Naamah The Fallen's Story

It begins
Raven Loft: Master Hall

The land of Thaiden has been in a elemental turmoil for the last six days and it can be guessed that such will remain for longer still. Winds bite at exposed flesh while the rain cuts like a blade in the open air. Lightning scythes through the sky and cracks against the earth in an act of grand furry, turning land into a smoldering pit, trees into burning splinters, and sand into glass. Everyone hides themselves from this hell on the landscape as they huddle together in their homes and shut themselves away in the cities.

But the house of Raven Loft stands strong.
The guards watch their patrols and the fires burn to light the way for all on foot in this storm, as armored bodies waltz in tune with one another to keep the sanctity of this place in check. However on the horizon the sight of lights approach, it is the wagons carrying their load of flesh and spirit to the destination of this revered hall and their load heavy this night.

Though the night is dark with a moonless sky none can falsely tell that they do not see life in these covered cages. The chiming tune of shackles rattling together with the sway of the horses gate, make many of the wagon drivers easy in the storm. For they know that when their destination is reached then a night of rest and pay are well in hand, while some who gleam into the cages look forward to much different delights

The time of the transaction is short and practiced, many bodies and lives are ushered out of their containers and into the open air of the storm before being marched into Raven Loft. Though some fight and struggle with their bindings a strike from the rod and the reassurance of special irons make all their efforts for naught.
Master Kenner in all of his regal attire stands with his cohort Pesshka in attendance, they both glare at the new flesh being walked in out of the storm and cast strange glances as the different forms pass by.

Kenner shines a large smile as the different tones of fur and flesh parade towards him and are lined up before his steps like a sideshow of bondage. His eyes see much too his liking as he notices more then the usual amount of rare product on display. He walks slowly towards the group as they are each brought to their knees by the guards in attendance. Though the treatment itself is not harsh, the guards know that damage goods are worth far less and do not wish to inquire either Kenner's or Pesska's wrath.
But he still smiles as he runs a hand over his exposed midsection, his wardrobe is relaxed as much as one could get but the very air about him is off and sickening slightly. Pesshka on the other hand has a rather perplexing outfit on for most of the slaves and new guards to see. Her entire body is covered in a crimson red body suit that appears to have no real opening save for section of heavy buckles. He face however is covered with a singular mask that is slate white and is painted to look like a child's doll. Rose red cheeks and heavy eyelashes, the very look of such a person in her position is rather disturbing in of itself.

She walks behind Kenner as he looks from one slave to another, calling out their name as he checks each one and lightly touches their bodies as if a salesman inspecting a product. As she speaks her voice is found to be the most disturbing aspect of her, more so then a match for her appearance.
When she speaks it sounds as if that instead of speaking for herself, a mouth full of disembodied voices speak for her. Ranging from the seductive voice of a temptress to the innocence of a lost child.

~Bloodsong~
Kenner looks at the young man and smiles, even in such a vulnerable state he can see defiance in the little beast eye, More so then enough that he had to me muzzled prior to arriving. He runs a hand over the mans head stringing his fingers through his hair and keeping the smile bright. He feels around his shoulders and arms to gauge his physical strength as well to which he just grabs the Bloodsong by the chin and looks him in the eyes.."All this will change.. soon, mark him black" he says before walking by.

~Naamah~
For this one Kenner has an unusual chirp of glee in his eyes, kneeling as he gets on her level and eyes her body over. He runs her hair over her ear and gets strangely close too her face before speaking.."Its been sometime since your kind have graced these halls." He brings his head beside hers lightly brushing her ear with his lips "Another one who could not do their job." That moment caused an involuntary pulse to come through her and his hands received it easily, making his smile brighten. "Pink & red.. we will see just how much she has left in her" Kenner then steps away.

~Hope~
Kenner cocks his head on its side when he looks at this little slave, her expression shows an amount of fear and suspense and then he can already tell what kind of place she came from. He goes to one knee and looks her over, the dried tears on her face ever distinguishable from the rain and light bruising shows she was in harmful care before coming to his hands. He runs a hand lightly up her stomach and over the her chest in no way on par for discomfort. He takes both her hands in his and looks at them.. "Hmm your rather young.. don't worry child, we don't do things like that here." He runs her hand across his cheek and slyly smiles.."Ahh, well trained hands.. Orange for her." Pesshka checks the list as he stands and walks on.

~Alice~
The creature before Kenner does not throw him off, he has seen a few Sergals pass through Raven Loft before but not many like this one. She was still almost face to face with him despite being on her knees and eager to see what kind she was he started to look and inspect, running his fingers through her mane slowly. To his surprise she leaned into his touch and he could tell that she was obviously misplaced from her original owner. But their loss is his gain either way, the look in her eyes showed a honed intelligence from already living among a well kept house. He looks back at her and grins"Aren't you a sweetheart.. but still your tameness is desirable, white shale do for you... maybe you will have a rather grand future." He steps away from the Sergal and moves towards the next.

~Aurora Rose~
Kenner looks down at the mashed amount of dreads in his vision, not even being able to see the slaves face without kneeling himself to look below her hair. One look however was enough to tell that she was rather temperamental about her position. She peered out through anger lit eyes and huffed in contempt through her nose, after which Kenner noticed the large iron ring around her neck. "Well.. have some brimstone in our blood do we."
He chuckles as he looks her over and runs a finger across the bottom of her chin, which in itself causes a heavy tense sensation coursing through her. He keeps his face lightly blank as he marks her.. "Red.. & black, she will be somewhat of a trouble in the future." He flips some of her locks off of her face and turns towards the next slave.

~Nix Nir~
He turns toward Pesshka after speaking the name from the list and looks back towards Nir with a surprised expression...My.. my you are far from home, aside from our little winged friend over there who might I add is not even from this plane. You got the others beat for distance." That is when he notices her irons, they bear sigils and a large silver inlay as he eyes them over. He leans in and puts his nose on her head and gives a deep breath of inhalation and pulls away with an exited sigh.."No not wolf.. or bear.. how perplexing, I'll have to see you for myself when the time comes." He brushes her long hair away from her neck and see's that she already bears a collar. Two halves Red and Black are both on the article and he laughs for a moment. "Well.. someones stubborn, but I guess your mine now" He takes one more sniff of her hair as he walks away.

~Alistair~
Kenner looks over the little Neko before him, even though he has been locked in a cage for several days now and going through all this he looks up and Kenner with a strange sense of admiration in his eyes. Kenner can already tell that this boy, being at his age was sent away for extra training and that slightly pissed him off. "You know I dislike breeders, they think they can train them well but instead they make for poor company when it comes down to it." He gives the little Neko a scratch behind the ear and sees that he likes it.. "However he is in good shape and at least he has basic.. if not minor training already imprinted. Pink with a small mark of black, just to be sure." He steps away from the Neko finally.

~Miyako~
The little girl lightly trembled at Kenner's feet, either by the cold or out of of the sensation of fear one could not tell. He looked her over and once again ran his hand up her stomach and chest lightly, he lifter her gaze to meet his and spoke.. "I see.. your even younger and lost, while that is I assure you quite sad the truth is now what it is. This is your fate, embrace it." He watched as her eyes danced to avoid his and then moved down onto her shoulders and hands. He picked one hand and began to run her fingers through with his.."Someone knows how to use a brush it seems.. Blue & Orange she has a future yet." He stands and moves on.

~Narcissa~
Off from the start Kenner could tell that this one was special, what little water that was left in her hair from the rain had lightly frosted over and began to flake off as he brushed her locks towards the side. She flashes him a bat of her eyelashes as he does this and he smiles in return. Going further he raises both her arms and can see the golden bracelets under her other bindings. "So.. an elemental, that should make you rather interesting in the long run." As if to test her resolve he grips her around the waist lightly with his hands and the reaction is only small look from her, not much different then before. However Kenner can tell the difference.. "Oh and you a deceptive one aren't you? Black.. preparations will need to be made for her cell." Kenner moves away from her then and proceeds.

~Kit Kuchini~
"Oh another, how quaint." Even though his words were not sarcastic there was a tone of jackass behind his teeth. He was not fond of Nekos himself, most people who required such a pet usually had something sick wrong with them. Then he looked back at Pesshka and remembered what he did in her training.. "Good times.. now about you" the young Neko was showing signs of wear and mistreatment, but despite this he did responded well to being touched in the right places. So the best part was that his spirit was not broken and he still had a chance to find a real master that was perfect for him. "I guess blue shall be alright for you.. for now"

Kenner stepped back placing himself at Pesshka's side and looked down at her chart before looking back up.

"Welcome to Raven Loft.. if you have not heard of this place then don't worry I don't give history lessons. Your life is now in my hands and I am Kenner your head master. All of your training comes through me and all of the trainers within Raven Loft answer to none other then me." He begins to walk back pacing himself in front of them.

"I understand this can be new and rather daunting at the moment, but give it time for the feeling will pass and with the passing of that comes acceptance. However if you insist on resisting whatever means we have to better you lives then I can assure you that your time here will become rather unpleasant. My head caretaker Pesshka will be in charge of your housing and care, if there is anything about your living conditions you require then by all means ask them of her. However I suggest you do not abuse her.. (hehe) good nature." The laugh was slightly snuffed out but the unease could not be broken with Pesshka staring with her expressionless mask over his shoulder.

Kenner strikes a rather serious face as he steps back and heads up the stairs.."Do not fight against your training.. do as your told and we shall all enjoy the days to come." Kenner walks up the stairs with his robe swaying behind him and then Pesshka steps into view.
~Its time to see your accommodations.. now.~
The guards ussher the new slaves up onto their feet and begin to lead them into the halls of Raven Loft, the ears of each are accosted by the sounds of other within the vast hall. Voices and sounds of more then a tempting nature can be heard, while other sounds are sweet and soft. Music that mixes within the vast archways can be heard coming from all around and as that sound grows dim the slaves are lead into a large housing room with parallel cells.

The cells sit in groups of four that are close, but not within arms reach of one another. It appears that all of the slaves will be set into the same area and that is when Pesshka speaks again.. ~Commom practice is you came here together so you stay together for as longs as required.~
The contents of the cells however are unique, they each hold a bed and table, a chair and even a slide in the back corner that maintains at least some privacy. The quarters here for slaves are meant for those with at least a sense of manners and Pesshka looks the group over as she pairs up cells for them. Her only concern is with the Sergal Alice, she may have some kind of prior training but Pesshka will still assign a guard to move her for 'walking' privileges.

*the orders go as such*
Four cells set almost corner to corner and each cluster is in sight of each other, each being a ten by ten cell for singular use. Each slave has a bed, table, chair, cup & mug, bathing pale(large thin steel bowl) and lightly concealed restroom. The rotation of the cells and contents can change with an order from Pesshka.



The guards leave out of the the room while three maintain their station at the entrance and Pesshka begins to follow them out. She turns and looks at the new slaves situated in their cells and speak..~If I might suggest.. no crying, I hate crying.~ She perks up for a moment before raising and hand and pressing her fingers together.
~Now good night and sleep dreams, we have a long day tomorrow.~ With that she snaps her fingers and somehow by cue the lights in the room begin to die slowly and dim the room to a more soothing tone.

The night is still young and our slaves are at rest for once in a long time, the shackles have been removed for freedom of movement and muzzles set aside. They have personal space too themselves now and even company that keeps no matter what one says. Hopefully the night will end with everyone still alive and well.

Glancing around the cell the fallen angel wrapped her large, blackened and stained, wings around herself. This cage would just barely be big enough for them to stretch out and if they did, it wouldn't be safe given the creatures she shared the space with. Naamah wasn't scared of what was to come, fear was just a construct of the mind, it wasn't real. There fore she could control it, at least that is what the other angels always told her. But now that she had fallen, what was the point of following their mantras and ways? Comfort, was the only thing she could think of at that time. She let out a small, harsh laugh amazed she actually took comfort in the culture that killed the man she loved. She would always be the soldier, now she just served another, not the god she once loved.



It seemed to Teagan that she was the first master to the house, which she didn't mind in the least. "Hello gents, is the master of the house in? Or shall I just take a look around at the new stock on my own?" She was well known here, having gone through many slaves in her time. At the moment she had a quite blue collared one at her side, he was quiet and just held her umbrella, his arm never shakes and he never so much as complained. Teagan, had a couple of roles in mind for the new slave she was going to train, she needed someone to take care of her. To be kind to her and she could trust totally. In short, she really needed a pink collar.

Miyako slid deeper into the side of the cage, the fear of her bonds and the unknown that awaited her drowned out by the frightening sounds of thunder and the lightning that seemed so close. With every bolt she counted, hoping that the number would get higher each time, but it didn't. Sometimes the count would be four seconds, sometimes eight seconds, sometime more. The fear grew in her body from the thought that she may never make it to her destination, that she may be killed by a stray bolt.
It seemed like so long ago that her village was attacked, she had hidden for several days in a the fields, hoping that the men would go away. What she didn't understand was the men were not thieves, or a barbarian tribe attacking to get what they could and leave. The men were there to stay. When she finally came out from the fields to forage for food, she was spotted by a young boy who pointed her out to his father and she was grabbed. "I hate that boy." she says almost everyday. "I wish he were dead!" Instead of killing her like they had most of her village, the men saw her as a way to make more money and she was sold to slavers.

Miyako slid her legs tighter against her small body. She is fifteen years old, but she looks younger. "I just want out of here." she whimpers quietly. She sits shivering in her chains, the booms of thunder frightening her waiting for them to reach wherever.

The wagon stopped and she was dragged from the the wagon and set on her knees. Miyako sat with her head down afraid to look up and see what might be there, who might be there. She could hear him call out names like ~Bloodsong~ and ~Naamah~ and ~Hope~, but after every name his voice got lower, not softer, but lower and more menacing. Whoever was speaking, she was already scared of him.

"~Miyako~" the voice called. Miyako jumped just abit, her body shook more - it was her turn. The man touched her stomach and rode hisfinger to her chest and then lifted her face upward. His eyes looked so hard, so cruel, she tried to look everywhere but at him.
"I see.. your even younger and lost, while that is I assure you quite sad the truth is now what it is. This is your fate, embrace it." He napped. He ran his fingers on her hands, probed her fingers with his, "Someone knows how to use a brush it seems.. Blue & Orange she has a future yet." He said coldly then moved on.

As scared as she had been the whole way, she was terrified now. She struggled not to cry, but it was hard. Tears built up in her eyes, some falling on the ground. Before she was afraid of what was going to happen, this was worse, much worse than what she thought it would be.

Miyako never looked up the whole time, not when he finished his speech, not when his assistant spoke, not when they put her in a cell. She couldn't look, it would be too real, too scary. When they unchained her in her cell she just stood there, not moving. The woman told them not to cry, but she had too, she was too scared and it all seemed to hopeless. So, she quietly cried, her tears falling from her face.

Once Naamah had taken the time to get her head on straight she looked around at the others around her. She wasn't much of an angel any longer, but she could tell what the others around here were feeling. On the surface anyway, and it wasn't fool proof. There was one that caught her interest. He had shaggy black hair and the ears of a dog, he really didn't seem to understand what was going on. All that radiated from him was determination and curiosity. The winged being stood slowly and made her way towards his cage, all her body language trained to show she wasn't a threat, but she wasn't prey either. "Can you understand me?" She asked her head tilting to the side, asking a question in any language.

She automatically knew why he interested her, she had been there for the birth of his kind. It had been a bloody day for her and one she hardly remembered, the millennia blurred together and she only had vague memories of most things. She sat slowly keeping her eyes on him and gently let her wings unfurl, so that she didn't startle the creature. It had been so long since she had been able to stretch at all, it felt amazing.



Walking in to the lobby the woman schooled her features into a calm façade. Teagan wasn't ignored, ever. Not even by the master of this house. "Nelix." Her voice was sharp as she spoke to her slave. "Yes mistress?" He asked his head bowed, he never look her in the eye unless commanded to. "Get word to the master of the house that I have arrived, I don't care how.. Just don't be obnoxious." He nodded and took a step back, waiting to be dismissed. "Now." She added leaning against a railing and observing the room, her back to the only wall that didn't have a door or window. She had learned that it was never a bad idea to be a little paranoid, better that than dead.

The winged creature spoke at him, and Bloodsong's gaze snapped up to him and stared at her. What -was- she? She wore very little clothing, it wasn't like what his Kin wore. They wore the hides of their enemies and tore out their teeth for trophies, this winged being wore something unnatural looking; it held a slight shimmer to it in the light.

He barely understand the words, the way she spoke seemed to be a mixture of langauge sounds. He understood her facial expressions moreso. He nodded his head in response, and stared at her wings. The only winged creatures he knew of were birds, which were hunted for food. They were delicious.

His ears flicked in curiosity and his head tilted to the left, then the right a little. What are you?

Naamah felt her lips twitch in to a small smile, she seemed to be getting through to this creature. It brought back more memories of her time watching his kind, it was a pastime for her while she wasn't fighting. The tilt of his head and the flick of his ears she came to realize was him trying to figure her out. She bit her lip, a habit she picked up from her husband, and tried to remember how to show she was a friend. That she didn't want to hurt him. It took her a few minutes of studying him and digging through memories, but she found the right way to reply to him.

Scooting forward she let out an approximation of a friendly whimper and yip, tilting her head to the side and looking at him. She hoped he would get the picture, because it would be nice to have a friend as out of place as she was in this world of humans. As she moved her wings flapped gently, sending a breeze through the room. It was such a normal thing for her Naamah didn't even noice it.

Everything she knew of his kind came flooding back to her when he bowed in his show of play. Now she understood, he wasn't dull or even naive. He was simply speaking another launguage, and one she could now speak. She moved her wings like he would his ears, perking them forward and bowed forward like he did. Her hands smacked the ground and she smiled. Friend, she replied in the subtle language that was of his kin.

Communicating with this creature was the first time Naamah had felt like and angel since she fell, it was heart lightening experience. It made her think, just for a small moment that there really was a god, and he didn't abandon her. The feeling wouldn't last, she knew that much, but it was nice to pretend for a time.

Bloodsong

The movement of her wings confused him for a few moments, then he realised she was using them to communicate; like he did his ears. Friend, came her reply, which caused the creature to smile; his tail wagging a little more in a show of happiness. He didn't know -what- she was, but she showed at least some trustworthiness. He barked and used his body language to try and get to know this female winged creature more, there was no harm in having allies; especially right now.What are you? Does winged non-Kin have name? Hopefully she understood, no doubt to anyone else who didn't speak his language; it would just sound like he was barking and yipping at the woman.

Sitting back the fallen angel thought about what to tell him. She couldn't use her usual angel of The Lord spiel, so she would have to come up with something else to tell him. She racked her brain until she found that she couldn't think of anything but the truth. Sighing the angel translated her thoughts and words in to the complex language of the wolf kin. I am a fallen warrior of a god, you can call me sliver or fallen. She didn't know if he would believe her or even care, but it felt good to tell someone. Even if he was half wolf. Who are you, wolf-kin? She tilted her head to the side with her wings dropped slightly, her depression from her fall and loss shining through.

Bloodsong

I am a fallen warrior of a god, you can call me sliver or fallen. The winged creature replied. She was a warrior, which instantly gained her respect from the wolf-kin. He sat on his haunches and looked at her as she asked his name, her sadness evident. He had no idea what the fallen part meant, but warrior was the same in any language. I am Bloodsong He replied, his tail swishing across the dirty floor. I shall call you Silverfeather. A warrior needs a warrior name. He whimpered softly and tilted his head the other way, studying her. Silverfeather, your sadness seems greater than being in this cage. What causes this?

Naamah smiled at the name he gave her, it was beautiful and powerful at the same time. Only such a primal creature could come up with it, but it described her so very well. How she didn't quite fit in with anyone's idea of an angel, let alone her siblings. When the wolf-kin asked her why she was so sad, Naamah paused, genuinely supprised by how perspective he was. Although she really shouldn't have been, reading body language was the only path to survival with his kind. I feel great sadness for losing my tribe. She took a deep breath and tried to keep the tears in her eyes from falling. And I lost my mate. I can't move on either, my kind mate for life, if we ever do find a mate.. The angel pulled her knees up to her chest, thinking about Nathaniel.

Bloodsong

He saw her smile when he gave her a better name than she offered originally, it was was considered extremely rude to decline a given name. When she told him she'd lost her tribe, and her mate; his ears drooped sadly and he lowered his gaze. I understand, I was taken from my tribe and had my mouth covered. We traveled far from my home. A sad whimper left his lips and he sighed softly. I do not know your sadness about loosing your mate. I feel sorrow for you.

The angel nodded showing her appreciation for his understanding. Will you fight them when they try to train you? she asked with a small whimper, hoping that he wouldn't fight too hard. They might end up killing him, she'd seen it in the past, when she was brave enough to look in on the slaves of past. She also knew that if she could make him useful through her, they might have a decent future. Two warriors such as themselves could be useful and deadly as a team. Her wings twitched and she moved uneasily, showing him her discomfort with him fighting at this time.



Smiling Teagan walked in to the masters hall, noticing her slave was already standing out of the way like he was trained to. "Well done Nelix, I won't have any more need for you tonight. You may leave." He bowed and exited the room. Glancing around he room Teagan decided to sit comfortably on a couch, her skirt tightening around her hips in a visually pleasing way. There was so much here that she was uncomfortable with, the skirt for one thing, but it was what she needed to do in order for her to keep her house hold in good shape and her self sane.

Bloodsong bristled and his tail lashed back and forth. I am not a creature for them to tame. He replied, his ears twitching, his teeth baring a little. I will kill them if they try. He saw her sadness, and noted it; but he was too proud, and stubborn. He was a warrior, a hunter, a fighter; a killer. Not a soft, tear-filled creature that would bow to every whim of their captors.

Another captive was bought forth and shoved into the cage nearby Bloodsong, his instant reaction was to lay his ears back and snarl at the creatures who had bought this captive. His second was to snap his head around to look at the new creature, wariness in his eyes.

Kenner

Kenner made his way down the stair towards the master hall and he could already see mistress Holmes sitting herself on one of the far couches. He had only met her several times before, but not enough to get a good feeling for the woman. Once again it most likely centered around the fact that her slave was a Neko who was rather timid and he still did not really trust anyone who would have that kind of slave. But in his line of work there are always preferences for such things and of course that was his own.

He decided to actually tie the midsection of his robe as to keep from misrepresenting himself.

His feet padded down on the marble of the floor and he looked out towards Teagen and gave her a slight bow.. "Mistress Holmes it is a pleasure to see you.. no matter the time of day. Might I ask what brings you here?" He ended his bow and strutted up closer to Teagen's person.
He looked also from side to side trying to see if the prince was in as well, apparently the guards have yet to spread the word.

* * * *

The cells were lightly buzzing with the different sounds the slaves made together, Nix was busy being rebellious in her confines while the others had managed to begin to converse with one another.
However the lights began to slowly heighten in their intensity and while the light they generated did not match with what they produced earlier, they still cascaded enough light to show the cells contents. Then with correlation with the lights Pesshka dropped in from the ceiling, the tiles overhead slightly distorting to let her pass and then reshaping after. Her body touching down on the floor just as softly as a feather would and with one assertion of her stature she stands and looks back into the cells.

Everyone seems to be doing what is expected of them at this point, however there are some tears being shed from the two human slaves that were brought in. Peeshka steps between the two sets of cells and stares with her black doll mask, moving her vision around from face to face.
She did however find the one that interested her and approached, the fallen angel Naamah was actually a valid target for her as she approached and noticed she was attempting to communicate with the wild one Bloodsong. He heels made a clicking noise as she approached she stepped with one last stride next to the cell and peered in at Naamah.

~Ahh.. making friends already I see, strange I thought such a benevolent creature such as yourself would help the two weeping in their fear and loneliness.~ She held her face close on the bars and kept her direction closely situated towards Naamah's form. However for Naamah she could see something under the mask, the two eyes were like empty voids save for a sharp pin prick of light that stared back out from each socket.

Naamah glanced up at the woman, she couldn't feel anything coming off of her, which her eyes seemed to reaffirm. "As your master so kindly pointed out to me." The ex angel stood and carfully unfurled her wings, not in the least bit scared of her. "I am no longer an angel, and I don't have to follow their ways." Naamah smirked, her pain and inner turmoil urging her on. "You know what they do to those like me before they cast us out?" She asked her voice deathly calm. "They torture us with methods you humans wished they could use. One bout would work so well on the mind of a humanoid that the intended taget would do anything you asked."

She took a step closer to the bars, her fear finally mastered. "And if we live through that and still rebel, they cast us out. Ripping our wings, our souls, away from us and throw us out of heaven." She placed her hands on the bars, her voice growing stronger. The angel and warrior slipping through and showing what she was and could be. "From thousands of miles above the earth we fall. Feeling every burn, cut, buise and eventual impact, but we cannot die." She laughed bitterly. "It's a bit poetic honestly, the one person who truly wants to die with every fiber of their being, can't. So do what you will to me, I can take anything you do to me and bounce right back, although I guess I'm kind of selling myself by now.. Aren't I?"



Teagen smiled sitting up properly to look the master over. "Well, I've heard that you've gotten in a new shipment.." The woman intentionally left out her contact, there wash no use in bringing people in to this that didn't need to be. "And I'd love to take a look at the stock, I'm always searching for the next useful being." She played idly, though not unintentionally tells were dangerous for someone like her to have, with the locket her husband had given to her. The round silver necklace bore the crest of the family she was now the head of. Teagen wouldn't tell a soul, but it was quite valuable to her. And she would do anything to keep it safe.

Hope lifted her head as another girls sobs sounded through her cage.
She wiped at her tears once more and looked up, trying to find the source and praying she were human so she could at least communicate with her. The other girl in her cage, the angel seemed afraid of nothing and she admired her for that.
She hated herself for not having any guts and not being able to stand up for her self, she was even so pathetic and sickly that her father at sold her. Her Father.

She looked around to room but there was no human here - she must be in a different cage.
Hope sighed and carried on inspecting, avoiding eye contact with the one in the corner.
Being here was hell, yes but it could not be any worse than home, she reminded herself and scraped her soaked hair out of her eyes.
She needed to be strong, if not she feared she'd fall apart, such a sickly child she was.

Standing up she noticed a woman walk in with a black lace mask, Hope stepped back into the darkness praying she wouldn't talk to her. She remembered her as Master Kenner's second in command and took a deep breath.
What if she were here to kill her? She was too weak to fight and being ill as she was she'd just be loose end, of course she could play and paint but was that enough to keep her alive?

"Please let it." She whispered to no-one but herself.

Kenner

Kenner gave Teagen a warm greeting as well as he could and then it was that he saw Kaede from the edge of the hall coming towards them. The man was quite younger then he thought, but then again Kenner has had dealings with his house in the past and with his predecessors so with all the times everything must change.
The young prince was eloquent as his father and maybe more so, but his honeyed words towards Teagan showed he was just as much a womanizer as his grandfather. Kenner chuckled behind his teeth for a moment and gave the prince a quick bow as was his custom for royalty. Though miss Teagen was one of his best clients he was not going to betray his own set workings. The prince finishes approaching the two and stands before them to present himself.

This was a rather opportune time for them to arrive seeing as they would be able to get situated into their own quarters before noon and that would allow them to get fully settled.

"Well Prince Kaede it is good to see that you are doing well and may I extend a full welcome from Raven Loft" He gives a quick motion towards Mistress Taegan. "This is Mistress Taegan Holmes, she is one of the other masters that will be spending her time here to acquire a slave for herself." He looks out towards the opening from where Kaede came and speaks lightly.
Strange I was expecting another this day, maybe she isn't as early" His eyes catch a view that is not quite in his liking, several guards are hoisting a slave along the way in the corridor and then in a moment the slave tries to break free. Kenner can see from there that she is a Naga of a much different breed then he's seen before. Kenner restrains himself from running out to see what the guards are doing and turns to face the two masters.
"It appears that duty has begun calling so early in the day, so I ask that you let this guard.." which is when he snaps and finger and one of the stairway guards quickly trots out to stand at his side. "Pan here will lead you both up to your rooms on the penthouse ring and both of you can take which fits your needs and I trust both of you will be satisfied with the choices" Kenner takes another slight bow toward the two and steps away being as calm as he can with a wicked look in his eye. It isn't until bot Kaede and Taegan have disappeared up the stairs that he breaks his stride and breaches the hallway to see the guards crowded around the Naga trying to coax her up off the floor.

Kenner slides up behind them and he swats one on the side of the head slightly to get his attention, the guard turns around with a rather pissed look in his eye until he see's that it is in fact Kenner that did the act. There was a look in his face that meant he almost soiled himself at the revelation and with that all the guards straightened up in attention in front of Kenner effectively dropping the Naga.
"Anything I should know because I don't think you can slide this one under the rug like a dropped pork chop." He barely raises his voice at the men, but still the portrayal that he is angered at them is enough to make them more then a little nervous. He kneels at the naga on the floor, her heavy but thin form wheezing and drawing breath with an almost pained expression. Kenner snaps the pin connecting her wrist irons with his hands and lifts her up, he dirty body transferring the contents of her cage onto the front of his robes and stomach.

"With how well I pay you to do your job, I would expect you to know the difference between hot and cold blooded." He carries her closer to the brazier at the end of the hall and lays her down only a few feet from the flames before turning towards the same guard from before.."Bring some towels to dry her off and get someone from the kitchen.." He turns her head to look into her eyes and places his hands along her neck and rubs down towards her stomach "Tell them to bring chicken broth, enough for six me." The guard gives a dazed stare for a moment before Kenne stares he down again. "I don't recall stuttering" The guard nods before running off with another in tow as to finish the work faster.

As if on cue for more trouble a guard came sauntering down the hall from the front gate and approached Kenner.. "Apologies on interrupting you sir, but Mistress Syntira has arrived and she says your expecting her" Kenner almost sighs with frustration, but at this point he was rather expecting this to happen. It only takes him a moment before he decides what to do as he looks back at the guard.
"Go and escort Miss Syntia to the upper ring and let he choose a penthouse.. oh and make sure to tell her that I apologize for not being able to meet her under these circumstances. Just make sure to inform her as well as Prince Kaede and Mistress Teagen that I would like to invite them to mid day meal in the dinning hall and make sure to have the guards collect them when the time comes." Not needing to be retold the guard understands his orders and gives a hearty clack of his heels before running off towards the front gate.

He looks down at the Naga in his hands and see's that her eyes are still rather lucid for the time being, he gives her a slight rub on the side of the cheek and gains eye contact with her. "So.. do you even have a name? Can you even speak?"

* * * *

Pesshka slightly gets agitated with whats transpiring in the cells, the angel is growing a mouth on her and the werehyena has begun to grow on Pesshka's nerves. The repeated slamming of her large form into the bars resounded throughout the entirety of the room. Pesshka only took several glances at the two before he could also see that the wolf hybrid was beginning to act up as well. Snarling and cutting his eyes towards her, this did not entirely bother Peeshka seeing as she had been the target of such things before. But it was the Angel that got such a atitude that really did it.

Pesshka looked at the three in her view and stepped back from Naamah's cell placing her hand upon her mask while speaking.. ~Let me teach you something my little fallen bird..~ She then gave a small twist and her mask popped of with a click of small hinges and she lowered that hand revealing that there was nothing being the mask. Just a pitch black surface that did not even bare the form of a face.
Then with a quick motion Peeshka lurched forward pointing her face towards the floor letting out a thick wave of black fluid. The oozing mass began to creep along the floors of the entire ward and crawled with a life of its own towards the reaches of the room. As the liquid entered Namaah's, Nix's and Bloodsong's cells as a mass of limbs jutted out from within, the three were quickly pinned to the ceiling of their separate cages as the forms of people began to arise out of the ooze as well. Faces and other limbs were starting to make appearances in front of the slave, each bearing gnashing teeth and lapping tongues with voices following shortly behind.

One form that broke through was rather feminine in shape and prodded outwards in front of Namaah. It bore a woman's face but also bore vastly skeletal features as it spoke with the torrent of voices. ~It is far easier to fall from heaven then it is to claw your way up from hell.. so do not speak to me of turmoil." the face gave a sickly smile then ~But it is good that you have kept your pride.. you will need that strength in the days to come.~ and then strangely all of the hands release and the three are dropped against the floor as all the dark ooze is pulled violently back across the floor and up into the vessel from which it came. Moving so much mass that the head and neck of Pesshka's body was distorted to let the fluid back in.

With the mass back inside and the voices silenced she twisted her neck slightly, letting a small pop of bone out before she replaces her mask and then begins to skip off around the cells and out the door.

Kenner

While Kenner stands before the three masters in the dinning room he see's one of the woman from before return. It was Peng'E again and she was in somewhat of a hurry which was evident in the haste in her step. She came to her masters ear and spoke lightly as she informed him of what happened down stairs.
She spoke cleanly and clearly, but light enough to keep the information from all but Syntira's draconian ears.

He gave a slightly distasteful look of discomfort with each passing word and all he can hear is a term of internment that quickly needs to be repaid to someone. He gives Peng'E a slight pat on the side to interrupt her and slides his chair back under the edge of the table.
"Well.. it seems the day keeps getting better." He looks at Peng'E and leans into her ear with one clear whisper before looking back. "I must apologize but an issue has arisen down stairs.. I leave you all in her capable hands for the moment. When everyone is done, she will take you to the atrium for viewing of the new additions." With that Kenner made a bow and then a slightly hasted retreat from the room. It was easy to see that there was a part of him fuming under the collar even before he stepped out and now it was more evident then before as he jumped the banister.
That fall was short and he quickly regained his footing and moved down towards the main hall, only to see that Roldan had moved the young slave girl Genti into the main hall and two of the house maids had come to redress her in something more suitable.

He looked her over and turned his attention towards Roldan.."What of the men who brought her?.. are they waiting to get paid for such an intrusion." He spoke with a lightly burning haze in the back of his eyes.. "No.." Roldan answered "I paid them a small sum of silver and.. forced them on their way."

kenner gave a blank stare with a slight exaggeration to his expression.."Keep her here and get her fed as well.. do not remove the cuffs yet however." He turns on his heel and heads back up the stairs rather quickly "Because I feel we will be seeing them again.."

The march back up the stairs towards his quarters was fast and full of reason as he had a very plane method of doing things. The men who brought Genti to his walls were in blatant disregard of his house and required a lesson in etiquette. Once inside his room he made use of the privacy such a place affords, the back of his room had a small library in place but in there at the moment books were not his concern.
He stepped in the middle of the floor where a glyph sat on the floor, next to the glyph sat a table with a small crystal on a stand that he quickly took in hand and squeezed. The crystal began to glow faintly and pulse as he concentrated on one name that could fix his current dilemma.

"Daud.. I must speak with William.. it is a matter of some urgency."

* * * *

Peeshka looked at Bloodsong as he chowed away on his meal and she pulled her hand back to her sides after the bowl was taken. She was glad that he was more reasonable then most despite his appearance, which made her look back at Nix and remember the fact that she would be more of a hassle then she's worth.

She takes another look at the others in the cells and speak towards the entire group.. ~I suggest you all eat up.. we're all going outside pretty soon and that means your all going to need your strength.~
She stepped back outside of Bloodsongs cell passing through the bars as she did before and moved to lean on the far wall as if she were waiting for something to happen.

Kenner

With the greetings done between Mad Dog and Kenner it is taken upon the business men to converse more as they walk for a while through the master hall.
Kenner is starting to understand that this day must have been some sort of test to get under his skin, however Williams presence is making everything seem much better as the time drew on.. "I see Manhoon."
"If you are looking for some new.. blood as you so lovingly put it, I may be able to facilitate." He beckoned Mad Dog on and offered the extension to Daud as well and so the men began to walk out of the hall. As they left the guards who escorted the two men down below returned and continued with their own duties of standing guard at the stairs.

As the moved on it was easy to tell for Mad Dog that most of Raven Loft's insides had been renovated since he left with Daud in his keeping. Marble lined most of the floor and high archways gave the halls a towering appearance. Seeing that it was only barely after mid day many of the houses patrons were moving about to get back and forth between their respective stations. The sounds of the whole body that was this place echoed on around them while their foot steps were easily drowned out by the rest of such immense movement.

Kenner kept speaking to enhance the conversation between him and Mad Dog. "I do have an idea of what you could be looking for.. someone well enough for your new enterprise. From what I hear that new club will be ready for full operation soon." He dipped his head slightly as several woman passed by in sundresses, each with an assertive bounce in their step and it could be seen why. A woman was walking behind them who cast assertion in her face and dominance in her stride. It was her that was driving the group on to whatever activity they intended to be at next.
She gave Kenner a firm but respectful nod as she passed him and his two friends.
With their passing Kenner continued.."As of now all of my new additions that are not taken.. are rather bare."

"I do however have some unique new treats for our trainers at least."

As they kept moving in their purpose the three passed into a large rotunda of passageways with several stairways leading down into and away from it. This was the causeway, and it was the only part of Raven Loft that truly remained untouched from the renovations. Peng'E was leading the other masters into the rotunda at the same time and she could see Kenner ahead of the group. With a slight pause in her step the group was halted before fully surpassing Kenner's, she gave a slightly bow towards the masters accompanying her before Kenner himself greeted them.. "Ah yes.. its good to see you all here now, that is fine now Peng'E you can head back to mistress Thresh now." The woman in white bows once again flashing a slight smile as she heads back up the stairs from where the group came.

Kenner beckoned them onward and lead them further eastward into the keep and as he lead them on the hall began to become wider and taller, with a great vast light pouring in from the exit ahead. Each step lead them closer and as they walked the sounds of nature could be heard coming through the opening as well.
When the group broke the threshold it became clear to them what the name atrium meant.
It was a vast opening within the bowels of Raven Loft it had the makings of a massive gladiatorial arena, but instead of sand within the base of this giant ring there was a field. Trees and tall grass and a sizable lake in the center and all that many creatures could wish for. Kenner walks the group out onto the balcony of a large slope overlooking the atrium and presents it to them all. "Welcome to the atrium, a crowning example of design if ever there was one. As you look around you there is nature for all to see and if you cast your eyes above even the sun itself is part of Raven Loft."

He was not off when he said this, for when an eye was cast upwards a circular inverted dome could be seen dominating the roof of the atrium. It shined with a deep warm light that gave life as easily as the sun itself would do in mid summer.
"For all those slaves who want to see the world as they left it and come back to nature, however it is still safe to let them roam free here. There is no chance of escape even for those with the power of flight."

* * * *

Peeshka looked back at Nix as a look passed on her face that the masked warden would not have thought possible for the shape shifter to show. She tilted her head to the side as guards with restraining implements arrived in droves, each one in full dress and waiting with baited breath for Pesshka's words.
She cast her gaze towards them and spoke.. ~Alright pair up and get to your appointed cells..~ She looked up to see that behind several of them men were two guards with Genti in arm, they did little to hamper her movement and instead lent an arm to help support her weight for her as they helped her walk. The men & woman got to work as Pesshka walked closer to see Genti for herself. Stopping only a few feet away she stared for a few seconds before slowly leaning in, her expressionless mask looking on and red leather bindings creaking as she inched forward. ~I see.. a new one comes again unscheduled.~
"The master also wants her moved into the atrium with the others.." The guard holding her bowl in his right hand spoke in order to clarify. Peeshka only returned a twitch of her head in his direction before looking back at Genti before nodding.

Everyone was thus gathered up from their cells.
Awoken from slumber or lead out from their positions, some had to be restrained in order to keep the guards peace of mind. The cause to being marked with a black collar saw many of those slaves being treated as such. However the guards were gentle as they could be and courteous in their work, the master would not want to see them damaged what he had just come into possession of within the last hours.
It was then that the group of slaves, was lead towards their destination of the atrium. However they did not share the use of the upper walkways like the masters and more privileged slaves were used to. The area they walked was darker and more somber with wider halls and such open spaces as to maneuver large groups of bodies. This was the main way for the guards to transfer a mass of slaves from one point in Raven Loft to the other and while the atmosphere of this lower area was rather dim.
It still bore a fresh air and lenient energy about it.

The only exception to the move was Nitha, she was left within her cell. The guards did not have the material to move her nor the manpower at the moment and while Kenner with his gifts could transport easily, they would need several men to move her even with a dolly.

Within several minutes the group was lead through a causeway of their own and this one itself lead into the grassy area within the atrium. As the guards lead the slaves in one after the other was released from their bindings and left to stand within the light of the atrium's dome. Those with less tendencies to strike were released first and those with black collars were let go last before the guards passed through the cause way again and as the last stepped through a large gate was swung closed behind to bar an exit.

Pesshka stayed behind with Nitha looking into her cell..~I must say that it is good to see one of your kind again.. it has been some time since one with blood like yours has passed through these walls.~