I sit there unable to speak still, but now wearing some kind of fancy leather necklace with a paper thing hanging from it with symbols I do not recognize. Suluk showed up out of nowhere and took me from Kizen and carried me all the way here, even though I tried to protest. I have no idea what is happening today! First I'm slaying dragons with Kizen like usual, then we meet this man associated with the royals, now I'm being bought by him and carried here to the palace….. WEIRDEST DAY EVER!
Staring at white, marbled walls and floors it's almost too bright with this many candles lit, I can only imagine how it looks in the daytime. He said this is a place I would be healed, but had to wait a moment for him to get someone. After everything I just witnessed and the day I've had I'm too exhausted to move. Instead, I tried to dust off my clothes and pick small twigs and rocks out of my hair.
Startled a bit as the large, wooden door opens, I sit up straight and try to push down my wild, messy hair. "I can't believe you've done this! What happens if her old master comes back to get her? Suluk, this was reckless, and you know it!" A deep, rich, authoritative tone speaks lowly to Suluk. The richness and depth is in contrast to Suluks honey and velvet, soothing sound.
"Just at least come say hello and then decide for yourself. If you're still angry then fine, I'll take whatever punishment you believe is right, but don't avoid her because of my rash actions. I didn't have a choice after the way he acted." Suluk pleads with this new mystery man. Hearing a long sigh before footsteps approach closer and the door opens wider, are making my nerves skyrocket. This new man has already decided he's wary of me from what little conversation I've heard, so I'll have to be on my best behavior as to not make Suluk look bad.
Both men step into the room. This new one is just a few inches shorter than Suluk, slimmer in build but still muscular from what I can tell from his loose fitting clothes. He still commands authority, and attention when he walks into the room. His deep amethyst eyes look around for a small moment before they settle onto me, his long black, wavy hair swaying behind him as he walks closer. Where Suluk is sun kissed and almost glowing in the sun, this man reminds me of a smooth piece of amber if one held it up to the sun. Even in the darkness he still has a small glow that only grows more evident as he steps into the light, revealing a slim, jagged, long scar across his slightly crooked nose. His face is softer than Suluk in features, with full lips and slightly slanted eyes, yet still his face holds a seriousness and authority that makes my spine lock.
He approaches into the light and looks me over closely, his face giving nothing away as he holds out a hand to me. "Hello. My name is Kieren." His voice is calm, even as he speaks to me. I look back to Suluk to see if this is alright. He just nods and I reach out my hand to shake his, unsure. Kieren looks at me a bit confused as I point to my throat, trying to show him I'm not trying to be rude but that I can't talk.
"That scum took her voice. He hadn't released his magic when I got her and tried to bring her back to him when I was walking off. Thanks for the talisman again, by the way." Suluk speaks to him as if he is a friend and leans against the wall on the other side of the candle to not be in the way of the light.
"I see. It doesn't look too advanced however. Should be easy to remove, that's the first bit of good news. However, you failed to inform me that she is injured in other ways." He pointedly looks to my scraped knees and the long gash running down the front of my leg, before grabbing my hands to see the scrapes on the inside of them as well.
"Thought it would be a good surprise for you. Plus how could I tell you when you've been too busy scolding me for doing the right thing." Suluk taunts him as he crosses his arms to look between me and Kieren.
"Is it alright if I touch you and heal some of your wounds? I'm sorry I should have asked first." He looks at me again. I look at Suluk and he nods again. I nod as well, holding out my hands to him willingly this time. "By the way, I'm not mad at you for doing the right thing, you druingary. I'm angry at how you handled it. What if he shows up to the palace and demands her back? You didn't go through an official network like you were told to do earlier. You just took matters into your own hands and walked off with her and unsigned papers. And why does she keep looking to you to answer every question I ask her?" Kieren speaks to him as his hands glow a soft yellow, healing me as if this is natural for him. I watched amazed at the sight before me, I was unaware people could do this kind of magic. I look at Suluk confused for a moment, however, as Kieren uses a word I don't recognize.
"That word means the equivalent of slow witted, mad, or idiot in your language." He answers my unspoken question first before addressing Kieren. "There are witnesses who saw me pay for her and him handing me the paperwork before we left. And she keeps looking at me, because in this place slaves do not speak or even so much as look at other nonslaves without their masters permission. I haven't had the chance to properly speak to her yet." He clarifies, making Kieren scrunch his face with disdain at the new information.
"Barbaric." Is all he states as he continues to heal me, the larger wounds making me tingle a little as the yellow light slowly creeps up his arms, almost to his elbows. It doesn't take long before all my scrapes and bruises are gone. He leans in a little closer to look at my throat, surely by now the redness should have subsided. "If there is any pain please tap my arm to let me know, I'll stop. There might be some, but I will do my best to keep it to a minimum. I'm not sure how deep this goes so I'll check gently, if you'll allow me to touch." He looks to me for permission before touching me again and it makes everything in me curious on who these people are.
I nod, lifting my head so he can see it better. "Sul bring that lantern over here and hold it so I can see better." He instructs without looking back to him. Suluk does as told and stands besides us, a focused look on his face as he looks between Kierens hands and my throat. It looks as though he's suppressing anger, but I'm not sure for who. I want to ask but pain shoots through my markings up through my head and down through my shoulders. A silent scream tries to come out, but all I manage to do is open my mouth, shut my eyes and grip his arms tightly, trying not to cry.
"Kieren!" Suluk yells at him. The burning pain slowly turns cool and soothing. My tense muscles relax as I do my best to try and breathe normally again. Keeping my eyes close to keep the tears in, as the pain finally leaves completely.
"This isn't looking good…. Suluk this is going to be very painful for her if I continue. This magic is deep and delicate. The mage who put this on her knew what they were doing, it's made to only be removed by them without great difficulty. I'm worried if I continue that it'll take all night and she'll pass out from pain before it's over." Kieren speaks frankly, letting us both know this is going to be a grueling process if he continues. I wipe my eyes and look at both of them.
"So it's hopeless without that worm here to remove it?" Suluk looks as though he's about to declare war as he speaks slowly, the rage radiating from him.
"I didn't say I couldn't do it, it'll just be painful for her. More than any human could stand. I can soothe it after, but during it'll be present and noticeable. I don't really want to put her through that." He looks from Suluk to me with sympathy. I look to Suluk, who looks torn on what to do. Without a second thought I grab Kierens hands and place them on my throat, giving him a determined look. He looks surprised for a moment before letting out a huff of a laugh. "Well you're brave, I'll give you that." He looks at me and nods. Suluk tenses with sadness in his eyes as he looks at me. If he won't make a decision then I will. What's a little pain for my speech back after all?
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The morning sun shines through the satin curtains as birds chirp outside the window. Sitting up slowly, a small headache lingers as I rub sleep from my eyes. Sitting up to look around the new room I'm in. I'm sitting in a large bed with soft bedding flowing like water off me as I move to the edge, placing my feet on the cool floor. The room is elegant, darker colors and white accents cover the walls while a large iron and brick fireplace sits unused on the opposite wall from the bed. A small, round table and some chairs sit near the window, no….. a closer look reveals it's a balcony. Pushing my hair out of my face I look around, trying to remember how I got here, but coming up empty. My throat burns, making me grip it slightly as I try to take a deep breath and assess myself for any more damage.
The door creaks open as Suluk walks in, he's dressed in a deep blue with small silver decorations that reminds me of waves crashing in the ocean. He looks around before his eyes land on me in the bed. Smiling softly he approaches slowly.
"Good morning, Ava. How are you feeling?" His voice is soft, smooth, reminding me of warm honey. I just nod and point to my throat, making him look as if he remembered something and hands me a glass of water. "Kieren said you might have some small aches this morning. He told me that whenever you're ready to come to his room, he'd heal those as well."
The cool water feels good as it coats my throat, making me sigh softly. Taking another drink I look around the room then up to him with curiosity. He messes with his shirt as if it needed to be fixed from its perfect condition. "You passed out and when Kieren was done I brought you to my room to rest. Your room wasn't ready since it was last minute. Don't worry, I slept on the chair for a few hours this morning." He points to the comfortable looking chair in the corner with a tossed blanket on it. He walks around and grabs something off of a dresser before walking back over to me. "Here are some clothes, they might be a little big but they should be close. Oh, and a towel. Please take your time getting ready. We have a busy day." He smirks to me as if he knows something I don't. Taking the pile of fabric from him and looking off to the door he motioned to, I bow before going to it.
This bathroom is amazing! Walking down a few stairs into a tub to soak and wash myself I can't believe this is actually happening. Smiling softly as I pop a few bubbles floating by, I wonder if this is just because it was last minute and I'll have to go wash in the river again like usual when I get my own room. The thought passes as quickly as it came, unable to find that I care at this moment, since for the first time since being sold I'll be able to smell like roses and lavender again.
He was right, the clothes are a little baggy, but it's not the worst thing I've ever been in. At least it's not falling off my shoulders and dragging on the ground. I'm in a red blouse that I have tucked into black pants to help them fit a little better. It almost reminds me of an adventure outfit, if it wasn't for the delicate flower patterns up the small sleeves. Braiding my hair quickly and throwing on my boots I meet Suluk out in the room again. He sits at the table, looking at some kind of paperwork, a blank face on. A soft knock at the door catches my attention, but he doesn't hear it, too lost in thought I would assume. Instead I answer the door. Another slave stands there holding a tray as she looks me over curiously, must know this room doesn't belong to me. I smile softly at her and take the tray before nodding at her and closing the door.
"Oh you're out. Good, we need to go to Kierens room soon. How was…." His voice trails off as he looks from the tray I sat in front of him to stare at me. There's a shine to his eyes I can't place as he looks me over slowly. I can't say I blame him, when I had gotten to look at myself in the mirror I couldn't recognize me either. I've gained some weight, mostly muscle from so much work, and my freckles look more pronounced with the little bit of color I've gained from being in the sun so much now. I'll never be sun kissed like him, but I'm not nearly as pale anymore and I'll take that as a win. "You look good. I'm glad the clothes fit." He smiles up at me before standing, making me backup a little in confusion. "Here sit and eat. I had them bring up an extra plate for you." He speaks freely.
I look at him confused as he pulls out a chair for me. I usually do that, having him do it is throwing me off. I scrunch my brows and look up to him confused. He does the same to me. "I'm supposed to do that for you. I usually eat on the floor." My voice is barely above a whisper and rough. It's not back, but it doesn't hurt as bad anymore.
"Ava, a lot of things are going to change for you, very quickly, might I add. Please sit and let me explain." He looks between me and the chair again. I can't refuse him, so I sit awkwardly. He rounds the table to sit in the other chair moving his papers as I start to uncover the food and get his plate ready. He just sighs and lets me do it without saying a word, waiting patiently for both plates to be made. Adding more to mine while shaking his head. "You need to eat more than that. You can't live off just a few eggs. Like I said, things are changing."
I wait for him to take a bite first before doing the same. My mouth waters as flavor I've never known explodes and the warmness caresses my tongue. It takes everything I have to not shovel it in my mouth and inhale the food, but I'd hate to make him think less of me as he sits right there in view.
"First thing we need to talk about is you. While I may have bought you from him, I don't want you to be a slave any longer. Ava, I never lied to him when I said I need assistance with work, but I want you to choose it at your own free will. You can either work with me, or I can arrange to give you enough money to live comfortably off in another kingdom as a free woman. You don't have to decide right now, you can take the day to think it over. See what the work I'll be employing you to do is like, if you wish." He speaks as if this is a casual conversation. Tears run down my face before I can stop them, my fork falling to my plate as I cover my mouth. He looks up stunned and in a panic sets his fork down as well as he searches my face. "I didn't mean to make you cry! Oh no! What did I do wrong?" He speaks so fast I can barely keep up.
My freedom?! Is he serious? Or is this a ploy to something else? What is he thinking?! How could he do this?! Help me live somewhere else? I have nowhere else to go…. Work for him? That would be my only option, I've been working all my life after all.
Rapid knocking makes us both look at the door before Kieren comes barging in. He takes one look at us as he shuts the door before storming over with a menacing aura. "What the hell did you do to her?! Why is she crying?! Suluk so help me I can't leave you alone for a moment without you being a menace!" He scolds him as he storms closer, making Suluk cower away into his chair further, throwing his hands to protect him from Kieren.
"It's not what it looks like! I didn't do anything I SWEAR! KIEREN! DON'T HURT ME!!" Kieren doesn't believe him as he continues to get closer to Suluk. Before he has the chance to step up the small step onto where we are I laugh horsley, wiping tears away. I can't stop myself, the sound running past my lips. I haven't laughed in forever and the feeling is nice. Seeing them act like this makes me remember my brother and how we used to act with each other when we were alone.
"Oh… your voice isn't fully back yet. Let me fix that. Any other ailments?" Kieren asks softly as he turns to me walking over after slapping Suluk over the head making him whine softly.
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The day has been busy, Suluk didn't lie about that. The thing that shocked me most however was when we went to his first meeting and he made them pull up another chair for me to sit next to him and Kieren, then proceeded to introduce me as his assistant rather than slave. I nearly fell out of the chair. He had asked if I knew how to read and write before we left the room and luckily I do, I'm just not the best at it. So I've been assigned to take notes on what I hear and see today, then to start lessons with him and Kieren in the evenings to help me get better.
The day is nearly over, with evening fast approaching I'm surprised to hear we still have two meetings to attend after dinner. Following them down a long hallway we hear metal clanking long before we see two soldiers running up to us. "Is there something we can help you men with?" Suluk asks casually.
"The king requests all three of you to the throne room immediately." One male speaks slightly winded. His blonde hair windblown and cheeks flushed. His companion, a redheaded, freckled man looks the same way.
"Of course. Please lead the way gentlemen." Suluk nods and follows closely behind them as Kieren falls back to me slightly, keeping his voice low as he speaks with me.
"Ava, something isn't right. Stay near us and don't say anything unless spoken to."
"How can you know that? Maybe the king just needs a word about a meeting?" I inquire, making him look at me from the side of his eye as we walk a little slower than the others. His mouth sets in a hard line and I can tell he's trying to think of the right words to say.
"For the whole time we've been here, we have not been summoned once. The king has always sent someone to inform us if plans change. Something is wrong, I just know it. Suluk knows it too. Look at how he's tense and walking closely to them. He's not giving the guards a moment to speak privately." He straightens himself and looks ahead, making me do the same.
He's right, Suluk is right on their heels. I look between him and Kieren with worry, unsure what to think. Kieren brushes his knuckles against the back of my forearm, making me look up to him. "You are still wearing that necklace, correct? The one he put on you when he brought you here?" I nod and he lets out a small breath. "Good. don't remove it, no matter what happens in there. I'm unsure of what will happen, but if you are safe from magic then that'll ease our minds a little for now."
Walking into the large room it takes everything I have not to grip the piece of paper hanging under my shirt. The king sits in his throne, a bored expression upon his face as his head lays in his hand. A few guards walk in with a small group of people from a different door, while a lone man stands at the bottom of the steps where the throne sits upon. Everything in me freezes as I know who that is. Suluk tenses as well as Kieren looks between us.
"Kizen…" I whisper, answering his silent question. We walk closer and Kizen turns around to give us a smug smile. Everything in me wants to run the other way, to revolt and yell, but I stay silent. Fists at my sides and taking slow, steady steps closer.
"Ah there you are! You see your majesty, I told you that thief took her from me. He stole what is mine and ran off to come here, thinking the seal of the king would protect him." He accuses, making some of the guards standing at the foot of the throne look at us curiously. My breathing stops as the king also does the same. Kieren helps me to remember to bow before his grace as he and Suluk do.
"Does this man speak the truth? Suluk, you have been an honored guest, and have been nothing but gracious during your stay. I have sent for witnesses of this act and it seems there are some, but I would like to hear it from you as well. Before I have to give the girl back to her owner." The king's voice commands authority, booming out into the room. His voice is still youthful as his hair grays and wrinkles would make it seem otherwise.
"Your grace, thank you for letting me explain. I can assure you what this man says is not what really happened." Suluk slowly rises and speaks clearly to him.