The Slave Block (Musca)

[Rail]

14th of Spring 512AV I awoke once again to the clanging of boots and the screech of the doors key turning slowly in the badly rusted lock,"Get up you shapeshifting freak!!" The guard Udo had come to take me out of my cell for the last time. I snarled at him viciously as I slid my battered body off of my bunk and onto the hard packed floor," You know Udo Id move a lot better if you took these damn shackles off." Another vicious grin as the fool visibly paled at the idea," Therll be none of that" he said shakily. " Were gettin you out of our hair once and for all. And good riddance to ye!!" He stepped into the cell slightly, brandishing his cudgel. " No need for that Im happy to leave you and your pig farming master behind." I brushed past him without a second look walking straight from the cells to the front door where Master Zahib, the man who has had me locked away here since infancy, waited. " You will be on your best behavior today child...I plan to get the best price possible from you and I cant do that if you start fighting me." I sneered at him," When did I ever stop fighting you Zahib? No matter I'll be good. Anything to be free of you." Zahib smiled," Good then we have an understanding yes?" I managed to growl out a quiet "Yes" and moved past him to climb into the back of his cart. Hours in a bouncing cart were easily wearing away at my nerves. I tried to calm myself knowing this was my chance.... A little work and I could be free and away before they could stop me. Finally the cart came to a halt. I stepped out into blinding sunlight, sounds so loud they made my brain ache, and the horrid stench of the disgusting humans gathered around the square. I began to convulse trying to find an out. Udo grabbed my arms and forced me to walk toward the block. As we climbed up to it Zahib leaned towards me and whispered severely," Calm down dammit or youll ruin any chance I have of making a profit off you." It was too much the sound, the light, the bubbling anger of an entire life as nothing more than a badly treated pet, I growled menacingly baring my razor sharp, elongated teeth as I lunged for Zahib. I would tear him, rip him, I would repay the many beatings and tortures with his blood. Taken off guard by my speed, even chained I growled like a wild animal as I tore at his flailing arms. Light burst behind my eyes as something smashed into the back of my head. I felt someone grab my shackled hands and drag me to my feet. It was Udo holding my arms as Zahib screamed obscenities in my face. I smiled as drops of his blood dripped down from my mouth. I hurt him, I might die but I hurt him thats all that matters to me now I thought. As the stars faded from my eyes I noticed a crowd had gathered all of them smiling at the entertainment. I them a vicious smile and stood up straight and true. I spat Zahibs own blood into his face and laughed. Nothing could be better than this. Even death would be worth he look on his face, and the smell of his fear. He spluttered," Y-You Dare!!! I Raised You And You Repay Me With This?!?!" He pulled a blade and turned to the crowd,"What are you fools looking at?! He just attacked me!!" There were chuckles from the crowd. As he ranted I looked out at them wishing I had found a master before my death... guess not I thought as I smiled grimly to myself.

[Musca]

There were times when a Zith could get lonesome too. And by lonesome, Musca meant 'bored'. She rolled to her side, restlessness painted on her exotic face. With her claws, she slowly punctured the flesh of her prey's dissected arm, the slight remnants of blood splashing on her face. She wanted some adventure- some semblance of a life worth living instead of periodically hunting down human pests on her doorway. What would her mother say about her now? Gone was the feral Zith that tore her prey's limbs from side to side, replaced by some irritable beast trapped in her own cage. Unbearable. Simply unbearable.

From across the room, she heard her latest prey groan in pain, writhing in some godsforsaken dance on his own pool of blood. Musca barely remembered how she acquired him- the hunts were slowly beginning to blur as one after her little hunting trip with another human. The memory made her grin broadly. Now, that was excitement. Not this shyke. Her prey groaned again, this time louder and mixed in some incomprehensible babble. A chime later, the arm was flying in mid air, squarely hitting the human's head with a violent thump."Shut up!" She screeched- her mood rearing an ugly head. "You moan and moan- is that all you're capable of? Where's your inherent fierceness? Where's the fight in your blood that makes you delicious, human?" She was on her feet now, advancing towards the skeletal body, every particle in her screaming her bestiality. When she reached him, she didn't bother crouching down to his level, instead preferring to place her foot on top of his head, gradually increasing the pressure. "Why do you taste so brittle, so hard to bite in? It makes me want to hurl you against the wall, human." Her prey's screams were loud and sobbing, screaming for forgiveness, for some salvation. She gave him none and hissed, aggravated beyond words as the screams amplified tenfold in her ears. Finally realising that her foot alone wouldn't finish the job, she made a grab at the nearest item- which, happily enough, was a wooden club she had gotten some time ago. Without a wasting a second longer, she bought the heavy item down to his skull- over and over again until the corner in which he trembled in was colored with red.

Then silence. A pregnant pause that was only filled by her own rapid breathing. With a flick of her wrist, the club was on the far side of room, forgotten. She lifted up a claw to her face, wiping off a trace of the fresh blood that splattered on her. Instantly, Musca spat it out, her face contorting into that of disgust. "Even your blood taste filthy, you diseased cow." Musca took her time hovering above the corpse, pacing and pacing- waiting for her rage to thin out.

When she was finally sane enough in her head, she grabbed her cloak by her bed, and forced her wings to mold into her body, covering it with the heavy material. She didn't know whether it was morning or night- but that really didn't matter. She needed to get out.

The sunlight was the first to greet the female beast when she kissed the surface of Sunberth. The shimmer of a water's surface draw her in, and remembering the delicacy of the human condition, she proceeded to wash her face, much to the chagrin of onlookers that she herself, drew in. But she payed them special no heed, for a passing cart seized her interest. With childish excitement, she followed it, finally gleeful to find something some akin to action.

Of course, it didn't take her long to lose the cart in the bustle of the city's Slave Market. There were hundreds of carts gathered in the Market, each master ushering out their dispirited merchandise for a chance of coins. Scanning the area, and ignoring all the funky smells and the torrent of screeches, she searched for her cart and quickly grew irritated of her inability to. "Hey there lady," a belligerent human called from his shop, "how about you come and check out my wares, huh?" The double entendre did not escape her. But she was in no mood at all to reciprocate his advances. Besides, he smelt like he crawled out of someone's ass. Musca didn't even bother looking at the slaves he was offering- to even consider it would be tarnishing the Zith pride. Unless paid in blood, it amounted to nothing at all.

" Y-You Dare!!! I Raised You And You Repay Me With This?!?!"

The shout made her falter in her steps, and her interest perk up. The thoughts of leaving were instantly wiped from her mind, and without regard, she chased the sounds of jeers. And the image that she was rewarded was certainly a handsome one. It was completely enrapturing- the subtle muscles that wove into his body, the fury that caught light in his eyes... his will to live. Wonderful, glorious will. Slowly, she licked her lips, savouring the image on her head. She didn't even have to second guess her reasons for her wanting him.

"What are you fools looking at?! He just attacked me!!"

A frown of displeasure marred her features. Of course, there was still the matter of his old master. She pushed down the hood of her cloak and stared at the man, willing his attention on her. "That certainly is a problem, sir," she started, deceptively innocent, "how could you sell such a violent creature to us if it's in the brink of attacking your costumers? Aren't you a bit presumptious that you can hoodwink your customers into buying it?" A murmur of agreement rose in the crowd, the idea finally clicking into their feeble brains. Musca didn't stop there, "I'm not entirely sure that this creature is worth even a copper- to have him lash out to you like this must mean you broke him already. We're not so naive to buy some second hand slave from you, sir. We like our punishments dealt with personally." Shouts of agreement was heard in the crowd, louder than their initial murmurs. It was clear that their tempers were getting the best of them, some were even leaving in a angry huff.

Whether or not the slave master insisted on them staying, they still left, ignoring his pleas. When there was a relatively few people around, Musca delivered her final blow. She grinned widely at the man, her eyes never quite leaving the tiger's own. "Isn't it sad, little one?" Gone was her titillating use of sir, the lightness in her voice, replaced by maliciousness that blanked her tone. "Everyone has left you without a coin in your hand. Poor poor you. Shall I reprieve you of this? Shall I take away your little pet and claim it as my own? Don't worry about his state- I actually like him this way. What do you say, my little friend?" Her grin was broader now, indicating that in no way, in any shape or form, did she consider the man her friend at all. In fact, she looked at him like she was about to devour him.

[Rail]

I looked up to the sky for a moment. Not a cloud in the sky I grinned, of coarse its too much to ask for a good storm on the day of my death. A commotion in the crowd drew my attention. With a velvet voice a woman shushes the crowd as she slowly approaches the slave block. All I can do is stare, a face wild and beautiful, eyes that scream of the huntress withing, and the smell of blood.... oh so much blood. As she spoke I noticed a change in the crowd, many were leaving in disgust and anger. Zahib spluttered and pleaded trying to get the crowd to stay, but the woman's words had sunk in. I stared into her eyes as I grinned. None of them would be interested in such a wild beast. None but another beast possibly. "Isn't it sad, little one?" she said viciously, "Everyone has left you without a coin in your hand. Poor poor you. Shall I reprieve you of this? Shall I take away your little pet and claim it as my own? Don't worry about his state- I actually like him this way. What do you say, my little friend?" Zahib tried to stutter out a reply and I laughed wildly," Go ahead Zahib give her your answer I want to see your determination." With this Zahib's face hardened," Very well, Madam you may have him but for naught less than 400 gold mizas." He grinned down at her with his crooked teeth,"What do you say?" I grinned, the fool couldn't even see the dangerous gleam in her eyes. This was going to be interesting.

[Musca]

What was it with humans and their shiny coins? Was it the way it gleamed in such a golden hue? Or was it that momentary illusion of satisfaction that so pleased such creatures? Musca threw her head back in laughter, her throat long and exposed to her audience, slight fur gleaming. "I'll take your answer for a yes..." she was practically purring now in delight, her eyes shining with unadulterated mischief- the numbers not quite registering in her brain. Not like it would matter. "400 mizas is quite a sum." Her mild tone betrayed nothing of her plans as she stepped up into the small podium that elevated them, standing close- standing too close- to the slave master and smiled. "I don't like conducting business out in the open. Might we go into somewhere more..." the sound of her voice dropped into the low ranges, the last word coming out as more than a growl than a word, "...private? That way I can properly inspect your product."

But though she hovered too closely at them, she made no move to touch them, only using her eyes and smiles to entice or persuade. Humans didn't quite take well of her sharp claws, a fact that she learnt the hard way. "And by private- I mean private." Her smile widened. "My inspections tend to be rather-"she paused, the Common tongue slipping from her, "-carnal for the public's taste" This time, she broke away from the slave master, her spell momentary interrupted, and advanced towards the feisty man, keeping their eyes locked, issuing a silent challenge.

"I want you,"she stated simply as she observed him, roaming her eyes through the surface of his skin, possession growing strongly in her. A wicked smile. They were going to get along great, she knew. Beasts, they were, wilderness at their hearts. Jealously coveting for a sort of freedom that threatened to burst and ignite at any given moment.

Her deep blue eyes drowned his own orbs with her own dose of immorality, pulling him into glimpsing the secrets he could know- the savage freedom she possessed, the temptation of the flesh, the joys of pain... all merely a brief entrance into her world. Would he take it? She wondered, would he be worth the effort? Musca smirked and murmured, "You better be worth it."

[Rail]

Her stare captivated me. There were promises in her eyes, freedom, power, danger and so much more that I began to shiver with excitement. My bonds felt more restricting than ever. Not once had I felt such a need for freedom, my muscles bulged as I strained against my shackles. I stared up into those eyes full of promise and ground out," I am yours my lady if you would but take my chains." Her bright smile was staggering and it took all my will to tear away from her eyes. My attention momentarily flicked to Zahib's triumphant face and I smiled wickedly. No matter the outcome I doubted he would get any satisfaction. With that pleasant thought I returned my attention to the beauty standing before me," I will be yours." I bowed my head in submission and respect. Zahib gave a startled laugh ," Madam I dont know how you tamed him but it is certainly an amazing feat, though even with his acceptance you must still pay me my mizas. I do hope you realize that." He said expectantly. When she nodded agreeably he smiled his crooked smile and turned," Well then madam lets take this to a more private location, I believe our tent will suffice. Udo bring the beast as well." I growled dangerously as the fool guard yanked my chains, pulling me away from the block to the tent they had erected a bit further down the market square.

[Musca]

Coins coins coins.

The slave merchant was almost talking in another language.

At it's mention, he was eager and pleasing- seemingly forgetting that she was the cause of his loss of costumers. Musca knew greed. She knew and understood this well- knew the power it held transcended the barriers between races or species. She was almost saddened of her plans for him. Her gaze met with the slave briefly as another human rounded him up, pushing him roughly forwards. Her jaw squared. No. She would enjoy this. Thoroughly.

As they led her to their tent, Musca took her time in following them. Despite hanging so far back that they thought they lost her- her keen eyes easily spotted them and calmed them with a crook of her brows. In the Common language, she was most probably known as a 'whore'. The word amused her greatly. Humans- always with their silly little words and phrases. While she enjoyed the touch of warm flesh beside her- Musca was not an easy female. And she certainly didn't want the two humans to know her eagerness in getting it over with. No. She'd let her gaze linger behind their backs, almost caressing their soft forms as she counted the gashes she could inflict on them, the broken bones they could have and more importantly- how she could defend herself against them.


Soon enough, they entered a small dwelling- merely a cloth draped in some sticks. It was pathetic looking and smelt like piss and dried blood and something else unpleasant. Musca wrinkled her nose, the stench overpowering her. "This is quite a tasteful dwelling you have, sir." It would've been a great insult, surely, for the man to hear this. But Musca held no sarcasm in her tone. No dryness or mockery- only pure fascination. Never had she set foot in a human dwelling like this one before. For a moment, she was lost in her own world of intrigue, seemingly lost to the humans that stood awkwardly in front of her- wondering about the strange woman. But as soon as the sharpness in her gaze returned, as well as the smile, another atmosphere was made- one made from a different kind of awkwardness.

What did humans say in such situations?

A greeting was already said, pleasantries exchanged. What else is there to say?

"Ah," she realised, her eyes slightly widening, "that's right. Please sit and make yourself comfortable." From the nearby table, she fetched the chair that waited glumly and placed it near the slave merchant. Roughly, she steered him towards the chair and forced him to sit, her claws briefly tightening around his shoulders. If it weren't for dimness that graced the blanket-dwelling, they certainly would've seen her carefully kept claws, the sharpness of the tips that gleamed almost sinisterly. In her effort of play acting a human- Musca didn't realise the strangeness of her actions, not once thinking to herself that such things would've added to their suspicions.

But for all her 'welcoming', she didn't bothering offering the other human and the slave a seat of their own and just left them curiously alone- for all her attention was on the slave master. Still behind him, Musca bent down until her lips barely touched his lobe, the curve of her breasts pressing up against his back. "Tell me, sir," her breath was hot against the nape of his neck, her voice rich and deceitfully sweet, "is this enough comfort for you? What else shall I do to make you at ease?" She snaked her arms around his torso, clinging on to him in a loose hug, "tell me, sir. Everything you want- anything you want- I'm sure I am capable of pleasing you." Before he could tell her though, she broke away from him, keeping her claws trailing on his shoulders as she circled around him, only to stop in front of him to slide her own leg in between his thighs.

"Won't you tell me?" She whispered as she leaned down the man, her claws lingering on the top of his thighs. Her face was close to his, so very close. If he craned up his neck, he would've caught her lips. Her claws cradled his cheeks and slowly peppering soft kisses along his jaw, the last one coupled with a snagging bite. "Don't be hasty," she murmured lucidly, "you of all people should know that everything comes with a price. And you can have me- on my terms." She placed her lips on his, leaving his complaints hanging on empty air.

Yet all too soon, Musca roughly shoved the human male away from her, sending him crashing against the chair. She backed away from him, swaying her hips as she moved, a devilish grin on her lips. Slowly, her claws made it's way to play with the strings of her cloak, her eyes gleaming. On her back, her wings started to stir, excitement fuelling them. Leisurely, she unravelled the strings, murmuring casually; "Tell me, human, have you ever seen such beautiful fur?"

The cloak dropped in a dull thud and her wings claimed the little space of the tent.

[Rail]

I shivered slightly as Udo forced me through the crowds to Zahib's stinking cesspool of a tent. If I could just hold the rage for a while I would be free of them for good. My lips twisted into a horrible smile as I thought of the many things I would do to them if I got free. I could feel my patrons eyes on our backs and my hair stood on end. Definitely a predator of some sort. We entered the tent and moved away to give Zahib and the young lady room to talk. When she entered she circled the slaver giving off so many hints that I felt I should leave the room. Suddenly she pushed his chair over spilling the fool onto the floor. We stood transfixed as she undid her cloak and let it slide away. There was a collective ghasp as her wings spread to fill the tent. I stared, enraptured bye the creature before me. Beautiful, wild, and above all dangerous. Zahib let out a yelp and crawled away keeping his back to the cart he called for his guard to rescue him. Udo rushed to help releasing my chains. I roared with triumph as I leapt after him smashing into his legs to send him sprawling to the ground. 'She' turned her head slightly to look at me and smiled. My mind was wild as I laughed headbutting Udo when he tried to stand once more.

[Musca]

It had always amused Musca the reactions that humans gave when they see her wings. It was if the curtain that fooled them was pushed open, revealing such a blinding light of realisation that dazed them into dumb stupidity- blundering stupidity that made them dribble and scramble up their feet, trying to grasp whatever thread of logic and safety they could. The slave master was a prime example of that. Musca tilted her head and pouted in mock sadness, "What's this? Don't you want me anymore?" He screamed for his guard. Musca laughed. "That's okay. I really didn't want to do anything with you anyway. You look like the boring type. You can't even recognise true beauty when you see it."

Her laughter amplified when the fool of a guard sprang the slave's chains free- an unwise decision that he later recognised in a form of a headbutt. Twice. Barbaric and simple- no style or grace in the movement at all, just plain reckless viciousness. Musca was ecstatic. Their eyes met and she gave him a smile; thoroughly pleased by his actions. She liked the way he was already committed in making her happy. "You know what?" She suddenly asked the slave master, "I don't need to inspect the the slave after all. He'll do quite nicely. I don't know why the petch you wanted so badly to sell such a fine example of a slave. Where did you get him? I think I may want another one." She paused for a moment, a grin forming. "Of course, even an idiot like you should realise that I have no coins to spare for you. If you don't- well, I can honestly say that you deserve every bit of pain I inflict on you."

Musca's attention started to wander away from the merchant- and landed on the groaning figure on the ground. A strange concern filled her face and she gave the slave a stare edged with disappointment and vexation. "That's no good slave. If you really want to be mine, you have to work for it." She sighed dramatically and pointed at the guard, "start with that human over there. Prove to me that you're worthy or else I'll just think of you as waste. Do not leave it as a shyke job- don't disappoint me further. Be as vicious as you want." Her eyes narrowed, "and hurry it up. I do not like to wait."

Her glare switched to the cowering human slaver and continued her pointing. "And you- grab a weapon. Defend yourself as desperately as you can against me. Humans taste their best when the blood is pumping."

note :

and the epic fight begins~ btw, do you mind if I steer the fight between Zahib and I? I don't want you to get overwhelmed of the fight scenes that you have to write... and also, Musca needs to get wounded. Like really badly.

[Rail]

My grin faltered for a moment at my lady's disappointment. I could not allow her to see me as weak... I thought furiously for a moment, if only my hands were not shackled behind my back.. A thought struck me and my smile returned. I moved away from the guard slightly and began to contort my body. My bones and muscles strained as I pulled my hands down below my knees and slowly stepped through my outstretched arms. A low growl escaped as my shoulders popped out and back in... a quick flash of pain and with a start I looked down... Id done it my hands were in front of me," Much better." I said with a smile. With that I returned my attention to the guard, only to be knocked down by his barreling form. He had recovered more quickly than I thought. I struggled for breath as his hands clamped down on my windpipe. As black spots began to appear in my vision I managed to plant my feet on the brutes stomach and heaved. He flew back to crash bodily upon the ground. I quickly regained my focus and leapt atop his prone form repeatedly bashing him with the thickest part of my shackles. His bloody face became panicked as he realized exactly how much of a mistake he had made allowing me to get free like this. He managed to lever me off of him and crawled towards the tent flap crying out for help. I planted my foot firmly on his back and leaned down so that he could hear me clearly," Do you really think anyone will come for you? With all the screams that have whipped from my throat these last months the people here have become immune to such cries. None shall come for you." He whimpered slightly as I pulled my chains tight around his neck," Now my revenge." I growled into his ear. His eyes bulged as I tightened the chains crushing his windpipe. For a time I watched him flop about, struggling for air. I quickly became bored with his death and turned to see how my lady was faring with my former master

[Musca]

Behind her she could hear the sounds of a life gradually fading- the strangled screaming, the desperate flailing... even with closed eyes and a back turned, the image burned brightly into her mind, the sound alone was enough for her to go on. These moments before death was always the most sweetest- the most precious. If they were granted a slow one like the guard, their emotions and regrets could plainly be seen, all those what if's that bubbled into their minds until the last moment... and those who died too hastily was always a picture of honesty. Musca liked to think she just helped them along.

But her moment of sublime pondering was roughly cut short by the harsh ring of steel being unsheathed, the deep shallow breathing that was triggered by pure horror. Of fear. "You- you- beasts!" He screamed as he held out the weary glint of steel at her face, his sweat soaking through his clothes, "how- how could you do that... monsters! Monsters!" He continued shouting for a while, his trembling gradually subsiding. It seemed as if it gave him strength, some form of confidence that he'd make it out alive if he brought down the moral woes of this situation. "How could you let a boy like him kill him? What kind of-"

Musca yawned and stretched her arms. "You really are stupid. Your laws and preaching means nothing to me- I am beyond your written laws, unshackled by the restraints you put in yourself." She sighed as her muscles crackled, "Look at you, trembling in your little clothes. Look at me- free from worry and fear. Do you understand the differences between us? Those rules that you throw at me makes your own prisons, trapping you into a cage with no room to move in. Isn't it delightfully ironic? The slave merchant caged." She giggled and looked slyly at the human, her eyes flickering briefly at his choice of weapon. "At least you have enough sense to grab a decent blade. Well done."

But Zahib was far gone- fear turned on him, betrayed his sanity. "She's a monster, she's just a monster,"he murmured rhythmically, "it doesn't matter if I kill her. Right. No one cares if I killed the monster. She's a monster. Ruined my life.... ruined...gotta do it... gotta kill-"

But the said monster only smiled pleasantly, urging him on with an outstretched claw. "Am I your first? Lovely. Come along now, strike me."

And strike he did- lurching at her like a canon, swinging his sword madly whilst yelling incomprehensible words, taking the Zith completely off her guard as spittle and words were hurled. She had barely dodged his attack, stepping to the side as quickly as she can before the tip could catch her. The slaver gave her no room to recover, swiping harshly at the empty air as she again tried to dodge his attack. Musca was stumped; still ignorant of the effects of adrenaline and madness on the human psyche.

He was laughing at her now, even had the gall to set aside the weapon to gloat. "What's this? I thought you wanted to kill me?" Musca was never one to be baited at such an obvious snare. But knowing that a man as ridiculous as this one was the one taunting her... that was simply unacceptable. Every muscle in her tensed, her claws arched in a way that readied themselves to swipe, bristled and sinister. Gone was all the thoughts of pretence, replaced by a singular desire to watch this man's blood color the floor and ravage his neck until the bone was seen.

She hissed again, her own spittle flying at him. He trembled slightly and poised his sword again, sensing the shift in her. Her glare was hard and cold- staring him down as she calculated her moves, moving sideways to force him into a more restricted space. Then, with a swift movement, she threw the nearest thing that she could reach- a bottle and aimed it carelessly at him. Instantly, the human made a swipe at it and she took this chance to propel herself at him, amply close to strike him at his face, drawing raw blood across his cheek and sending his face sideways. His moment of disorientation was enough for her to land a punch in his full stomach, though her own strength was lacking, it made him stagger back slightly.

But the fight was far from over. The punch had knocked some wind out him, but it was not enough. The slaver didn't even bother fussing over his superficial wound, and swung the sword at her direction. Musca instantly swerved, twirling as she connected her foot to his ribs. This time, the force of her kick made him unsteady, gasping as the pain in his organ inflamed. Her claw shot towards his wrist and grabbed it, placing as much pressure as she could. When he squealed, she twisted it with a flick of her hand, forcing him to drop the sword into the floor.

The slaver was howling now- clutching his hand as if it would heal if he caressed it and screamed enough. Fool. She launched herself at him, clawing and and scratching her way through his skin. Taken aback, he tripped over himself and sprawled into the floor, along with the female Zith. They grunting heavily, ragged breathing sounding almost one. Musca was the first to adapt to their new position, and spying the sword at their side, she made a grab for it and plunged it into his throat.

For a moment her breathing was all she could hear. The deep and short intervals of exhaling and inhaling louder than ever as it fell perfectly into her ears. In a moment of the glorious inertia, Musca almost thought that the world just fell apart at the end of the sword. She didn't even realise she had grabbed at the blade rather than the hilt- her blood mixing with the corpse.

Her final erratic breathing was heavy and conclusive, a break to a new scene. Slowly, her mind began to piece itself together, gathering the facts that lay bare in front her and imposed a degree of geniality in her behaviour. Musca stood from her prey, licking her wounded claw routinely. Despite the violence that she herself inflicted just a few moments ago, she looked as if she was a stranger to the scene, a mere passerby that lacked empathy.

But she could feel the burning of a stare, one that seemed too passionate and inquisitive to be ignored. Lethargically, she peaked at the slave through her shoulders, her eyes almost glowing from the mania it told. An empty smile foretold an idea. She pulled the sword free, blood chasing after it. "Got you some food," she whispered to him.

notedid I portray the NPC right? Send me a PM if I didn't *worries*