Open [Whitesnake Plantation] Starting the morning off

[Eyasia Lorak]

10th of Fall, 513AV She rolled out of bed fast. Ignoring the house slave that was patiently holding her navy blue blouse and leather pants. The first thing she did was open up the curtains and looked at the plantation. It was very early in the morning, yet the slaves still had to work. "Ma'am, want me to get your bath water ready?" The slave asked, still holding her clothes. The slave had auburn hair that was short and tangly, she had a pattern of freckles all over her face. If she didn't have a small chest and wasn't around the same height as Eyasia, she would be mistaken as a child because of her baby face. She was just so young and clueless and had nothing ahead of her besides a long life as a slave. "Yes, that'd be nice." Eyasia mumbled as she stared out the window. The field of crops was slowly going away. Being picked at by the slaves of the Whitesnake plantation. The house slaves, the house itself and the rich plantation was like a dream. A dream she had for a long time. After a year of living in the Lorak household she still couldn't believe it. She'a a Lorak. A dynasty not a freeborn. This dream will never end for it was reality. When her bath was done, Eyasia stripped herself of her silk chemise and slowly put herself in the tub. The water was steaming hot unlike her cold dead skin. The feeling of someone else washing you is still eerie to her. But what still made her hesitate was the serpent tattoo on their cheeks. Branding them as a Lorak slave, the idea of getting it done... was even more frightening. Eyasia was glad she wasn't a slave. She was raised around them, her mother use to order done of the freeborn slaves around the bar. But she was never touched by one until now. Once she excited the bathroom, she ran onto her room and slammed the doors. She took her towel off and dried herself off. Not her hair which needed some combing done to it. There was a light knock at the door and when Eyasia have permission, a ephyrian slave walked in holding one of Eyasia's undergarments."Me walshed it for miss." The slave did not hesitate to grab Eyasia up with one of her arms and put her undergarment on. With her multiple arms she laced it up. Quick and easy. The Eyphrian reached for her blouse. "I can dress myself." Eyasia told the slave woman a little annoyed. She dismissed the slave politely and once again slammed her door. She put the blouse on everyday, at least she tried. She could manage putting it on but not the complex dresses she was required to wear at least once or twice a day. Orders from the head of the household. Lorena was fine with the simple clothing but she ordered the mixed blood to wear a dress at least a few times. She wasn't uncomfortable in a dress but there's so much more she can do in leather pants that she just couldn't do in a dress. Yet she like the way dresses made her feel and think. In her blouse and pants she would put on light makeup and her long curly hair would be put in a ponytail with a now. In one of her finest dresses, she'd put on enough foundation to match her Cantus family's complexion. Her eye shadow would always be a similar color to her dress. Her lipstick never changed, it would be a light pink which always look like her natural lip color. Her blush would blend in well on her cheeks; sometimes it's hard to tell if she wears any. Her long curly hair would always be put into unimaginable styles. Eyasia isn't skilled in cosmetology bit she's taught herself a few out of the ordinary hairstyles. She finally finished putting on her makeup and lacing up her riding boots."I think I look good today, what do you guys think?" Eyasia looked over at her companions. They we're sitting on the bed. Henry and Whiskers were cuddled on a soft pillow, snoring softly and not giving a damn about what was happening. Unlike Papia who was wagging her tail and hopping around the bed in her red silky dress."Thank you." Eyasia laughed as she sat back at the mirror, fixing her hair.

[Inari Lorak]

Fall, Day 10, 513 AV "Pina! Wake up!" Inari poked at the small bundle of blankets and limbs curled up beside her. It would have scandalized the rest of the household if they knew her personal slave girl slept in the same bed, but the poor child was deathly frightened of being by herself. That, and she loved her mistress more than anything in all of Mizahar. The Lorak sighed. She would have to deal with that later. For now, their priority was to get dressed as fast as possible and somehow race to the dining hall with inconspicuous grace. The seventh bell had just passed, and Inari was supposed to make a respectable appearance with the rest of the family at the eighth, sharp. Lorana had been very, very clear. The bundle stirred, and a groggy, pale face poked out from under one of several blankets. "Is it already time, miss? I'm sorry I overslept, I--" "Hush," Inari smiled, brushing some of Pina's wispy brown hair away from her rosy cheeks. "We're partners in crime, remember? We both agreed to stay up late and finish the tale of old Captain Blackboots, and so any fault that lies with you lies with me as well. Now, up we get!" Inari yanked off all the blankets and threw them into the air, then sent Pina drowning in peals of childish laughter as she tickled an exposed belly. The girl eventually managed to evade her efforts and, instead of being angry or grumpy like certain, similarly aged Dynasty brats Inari knew of, she threw her arms around her mistress's neck and buried her face in soft, dark curls, exuding nothing but adoration. Returning the embrace, Inari gave one good heave and had them both off the bed and onto the rugs. "We've got less than a bell," she began, but the girl had already scampered off. Quickly, she slipped out of her nightgown and donned a silk chemise. Pina came running back not ten ticks later, a freshly ironed velvet dress tucked neatly beneath her tiny arms. Inari threw it on, and as soon as Pina tied off the last piece of lace the slave was off again, returning a second time with a pitcher of cool water. She poured it steadily into a porcelain bowl, then they took turns washing their faces and cleaning their teeth. With that done, Inari plopped into a chair and began brushing out her unruly hair. Pina took one look and wordlessly dipped her fingers in the tepid water. Section by section, she dampened the rebellious curls and smoothed them out until they looked as tame is if they had been newly ironed. Inari looked back at the girl and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "You're the best. Now, time to switch places." As Pina shyly settled into the chair, her mistress began gently combing out her silky, waist length locks. The girl was such a pretty thing; it was a minor miracle she had gone on this long in one piece. Inari's grip tightened around the brush as she remembered that night she had walked in on that foul man, and silently vowed to keep things that way. She got Pina into a simple, cream colored dress, then added a velvet ribbon for the finishing touch. There, all done! With a huff of pride, they stood side by side before the full length mirror, their hands held tight in anticipation. "Well, time to go then," Inari announced. They walked through the door and down the halls, the air positively buzzing with excitement. Normally, she would have tried to make some excuse not to show up, but a long lost family member just wasn't something one saw everyday!

[Eyasia Lorak]

It must've been hard for them to take in. At least that's what Eyasia imagined. They should be furious and ban her from their home. Her mother was their father's mistress. She was the offspring and symbol of their secret love. Secret child is what her name meant in Symenos. She was ashamed of her name and her status in the family. She was the mistress child and didn't even blend in with the rest of the family. Her appearance was a lot different. The vantha in her did not show. Eyasia has no talent in anything like Carving or storytelling. She heard a niece of hers- Eyasia would also have to get use to saying niece- was into the Cantus history and culture. She could learn that from her . Lorena hasn't spent a lot of time with Eyasia and wasn't able to teach her a lot in medicine. She referred Verena to Eyasia but Eyasia is trying to start her business like she was told and managing it. It was just her, no one else. Sadly Eyasia just moved in the beginning of Summer. The large house was like a hotel. You never see anyone come in or out. The opportunities she did have to meet the family, like dinner or small get togethers she slipped for done unknown reason. It took Lorena to speak up and have a proper dinner set up for the family to sit down and eat. This would be Eyasia first if not second time seeing the family. "Knock, knock?" Dyanna said slowly opening the door. Dyanna was given to Eyasia the first day she arrive. Not for a higher status or anything but for protection. Lorena notified people about Eyasia and was afraid she would be kidnapped because she was new to the family. Dyanna did not reject the job, she was happy to protect Eyasia. Especially now since they bonded as friend yet Eyasia was still her master. "Hey." Eyasia smiled, she was still sitting at her makeup stand. She held get locket in her hands, she was going to put it on. "I'm here to guide you to your next destination... The dining room." Dyanna quickly walked besides the half symenestra. "To breakfast? Weird." Eyasia shrugged standing. Maybe it was something she didn't know about. "You never know..." Dyanna's voice was soft. The slave was right, she didn't know. This whole slave rebellion and plantation burning stories she heard about were scary. Eyasia never thought about being kidnapped or attacked and she never plans on making it come true. The two walked out the room and down the rich looking hallways. As they reached the stairways, Eyasia noticed a well dress woman(obviously a Lorak) and a young girl. This was a great chance for her to talk to a family."Hey." She paused trying to figure out what to say." Are you my sister or cousin? Something like that.l

[Inari Lorak]

As soon as they had stepped outside, Inari noticed another pair of women walking the hall. So, it seemed they weren't the only ones uninterested in appearing overly punctual and obedient before Lorana's shrewd, calculating eyes. But wait, no one else in the family Inari knew of would fit that profile, which could only mean... The young Lorak halted midstep, her suspicions strengthening as the stranger quickly approached. Beside her, Pina peeked from around her velvet skirts, wary of unfamiliar guests but still furiously protective of her mistress. Together, they watched the family's newest potential addition with neutral curiosity, each attempting to decide for themselves what to make of this mysterious result of adulterous love. The woman was very beautiful, to be certain, albeit it in a rather bold, exotic way. Her lips were painted a vibrant shade of red--a stark contrast to her pale skin--and her eyes glinted a gold-ish color. She seemed confident and fit as well, her arms and calves clearly well toned even beneath her clothing. Combined together, these elements made it pretty much impossible not to notice her, as well as her evidently mixed heritage. Fascinating. Perhaps she would be willing to share some information on her other half... "Hey. Are you my sister or cousin?" Inari balked, not expecting such a blatant question in way of greeting. She recovered quickly, however, and responded with a hint of amusement. "Well, assuming you are the highly anticipated addition to this family, I guess that would make me your niece, lady Eyasia. My name is Inari, and this is Pina. It is a pleasure to have finally met you. " She lowered her head slightly and gave a half curtsy, as deemed proper for a younger member greeting her elder. Pina mimicked her, though her gesture was not as smooth, Ah, but she was learning so fast, the sweet child. "Please, allow me to accompany you to the dining hall," Inari smiled, moving to stand amiably beside this intriguing new addition to her family tree. Pina trailed closely behind, still holding onto a piece of her mistress's skirts. "I'm not very important, so don't worry, no one will be too jealous we found each other first." She gave a subtle wink, already enjoying her long lost aunt's company far more than most of her other relations. They all knew of Eyasia's general circumstances, of course, as rumors had the tendency to travel faster than the quickest fire fox coach amongst the Dynastic elite. But, Inari had the feeling there was much more to this woman than rumor led on, and a formal breakfast would stifle any opportunities to confirm this. "So, how has your stay been so far?" she tentatively asked, hoping to break some of the ice between them.

[Verena Lorak]

It was still dark in the great library, the only light coming from fat stubs of candles scattered across the room. A figure sat on a lavish armchair, a book on her lap and her hand scribbling notes and sketches. A young woman, with dark hair and pale skin. It was not an odd sight for a family member to find Verena Lorak lounging in the library at inappropriate times.

After a while, Verena stopped, tapping her charcoal stick against the paper somewhat impatiently. Things had been slow and hectic at the same time lately. It was the same business every day, yet it was never easy. This was one of the rarer days where she could spend her day at home. Sometimes she could spend a week at a time in the clinic, as patients kept streaming. After all, her clinic was probably the place who offered free services for slaves and the fact is, slaves get injured daily.

"Mistress," Bella called out as she offered a plate of bread. The young girl had rushed down to wake the still-resting cook on the order of Verena, acquiring a row of curses and protests from the servant. The slave's slight figure slouched in a manner that made her seem like she wanted to disappear.

Verena barely looked at the girl as she took the plate. "You can go read now." She waved her hand, dismissing the eager slave. Bella's steps echoed through the room and Verena sagged back into the chair. Slaves were not supposed to have access to books - especially ones from a Dynasty's private library - but the young woman never really cared. Bella was her slave, her employee, and the last thing she wanted was to have a foolish helper. She had been told countless times not to do so, but as always, she cared not for others' opinions. Her standing as the sister of the Head did not hurt either. Her slaves can have all access to the knowledge they might need - if she allowed it.

Early mornings had always been the best time for her to sit down and think - when no one is around to bother her.

Several bells passed and Verena barely noticed the enlightening of the sky. The whole time she jotted down notes, her hands flicking hastily, shaping curves and lines. She was no amazing artist but at least she could sketch out some of the basic anatomy of the human body. On the journal was a name of a slave she had treated only yesterday. The one with a broken arm and crushed fingers. Every once in a while she would pause and pick at the still-warm loaf. If something was to explode nearby, it was doubtful that Verena would notice.

Bella reappeared again a thick book in hand. Her eyes were wide, like she had just read something exciting. Compared to the rest of the slave population, she had became one of the bolder ones - thanks to her mistress who cared little for adequacy. "It's almost eight, mistress!"

For some obscure reason, Verena was supposed to go to the dining room at about the eighth bell. It was the last thing she wanted to do. Today was her day off and she would rather spend it doing some research up in the labs. Besides, none of the other members were fond of her - not including her siblings. Loathingly, the young woman peeled herself off the armchair and headed out to the dining room.

Two girls were already inside with some slaves. Clearly, they've been conversing for a while. One of them was disturbingly pale and her medical eye instantly seek out details. It was the odd Symenestran - well, half. The other was someone she had seen a few times around the house. She couldn't exactly place a name. Something with an I, maybe? Despite her notable curiosity, Verena did not say a thing, she simply slipped into her usual seat, near the head of the table. Bella nodded at her fellow slaves as she shuffled behind her mistress, hugging the book tightly against her body as if she was afraid someone might rip it out of her hands. No one would dare, of course, with Verena insight - well probably other than the Head herself.

All Verena wanted to do was get whatever it is over with.

[Eyasia Lorak]

"My stay has been fine so far." Eyasia giggled as she gracefully walked down the stairs. It was weird to hear she had a niece so close to her age. Inari looked like she was around the same age as Eyasia. Inari was a lovely looking woman who looked like she took more features from her vantha side. "I am Eyasia... Although you probably already know that." Eyasia covered her mouth and blushed." But you should really know Dyanna." She pointed to the beautiful Dhani who's head was done. She made no eye contact with Inari or Eyasia but she winked at Pina and silently giggled. As they reached the dining hall there wasn't really anyone there except a girl who look upset. Eyasia felt kind of offended because Lorena came up with this as a meet and greet, and this girl looked like she was upset about it. Eyasia thought there could be another reason she was upset though. She sat across from the upset woman and motioned for Inari to sit next to her. "Hello."Eyasia waved before putting her hands in her lap. It was quiet now. Eyasia didn't have another word to utter to her family. Family. Before that was just one person, now it's more than one.

[Inari Lorak]

Eyasia giggled, catching her neice off guard once more. The woman appeared so bold and serious that sudden, girlish laughter was the last thing Inari had expected. It was reassuring, nonetheless; at least someone in this household could appreciate levity. As if to further prove her point, they had been sitting in the dining hall not five chimes before a third family member arrived: Verena Lorak, the prodigious half-sister of Lorana. A young slave not unlike Pina trailed behind her, clutching a book to her chest. The pair looked somber as ever, and Inari could see even from afar that Verena struggled a little to identify her before slipping into her seat, apparently giving up. It was no wonder, really; Inari rarely attended such functions, and even when she did she was so out of the limelight that people hardly noticed she was there. Aside from a one-way, educated acquaintance, Inari knew little of the cool and aloof doctor. She was gifted, that much everyone within the family understood, but it did not seem she confided in anyone, nor did she appear to care. At all. Inari was only a few years older, but the gap between them felt wider than the Suvan Sea itself, and she had a feeling it had very little to do with their age difference. Verena had clearly been polished for her part. She was hard working, brilliant, and exceptional in the field of medicine. This, of course, Inari only knew by reputation and word of mouth, but she trusted it to be true enough. Conversely, the older Lorak was left to make do with what ever she could find, which made her eternally grateful for her grandfather's voluntary tutelage. Without it, she probably would have been married off long ago like a bargaining piece. In fact, that was most likely the only thing the two young women had in common--at least, based on what little they knew of each other. Both had felt the pressure of tradition to marry before the age of twenty and avoid Icemaiden status. Well, it seemed even a betrothal would not cure Verena of that, and Inari herself had become resigned to her invisible status. Loneliness, she long since realized, was a horrible condition, so it made sense that one would find Icemaidenhood undesirable. But, she had also quickly discovered, loneliness paired with imprisonment was a far worse nightmare, and one that was likely never to end. Perhaps that was why Verena kept herself so distant. Certainly, she was incredibly accomplished, but maybe her professional life also lent her a good bit of freedom. And, honestly, who would want to give that up? Inari, for one, personally knew the answer to that question. The Velvet Ear was her haven; she would trade it for nothing. "Good morning, Lady Verena," she finally mustered after Eyasia waved a friendly hello. Aloof as the doctor may be, Inari figured it was worth a shot. They had barely exchanged greetings when a subtle noise began to emerge from the hallways. It approached steadily, with the clicking of heels against the marble and polite chatter growing more and more distinguishable. So, it appeared breakfast would officially begin after all.

[Banickle]

"Zorane, please, we do not have all morning," Head of Household Lorana Lorak called to her half-brother, through the slightly ajar door of his bedchamber, as she stood upon the balcony that connected her suite to his. "After the events of the last few days, I am fairly certain we have far more serious matters to concern ourselves with than the color of our tunics or the length of our boots." "My lady, do you wish me to...?" Chief Guardsman Luca Ranolus began to offer, with a motion of his gloved hand toward the door, as he took a step away from the wall that he had been ever-so-patiently leaning against. "What, Luca? Drag the boy from his chamber, kicking and screaming? I think not," she remarked, with the slightest of smiles, as she raised a hand of her own, halting his progress. "I heard that," came a youthful voice from the chamber, along with the sound of a cupboard door being slammed shut and another being thrown open, so hard, that when it hit the wall it made a resounding thud. "My lady, I did not mean...," Luca began to explain, before he was abruptly cut short by additional ramblings from within the chamber. "You may be more than three dozen seasons older than I, but that's no reason to refer to me as a child," Zorane Lorak called. "I'm a man, Lor, a man who...well...can't seem to find his belt." Casting her eyes skyward, just as she expelled a slight huffing noise from her throat, Lorana, having had just about enough of her sibling's antics, threw open the door before her and entered the chamber. Ignoring the appalling state of the room, seeing at it looked as if a cyclone had blown through it, she swiftly advanced on the young man with Luca just a few steps behind. "Oh," was all Zorane was able to utter as his bright eyes connected with her dark, disapproving pools, before shifting to the guard, who also appeared rather done with the situation. "It is times like this that help me to understand why your sister generally leaves your care and well-being up to me, regardless of the fact that the two of you are thick as thieves," Lorana remarked, with an edge in her voice, as her eyes scanned the room for the boy's misplaced belt. Spotting it, she subtly motioned to the guard to fetch it, before continuing. "She is smart, Ver is, for distancing herself from you whenever she can. Her work comes first, as it should. Otherwise, she would never get a lick of it done, for her days would be spent keeping an eye on you or, worse yet, fetching your things that are so plainly in view." Allowing Luca to approach with belt in hand, the Head of Household proceeded to take the accessory by the buckle end. Running the length of it over the palm of her free hand, she allowed it to snake along until the other end could be captured. Pulling the leather tight, she let it snick in the air, which brought about the desired effect of the boy snapping to attention as well. "I'm so very sorry, your ladyship, for burdening you with my existence," he replied as he reached for the belt. In one quick, yet graceful gesture, Lorana relinquished it, but only after managing to crack it across the back of his hand. "Petch," he snarled, before biting his lower lip, as well as his tongue, for fear of further retribution. "Mark my words, Zorane, while we may be Vanthas by nature, we are Kenasherns at heart. Our northern ancestors embrace a communal lifestyle, tending to their young, for far too long, as if they were perpetual newborn lambs, unable to ever leave the safety of their flock. Here, however, if our lambs repeatedly fail to gain their footing and do what is expected of them, we rarely hesitate to send them to slaughter. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes, my lady." "Excellent. Now, I am making my way downstairs for my morning meal. I shall be enjoying the company of our kin, both familiar and new. I hope to see you there, but only after you tidy this pen of yours, without the assistance of anyone." "Yes, my lady." "I expect you to arrive ready to discuss current events, such as the fires in our fields and the recent loss of an Ackina caravan. Do not disappoint me, my little lamb." Without another word spoken, Lorana exited the chamber with Luca in tow, leaving behind a young man visibly shaken by her remarks. It wasn't often that she made such threats, but Zorane - with his comely countenance and oft too sweet tongue, which garnered him favors all too easily - needed the occasional reminder that he was part of something much larger. He may think himself immune to her wrath, being blood related, but he would be mistaken. Lorana wouldn't hesitate to put him out to pasture or, worse yet, lay him six feet under, if she felt that he was going to be a threat to everything they had worked so hard to achieve. "He deserved ever bit of that," Lorana casually remarked to her chief of security, as he took up his usual post, just to the right of the dining room door, and she paused, for just a chime, to gaze upon her reflection in the hall mirror. "That, and more, my lady," Luca boldly added, before resting his back against the wall behind him. "Indeed," was all she remarked, with a twinkle in her shifting eyes, before stepping inside the room. "Ladies, may Morwen's soothing touch find us on this already steamy day," she then announced to the occupants of the room as she swept across the threshold. "Good morning to you all." .

[Verena Lorak]

Verena barely looked up when the other women greeted her, at least for a moment. But what Zorane had taught her of interactions came to live a second late. The girl smiled and nodded. "Good morning." That was it. All things considered, that was probably one the best things a common can get out of her. She bothered not asking them their names or introducing herself. Their names are not important as of now and it seemed like one of them knew who she was already.

She hoped someone else would come already and get her out of this nonsense.

Her prayer was answered swiftly. Lorana entered not a chime later. "Ladies, may Morwen's soothing touch find us on this already steamy day."

"What are we doing here exactly, Lor?" As per usual, Verena did not seem to give off the respect a Head deserved - her tone a bit sharp with annoyance. Not to mention she barely regarded the greeting. She respected her half-sister, of course, but what was the point of showing it if Lorana knew it already?

Zorane broke through the doors some chimes later, looking as impeccable as he always is. The two siblings looked almost nothing alike. Her older brother's hair was set in a light shade of blonde, while hers was a reddish brown. While her eyes had settled in the color of dark violet, Zorane's silvery gray eyes flicked intelligently. But at least, both were gifted with an elegant beauty.

With an ease, he went to the seat beside her, smiling charmingly at the two women in front of him. He would seem confident and friendly, but the tightness in his manner and features told Verena much more. He was definitely vexed by something. No doubt he will ramble on about how he despised being in this cursed city later in the day. It was odd how she could read into him so easily and finding everyone else so petching confusing.

[Inari Lorak]

Inari respectfully returned Lorana's greeting, then looked from aunt to aunt to aunt, unsure of what to say or do next. Verena's question was rather blunt, both in respect to her superior and to a not so subtle insinuation that the whole affair was a complete waste of her time. Not knowing how to support one person without offending another, she simply sat there, thinking instead of the reassuring presence of Pina behind her. Servants were already streaming in from the kitchens, bearing various platters and pitchers of breakfast fare, when Zorane burst in and seated himself beside his sister. He was dressed as tastefully as ever, a charming smile lighting up his handsome features. Only Morwen knew how the siblings could be so dramatically different. Inari smiled back, then risked a glance at Eyasia as their meal was briskly prepared before them. What the other woman may have been thinking was a total mystery to her at the moment, and she resigned herself to staring longingly at the aromatic food whilst waiting for Lorana to take the first bite. Which, judging from the fact that Zorane was not the first to appear slightly late, would not be for some time. Others were trickling in now, bowing or curtsying to Lorana before taking their designated seats and initiating in polite conversation. It seemed odd to Inari that so many, unlike Zorane, were uncharacteristically late. Was this some kind of underhanded political statement? Or just mere coincidence? As much as she found such notions intriguing, it was an effort to keep her stomach from growling inappropriately, and Inari resisted slipping a piece of bacon into her mouth when she thought no one was looking. Why? Because simply thinking you're safe from attention never means you truly are. Someone is always looking. Inari sighed under her breath. Sometimes, it certainly felt like a humorless sort of torture to be in this family.