[Auction House] Here We Go Again

[Shayna]

Shayna crossed her own arms over her breast, almost a mirror of him except of course, a much smaller mirror. His words had at first confused her, what did a fire have to do with anything, but then when he continued that odd laugh of his and told her how much he loved a good story she decided he was mocking her. Unlike someone who had been born free, born with worth, Shayna did not feel offended at his mockery, only slightly disappointed. Which was silly because she didn't truly want him as a Master, so why was she worried at all about what he thought of her. Except he didn't feel like just an ordinary freeborn. No he had an air about him that spoke of power, and slave or not that was Shayna's true ambition.

She knew that slaves prospered when their Master's prospered, and the best she could hope for was to hitch her star to a Master with potential. He wasn't Dynasty, but something radiated power from him, she just wasn't sure what. She was quite when the Radacke man strolled forward, she had learned as many slaves did, to be wary of that house members. Their breaking grounds were notorious. Though she did flick her eyes back from the man who was sizing up the merchandise and the auction assistant.

Peosa's sneer was slowly relieved from his face as his brown eyes widen just a little looking at Mamoru. His lips part as if to answer his question but he hesitates, his face growing first concerned then darker with something like anger. "No..no she " Peosa stammered, then glared at Shayna looking her up and down. His fist closed as he tried to decide if this little freckle faced girl could be such a disgusting person. "Everyone knows Rujaro are run aways. And Runaways are listed..she was brought in by a Dynasty man himself. She can't be Rujaro..." Though Peosa denied it, his eyes return back to Mamoru's easily enough when the Dhani began to speak again.

The yellow-green of the freeborns eyes fascinated Peosa, so much that he had almost forgot that his job was to sell the slaves, not to ferret out Rujaro. "Four hundred is firm." Though his words aren't firm at all, instead they are kind of uncertain. Suddenly though the fear that no one was going to buy this one, if no one bid then he lost the commission..because they would have to reduce her price. What happened if no one else came in at all? No profit, no commission. Surely this friend was just helping him out, to take a trouble making slave off his hands.

Peosa replied eagerly, "Three hundred and fifty Miza...and you don't even have to return the covering she wears. You can keep it!"

[Kalesserimamoru]

The trickster thought it had to be the girl's age that allowed her to act out when she wasn't supposed to. Slaves that had been enslaved for years upon years didn't normally behave that way, or at least he thought. The same could be said for many races and situations. Although he was far older than she was, he was still on the younger side of the adult Dhani. He too was defiant and hot blooded in a sense. Most Dhani males knew their place, but Mamoru had been touched by the God/or Goddess of trickery. The Dhani had been shown a new way to look at the world and found a new purpose.

This new ambition wasn't completely selfish, but it did stir his lust for power into something greater than he had ever known. He had a vision now, one so clear and crisp that he could almost reach out and touch it with his fingers, and taste it with his tongue. This was what empowered him to move on and forward in his quest, and Mamoru was just getting started.

In the auction room, he worked his hypnosis to control the human runt into lowering the price of the slave. He spent coin well enough, but he wasn't about to pay, or pay a lot if he could get items for less or even better, for free. The armor that he normally wore while on bodyguard duty had been an item that he had pursued the fence in Zinrah to give to him, for mostly the save reason that he was using to trick the runt into going down on his price.

Of course his abilities were still growing and at the moment he didn't possess enough strength to get a free slave, but the new amount was better than the first. Yellow-green eyes flashed towards Shayna, a smirk rising upon his lips as the man said the words. She would realize it too, that she was being bought by the man whom had given her chills up until this very point and time. What fun he would have with her, a blank slate to craft and mold into whatever he wished. Perhaps the Dynasty members didn't find her attractive, but by the time he was done with her, they may very well ask him for her hand in marriage.

That was, of course, after they excepted him as their new god. But that time would come later, and for the time being, he had a pet to buy. He turned his attention to Peosa, still using his djed and pushing emotions towards him, feelings of trust and accomplishment at making the deal. "You've made a wise choice, and you don't have to worry she won't be coming back again." Reaching into his pocket, Mamoru pulled out his coin pouch and counted out the three hundred and fifty Mizas and paid the young man. "Well my dear," He said as he turned his gaze upon her once more. "Looks like you belong to me now."

[Shayna]

Shayna stood stock still, torn between wanting to dissuade this man from purchasing her, and maintaining her behavior. It was not up to her as to whom purchased her as long as they did not bear the slave brand and had the Miza to buy her. Right until the last instant, the last instant that the freeborn counted out the the last Miza into the palm of Peosa, did her oddly colored green eyes remain on his face. Her chin lifted, her back straight. However, the moment the last coin was shelled out her eyes dropped, her hands continued to remain balled into tight fists against the over-sized garment but her back remained unbent. The lowering of the eyes signified her acknowledgement of his ownership of her, the straight back her pride what there was of it left.

Peosa eager took the Miza's, he couldn't wait to get the little slave out of this place. "Thank you uh sir. She is all yours, you can take her to the branding room on your way out. Tell them to, uh, grab the freeborn owned brand. Its not used much but its there." He nods his head toward the door. He sent a glare at the slave before turning and hurrying out.

Shayna found the entire exchange suspicious and odd. Dynasty brats, even one whose blood is as thin as Peosa's was, did not react that way to freeborn. The fact that he glared at her as if she had did anything more then simply stand there, though perhaps that was because of the uproar with the missing Radacke. But it was not for her to question, especially now that one of the two was her newest owner.

"Yes M'lord it seems you are." Her words are the same, but her tone was different. It would never be the simpering timid brays of the broken slaves that Shayna could not stand, but neither was it quite so forward, quite so prideful. A small difference, but a notable one. "How would you like me to address you?" The breeder had simply required a simple Master, Ms. Katherine had required a Mistress Katherine every time. It seemed that there were different preferences, and it was best to get the rules up front.

[Kalesserimamoru]

Mamoru smiled, a proud expression stretched across his features as he stared at his new pet. This would be a new experience for him, and while she had been owned before...it wouldn't be the same with this master. The trickster had no use for a gardener, he had no garden. What he needed more was a pair of fresh eyes that had seen things, and a pair of fresh ears that knew how to listen out. There were probably better slaves suited to what he needed, but that would take away the fun of molding as well as cost him even more coin.

He had a good feeling about this, and Mamoru had learned years ago to trust his instincts. Slaves had many uses and he planned to amuse that fact as much and to whatever extent pleased him. "Branding room?" he asked as he looked to the runt again. He would remember this human's name, this stuck up meat sack who didn't know his proper place amongst the world. The jungles were a far more dangerous place to live in than this small city. It was a lawless jungle, untamed, and Mamoru had survived it for over one hundred years.

These little brats had no idea what real suffering was, they couldn't imagine real pain and fear, but he would teach them if they needed a lesson. He turned and looked towards the door that the man gestured through and nodded his understanding. Peosa rush off afterwards, apparently he wanted to get away before Mamoru had a change of heart and decided that he didn't want to purchase the girl. A sly smile graced his lips as he watched the man hurry off and he wondered if he should have pushed for an even lesser amount.

It was too late however, and the dust was starting to settle from where Peosa had made his quick getaway. Turning back to Shayna, the trickster licked his lips and rubbed his hands together. There wasn't thought behind this action, he merely wanted to judge her reaction. A good spy could hold a stone face and let nothing of their emotions or thought give them away. "M'lord? I like the sound of that, I approve." Mamoru had been referred to as master by another in the jungle and was used to the term. Still M'lord seemed a bit more fitting and was as close as he could get without telling her to call him God out right.

As much as he liked the ring of it, he figured it would raise brows within the city and attract too much attention to him. He was still new and hadn't earned what little respect that freeborn's were allowed. Being called God by even a slave might put distaste in the Dynasty brats who seemed to crave that sort of attention. "Now then, let's get you fixed up and leave this place."

[Shayna]

Though she no longer stared openly at him as she had while he was still merely a Freeborn, Shayna still watched her new Master studiously. Using the ingrained habit of watching him peripherally out of the corners of her eyes. The best way to learn about people was simply to watch when they do not realize they are being watched, and being a short slave most people didn't pay her any attention.

She was not a trained spy, she was a slave that had goals and plans. Those goals and plans meant she would have to ingratiate herself with higher borns, and that meant for now him. So when he licked his lips and rubbed his hands together her face never changed. However if he was watching closely enough he might notice her arms stiffened and pulled more tightly to herself. He wouldn't be able to see the question in her eyes at his behavior, the slight worry over what it was he wanted from her since her eyes were firmly placed on the ground near his feet. Normally for Dynasty or her owners she raised her eyes enough to settle around the chin and collar area, not aggressive but not meek and demure either, however for him for now they were lowered. Mostly to hide her emotions, her thoughts until she learned more about him.

When he commented on her referring to him as M'Lord she was a bit surprised, as that was simply a generic term for any one of higher cast then a slave. However if that is what he wished she would give it, "Of course M'Lord." She worked hard at putting a tone of deference in her voice though it was not as natural as her normal speaking. It was a vast change from the slightly proud tones she used with him before. It spoke of specially cultivated behavior-sets ingrained within her.

Inside she was quaking a little, a small part from heading toward the branding room but another but mostly just from the unknown of what he would expect from her. She some how didn't think it was merely gardening, but like a good slave she didn't hesitate when he suggested they move on. Without looking back she turns toward the rooms that held the branding irons and the man who was so adept at searing human flesh.

Mamoru would find that if he wanted a signature added to the freeborn brand it would take a day or two to have it crafted. For now they simply used the blank brand of a Freeborn-owned slave that could be added onto easily later. The room was hot, even in Winter thanks to the fires stoked to heat the branding metal. The slaves that were working the fires, adding coals to keep them hot, adjusting the brands to keep them evenly hot, did so with expressionless faces.

Upon entering, the scream of a slave being branded assaulted Shayna's ears, and brought back the memory of her first branding. The searing heat, the smell of her own flesh burning, the pain that lasted days while it healed. Another aspect of slavery, and one she had long since accepted as her lot in life.

Two large burly slaves moved toward Shayna, their sole purpose was to keep the slaves being branded still so that the brand did not get warped with a slave's thrashing. They didn't touch her just yet, just stood at the ready while the freeborn who always did the branding returned a white-hot iron to the fire both to heat it again but also to burn off the flesh that was left melted onto it.

He moved over toward the Dhani and his new slave with curious expression on his face. "Good day, and congratulations on your new purchase. Of course the freeborn brand is meant to be able to be elaborated upon, but that will take time to do since it means a specially crafted iron. However until then she will get the simple generic brand. Where do you wish it to be? Regulations states it must be on the face or neck area, readily visible at a glance."

[Kalesserimamoru]

The scream that came as they entered the branding room reminded him of the torture room in the nest of Zinrah. It was a normal sound heard daily, screams and curses in the Myrian tongue. All a vain attempt as some sort of revolt before their Dhani captures finished them off. It was a welcomed sound and the trickster didn't fight the smile that tugged at his lips. Shayna had a slightly rebellious spirit and he liked that. It was probably because he was used to bold women that he preferred her over a slave that wouldn't even bat an eye.

Mamoru glanced at his new toy, and his mind started to twist. He wondered if she would scream, or if the girl was so strong willed that even burning flesh didn't bother her? He was sure that he already had the answer to this, but he enjoyed musing on it either way. Moving further inside Mamoru looked around and at the place. It was nothing like the torture chambers in the nest, but he could see how human slaves could be fearful of the place.

The trickster turned and faced the male with the hot poker as he spoke, this man had to be the one that he had been sent to find. It had happened quickly, and his decision to buy a slave had been spontaneous at best. Given that, he hadn't come up with a brand design because until now he hadn't known he had that choice. So far the brands that he had seen were all from the families, he hadn't seen anything from other freeborns who owned slaves...if any did. "Good day. I take it the slave branding business is burning hot?" It was a silly joke to make, but it was better if he acted the part of a friendly fool, rather than allowing them all to judge for themselves.

Looking to Shayna, he reached out and cupped the girl's cheeks into his hands. There wasn't a real reason for him to touch her again, but given how she reacted the last time, he did it again for the fun of it. His eyes searched for hers first, seeing if she would meet his gaze as his thumbs gently moved against her cheeks. "It doesn't matter, as long as it's done." A wiry grin spread across his features as he glanced to the huge slaves, and to the man warming the brand. "Let's make this quick shall we? I'm a little pressed for time."

Mamoru handed his new pet over and stood and waited while the branding was done. He wondered if she'd realize he'd done her a favor by choosing her neck rather than re-scaring the fresh skin that had been applied to her cheek. He really was a generous, slithering monster. Once it was taken care of, he would take her and leave. Stopping outside, he turned again and looked down at the small girl and what ever that was that she wore. "I suppose I should do something about that first. Can't have you following me around in public dressed in that."

He stared at her again, thinking and finally put his thoughts into words. "I don't' suppose you're allowed to walk around naked?" He shook his head then and waved off the thought before she could answer. "Never mind that, the people here are so up tight, it wouldn't surprise me. Tell me, where can I find a seamstress?"

[Shayna]

Shayna's heart was racing in her chest, her head going a little light from the fact that her breathing was rapid. So focused on the hot branding irons was Shayna that when he took her face in his hands she didn't stop her eyes from flying to meet his. For a long moment she met his gaze, her own wide eyed with dread but not fear. She knew what was coming, she had been through it before, but no one in their right mind would be eager to have their flesh seared. The touch of his thumb across her cheek some how soothed her, reminded her that she had done this before, it was only a little pain.

Her breathing slowed but her heart rate didn't, and her lower lip is bit between her teeth as the large slaves took her arms and pulled her upward, locking their arms so that she couldn't struggle. Shayna didn't struggle, she accepted her lot, but it would not do if she jerked back from the heat and caused the brand to be less than clear. A hand entwined in her black locks, gripped tightly to pull her head to the left, and exposed the right column of her slender neck.

The moment the white hot iron touched her skin, the curl of smoke as her flesh cooked, tears sprang from her green eyes and her mouth stretched in an agonized grin. She didn't scream, not really, instead a low cry is given, keening as her body trembled in the hands of the captors that held her. When the torturous metal was removed from her neck, the slaves let go of her hair and arms, and Shayna slumped to the ground. All strength gone from her limbs for a chime before she shakily regained her feet. Her hands raised to pull her hair away from her neck, pulling the black mass over to the left side, and displayed the red ugly wound now fixed to her neck beneath her jaw.

The branding freeborn smeared some salve over the top of the wound to keep out infections before waved them away. Her eyes remained damp, though no more tears fell, and if her steps were a little shaky she moved on her own volition out into the street. Immediately she could tell a difference in the branding location, when her cheek had been branded she didn't feel it other then the low burn that was there constantly until healed. Unless she smiled widely, or made large facial gestures then it wasn't too bothersome. On her neck, when she bent her head, when she raised her head, when she turned her head it all pulled at the wound causing a fresh flare of pain. This she took stoically, grimacing whenever she turned her head too far but otherwise she didn't complain.

His words on her being allowed to walk naked caused her brows to raise. Her body wasn't her own, and it would not be the first time that her body would have been exposed to random eyes. However she had a little trouble processing why he would wish it, other then when she had been whipped dangling naked from the chains the other time were simply demonstrations that her body was not hers. "If M'Lord commands me to walk naked then I will. Though it is winter, and M'Lord would not be served well by a slave who suffers from the element I wouldn't think." There might have been a little impertinence in her tones, but the words were sincere in her desire to explain the reasons why slaves generally wore clothing when out of doors. "I only know of a tailor M'Lord, of the Zulaca family by the name of Favre. However there is a shop nearer here that sells garments for slaves to owners." Gingerly, she raised her right arm, causing her shoulder to raise as well putting more pressure on her fresh angry red brand. "It is right up the street. The first shop after .." She gestures behind her, toward the auction. " The owner isn't typically there, but there is a slave by the name of Namu who runs the front of the shop."

[Kalesserimamoru]

Mamoru stood somewhere towards the edge of the street as he looked around again. A soft, cool wind brew through sending a chill to his bones and new smells into his nostrils. This place was so much different than anywhere else he'd been too. Even in the sea of grass the world was less structured, less...busy. Between there and the jungle there were enough trees to build a city, but there were no cities, no towns, nothing civil of any kind. The only things that came close were the old ruins of the past..and those were only occupied by ghost of the dead.

This place was fresh, spirited and very busy. There were buildings everywhere, carts, wagons, boats, horses, and enough people to occupy them all. He was sure of it, this was the only time that he had ever seen this many people in one location besides at the blockade on top of Zinrah. There was a lot of meat around and some of it was green, red, and another shade of blue. These were fascinating, the beings called Akalak. Like the current Magistrate, the huge men were the colors of the rainbow, though he hadn't seen a woman amongst them that matched their unique skin coloring. It was surely a strange city and he was glad that he decided to drop in for a closer peek.

The weather wasn't too his liking either, the trickster was a Dhani, a snake and his blood ran as cold as his heart and mind. He was used to the humid jungles where even in winter the temperature stayed warm. But this place, it grew much colder here and he wondered how much he could take before he set the city ablaze just to find warmth again. There was also little Shayna, the girl was a lot smaller than he was, but he was sure that her body held twice the warmth that his did. Still, he couldn't wear the girl around the city as if she were a vest, no he would need something else..like thicker clothing.

A wicked grin slid across his lips at her words. At his command she would wander naked, leaving behind all thoughts of shame, at his command she would do whatever he wished. Mamoru ran his dagger like tongue across his teeth, but he didn't open his mouth to where she could see this. "This weather is troublesome I agree. We'll need warmer clothing for sure." He turned to look in the direction that she spoke of to purchase clothing and decided to go with it. He could visit the tailor at a later date for a custom design if he chose, but for now he just needed something warmer, and more fitting for the city.
"Come along then, let us see if this place has anything worth the coin to pay for it."

Mamoru led the way and entered the shop titled for secrets. It was an interesting name and seemed to fit him just well. He stepped inside and was once again struck by what he saw. All of these places were built with wood covering every inch of the inside. Smooth walls, something called windows with clear glass fixed into them. There were places in the nest that were more lavished than others, but even that didn't compare to this. "I'm planning to buy a few things here, we have to look our best for people in this city, no?" He added with a mocking tone and waved his hand towards her. "Hurry and fine someone to trouble for clothing."

[Shayna]

Shayna did not miss his grin, though his lips did not part to show his teeth, she still shivered but that might have been due to the slight breeze that kicked up. The chill of the breeze was soothing on her fresh brand, and when she moved forward to lead them to the store that would provide her new owner what he desired now, her hair was carefully held over her left shoulder by one hand to keep it from brushing over her neck.

Entering the shop, the racks of clothing were not fine. There were a few Dynasty that loved to show their wealth by having their slaves dressed in silks and brocades. However those were catered to by the tailors, this shop catered to those dressing average slaves. The clothing was mostly cotton or linen, by far mostly undyed. There were a few that were dyed rich colors, and even fewer that had any ornamentation.

At his direction, Shayna nodded "Yes M'Lord.." Was her soft utterance before she turned and moved quickly toward the back of the shop. Her movements were quick and efficient, not at all the swaying motion of those trained to seduce, but also not the steps of someone who was not minding their movements. Instead it was a movement of efficiency, her short stature making her move her legs a little more quickly to cover the ground at an decent rate. She slipped her head behind one of the curtains in the back, and within ticks another woman slips out from behind the curtain.

She was much taller then Shayna, but also older as well. Her blonde hair combed and drawn back from her face by pins. On her left cheek lay the brand of the house Draer, marking her a slave. On her wrist was a cushion tied, in the cushion tiny pins poked out. She approached Mamoru with a respectful but business like air. "Good afternoon Sir. Your slave has said you have need for clothing that I might help with? I am Namu, a seamstress at your service."

Shayna moved back to her position, slightly behind Mamoru, one hand still gripping her hair, but her chin stayed raised, her eyes remained on the slave seamstress. Even as Namu began to speak again, looking over Shayna with a critical but not cruel eye. "I assume, if you please, that you are looking to dress your newly acquired property? I ask only because those dreadful garments they give out, and require back. She might be hard to fit being so tiny."

[Kalesserimamoru]

To anyone looking on Mamoru might appear to be in awe at the structure that he stood in. His eyes were wide and mouth slightly opened as he looked around. The insides of these homes, or buildings were so bright and full of light. It was the opposite of the nest were the many tunnels and caves were lit only by the glow stones on the ground and budding from the walls. They had candles here and something called lanterns. This was also new and even the Myrians in the jungle moved by way of torches when night fell.

The clothing didn't stand out to him, nothing as high class as the Dhani enjoyed, but good enough items that looked much better than a sackcloth. It was doubtful that he would purchase anything, but he had planned to get an outfit for his new pet, something with at least a bit of Dhani taste in it. Mamoru had watched the girl as she left, he noticed her movements and the way that she didn't twist her tiny hips. Her movements were quicker, less grace showing off her youth. It didn't matter one way or the other, from the graceful slithers and steps of his people, to the clumsy and awkward walks of the Myrian, a walk was a walk.

Mamoru looked away, taking another moment to marvel at the setting. To anyone from the city it wasn't anything to look at, but for one who had spent over one hundred years of his life inside a dark and dank underground cave, it was something new and interesting. He turned around when someone spoke to him and assumed his 'nice guy' smile. The trickster was a horrible actor, but for those who didn't know him, he had a better chance of fooling them all. Back in his home, many knew to look out for him and to be careful what they said, but here, where he was a stranger all bets were off.

"Well hello Namu. Yes, I do need clothing for my girl here. You see these rags? Somethings has to be done." Mamoru had to look around to find Shayna, who had tucked herself behind him suddenly. Strange behavior, but then he hadn't seen a lack of that since he landed in the city. "Oh?" he had to ask when the woman said his little pet would be hard to dress for her size. "You said you were a seamstress? Make it work, I can't have my doll walking around looking like this." A hand reached back, and found Shayna's waist and he used it to pull the girl around so that she stood between him and the other slave.

"I'd like something dark...something slim fitting and perhaps just a tad bit revealing. I'm sure you can handle that. "