Flashback A child in need (Gia, Xadel)

[Shiress]

15th Day Spring 508AV Shiress sat in a small patch of a vegetable garden. The screeching and moaning sounds of a wagon along with the sound of the clopping footsteps of it's bearer had gained her attention as it approached the small white house. The house itself was completely surrounded by a wooden fence except for a small entrance that gave way to a path of flat bricks that led to a small front porch where a door stood between two large windows with wooden shutters. A short and very round man stood where the bricks and steps to the porch met. He glared toward a small drive cut through a long line of tree's that ended on a road, that led off west to Syliras, to the left of the house as the sound of screeching and clopping moved closer. Built in The Western Hills, the land around the little house was nothing but trees borrowing a small area carved out for a vegetable garden to the right of the house just outside the wooden fence and a large stone fire pit surrounded by heating and cooking wood to the left. Behind the house was a path leading to a small stream where water was carried back to the house and fire pit for various chores. Shiress stood slowly wiping the dirt from her tattered dress. Her face, covered in dirt, was stretching and twisting as she tried to see the approaching visitors. She pushed back a stray piece of hair and stepped forward to get a better look. A quick glance in her direction from the man waiting near the front porch made Shiress stoop quickly, giving the false impression she was still busy at work. This man was Elijah Jordan, A round as he is short, bald man who had purchased a 14 year old Shiress 16 seasons earlier. He was a ruthless man. Master Jordan hated women and thus being the reason why the vast majority of his slaves were, in fact, women. He owned a hand full of slaves, but chose Shiress as his house slave after he purchased the small patch of land and built the small white house in early Winter of the same year. It had only been Shiress and her master who occupied the house except an occasional party guest that Master Jordan decided to entertain for a night or three. Shiress glanced up as the carriage came into view. Her heart sank as she realized that the carriage belonged to a man called Scout, he was employed by Elijah Jordan to scout the markets for him. She tucked another lost strand of hair behind her ear and watched as the carriage door opened. Scout was the first to emerge. Once out and steadied, he turned quickly and leaned back into the carriage with one arm and began to struggle, then placing his remaining arm in, he finally pulled a young woman through the carriage door. Shiress inched forward as she noticed the woman was clutching desperately to a bundle in her arms. Shiress' eyes widened as a small golden head lifted from the woman's chest. The woman gently placed her hand on a the little ones head and lowered it back to her shoulder. Angry gestures and loud words were exchanged between Scout and Elijah Jordan. Shiress couldn't make out the words, but with the pointing and yelling it was obvious master Jordan didn't like the fact the woman had a child. Elijah Jordan had no morals and human life meant nothing to him and it didn't surprise Shiress that he didn't want the mother to keep her child. In fact, there had been at least two female slaves that apparently disappeared and was rumored that they were with child and the father was Master Jordan. Her hand rushed to her mouth to cover a gasp as she saw master Jordan rip the toddler from the mothers arms. The woman let out a heart wrenching sob as she desperately clung to the toddler. His free arm motioning toward the road, his voice was raised and angry. The toddler was then shoved, by master Jordan, into the unwilling arms of the scout. Shiress blinked free a tear as she watched the mother break away from the carriage door toward her baby. Master Jordan leaned and caught the woman by her hair, raised his hand high and brought down a slap against the woman's head that sent her to the ground. The scout moved toward Jordan in an apologetic way as if he were explaining in detail a grand story. He continuously glanced down to the now wailing toddler in his arms, who tried desperately to get free and back to its mother, obviously annoyed with the cries. The scout Plunged his hand in his pocket and pulled out a money pouch and dangled it in front of Master Jordan who quickly grabbed the pouch and leaned in close to the scouts face, yelling angry, inaudible words. Jordan then grabbed the toddler and with a thrust placed the toddler beside the woman who devoured the chance to touch her baby again. Shiress glared to the woman and baby, her heart ached for them with every beat. She watched as the mother gently comforted her child, caressing the child's head, running her hand down the child's back, leaning close to whisper soothing words. She wished desperately that there was a way for the mother to stand and run and never have to fear loosing her child again. A sharp stab of pain to her head took Shiress to her knees. A large man stooped over her from the back, his fist wrapped around her hair. "Whatsa matter you filth. Think you master gives another woman all his attention" he said as he landed a kick to her thigh. Her mouth flew open in reaction to the kick, but Shiress only closed her eyes, she feared a beating to ensue, but was pulled to her feet and shoved forward to walk. Her stride was off balance and she stumbled as the man guided her by her hair. Her eyes never left the woman that was huddled on the ground embracing her child. Shiress was stood in front of her Master. Her eyes fell toward his feet. Master Jordan grumbled angry words under his breath as he glared at the scout before grabbing the front of Shiress' dress, spinning her around and shoving her in the direction of the woman and child on the ground. "Get tha kid" ordered Jordan to Shiress. She froze unable to move as she stared into the terrified woman's face. "Seems Scout here has put us in a rather bad predicament" he mumbled as he glanced over his shoulder to the scout."Get-tha-kid..it's yours til' I can find somebody to take it--Get it!" he shouted as a blow to Shiress' back jolted her toward the woman. Shiress knelt down in front of the woman and began to take the toddler from her arms, glancing over her shoulder to the still squabbling men. "Im sorry" she whispered as tears began to flow down her face "Please know I don't want this for you." She started to stand, but the woman grabbed her hand "her name is Niya, she's only 3" she said softly through tears. Shiress lowered to one knee and moved close to the woman's face and whispered "I will do what I can to keep little Niya safe" She stood, glancing again over her shoulder and back to the woman's face "I give you my word" she promised..."Take it in there, do what ever...get it and shut it up" said Master Jordan as he shoved Shiress toward the path to the house. Shiress turned and moved up the brick pathway. Her fingers rubbing the little girls head that rested oh her chest. She stepped up on the porch, turned to look back to the now sobbing woman that laid helplessly on the ground, her hands covering her face. "You're gonna be OK, Niya" she whispered softly to the toddler as she turned back toward the door. The little girl lifted her head and moved her soft blue eyes to meet Shiress', she rubbed a lingering tear away trying to focus, but without a word spoken, Niya quietly placed her head back to her chest as they stepped into the house...

[Shiress]

30th Day Spring 508AV Fifteen days had gone by since Shiress had inherited the care of a little 3 year old named Niya. Shiress didn't have much experience taking care of a little one and no one was about to offer any help, so Shiress did the best she could with what she had. Niya had golden wheat color hair that lay in soft ringlets resting perfectly on her little shoulders, bright blue eyes and soft pink lips. For the most part, Niya was a quiet, shy little girl, but the trauma of being ripped from her mothers arms had taken it's toll on her. She asked for her mother quite often sometimes as she sobbed. Shiress attempted in many ways to sooth the little girl, but the one thing Niya latched onto was a small doll that Shiress handmade for her. She took a cloth, filled it with straw and made a head by tying of a rounded end with twine. She left a few pieces of softer straw sticking through the top making the dolls hair. A nose and mouth drawn in by the burnt end of a stick made the doll complete and little Niya loved this doll, rarely being seen without it. Life for Shiress had changed drastically for the better since she was given the little girl to care for. Master Jordan despised children and went out of his way to avoid little Niya who always was by Shiress' side. Shiress didn't dare let her usual chores go undone, but for now, the senseless abuse and obscene humiliation was nearly absent. So in reality, both Niya and Shiress needed each other, and in so, formed a strong bond. This day in particular was a beautiful and abnormally warm spring day. It was nearing the 13th bell and, for the most part, Shiress had all her chores done. She placed 2 large wooden logs into the fire pit and reached off to the side and picked up her flint and steel and placed them close to the largest log. She struck the steel against the flint again and again until the dry wood caught fire. She hung a cauldron filled halfway with cool water just above the flames and glanced to her side where, not 10 seconds earlier, little Niya sat playing with a several small sticks and her baby doll. Shiress gasp and spun around, scanning the area for Niya. Just before panic set in her her eyes found her. She sat happily close by in a giant mud puddle left behind from a shower the night before. Shiress sighed relief as a smiled spread across her face. "Niya, what have you done."She chuckled as she took a knee in front of the little girl whose bright blue eyes and white teeth shined out beyond a mud covered face. "Well, I had intended on bathing you, little dear, later on in the day."She said softly. "But you wish it sooner than later, huh?" She rubbed her finger across Niya's brow, leaving a streak in the mud as she shook her head with a smile. "Come now, Niya, lets get you fixed up." She grabbed the little girl's hand and pulled her from the mud. Pulled a towel from a near by line and they headed for the path just inside the treeline that lead to a gently flowing stream, their arms playfully swinging, laughing and teasing each other as they turned into the tree's and started down the path.

[Gia]

It had been a strange few days. Miranda had gone missing and Gia had found that odd. The young woman that she was such good friends with rarely strayed from the tavern at which she worked. But a week or so ago, Gia had dropped by for a chat and – poof – the other girl had vanished, as if into thin air. The other staff at the tavern had been pretty close lipped and sour mouthed about it, but finally Gia had been able to pry the truth from one of the old cooks. Miranda had been sold into slavery! Tricked, more like, for the one who had sold her really had no right to do such a despicable thing. Of course, the story went that the man who had dragged Miranda off was claiming that she owed him some sort of debt – which was hogwash, no doubt. But who would stand up for the rights of a young, defenseless woman? And the men who ran the slave markets weren’t overly picky about how the unfortunate creatures they bought and sold like so many cattle had come to be in that state of bondage. As long as the coins fell into their purse with a jingle, they would turn a blind eye to just about anything. Gia was quite distraught when she had discovered her friend’s fate – doubly so for Miranda’s little daughter – Niya – had gone with her, sold as well, or so it seemed. Gia could only hope the two had not been wrenched apart and separated, as she had heard happened with horrible frequency in that vile market of human flesh. She had poked about, trying to keep her inquiries quiet, and she had enlisted Xadel’s help as well. They had ferreted out the particulars of when and where and to whom Miranda had been “sold” and it turned out Niya had been with her, at least up to that point. Gia kept her fingers crossed that the little girl was still with her mommy. But then she and Xadel had tried to figure out – what could they do now? They had an idea where Miranda had been taken – but what could they do to help her? In the end, Gia could not let the matter rest, and she had talked Xadel into coming with her, out into the farmland west of the city. They walked and walked, until finally they came upon the lands of Elijah Jordon – Miranda’s new owner. They had scouted the farm out – and it was vast – and come across that part of it where Miranda had been put to work in the newly greening fields. With the life both Gia and Xadel had led, it hadn’t taken much for them to stealthily go to her, at night, and free her from her shackles, and lead her to freedom. But it had already become apparent that Niya was not with her mother. A distraught but grateful Miranda had told them what had happened on that first day – how the child had been taken from her and left behind – and how she could only pray that little Niya was still at that farmhouse – the home of the nefarious Jordan. So the three had made their way to the farmhouse, and Gia and Xadel had had quite a hard time convincing Miranda to stay behind a bit while they scouted out the vicinity, looking for any indication as to whether Niya was still there. Miranda was exhausted and near hysterical, and Gia and her companion and partner in crime had both agreed that she was in no condition to be involved in any attempted “rescue” of her daughter – if they even found her. So Miranda had been stowed away in a thicket of willows, with explicit instructions to stay put, while Gia and Xadel engaged in some covert operations. The two had been making their way along a stream bank, when they heard noises – voices and laughter – moving their way. Gia pulled back into the undergrowth and crouched down, waiting to see who was approaching.

[Shiress]

Shiress and Niya made there way down the short path and stepped onto the rocky bank of the stream. Shiress hesitantly glanced over her shoulder giving the length of the path a quick scan. Leaning down, she smiled gently to little Niya "Up with your arms sweet girl."She said as she slipped the small cotton shift over Niya's head leaving the little three year old sporting her ruffled underpants.

Niya smiled energetically "Now?" She asked, pointing to the crystal clear water flowing slowly over tiny pebbles. "Yes, just don't...." Her words were cut off by a deep, adenoidal toned voice coming down the path "Woman, why are you down there again! You got your water for the day already!" Came the voice "Master Jordan." Whispered Shiress. "Im here bathing Niya. I wont be much longer, Sir. She got into..." Jordan's voice cut out Shiress' again. "I don't care what that rat has done. Get it fixed and start super." His last two words becoming more distant as he drew away from the path and back toward the house.

Shiress lowered her eyes to the little girl. "You are the prettiest little girl in the whole world and I love you." She smiled and nodded her approval for Niya to make her way into the water. Niya turned and slowly stepped from the bank. Shiress sighed as the three year old stepped carefully to the middle of the stream. Shiress gave an outward expression of joy and happiness anytime Niya was near, but sorrow and fear lay beneath the surface. Not only did Shiress fear for her life, but now she feared for the life of a helpless, innocent little girl.

Shiress again glanced down the path and back to Niya as she sat happily playing in belly deep water. She found a tree and slid down it and gave Niya a loving smile. "It's gonna be OK little one. Somehow, it's going to be alright." She whispered to herself

[Xadel]

Xadel walke along the streamers beside Gia. He had recommended this path since it would be the least watched and the more attention they could avoid the better. Thy had already been surveying the place for some time now, ever since try learned this is where their friends little girl was being kept. Gia had come to him a few days ago after she found out that her fried had been sold into slavery. It wasn't an uncommon practice in Sunberth and a way that many would use to get themselves out of financial trouble with someone else. He still wasn't fully sure what had caused this all to happen but he had every intention of saving her from the fate. He had a particularly strong feeling against slavery. He believed that everyone should live free from the oppression of another and no matter what the situation no one should ever own another person. Gia could have asked him for his help with anything at all and he would have agreed but this task he would have taken from a stranger. Now they had managed to ave their friend but her little girl was still a captive and that was unacceptable. So here they found themselves headed to complete the mission, when they heard voices coming from up ahead. They ducked into the underbrush and he smiled slightly at his before winking. Xadel peeked his head out eve so slightly and he caught sight of the little girl. He motioned to Gia before stepping out and continuing toward the two females by the stream. Just invade anyone would see them approaching and question their motives he began to weave a story in his song song language of Vani. It was a simple stor and common enough. It told of a man that loved on a hill, a rather simple short story, but in his native tongue it sounded like an elegant ballad that set ones heart a light. He adopted a meandering careless gait, dancing a little with each step. He jut out his chest and projected his voice, but not so loud it would draw others. He slowly approached the two with a broad welcoming smile. (The story sounds similar to this.

[Shiress]

Shiress' heart twisted in her chest as she heard an unfamiliar voice come from the woods. She jumped to her feet and darted for Niya and pulled her in her arms just as a dark haired, muscular form stepped from the tree line. She knew this couldn't be good. She knew he couldn't be good. No one ever was in this area for a good purpose.

Her eyes darted around the area desperately looking to find a place to flee, more for Niya's safety than her own. Fixing her sight on the small path leading back to the house. She slid her eyes back to the approaching stranger as she pulled the little girls head against her chest. Her long hair slung around to the side as she turned quickly and dashed toward the path pushing her legs hard against the water.

[Gia]

Gia was trying to see through the intervening bushes and trees, listening to the voices that passed back and forth, one much closer than the other – and practically right across from them! The one male voice, from further off, made a shiver run down the girl’s spine – it was rough and mean sounding. But then it receded and she heard only the one – quite clearly female and youngish sounding. There had been one indistinct sound that might have been a child. From where she was hiding though, Gia could not be sure, and the actual words being spoken were unintelligible. She turned her head to mouth to Xadel that they should wait a bit more, to see what they could garner from the sounds. But just then Xadel caught her eye and winked. Oh, no! she thought, reaching out to put a cautionary hand on his arm, but remaining quiet, for fear of being heard. But Xadel, well…Xadel was always so bold – sometimes much too bold, to Gia’s way of thinking. Though, she had to admit, his courage gave him quite an appealing air, one she herself found exceedingly alluring. Still, this was a time she would have liked for him to show a little more discretion – but, no such luck! She grabbed for his hand, even as he was motioning for her to stay put and just stepping out into the open, bold as brass! Gia bit on her lip nervously and almost closed her eyes, afraid to see what might happen. And then he began…to sing? Gia’s eyes widened in fear, not knowing for sure who or what Xadel had seen, over beyond the stream, hearing his voice moving a bit further off. She couldn’t not look! Trembling, she pushed her way closer to him, close enough to see him, now dancing a bit! And beyond him, a dark haired young woman, barely more than a girl, who was at that moment snatching up a fair haired child. “Niya!” Gia gasped softly, watching in dismay as the girl turned and began to wade back across the stream, her long skirts falling into the water, swirling about her legs and impeding her progress. There was no time to think. Without care for her own safety, without thinking about that other surly, low growling voice that had been heard minutes before, Gia pushed into the open and headed for the stream at a run. “Stop!” she called in a low, urgent voice, hoping that it would not carry too far. “Stop! We’re here to help! Niya’s mother sent us – Miranda. The one who gave Niya to you!” Without hesitation, she grabbed Xadel’s hand as she ran and pulled him into the stream, unmindful of the racket their splashing might be making.

[Xadel]

Xadel kept a slow leisurely pace in his walk, the most non threatening he could muster. When he had first stepped out he could see Gia's worry about just what might happen but although it was risky there was some thought put into his idea. He would walk the stream spouting his stories as if he were merely a roaming vagrant idly prattling. That way if any were to overhear and perceive him as a threat he could merely say that he was practicing his craft and happened to stumble across the girls. His plan though it seemed would not go over as smoothly as he had hoped. It seemed thy the child's protector had learned the harshness of reality, perhaps she had been in Sunberth as long as he and had learne that there were not very many people around here that didn't have some kind of agenda and to whom the most despicable of crimes would be a daily routine. She quickly scooped the child up and turned to head away. Gia must have deemed this unacceptable and instead of allowing him to try and use his charm to convince the two of their intent to help she panicked and called out. As she pulled his hand the two of them ends up in the water, sounding like a bull in a china shop to someone who had some experience in stealth. His demeanor immediately changed from nonchalance to alertness. His eyes took on a serious look and a hand went to the knives in his sash. He spun and listed Gia by the waist with his other arm an quickly took them to the shore where the other two were momentarily stalled. He snapped his head about, keeping a watchful eye out for the master. "It's true, I'm sorry if we startled you and I had hoped this meeting would go quite differently but I'm afraid we might not have the luxury of time. Niya's mother is a fried f ours and we are no friends of slavery. We are here on behalf of the girls mother so that we can retrieve her child. We are your friends and we can be trusted. If at all possible I would be happy to rescue you as well. This is not a life for anyone and you deserve better." He stopped there to allow a response and for Gia to add anything if need be. They were pressed for time and he needed to be ready for anything.

[Shiress]

Shiress stopped at the sound of a females voice. Her feet, just inside the stream, stood in ankle deep water as it gently flowed past her. Her heart pounded deep within her chest as she turned and looked into the strange faces. She pressed her lips tenderly against Niya's golden hair as she listened to their words. The little girl raised her head up and twisted around at the mention of Miranda. "Mommy." Niya called hesitantly. Shiress shushed the child and lowered her head back to her chest as the man began to speak. Her eyes filled with tears as she listened to his gentle words. It had been so long ago that such gentle words were meant for her. Shiress covered a sob with her hand against her mouth at the thought she'd be rescued also.

The sound of her masters voice coming down the path spun Shiress around. "Woman, what the petch? Are you due a beating? His voice was angered and vile. Fear filled every inch of her body with the thought of what would be done to her if she was caught speaking to strangers. She quickly turned back to them "Go...Tomorrow...Here." Was all she could get out as her masters footsteps came close. She turned and stepped from the water and made her way up the path. She was met halfway by her master. She saw him barreling toward her with already closed fist. She gently placed Niya on the ground and stooped to her eyes. "It's time to close your eyes, turn around and sing, baby girl." As Niya done as she was told, Shiress stepped in front of her.

Her body tightened just as her masters fist came across her head sending her to the ground. She yelled out with a sobbing pain as he grabbed her hair and pulled her to stand. He twisted her around and glared at her face "I told you to come, you filthy piece of Shyke." His hands let loose as he shoved Shiress to the ground. "Come when you are told, woman."

Shiress sat quietly for a moment. Tears ran down her cheeks as she watched her master turn in disgust and walk back up the path. She slowly stood wiping the tears away and turned. She pulled Niya's hand in hers and with a quick glance back toward the stream "I'll get you free, Niya, even if it cost me my life. I'll see you free." She said as she stepped forward.

[Gia]

Yes, she had panicked, perhaps unnecessarily. But they were so close to their goal that she hadn’t sopped to think. All she could see was the little girl being swept up into the stranger’s arms and possibly disappearing forever. So regardless of the best laid plans of mice, men, and Xadel, Gia charged headlong into the creek without stopping to think of the consequences. Where Xadel’s instincts immediately went on full alert, Gia was completely focused on the young woman and the child. She was caught totally off guard when Xadel lifted her with the ease born of long years of dancing together, but at least he was taking her in the right direction, towards the other two, so she voiced no protest. Xadel spoke up too, his voice trying to sound reassuring, though Gia heard an edge of urgency underlying it. Even as her feet slid to touch the ground again, Gia was reaching out towards the two, the young woman obviously quite startled and distraught, trying to hold back tears, quieting the child tenderly while at the same time almost, trying to stifle her own sob. Gia was elated and saddened at the same time. But the next sound to reach her ears put terror in her heart as well. That same rough, ugly, mean voice was sounding through the trees and bushes, and it was clear that the master was returning. The young woman spun about, then back again, her face a reflective mask of the fear that Gia herself felt. She only managed to get out three gasped words before she turned once more and fled back up the path. Go. Tomorrow. Here. Gia turned a frantic look to Xadel. It was clear, there was no point in tarrying an instant longer. They too must flee, in the opposite direction, back across the stream. They could return to Miranda and share the good news with her – Niya was here, and safe, and they could return on the morrow and snatch her back, and away. And the young woman who was so obviously taking good care of the little girl could come to! It would all work out wonderfully well… Gia had somehow let go of Xadel in descending from his grasp, and she simply turned and began to wade through the water, as quickly and quietly as she could, expecting him to follow. Of course he would follow – what fool wouldn’t? But when she had gained the other side, a sound made her head snap around and she knew – the monster beyond the creek had found his prey, and was bent on making sure she learned a severe lesson. The yell and the underlying pain therein made it abundantly clear what was going on thirty paces from where Gia stood. She flinched involuntarily, as her huge eyes looked in panic at Xadel. There was another yell from the girl, and foul language from the man, and Gia whispered frantically to her partner in this bold and dangerous venture, “Come on! There’s nothing we can do for her! Not now. Tomorrow!” Knowing Xadel, however, Gia felt a cold, hard lump form in her chest as she thought that he might indeed not come on…