I dance

Life has been like the swirl of a dance. Each motion one of refined skill yet, to keep things exciting and yearned for it has to change patterns to go with the rhythm of music playing. In a dance one can't just be still the whole time. That would make life boring. So dance away, a feeling we can't escape.

The music started. It was a dance of love, devotion and fully spiritual loyalty. It was a feeling of natural order and righteousness of the movements. Smooth and fluid, each day a spin of worship and pride. What blissful sweetness that would never be matched no matter how much sugar might coat the tongue.

Then the music took another tone, deep and low. Mourning a loss of self in the loss of another. Trying to remember and remold the form of will that had always been held in someone's palm. To understand the feel and touch of a new hand giving it a squeeze. Wailing wall of agony when one reached out and felt nothing but air in realizing it was just a dream, a vision from a bleeding heart toying with my own emotions. Wishing to roll in still orange cored ashes and breath in each bit until you are once again a part of one another.

There is a sudden thunder of drums, fast paced as so much flies around you, one can't think. Just watching the breeze of hazed motion, streams of colors, words so rapid they can't be deciphered. What did this all mean? I want to close my eyes and cover my ears. Crouch in the corner of a wagon and wrap the chain around my throat for a bit of steel to feel more familiar then the ones on and off of my throated fate. The beats are so loud...so fast, when will it slow down???

The beats were just my heart in deep echo of my ears. I couldn't believe what I was watching, though it was before me in plain site. Stones. Stones shall rule the world. My world at least. Master Asus was wagering stones with Master Tyrex. Master Tyrex won with a guess of three stones in left hand. So I was pressed a key to my collar into my hand to hold and told to go kneel by Him. Master Tyrex wagered with Master Deenit. Two stones right hand. I was told to go kneel by Master Deenit. Master Deenit wagered with Master Loki. One stone, white, in the right hand. I was told to go kneel by Master Loki. Master Loki wagered with Master Raqau. Two stones, blue, left hand. Wouldn't You know it, like a pair of blue eyes, I was told to kneel beside Master Raqau.

The drums suddenly stop.

Who finished the game there. I handed Him the key to my collar which He removed just tying a bota strap at my neck for now so it wouldn't be bare. Yes, I was a bit embarrassed, but it was an adventure as the bota hung between my breast. At least I got to keep my arm bands and my blanket. So yes, it was not so bad.

A lucky guess...what a thing to be worth.

Doesn't do much for a girls ego. I was thinking a bosk..bosk and a half in value. No, not for Amani. Its just a lucky guess. He placed a black steel collar around my neck. Making now a slave to a hunter. Which in itself was nice. I got to learn more detailed ways of skinning and preparing hides, for He would tell me being a Hunter gave Him the advantage of having the best of furs for trade. His main girl was named Lala. She was a fierce girl, and we didn't get along much, but didn't bother me, He had three other slaves, Teaka, Malary, and Jane. I enjoyed their different personalities. Teaka was out going and I favored her most. She would love the long walks to wave to Outriders, and roll down the higher hills so we could wager who could capture a flower as we rolled by the stem with our mouth, and it still have at least 4 petals when we finally came to a stop. Malary was quiet, but made the best sweet bread, she would teach me how, but mostly with showing me in that silence with an offer of a smile and a handful of words here and there. Jane...brazen beyond words. I adored her also. She taught me things that wowed even me! How to dance with more of a hipped swing and ways to toss hair better then natural flicks or breezes caress. She taught me the fine art of flirting. I thought I did good, but damn, she was awesome. The four of us in the slave wagon were happy. Lala slept in the wagon with Master unless one of us were taken in there, or another girl He found arousing, then she would be with us, rolled up near the wall, fuming. We would tease her mercilessly.

One day I was at the pit of sands working on a standing arch with some other girls from wagons near us. Master walked up, tossing me my blue blanket. All I could think was....wonder what the stone was this time? He must have saw the look cause He chuckled.

I was to head up to the First Fires. Loaner slave. I was told to serve well.

This was going to be interesting.

I dream

The only thing I really feel is the slow pump of my heart as part of the blood is spilling out of the gap that has been left there that feels like it will never heal. The last couple of hands have been a blur. Even at the edge of death, Master was never one to leave things unfinished. He completed everything He had ever started in life. It was one of His sources of pride. To see nothing is left untied, or opened. I would tease Him about it being a condition, like when people can't help but chew their nails. I smile through the fall of salty droplets raining down my cheeks. So many sweet memories.

I didn't get to close, I didn't trust myself to not think about going against His wishes. For when I saw the fire touch the wagon, my first thought was all the warmth around me as I embraced Him, and would find that eternal capture in traveling with Him to the Sky. Its not what He wanted. He was not a selfish man even if I wished so badly He had been. Running the cold feel of my own palms up my arms, the touch of warm metal spiraled along my upper arms. I was allowed to keep the gift He had given me. I was allowed to keep my blue blanket also Mistress made me. Mistress had sent Brea with hers too. Brea, that lucky bitch. She was with Him. We both were given off to Master's closest friends. Brea with to Master Sineo, and I was given to Master Asus. He was a good Master, strong, a bit heavy on the paga drinking and infamous for always wagering. He was very handsome, and had strong hands. I enjoyed His hands greatly. He had many girls already, six when I arrived making His chain now seven. I had known Master well in the past, one thing about us back wagon girls was, there was never a shortage of lustful Masters always coming back from patrol.

Brea didn't take the change well. I think it was the thought of Master dying that was too much for her. A second time her heart had been broken and she wouldn't be strong enough to handle it. So with that, my mourning started two nights ago. Master died in His sleep when the fever returned, and Brea taking the collar that had been removed, went to help get the pyre ready and in the middle of everything He would be burned with, she slit her wrist, and held the collar against her chest until there was no more blood left to spill. They didn't find her until ahns later, when her new Master said she never returned after coming there to help. Mistress said to just cover her with the blanket and leave her there. Brea was all heart, but I would remain loyal enough to do what He wished. His last command of me. To live, and remember Him.

The last couple days with Master were wonderful. The fever broke one day and He was coherent. Telling Mistress to find a Warrior that will take good care of Her and the kids. Telling His Son's what quiva and lances He wanted them to take to their wagons now. In memory of Him. He even strung a beautiful glass bead bracelet for Young Mistress by His own fingers. He knew colors well. Telling Young Mistress His work wagon was Hers, and it was clear early She had the sight of color just like Master did. Mistress went to get some air and when all had left as He forced them to so, saying there are more important things to do then watch to see if He would take another breath, me and Brea came in and had our moment. There was kisses and teasing. That is when He reminded me of His wishes. Tomorrow He said, we were to go and present ourselves to our new owners. Mistress returned and we said our final appeals of love and reminders to one day meet again.

That night the fever came back, and He died two days later. So here I was, watching the flames, dreaming of our reunion that would be...one day. I let dreaming visions play against the flames that formed memories before me. The time I was new to my collar and I tried to give a nicer touch to the wagon by picking flowers to put in bowls of water. I would place them around the wagon and by afternoon they would be gone. It took days for me to figure it out. He thought I was trying to prepare flowers for extracting for Him! So my thoughts of beauty just got me another chore. I did learn how to make silk ones though. Seeing real flowers were not for beauty, they were for dyes. Late at night by the small cooking fires I would roll and stitch little petals and beautiful colors that might even give nature a challenge. Later on me and Mistress had fun decorating Young Mistress's wagon with the silk flowers. Then the time me and Brea were tired of being stuffed in a large leather sack for the boys to try to dodge hanging from a long post when they rode by. Saying our size and weight was perfect for this exercise. They would get distracted and constantly run into us leaving us with bruises and aches all day cause some pretty Mistress walked by they were trying to impress. So thinking ourselves clever, me and Brea found an old dung sack that was weak on the seams. We filled it with enough dung to equal the weight of Brea and I helped hang it up. Brea went to hide in the under belly shadow of a wagon while I called the Masters to tell them she was ready. Needless to say when a pretty Mistress walked by, Second Son slammed right into the sack, and it busted open with dung chips coating Him, the kaiila and even flew out towards the Mistress, that stomped away. Oh did we both run, only to get beat for not cleaning up the dung that fell. Being wasteful. Cause Master found our task pretty amusing, and I saw it was hard for Him not to laugh while we got our punishments.

Those were good times.

I think I will dream well forever with all my wonderful memories.

I cry

Watching Master ride off was like feeling the tug of my heart pulled tighter with each lifted claw of the kaiila joining the masses. My chest had been opened seeing Him kiss each on the cheek, of His family and I waited by the kaiila with Brea to hand Him up His Helm and bags once He was in the saddle. Pulling off a glove from His hand once He was settled, fingers touched my cheeks, lips and chin. Giving me that smile that made me want to dig right into that hole between my breast and offer my heart for His saddle bags also. Tears rolled down my cheeks and He captured one at the tip of His finger taking it to His lips before slipping His glove back on, motioning the kaiila forward.

They had been gone almost a hand. No updated report brought back from the drummers. Nothing. Hundreds of Master's gone though it was just a mere dent on the masses of those that all were a fiber of the strong lay out of the story of tribe. Mistress hid Her worry with weaving all of us new blankets. The children complained that Mistress already had them sweating like they sleep in a stone steam wagon, the rest of the girls and I loved it. Kinia's was made of rich greens in a kaissa board pattern. Talu's was more like a Zar board pattern with thick lines of red and white. Brea's was yellow and brown, making me think of sweet honey from bee's. Mine, was a hue of light blue I loved so much, trimmed on the edges with a blue just a slight be darker. We gave praising thanks to Mistress for the gifts which made Her smile, while First Son teased us calling us ass kissers, while Mistress huffed and said simply...naturally so my Son. We all giggled.

It was hard not to just want to damn every Paravaci out there. They were too close to Tuchuk lands and caused this massive attack to push their wagons back to the outer edges. It truly all started over a bosk. A wayward Bull that came over to steal some cows for His own. Whose right was it? The Paravaci to keep the cows the Bull attempted to take, or the Tuchuk to keep the Bull that crossed the lines of camp? Who cares, lets fight and see who the Sky loves more. Couldn't help but make one smile as the riddle would be....does the Sky love more those who lived or died? Life was full of riddles.

We were starting to bring up water when the drummers started to play. I think the whole tribe dropped what they were doing to run to the far edges of hills to seek out love ones return. I know me and Brea leaving our buckets, hand in hand lifted dust to see. The Riders were coming back, their numbers not as grand as they first left, but the high stance of lances on the sides of saddles told of victory. There were many trailed kaiila's with wrapped bodies brought back over the saddle. Every deep breath I took could feel, taste and understand the charge of excitement, worry, fear and pride of everyone around me.

He was alive, He was alive!

We ran to the side of stirrups, oh yes, He was alive...even if barely so. Slumped over the kaiila and blood still moist at His hands two men helped take Him down and carry Him back to the wagon. Mistress and Brea started to strip and clean Him while I got fresh cloths and water for them, and started to boil lightly spiced vulo pieces to make a clear broth. The healers were busy as can be assumed, stopping to check Master, and step out to speak with Mistress. I didn't need to hear what was said, with Brea at the flaps to allow some fresh air in, I could see the tears down Mistess's face as she listened. I made myself not watch anymore and just look to Him. Gentle touches across His scars, and leaning down, I kissed each of His fingers. Even though fever had made Him tired and words hard to understand sometimes as He faded in and out of consciousness, I would keep every smile He made when I whispered my love into His ear. I was brave, I wouldn't let Him see me fall apart...yet.

I lived

I loved the roll of seasons from the change of South to North, then North to South. One camping year of the North, Master brought me a gift. Beautiful spiral arm bands that had the head of ost on the tip at the top and the fine detail of scales to the bottom. I loved them! They were taken from a raid saying once He pulled them out of a chest He knew they were perfect for me. Once I came into His life, He was doomed under my coils of devotion. I loved it, giggling as He slipped them on my arms and took a kiss. I ran off to show Haley and Brea as He went to share His other riches with His woman and children.

We ran out towards the herds to pick up out a fat milking Bosk to bring in and get ready for making cheese and butter. Once we found her, getting her to break from the herd and come willingly was another task. We teased with fresh grains and warm sugar water that was very fragrant. We would be looking for a thick verr also cause Mistress was having them sheared in a few days for new bundles of wool yarn and threads so such moments made them tense and the milk not as creamy for butter and cheese also! What a busy day we would have.

The cooler weather made for perfect cheese and butter making. It was no where near as warm as the South and the setting and churning was so much easier. As we got molds and buckets ready, oiling our hands for the long day of stroking we all spoke of our past and what we saw in the future. Our dreams were nice, as it toned down to more realistic things like trading beads, ribbons and strips of leathers. My Master was kind and gave us things we could do as we wished with. I was really wanting light blue glass beads for a necklace.

That night me and Brea made a fit meal of a small tarsk on a spit basted with honey butter and maple sugar. We made warm fresh bread and were starting to get the plates ready for the family when the drums started to go beat deeply within the whole tribe. They always started with the core of the first wagons and it took mere ehns for the drums from even the far outer realms of wagons to join in perfect unity.

There was a meeting off all head Warriors of every family who already had a first son. That must mean a full on attack of a raid. Something huge. Those from the east of the center were to meet at the Northern Herds. Those of the west were to meet at the Souther Herds. I could hear the excited calls of Masters starting to walk towards the meeting, as I ran with a bit of folded bread and tarsk for Him to eat on the way, as it was clear He would miss dinner. Brea followed me with a bota of water in hand. Sometimes these meetings ran all through the night. He kissed us both before a slap of the ass sent us back with a warning that Mistress will take the switch to both of us if we make Her meal cold.

We kept smiles and listened to First Son and Second Son tell stories as we sat near the family for that meal. The Mistress looked worried but hid it behind a soft smile. The meal was going fine, and when young Mistress started to tell a story about a huge sleen, the drums went off again.

We sat in silence listening to them. It was a call that Warriors would depart at first light. They did this so that women and slaves can get the Warriors stuff together. While they were still working out the plans at the meeting. So they could come to their wagons, rest, love their women, or slaves, and wake up ready to join the sky in victory or return to the tribe with riches. Either way, it was win, win.

Mistress gathered the two younger ones for bathes in the Bathing wagons, not the stream, and First Son went to collect Master's weapons. Me and Brea went to pack His sleeping fur for travel, food and water. What extra wool socks and leathers we could find to roll in saddle bags. Making sure His saddle was not in need of mending, and His helmet didn't have loose edging on the mesh or chin clasp. Once we all did our part, everything was ready, those of the kaiila Clan were at the pens making sure beast were fit for battle, and leather works were walking the wagons checking shields. Mistress sat drinking warmed wine and the two younger ones were being put to bed with verbal stories from Kinia and Talu. I would go check on Mistress seeing if She wished anything, always shaking Her head no, as She now and then asked if we had remembered His blanket She made at their Joining, or some extra jerky, even water. We would answer softly ' Yes, Mistress, Yes Mistress, yes Mistress' always bringing a little nod of approval from Her.

At this point. We were all waiting.

I promised

I moved with ease through change. The years brought it. My life was wonderful. I am not without flaw, there are a few times when tighter stitches in the crotch of leathers or a stone in boots made my fury known. Those beatings always ended with a tender kiss, or the kind of sex that was angry enough to put a bruise of wagon railing across the lower of ones stomach littered with slivers, or even bruises across the skin, but still nothing was done...without passion and love.

Time had brought us many slaves that came and went. The stable of flesh on my Master's chain was no longer just me and Brea. It was Kinia and Talu also. They were the slaves that came with Mistress. Its a fond memory of the mating. How me and Brea got the new wagon ready Master and His mate would share. New furs freshly painted trunks and chest. She was not an overly harsh Mistress, but one that demanded respect far and above all things. That we gave. Personal task were more handled by Kinia and Talu, which slept in the basic slave wagon that belonged to my Master. Me and Brea still slept in the one that we all shared in His single Warrior years. Haley now and then still came to sleep and share stories with us at night.

The birth of Master's First Son was something of wonder. I now embraced every part of tribe as if I had been born under its wagons. We had a grand feast for every milestone of First Son's Life. His first ride without help, the first throw of bola, the first bosk eye on the target with an arrow or lance. When Second Son came, it was twice the adventure and thrill. Then Third Son only lasted one breath before the Sky loved Him so much she took Him back. In the undertone of sorrow there was still blessing one so precious had been gifted to them, even for that single breath. Mealana was born within the same year. The Sky was kind to Mistress. I loved to spoil her as much as the rest of us. Master had only the best leather made into her small dresses and found the best Verr for her to raise, and bosk calf that would bring blessings to the herd when ever she first mated and had a son.

I never felt without His time. Everyday I would sit with Master in His work wagon and spend a few ahn's helping Him extract colors, boil roots, mix bases for dyes. I was very good at making the fermented citrus and sugar vinegar's that would heighten each hue into its own brilliance. I would always enjoy the task He sent me on when delivering freshly mixed paints, oil, or water dyes, even just powered ones in tiny jars. Depending on when He went on patrol, I would pack His saddle bags with meals and bota's of water, oiling the saddle and reins, while Brea would lay out His clothing He still kept in the wagon we slept in. The both of us would sometimes bath Him together, or take turns upon His wake hours and those when He wanted to soak and relax after patrol, before tending to His mate and children. On the days Him and Mistress would take rides or need alone time between the two of them we would take the children to the stream, or play games of catch with the little Mistress, or show her the flowers Her Father found best for color or texture in dyes. The boys would feel brave taking us down with wagers of the bola, while we were gifted with candy, or even sips of wine the boys got from the servery wagons.

One day Brea was at the stream washing while I was hanging fur carpets to be busted high on the racks. Master rode up beside me, pulling me to the saddle with a youthful grin we rode out far into the plains by a small stream. It was a beautiful warm day, the breeze was cooling and the water was clear and crisp. We bathed, swam, and enjoyed the wrap of passion against the shoreline. Keeping me against His chest as He looked to the sky, and both of us bare as the day we first cried on the grass. He spoke, and the words were deep and meaningful. I felt them against my cheek in a rumble from His chest far before they took a form of tone.

Amina, you have been my inspiration since I was a young Warrior. I knew when I saw you on that stake, you would be my muse. You have been. I am very happy. If anything were to happen to me, I know you have said, there is no life without knowing my breath has moistened reason to thrive in your air. but that is not what I want for you. I want you to live forever and bring a bit of that same feeling to another, and another. Its my gift to tribe to give back what has been given to me.

Tears touched my eyes, nothing He needed to see, cause I'm sure He felt them spill along His chest. A hand ran down my back, resting to the small of it. The pause was unbearable as I broke it with words laced with so much emotion it could have had a life of its own.

Master, please don't leave me. I don't know if I could step without a vision of You before me. If I could thrive without You still felt against my skin. Why do You say such things?

There was a lifted sound of a chuckle. His coarse hands taking my shoulders pulling me fully in rest of His chest so I could look into His eyes.

I say this cause I have never felt this feeling of being totally calm and content before. Maybe this is the feeling before its my turn to serve now the Sky for all the gifts she gave me. Don't be sad or even think to much on it. I know you will do what pleases me, and I have said everything I need to. With you...I have no doubt.

He grinned, taking my lips before I could dare another word. The ahn's rolled by as our bodies savored each other as if we couldn't live without some form of our union of flesh. I heard Mistress give Him a good tongue lashing when we finally returned. I tried to do as He said. Not think on it. The will of the Sky to men was between them. All I knew is...I would make sure every day we had together would be one burned in eternity.

I desire

That night while my Master was on patrol, Haley came to spend the night with me and Brea in His wagon. She had a playful smile at her lips when she walked in, and a small basket of..stuff. She laid out the basket of ..stuff...on the edge of His sleeping couch I was laying across. Turning lightly to see. Brea started giggling as she looked, as if she knew the meaning behind each one of the items. Haley then went into very detailed descriptions of what my Master liked sexually. Of course the first question above all others was...

Why would I want to put my mouth there?

So when they stopped laughing, and finally started breathing, she handed me this wooden smooth solid tube of wood with a rounded tip. Simply said, cause men like it. It was hard to get the flow of what she was telling me to do. I kept choking. I still wasn't seeing the logic. There was nothing at all sexy I could see about gagging. The first few times were finished with me trying to swallow down dry heaves. Again, the lesson was paused for them to finish laughing. In the end it was a very good lesson. I learned not to bite. Not that I would bite, but one had to learn the pressure of jaw, tongue and teeth. It was amazing what could be done..with that. She spoke of sensitive parts, using two small rounded redfruit as sacs. Showing how to cup in hands, brush with cheeks and chin, even kiss..and lick. My cheeks were burning the whole time. Once my jaw started to ache and my tongue felt dry I just bit into the redfruit and started to chew as they both watched me with dropped jaws and then busted out laughing once more. Haley cleared her throat and said..

I suppose on to the next lesson.

Her and Brea talked about the whole male body from hair to toes. Fingers to small of His back. It seemed so overwhelming. Taste and test being the key words. Kiss and Miss, find out what makes Him tense and want makes Him moan. Haley said she could tell, but what she does and what I might do were entirely different. Emotions and sex brought different out comes. She talked of pretty basic things, perhaps keeping a bit of mint under my tongue if He doesn't let me move out of the way or makes me swallow. Some things take time to acquire the taste. A small jar of light oil based salve in case I'm very sore down there afterwards. Sip root, raw to be chewed, she gave me and a small wooden cup to kalana to wash the lingered bitter taste. I think I liked the gagging better then the taste of that going down my throat. We talked of sex, love and slavery in the late evening of slave dreams. It was a great night.

Morning came and I woke up. The girls were gone, and fresh salve was on my thigh, still sore and stiff, but the fire that lingered yesterday was starting to smolder. I ran fingers across my eyes, and smiled when I saw Him just sitting on the edge of the couch watching me. I asked if I could get Him anything to eat. He said no, He had eaten and bathed when He got back from patrol. Haley and Brea were waiting for Him. Blessings of the Sky, I loved His smile. He leaned over, kissing my lips.

It ended up being one of the greatest moments of my life. The feel of all of Him now part of me. The burn that was delicious once every seal that held me back was broken. It was slow and passionate the first time, after water and some meat the second was filled with more adventure and learning. The third was of seeking and learning, as I figured out....no matter what...one was going to gag! After some sleep the fourth left me with knowing there wasn't a single part of me...He hadn't marked His.

Completely His.

I ached

One morning after the dung had been collected, I had washed up before doing laundry, once laundry was done, I had Brea help me hang them to dry. Brea joined us just a few days ago and was still tearing up all the time morning her Master, my Master had killed in a raid of wagons trying to cross Tuchuk lands. She was a slave from Ar, and not really into so much manual labor. Master had removed my bells finally and placed them on her. I remember the night He did so, I jumped into His arms and showered each side of His scars with kisses. He chuckled before giving me a firm swat to remember obedience, as He was trying to get the new girl in check. He slave raped her fully against the wagon wheel, her cries out for mercy that quickly turned into moans. Oh my heart raged, no matter how much I loved, the slave got what I wanted! I wanted to just pull some of those light blonde strands out of her head. That was then, this was now, and I was so waiting for Him! Today I was getting branded and pierced. He said it was time. He said it between servings of bosk strips as if He was stating He wanted more paga. No big deal, and tried to hide His amused smile in a bite when I started to jump up and down with pleasure, thanking Him over and over again. There was even a hint of a smile from Brea who was chained to the side of the wagon, in the gloss of tears that still ran down her stained pink cheeks of emotion.

I did feel bad for her. She loved her now dead Master. I think I would be the same if anything happened to Him. Haley wasn't so nice to Brea. I have my own bitter feelings against blue eyes in the past, but now I think about it more. They bring me luck! If ...goodness...I couldn't even remember her name now! If she hadn't gotten first stake with her blue eyes, I would have been there, and back in Turia. I never thought of going back home since the first day He touched my cheek and became the core of my heart. These set if blue eyes got those horrid bells off my ankles and now I was getting pierced and branded! Of course He said also, He supposes I will be around a while, so why not, but I took it as meaning that He considered me truly a part of His wealth! Haley was so happy for me when I told her during dung time this morning. Of course she says Blue eyes are weakness of Dweller blood that taint the ways of everything natural. But I still think they can bring good luck to me! I did tease Haley back to say I have seen a few blue eyed Tuchuk's that might not agree with that. She just huffed and retorted back that, that was different, those were reflections of the Sky.

MmmmHmmm.

I would just hug her and keep pushing Brea along to move faster. Our home was growing so quickly. Master was looking to mate this pretty woman, who was a weaver. She has allowed me to help her a few times when she traded dyes from my Master, and He would always toss in a few more just because "They would be beautiful with Her eyes" or because "They made Him think of Her smile" or other things like that the Mistress would try to get out of me as she showed me how to cross and work the threads on the loom. She would blush and sent me away once She got what She wanted to hear, and I giggled running out back to the wagons giving my Master a full report while He was fermenting roots for dyes, of how she reacted. Master was of the Artesian Clan. He didn't paint, or Draw, or make elaborate art. His work was more revered in my eyes. Then again I am very bias. He made the dyes for anything that needed color. Yarns, threads, paints, leather, wood, anything and everything. He made even the base dye for Scarring, to be looked over by the Haruspex Clan before given in scared jars to those of the Scarrer's Clan.

He walked up as I was getting ready to take the empty basket back to the wagon. Handing it to Brea quickly, not a word was needed to be said, once our eyes met. He turned and I was running to follow. My fingers entwined at the small of my back, as He had taught me. He liked to see my body as I walked, so that nothing was in the way of His pleasure if He wished to look back at me. I held my head high in pride, my step had a bit more swing. I wasn't anything close to an awkward girl just collared. I was following the man I loved, devoted to, and breathed every breath in honor of. My life was perfect and anything else was just a layer on top of this perfection. It wasn't a long walk to the Forge Wagons. The man there was placing an iron on a rack above the fires. He seemed to be waiting for us. They spoke as both would look over a me, making comments over how much more beautiful I would look soon. Even talked of possible wagers in the future for me to find my way to the Iron Master's chain. I blushed, and both Grinned. My Master said He didn't want me bound for the brand. This bothered the Iron Master, saying He didn't want His work scrutinized cause I moved. My Master told Him not to worry I wouldn't move. He knew what He was doing giving a motion to a trunk of tree that was sitting to the side like a sitting stool. I wondered where it came from as I was motioned by my Master to go sit on its flat surface. I had not seen any trees around here, or even in Turia so big at its shaft up. Once I settled my Master crouched before me, His hands at my ankles in a firm grasp, telling me hold my wrist tight in crossing at the small of my back. To just look at Him, and Him alone. If I scream, that would be fine, but scream out for Him, and He will be pleased. My heart raged at such tenderness I found in His words. The Iron Master smirked telling my Master not to move either, or He would get a nice set of horns. That caused my Master to laugh, and I to whisper as fear started to tighten in my throat seeing the edge of hot white iron lifted. 'Please my Master, don't move, please hold me tight' He gave me one of....His smiles, the kind that makes your heart rush, and when you thought it was going to explode in a million pieces it just melts in a warmth that runs all over your body. Telling me so tenderly, to just look into His eyes. I did, and I felt just then, when the Iron Master said at the count of Three....He said One, and my flesh caught on fire.

MMMMMAAAASSSSSTTTTTEEEEERRRR!

I screamed out with tears breaking the dam of control rolling down my face, and trying to focus through the steam that hissed in the air once the iron was tossed in a bucket of water near me, and the smell of flesh hit my senses. My entire thigh was throbbing, but the lines were so perfect even in the raw of flesh, tears again flooded in this feeling of...Forever. I finally looked to Him, and with that smile again gifted to me, He said...

Yes my girl?

A warm chuckle didn't just get heard but it washed over me as I smiled, a mouthed words of "Thank You, Master" as my voice was still lost in all these different feelings, and I found His lips at mine. His hands running down my back, as I remembered to release my wrist to wrap them around His neck. I wanted Him so badly then. Beyond the pain of my thigh, I lifted them around His waist as He was over me. I felt every part of His chiseled form cause pleasure at a brush, and when His lips found my neck...words were found and whispered "Please..my Mas.."

That was as far as I got. I was going to beg with all my soul for Him to take me...take me now, make me completely His in all ways. I didn't care of my leg was on fire, I needed, wanted, desire to give Him everything that was..me. If life could be that easy, for there was cold water that just ran over us like the waves of the Thassa hitting the shore in a storm. The Iron Master standing to the side as if He didn't just douse us with it! A tisk as He set the empty bucket down and called out He was really for the hoop to be done. My Master looked like a drowned Urt just staring at the Iron Master who handed Him a jar of salve.

Ruin that fresh brand in your own wagon, but she will walk out of here with it looking perfect.

He grinned as both hit shoulders and bellowed in rich throated laughter. My Master finally walked back to me, a quick kiss to my chilled lips before carefully layering Salve on my brand. An older woman walked out, I am guessing the Iron Master's Mate, or perhaps His mother. I couldn't tell. Her braid was pulled back so tight, her features looked painful. She didn't say a word beyond the same thing the Iron Master said to me.

At the count of three.

It seems both had the same sick sense of humor as only 'One' was said and I felt the hot slice of needle pierce through my nose with the hoop following. It was sealed with a clamping tool and then moved around, as she used some of the salve for lubrication. We were both given instructions on care of the new brand and hoop. I was gifted with being carried back to His wagon and I held tight to His neck, breathing in His skin. He laid me across His furs, looking down at me. A finger touched around the brand that caused me to feel shivers just stomp in thunder of my heart. Slowly he removed every bit of leather from my flesh, tossing it to the side. His lips found every curve of breast, suckling, tasting, causing this change in my body that made every fiber of me..scream out for more. I writhed, moaned, reached out for Him as my thighs were parted.

It might has well been the water again, for the cool sudden pain of stopping as He lifted to His feet was as horrid. He looked very uncomfortable as a hand lowered to adjust the tight of leathers. Saying tomorrow He would beat me for making the ride tonight so long. He had over night patrol it seemed, which would hopefully give me enough time to heal..right? Oh I wanted Him so badly. He said today I would be allowed to rest, He would send Haley to help with Brea.

I love You my Master.

I said, watching Him about to walk out, He paused, looking over His shoulder to me, lifting His hand as if to capture those words I just said, He put them in the inner pocket of His leathers giving a wink before walking out. If I could..I would have chased right after Him.

I learned

I woke up sore. The first night had exhausted me inside. After I was bathed I was told to lay on a fur by His sleeping couch. Fingers of His hand just brushed against my hair, but that was it.That was enough. I wanted to hear Him tell me everything was going to be okay. That I shouldn't mourn the good man who I called Father for the loss of his daughter, but embrace the life with a smile that the one who was born for this was now allowed to live. Right? I think so, cause I am sad for the loss of my Father, but I wasn't really sad for my own. I didn't lose. I won. I have never felt a calm in my heart like I do now, lingering on the lifted motions of fingers running over the waves of my hair. Now and then when He turned fingers caressed the fine down at my hairline. I felt tears fall, and the attempt to muffle my emotions didn't seem to work. How can I be content? I should be fighting, not laying across furs like someone's pet at His feet. I watched the glow of the small copper bowl giving a light sage and mint scented heat around the wagon. Finally I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of His breaths deepen.

I woke up with cool air wiping around me. A shiver as I lifted the edges of my fur I was stretched out across to roll myself within its surrounding warmth. There was a soft chuckle once I did so, and my only response was to jump up with a gasp at this unknown audience. The girl in elegant stance there was beautiful, with bold and strong feel of air around her. She stood against the entrance of the wagon letting a hand pushed back the flap that just waved into a slight curl of fingers and brace of palm. Her body had muscular curves, they were very feminine and yet seemed molded by an skilled artist who sculpted a creature of dreams out of stone. On the flesh of her thigh was brand I have never seen before. It had curves of horns, though simple at first glance, one couldn't help to wonder about the thin metal and form of its virile meaning placed at skin. She had this smile once she pushed off the wooden arch of entrance, the crisp air was gathered in the warmth of the wagon once the seal of flaps found their place, it told me...she was on a mission. Walking up to me, she pulled the fur that had made me feel like guarded woman, but not in a malicious way, but in an air of good spirits. Speaking while she worked, giving me no time dare let a thought of resistance cross my mind, I learned her name was Haley, she was one of the slaves of my Master's family wagons, and had made sure He was well taken care of over the years. This made me blush and feel the kindle of a new arousal of jealousy and yearning. So new to me. I wrapped my inner desire's arms around the feelings and twisted them together to form a feeling of not negative, but a craving drive to learn what she did to please Him. This new formed feeling was only heighten when she must have saw that look of figuring out in my features and said, that is why she was here. To see, I wouldn't make Him suffer with my ignorance. That once she taught me what I needed to know, then I will have everything I need in life. The knowledge of His wants, expectations and desires, accept and be willing to teach any other slave who comes to His wagons. Other slaves, not sure why that caught me off guard but it gave me this sudden eagerness to be, His sub conscious. Haley laughed again suddenly embracing me. I was startled. She remarked, how it would be shocking to think of just a mere hand ago, I was a dweller freewoman. It was rare to find one with a soul that absorbs fate so willingly. The true meaning of one born with a heart to serve. She said, she saw now, why He was so pleased. That alone meant the world to me. That day I was taught how to dress, and what a rapture of emotions spilled feeling each bit of leather find its place across the outline of my body. The sudden rush of blood to my cheeks when Haley put the strap of leather between my thighs, laughing when it was pulled over the crimson band of curla along my hips. Drawing it out, she showed me how to bind it so that the chatka wouldn't slip as I worked. Better to keep it firm then scrub dust from my twat. Twat, what a funny word she used. I had to giggle...giggle over and over as it seemed to flash in my mind over and over. Twat, twat, twat. Then she looked at me puzzled. In her haughty way I found so fascinating, she teased. 'Should I have said snatch instead?' Okay that sent me in a fit of giggles. Snatching twat of delicate petaled woman-ism. Yes, that sounded more like me. A bit of fancy touch to what she said and my own way of seeing it. The kalmak was a bit of a playful thing. I wasn't as full on top as she was, but the way she bound the straps of the bit of leather was amazing. I wasn't without the sweet form of breast, but the ebon leather made it like....Pop out there. As I walked, I did a boomboomboomboom sound cause I was feeling like drums demanding attention were bouncing before me! We both laughed. Taking a string of tiny white beads, she rolled them around the band of steel at my throat. Telling me, most will leave me be, but if anyone ask, I am still a virgin awaiting my Master's approval and touch. I thought to myself...I was? I was. I wanted that...approval. Haley would run fingers over her ears at my bells when I moved around to much for her pleasure.

Oh the things Haley taught me over the next couple of hands. Pride, Joy, Envy and Longing. We would race in the fields over whom could fill the dung sacks faster. Showing me how to wash up in the stream and use oils on my hands and body to keep it supple and soft even with the hard work we did outside. She taught me how to cook, and clean His wagon. How He liked His bread with only a thin layer of fresh butter, and hard fried eggs, with a hint of spice on the yoke before it set. How to pack His saddle bags, dust and oil His saddle at night, clean His boots, lay out the reins and spurs after each was cleaned, and have His clothing, comb, mint, warmed water and oils ready for Him in the morning or very late at night, whatever shift of patrol He would be on. She showed me how to lay out His furs, how He liked His feet rubbed, His hands touched and using the soft flesh of inner palmed outline to caress His temples after a long day. Even the spot at the back of His neck where she said to breath lightly against, and when I felt the willingness to give all, beg all, show Him I was ready for the day He wanted to take all of me, that would be the spot.

I thought of that when I would be chained at the railing of the platform at times when He needed more then He wished from me. Listening to the sounds of Haley's passion, and His fury. Her calls, cries, begging mercy and pleading more. The sounds of flesh meeting, and hands slapping against sweat moistened skin. The thick rich aroma of sex would tease around the edges of the flap and I would breath it in feeling parts of my body respond in ways that left me feeling the stir of waters captured in a cauldron over a fire. She was not the only slave He took for His needs, but it was clear she was His favorite. I would dream of what was going on in the wagon, pulling the fur around me on the platform. Thinking of those hands so kind at my hair every night, sometimes drifting along my shoulders. I dreamed of Him tracing my skin that would prickle like a florescent trail that could be seen when it drifted across my back. His touch drawing wings along my flesh, long and flowing across the small of my back and its tips a mere flutter at the rounded form of my bottom. I was free to soar under His touch. The artist drawing a masterpiece against the canvas of my inner emotions tingling to the surface of my form. Always a display of original work, etched lines no one would ever be able to copy exactly. I wanted...This.

It was only when my toes would curl around the inner fur down of the blanket and my own motions theme being the chime of bells would I wake up feeling the weight of links released from my wrist. His eyes would look pleased. I would smell her against His skin. A mixture of rich lustful pleasures released with sweet nectars of both sides. I was not ignorant of sex. I knew what it was even if I never experienced it. I could read, and the books found in drawers of my Father's desk proved very interesting. He would gather me in His arms and I would cling tight, no matter what smell was on His flesh from another. It was the smell of a very pleased Master, and it made me smile.

One night, He laid me long the furs of His couch, pulling me close enough to embrace. Wrap His arms around me. The wagon smelled of sex, it electrified me. It didn't dawn on me until now, perhaps this was for my own good. He was waiting for a reason. Why take a slave that didn't have the spirit to give back everything He wished for? I thought I did. No, I didn't. I was still wanting more knowledge. I wasn't sure of myself. I was getting close, I would make sure to ask Haley everything soon. I didn't want my Master to wait, and I didn't want to wait any longer either. I craved Him.

I loved Him.

I flourished

I found myself chained to a wheel by the time I woke up. I never remembered falling asleep. From the ache of my knees, that is what I hit first, as I found the chains not very giving when I attempted to reach down. It was a pain of unfolding myself in the lean of my head against the spoke of wagon wheel. I think I felt my temples throbbing against the welt of wood that had to be bruised there. I found the release of one foot. It still had my slipper on, and it was dark and dirty. Now...here came foot two. Slipper missing. My poor ankles looked swollen, as I turned them from left to right. From the marks of scratches running along my calves and ankles, I must have fainted and was pretty much dragged the rest of the way. It was very clear of such being the case as I saw how tattered my elegant robes were. It was dark out, but the glow of musky fire near the wagons gave a bit of light. I swallowed back down my heart that had jolted up along my throat and was suffocating me with each throbbing painful beat. The air had a light salty breeze around these wagons. I was sure it was a mixture of tears. Those from some chained to wheels like me, and others from women mourning fallen Plain's men who had not been so lucky as the day went by. I finally noticed the chest full of vibrations that wrapped around me from drums I must not have noticed before hand. The mixture of my emotions had me block the events around me. I wondered why the drums were being beaten. I was so tired, I didn't even have fight in me. I just let the darkness rock me quietly like a child at a mother's breast, being nurtured by a cradle of arms.

I didn't feel like I slept long. My body ached and I heard a chuckle to my little groan as I felt my wrist released from the metal grasp of shackles. He would gather me in His arms, as if I weighted nothing, carrying me into His wagon. I was placed on a woven mat towards the side of the wagon. Once I felt myself released from His hands, I pulled my knees against my chest, watching Him crouch there watching me. I went to pull the veils over my face more when I touched nothing but flesh against finger tips lining my delicate features. I must have blushed for His smile grew. He extended out His hand.

"Give me your clothing"
"But I will be cold"
"I will warm you up then perhaps"
"I will not be cold"
"Good, now don't make me ask twice"

I would be ignorant not to know what exactly was happening. Everything had been ripped from me, not just clothing about to be taken, but my Freedom was gone as the pool of blood had stained the ground under the fallen Turian Warrior. I worked off what was left of my clothing, I felt the dust start to circle around me, blushing again thinking how un lady like of me to leave a dusty outline. Folding up the edges of the dress I didn't want anymore to fall around me. I could just imagine His thoughts. Dirty girl, dirty girl. No, that wouldn't be me. Of course when I lifted it up to hand it to Him happy for the saving of modesty that would be my hair, he took it, and simply threw it right out of the wagon on top of the platform. He took a basin of water beside Him and told me to display. I of course asked in return...what did He want me to display for Him? When He was done laughing at me, the answer was short and sweet. Display what was now His. I was lost on how to do this, but the feel of hand wrapped around my wrist would cause me to gather to my feet quickly in following of His motions. He arranged me like I might arrange a vase of flowers by my window. Placing my arms at the back of my head, telling me to use my fingers to gather my hair up to keep it off my neck. His coarse fingers along my hips, I felt myself a deep burn of shame for two reasons. One, He was looking over my body that no man has ever laid eyes on, and two, He wasn't seeming overly impressed or showing any heated reaction to it. The nerve. I was pretty! He would not say much else to me, but touched my hip with a warm rep cloth causing me to move a bit. When I did, a firm hand would strike my ass causing me to cry out as He would adjust me back in the position. It was hard, and a lesson that burned my entire ass, back and front of my thighs, along with a few fingered bruise marks on upper arms and calves before I got it, and He finished bathing me. He was pleased with color on my flesh, and I was crying, but yet..not moving. What was this? I wanted to obey, and it hurt, and I strangely liked it. He was my new life and I was His new adventure. He spoke of not having a personal slave beyond the slaves of the family wagons who tended His needs, and those of camp. He waited for today. He knew He would bring home a prize. Through my salted wet skin I couldn't help but smile. A locked band of bells was around both my ankles and a collar at my neck before He was completely finished with me. He kissed my throat, whispering "Mine" against my ear.

And I spoke the first sentence, that would seal me completely.

Yes, Master.

I was born

Now my birth is not one of a true beginning. For when I was born, I was already a woman. I had lived a life time in the glorious walls of Turia. So much in my long seventeen years. To say I was spoiled would be an understatement. I had beautiful gardens that belonged only to me, filled with scented petals delicate and velvety like the cushions I pressed my cheek against at night. They were long polished stone paths from the back archway of the doors from my sleeping chambers. I would walk out in my lush pink robes wrapped around my fine linen gown. Some days, brazen in my bare feet so I could feel the morning dew on the chilled blades of grass. My Mother was always in Venna. She would come back here perhaps once a year when the spring bloom of cherry trees exploded in the tender of pink blossoms. She had fair golden hair and light brown eyes. It was a bold comparison to my Father, who had deep tanned skin, rich almond shaped eyes surrounding black eyes. And I, who was clearly a delicate mixture of both in features. For my hair was a golden brown, with rich curls, a lighter brown, but the same bold exotic form of shimmering diamond droplets. To say I was vain, was to put it lightly. I loved the way I looked. I would have the girls dabble golden powder across the line of upper lashes to make my eyes seem more bold and daring over the layers of veils that rested along my face.

When the city Administrator announced me to be one of top girls at stake at the Love Wars, my Father was so proud. I was showered with gifts, and Warriors who lined up to share our table for meals, giving promises to my Father to win, and talk of companionship in honor of their victory. It was nice to be wanted. I bathed in its feeling.

The morning came, my Mother didn't arrive, it was the hot and dry season, she said it wasn't kind to her skin, but wrote me her best wishes and pride, even though she didn't understand fully these Turian customs. My Father placed a kiss on each of my cheeks and said, the Stakes will shine with such a priceless gem of Turia upon its post. There were many of us that traveled in very elaborate travel coach wagons drawn by a long row of plains slaves at the chains. This amused me to no end. The fury and emotion that was like a hot dry grass wild fire breeze from the girls that pulled our wagon grew in steamed lift of passion as we got closer to the gathering. I laughed with the other women, all between the ages of sixteen to nineteen, not yet touched by companionship or any man. The best of Turia's most elegant beauties. My best friend Deseree was there with me. I was jealous of her soft brown eyes, and rich Turian skin. Both her parents were Merchants like my Father but had a long history from the first days of the building of Turian gates. Lilliana was a fair skinned girl with blue eyes who no one liked. She was haughty and felt no others were good enough. She was looking to companion Johana, the First Sword of Turia. She would be on the first Stake. Deseree said it was only cause she had blue eyes, and Johana's eye. I had the second Stake, and Deseree the Third.

I didn't care for the feel of metal around my gloved wrist. They didn't give us time to prepare. No wonder my Father didn't attend. He didn't seem happy about me being selected for this event. We were drawn up by our arms on the stakes like common slaves! I was unhappy about this. I refused to show such when I saw the way of the Tuchuk woman placed beside me. Savage creature who taunted and yelled at the Plains Warrior to "Wash his blade" with the blood of the Turian named Larken, who was Second Sword of Turia and someone I was fairly fond of. He walked up to me, placing a kiss on my poor aching wrist, saying not to worry, soon I would be at his side, as a woman of high standing as I deserved. The Plain's woman seemed to laugh and say, I was a coddled slave since birth, she was sure Tyranan would find me an amusing skin to hang on his wagon entrance, for she was sure I would be pretty useless. So I was left assuming the man with the colorful face was named Tyranan, and he lived in a wagon. How shameful. As if!

I had no doubt someone who lived in the wagon would never be able to handle the refined skill of one of our Warriors. I watched the clash of swords, gasping for breath every time blood was drawn. How could such a savage wagon living man have such skill? I watched Larken grow tired, and the Plain's man grin remain though he was tired and bleeding also. I had to look away, glancing towards the first Stake to see another bigger Plain's man taking down Lilliana, who fainted before she was unlocked. The man threw her over his shoulder and walked away to cheering plain's people parting the way as Turian's ran to carry out the body of our slain first Sword. I felt a choke of breath stuck in my throat, telling myself, I would be safe...I would be safe. I heard a cry out of shock, and the woman beside me start to cheer and laugh. I was afraid to look over. I did. Slowly, I stopped seeing the hand on the ground in a pool of blood.

It was like this was unreal. This was just a really bad dream. If I would blink my eyes a few times, I would wake up. Yes, wake up! Amani, please....wake up! I screamed as I heard the splinter of wood crack beside me. It was like a sudden strike of dry plains lightening storms, as the flash light from metal striking metal gave a spark that burst like an exploding star. The woman jumped from the stake hugging the Warrior walking over me, before running out to the cheering crowd. He had snapped the thick chains instantly throwing the sword. He looked so young, perhaps even my age behind that strange ugly mask of colors. His eyes told of youth and pride. He didn't even remove my chains, just snaked his arm around my waist and lifted me enough to slip the line of links from the hook of the post. He placed me to my feet, where suddenly I felt my stomach tighten and dry heaves choke up across my throat. My head was feeling hazed. I thought I would faint myself, but he kept me moving and wouldn't allow me to think about what was happening as he dragged me by my chains across the makeshift area towards the crowd cheering and awaiting him.

Welcome home.

He said.