded mutely at the gesture.
"I'm Zoë Brooks. I suggest you start preparing yourselves for the worst."
She wasn't joking. Arya glanced over at Ayden. He at least would know a little more of what Zoë was saying. What she saw in his eyes wasn't encouraging. She remembered Miss Jones order of their questions being answered.
"What's going on?" she asked quietly. She moved her hands behind her, reaching for the wall in an effort to steady herself. She was starving, but it didn't appear that she was going to be fed anytime soon.
She gazed at Zoë expectantly, but with a mixture of dread.
"Why aren't we out there?" she gestured weakly to the outside huts. Something was wrong, and now she was in the midst of it. She turned her eyes to Ayden.
"What did I do wrong?"

(Waiting for FaithsAngel and Jesszisko to post before submitting Miss Edwards and Jason's thoughts)

(Sorry for the short post- I just woke up and I wanted to get it done)


Ayden held back a scowl as Miss Jones entered, said her bit, and left. He looked at the two new slaves. Interesting pair. The girl with the dark hair was eyeing him strangely. He raised an eyebrow in response, but said nothing. He was used to strange looks. It was the tan. Had to be. The piercing, too. Altogether, he was a strange person, as far as the general population thought. It was only fair. He thought the general population was weird. At least, he had when he arrived. His first thought upon reaching his new life was, What the hell are they saying??? It was true the languages of these people and the nomads he'd grown up with were incredibly different, but over time he managed to learn. The new slave girl, Arya, looked confused. She asked a question. What did I do wrong? He dropped the eyebrow and answered. "You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. That simple," he spoke softly, and higher pitches than most males his age. While he'd worked on trying to make sure his voice didn't stick out in the past, he didn't really care anymore. What was the point? "Welcome to hell, Arya and Fredrick. My name is Ayden Neyon. And Zoë's right. Prepare for the worst." He crossed legs on the bed and leaned his elbows on the sides of his knees. In turn, he rested his head on his hands and looked at the two new slaves with fading curiosity. 

Evangeline answered him as he spoke, trying to keep herself contained, and proper.
"The branding? Oh.. we have to do it? I thought Mistress would do it herself. I suppose not though. And as for Tyler, it is best we not worry about it. Mistress decides our fate, and we must let it be. Now we must be quiet, we both know what happens if someone catches us speaking out of place."
She wiped a bead of sweat that was sitting on the edge of her brow, and began to walk as Jason motioned to. "She's home so soon?" she asked softly. She looked at the enclosure that reminded Evangeline of a zoo of some sorts. Cages, cells, brands. Yes, it was like a zoo, with the humans as captives. She walked up beside Jason where the box was, standing still, hesitant to touch it. "I don't think I can do this Jason. I'd rather be Tyler. He gets to die off and he doesn't have to suffer anymore. It's almost unfair..", she trailed off, biting her lip and watching Jason pile the wood.
She kneeled on the floor and began to pass him a few pieces of wood at a time, thinking to herself, and swearing at herself for telling Jason how she felt about this whole ceremony. "I don't know how we put up with this for so long.", she said, her eyes going to his arms, watching the way his muscles rippled and moved underneath his shirt, and the way his arms flexed as he carried the wood. She was sitting there staring at him, oblivious to anything.
She moved her gaze towards his face, watching as his jaw tensed, and how his hair matted to his forehead. He was handsome, and she knew it. She realized she had been staring for some time, and she looked at the ground quickly, hoping he hadn’t caught her gazing at him. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she blushed, and she covered her face with her hand shyly.

Tyler Skies

"Yes mam, Ms. Edwards." He said turning back around and frowning a little bit but not enough for her to notice. But she knew he had frowned at her before. He didn't like her, he just accepted living here, but he was never going to like her. Knowing he wasn't her favorite either, they were both even. If he was going to leave here he was going to leave whether dead or alive.

Rolling his eyes he did what he was told and walked to the servants head quarters. It took him sometime to get there he had to put all the cleaning supplies up where they were suppose to be and walked to the servants quarters. "Another day, without the dollar. I do not want to walk in this house ever again." He thought to himself as he waited for the new female servant to show up. She was just sold he knew that, because he saw every single one of the slaves that are present in the house. To see a new face meant something was coming up, and he would fall victim to it.

Once she did he would give her some cleaning supplies and they would finished the house together.

Fredrick Walters

He nodded as she answered her questions then she stopped answering them and he looked around to see why she stopped talking. It was a lady with the coldest bluest eyes that would make an equal match to the sky and ocean if they could. Her hair was in a bun it was a shiny blonde very beautiful. Heart jumping as she stopped in front of them, he was scared for a little bit but, he wasn't going to show it or let it grow more in his chest. He didn't look like he was even fit to be serving or cleaning anything for or to anyone. But, don't let his looks fool you he has some strength inside and he wasn't afraid to let it show.

He just stood there as she talked and followed her as she walked off, listening to her talk he looked her in the eyes as she glared into his. Not even nodding when she said the rules, he never actually been in a situation where he was kidnapped and sold to be a slave to some stranger. Not even capable of what power she had over him he blinked his eyes and kept walking as she continued to talk about her self and the house.

They stopped and he looked at an other boy and a girl, while still listening to 'his master' talking, when she was done she walked away. Then he looked at the boy as he introduced himself to him and the girl named Arya,"The worst? Hell?" This place much be really horrible for them to say that. He just stood there staring off into space. "Get ready for, tonight?" He thought to himself again, though he was thinking he never blinked or anything, just trying to recalculate what just happened.

"The branding? Oh.. we have to do it? I thought Mistress would do it herself. I suppose not though. And as for Tyler, it is best we not worry about it. Mistress decides our fate, and we must let it be...."
Evangeline's cool words echoed around Jason's head as he continued to stack the wood in the corner. She was right in one sense, and wrong in another. As much as it was Miss Edwards choice, if he was a Hunter, he would be the one to physically drag them back to their deaths...as for Miss Edwards doing anything for herself he doubted it. Miss always liked to have the servants doing everything. She normally had the male Hunter brand the female Bound as the other female Hunter held her down. The memory was shoved back. He'd heard the whisperings of it later in the servants quarters after the sleepless night.
"I don't think I can do this Jason. I'd rather be Tyler. He gets to die off and he doesn't have to suffer anymore. It's almost unfair.."
Evangeline's words broke his line of thought. He tensed at the words. Die off wasn't quite the way to put it. He glanced up at Evangeline's face trying to gage whether she'd seen how the Bound died. Unsure, he decided to let the comment lie. If she didn't know, it was for the best. He personally had seen one of them go at the markets. The priests tended to do the torturing within the cloisters and the actual execution publically. Each one died differently. He shuddered inwardly at remembering the haggard looks and numerous burns and cuts covering the malnourished bodies. Dying off was not how he would see the torture the Bound was put through. None the less, Jason agreed he'd rather be Bound than a Hunter...At least the Tyler...the Bound, he didn't want to think of Tyler, would either be free or dead at the very end, whether the Hunters would be either dead or re-captured and responsible for another's death.
"I don't think I can do it"
The phrase was brought back to memory as Evangeline knelt beside him and began to pass him the pieces of wood. He stopped putting the wood on the pile and turned to her.
"You don't know we'll be chosen" he said urgently, the very thought draining his strength "We can't know…"
He finished the sentence passionately before trailing off, desperate to convince himself. It wasn't working, deep down he knew he was in deep danger of being a Hunter.
"I don't know how we put up with this for so long."
"We didn't have a choice" Jason muttered, but he allowed himself to think of it. Truly, if he survived he'd be in a much worse situation than the Bound if they survived...if anyone survived wouldn't it be better they were free? The more he thought about it, the more he realised, if anything was going to change, it would have to the be the Hunters. At that point he made a decision, he wouldn't be hunting anyone. He'd give himself up. He gritted his teeth at the thought, before looking at a Evangeline, almost daring to tell her his decision, before he caught her staring at him. As soon as she noticed, a deep blush curled up her face. She covered her face, embarrassed.
That was when he realised the flaw in his plan. It wasn't just him that would pay the price for refusing to surrender to the games...it would possibly be the other Hunter. Normally the two hunters hunted together, making it easier to find the bound. The few times the Hunters had split up, were the few times a Bound survived. As Jason stared into Evangeline's eyes he realised the truth. There was no way he could avoid hunting for the others if Evangeline was chosen. Refusing to hunt meant having her killed…

That was if she was chosen. The reminder of Evangeline herself believing that she was going in made his hope small. If himself and Evangeline were chosen Tyler and the other Bound had to die.

"What did I do wrong?" The question made Zoë physically wince. What had any of them done wrong? What had Zoë Brooks, a wild little country girl do to deserve what she'd gotten and was getting every single day of her life? What did Ayra, weak-looking and kind do to deserve being ripped from her home and be thrown into a strange world where, not only was she a slave, but she now was going to be forced to fight for her own survival?

Zoë turned and looked at the girl with compassion in her eyes, remembering what it was like to be new. Wounds of your loved ones death still fresh on your heart, though no one seemed to care. Zoë thought of her mother and instantly a mix of passionate anger and deep worry flooded her. Sometimes she wondered if it would be best just to be Bound already. At least then she would have a chance to get away.

Along with these feelings came the growing fear that she would be chosen as a Hunter. It was daunting, like a weight hanging over her head, the rope always just about ready to snap. As she looked at Ayra, she felt deep pity for her as well as jealousy. She really shouldn't tell her of her fate, for the consequences would be immense.

But she'd survived an escape attempt. Most slaves died in the beating that followed something like that. What could be a better way to rebel then to give Miss Jone's little puppets a heads up. So when she finally did speak, she found she couldn't have stopped her words even if she wanted to. "You're going to be Bound." She said bluntly, as if talking about the whether. "You should be afraid. And I mean terrified. Tomorrow, you're going to be tossed out and forced to run away as fast as you can. You're going to be hunted. Hunted by probably me and definitely Fredrick here." She lowered her eyes to the ground. "If you get caught... Worse than death." Again her eyes raised to Ayra's. "But if you prepare yourself now and you get away, you're free. Completely." She bit her lip hard. "Don't tell anyone I've told you any of this. I just wanted to warn you, and it's the second highest rule next to running off that you don't tip off the Bound or Hunters." She glanced at Fredrick and Ayden. "And if I find out either of you snitched, I don't care how badly she beats me, I'm kicking ass."

And with that, she crossed to Arya's bed, plucked one of the simple lace dress uniforms and pushed it into the girl's hands. Then she grabbed Fredrick's and placed it in his. "Ayden, do what Miss Jones said and take Fredrick and Ayra to the slave bathrooms to clean up, then take them on a tour around the house. Set them to some easy tasks." She looked down a list she had in her pocket. "Windows for Fredrick, he's tall. Floors for Ayra." She looked at the three of them and gave a sigh before pulling out Miss Jones's grocery list, a basket with a few coins in it, and leaving the hut to cut through the rest of the yard towards the market.



After a few minutes of waiting, Vera heard footsteps and waited. Nothing. With a sigh, she figured the person must be waiting for her, and pushed herself up off the cot and left the room. It didn't take long to find the boy Miss Edwards had told to wait for her. She had a good memory and found her way back to the enterence of the servants quarters fairly quickly.

The boy standing there didn't look to thrilled. She didn't blame him. She wouldn't be either. With a nonchalant wave, she crossed towards him and stopped, leaning back on one hip with a sigh. "So I'm Vera." She announced. "What now?"

Ewwwww! Omg, lol sooo sorry about this! First of all, I spelled Arya's name wrong like every. single. time. Then Vera's post. I'm ashamed lol -.- Promise to do better next time(:

Ayden raised his eyebrow at Arya, and she dropped her gaze in response. She'd been so taken back with his appearance, she had forgotten what it was like to be stared at it. She'd surely had enough of it herself recently with her white skin and dark hair. Her people were known for it. Almost everyone had pale skin, liken to the snowy landscape and deep, dark brown to black hair. No doubt she looked strange to him too.
When she glanced back at him again, his expression had changed. For some reason this scared her, she was tentative to hear his thoughts.
"You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. That simple," Ayden's voice was soft, and had an almost lilting tone to it, which gave it higher pitches. The gentle tones stood in stark contrast to his next words.
"Welcome to hell, Arya and Fredrick. My name is Ayden Neyon. And Zoë's right. Prepare for the worst."
Terror started to form in Arya's eyes as they flittered between both Zoë's and Ayden's faces. She turned to Ayden, silently begging him to take back his words.
Zoë winced visibly at her questions, and Arya had a bad sinking feeling, seeing neither of them were even slightly overreacting.
"You're going to be Bound."
Bound? That word again. The reason she was sold.
"You should be afraid. And I mean terrified. Tomorrow, you're going to be tossed out and forced to run away as fast as you can. You're going to be hunted. Hunted by probably me and definitely Fredrick here. If you get caught... Worse than death."
Arya visibly flinched, her face white. She'd believed it couldn't get worse, she glanced at Frederick and Ayden, but found no comfort there, only acceptance.
But if you prepare yourself now and you get away, you're free. Completely."
Free. She leaned heavily against the door, desperately trying to keep her face neutral, not wanting to reveal her emotions. Truly, what would she do it she was free? She had no one to go back to...her father had been killed in the on going war between her people and the Tarshans, and no doubt her brother too as the brief struggle for the village cam through...and her mother, enslaved or dead. Arya took in a shuddering breath forcing herself to ignore the meaning of the words until she was in private.
"Don't tell anyone I've told you any of this. I just wanted to warn you, and it's the second highest rule next to running off that you don't tip off the Bound or Hunters. And if I find out either of you snitched, I don't care how badly she beats me, I'm kicking ass."
Arya nodded mutely to Zoë's request, before the dress was pushed into her nerveless fingers. She almost dropped them, but managed to catch them just in time.
"Ayden, do what Miss Jones said and take Fredrick and Ayra to the slave bathrooms to clean up, then take them on a tour around the house. Set them to some easy tasks. Windows for Fredrick, he's tall. Floors for Ayra."
Floors. The word echoed flatly in her head, the only bit of information she wanted to consider. Her hands ached, and she realised she'd been clenching them in fists around the garment in her hands. Her head pounded painfully from lack of water, but she couldn't get herself to ask. Besides, it appeared the questions were over, and she wasn’t about to break the rules for talking. She glanced up at Ayden, her face now a white mask, though her eyes were still filled with terror, as much as she tried to hide it. All she wanted to do was curl up on one of the beds, and get some privacy, however she hadn't had the luxury of privacy since she'd left Anor and was forced to Tarsha on a ship. She thought wistfully of her own country, and tried to avoid thinking about her future.

"Worse than death."

Evangeline kept her eyes on him as he looked at her. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment, and regained composure over herself. When she opened her eyes again, she sat there, resting her arms at her sides and away from her elegant face. She grew angry at his comments, but didn't dare to show that she thought so. But being herself, she bit her lip, hesitant to say what she was thinking. She decided to change the subject. "Do you-NO.", she trailed off, and began her small rant. "No, no. How do you handle this so calmly?", she asked, her tone sharpening. "You take it so easily. Why? What if we do end up being the Hunters? I've hunted animals..but people? Killing people, Jason? I don't think I can do it. How can anyone do it? It's absurd!..But..", she dared say it. She glanced left, and then right before finishing her sentence. "- we could fight it Jason..we could escape..", she whispered now, not wanting anyone to overhear. She tucked a long wave of hair behind her ear, and stood up. She quickly looked around, making sure no one else was there. After doing so, she walked outside of the room, listening to her surroundings for a moment, before stopping, and turning back into the room.

She brushed her knees off and walked two steps towards Jason, standing a little less than a foot away from him. She shifted her gaze from her feet to his face, standing still. "Do you think we would make it if we tried?" She bit the inside of her lip, and waited for his answer. She began to think about the ceremony itself. Sure, the role of the hunter and bound were all new to her, but she learned enough from living in the servant's quarters. They had been discussing it nearly every night now. Her thoughts drifted off and she thought about Jason. He seemed angry almost a moment ago, she wondered why. She watched his face, watching his jaw tense in anger, and his lips stiffen. Her gaze drifted upward, and she began searching his eyes for an answer, her eyes moving back and forth frantically, the pupils small from the little sunlight that was shining through. The dim glow of the rest of the room contrasted well with her skin, making her smooth, pale skin look even more flawless, and her eyes, even more cold, blue, and dangerous. Her hair fell in long waves at one side of her face, shining brightly in the sun, making her smooth locks look absolutely stunning.

(Sorry for the late posting, i've been really busy with finals.)

"Do you-NO. No, no. How do you handle this so calmly?...You take it so easily…"
Jason visibly flinched at the statement, his hands tightening on the piece of wood. Just because he didn't voice his feelings didn't mean he wasn't struggling with the whole damn concept. The whole thing was making him feel sick, he didn't want to think about it anymore.
"...Why? What if we do end up being the Hunters? I've hunted animals...but people? Killing people, Jason? I don't think I can do it. How can anyone do it? It's absurd!...But..- we could fight it Jason...we could escape.."
Her voice lowered to a whisper, she got up to check they weren't being watched.
"Do you think we would make it if we tried?"
The piece of wood fell from his hands with a loud bang.
"Don't you think someone's tried that Evangeline?" He said quietly. "They're not stupid. They put trackers in your neck, there's no way you can get it out without killing yourself...Besides" he continued bitterly "It's not us that kill them. We simply drag them back to the cloisters so they can do the dirty work"
His words twisted in hatred at the thought of them.
"And if you think I don't care, and take it well, you are sorely mistaken"
He dropped his head in his hands, trying to calm himself down. If Miss Edwards turned up they'd both be in for it...though he supposed she couldn't beat them if she wanted them to hunt.
The whole stupid thing was worked out far too well. If one of the hunters refused to hunt, they would practically be killing the other hunter involved as well as themselves...but if they managed to find the bound, they had blood on their hands, whether the priests did the actual killing or not.
After a few minutes, Jason rose, wordless, from his spot on the ground. The wood would be lit later tonight. He sighed. That would be soon. The afternoon was already slipping away.
"We should get ready" he murmured, before turning and making his way back to the servants quarters. Miss Edwards had already instructed himself and Evangeline to look their best for tonight. She'd provided simply, clean white garments and instructed both to wash up etc. for tonight. As he was passing the other dorms, he caught sight of Tyler and the newer girl. It didn't take a genius to know why she was here. He avoided their eyes, and went straight to his own dorm. As soon as he saw the simple white garments, the whole situations felt like it was crashing down on him.
He found himself seated with his head in his hands, desperately trying to regain control of his emotions.
He forced his eyes shut, trying to block out all the thoughts for tomorrow. Perhaps he wouldn't be chosen...what the hell was he going to do if he was though? The thoughts continued to swirl around in his head, making him feel ill. The branding...the words crept into his head unbidden, and he found himself breaking down. He couldn't brand that girl in the hallway, he just couldn't. Yet, if he was chosen there wouldn't be the choice. How could he even look at her and Tyler? There was nothing to do about the situation, but inevitably it was his choose, his responsibility for their death...

This time, Ayden did nothing to hide the look of distaste on his face as Zoë turned and left. As soon as she disappeared,  however, the disgust quickly vanished, leaving in its place nothing but a cold indifference. He sniffed disdainfully, then swung his legs over the side of the cot and stood. He muttered under his breath something in his native language, which meaning approximated to "For the love of God, why me?" He brushed past the two new slaves. "Eh... Follow me," he sighed and headed out of the small hut, not looking back. He wished he had his instrument with him. But unfortunately, the ocarina had been misplaced a few days ago, and it was driving him insane. He was fidgety now, what with the loss of the ocarina, his ocarina, and the confounded Ceremony coming up. A familiar nervous twitch came to his left hand, and he used the right to still it as he continued to one of the larger huts: the slave washroom. He could've found his way there blind, if he wanted. After all, they weren't allowed many places. It was hard to forget where anything was once you'd been there as long as Ayden had. 

He stepped inside the hut, once again not turning to face the "newbies",  and gestured around the room. There were two tubs in one corner, separated by a ratty old rug that had been hung up in between them, and held in place by a single hook. In the other corner was a water pump, and one could drag one of the tubs over to it and fill it and such. Unfortunately, the water was never heated. At least Ayden had grown used to it. He hoped the newbies wouldn't mind too much, even though their opinions no longer mattered as of that day. 

He pointed to the tubs, then the pump. "There's the tubs. Use the water pump over there- careful, it's cold -and you can wash your face or whatever you want. Just don't take forever, okay?" His accent had returned back to the proper English tone he'd been taught on arrival. At last, he crossed his arms, again trying to still the twitch in his left hand, and faced the two.