Slavery|Ekaitz

[Deleted]

"Flux!" Da'cien was impressed. "Then this really is less hellish for you." Now he KNEW Acqua would be the one to get them both out of there. She apparently had the upbringing and frame of mind that would allow them to triumph. The actor cautiously allowed himself more hope.

He paused then. "Where did the cat come from? It wasn't here before."

[Northen Light36]

Acqua hesitates, looking questioningly at Faith. The pair have long ago agreed to keep Faith's ability to theirselves, but if Da'cien's going to travel with them for any amount of time, he's going to suspect there's something odd about the pair soon enough.

~It might be better to start out with everything in the open,~ Faith tells Acqua reluctently.

"I think you're right, Faith," Acqua murmurs, then looks seriously at Da'cien. "Can you keep a secret?"

[Deleted]

"Secrets are as simple as pebbles to hide if you're an entertainer, which I am," Da'cien said with a shrug. "So did the cat follow you? She must be very smart."

[Kender Bard]

((Sorry to butt in, but there's one more thing I need to contribute. If the timing is really off, let me know, I'll delete and repost later.))

A different slave turned up amongst the rabble. This one was a young girl, no more than twelve, but who looked very well taken care of. She had on a beautiful gown, her hair shone like silk, and she had a rosy complexion. There was a slave collar around her neck, but it had gems inlaid in it. This was Lady Raimi's 'pet' slave, as pampered as any beloved cat or dog.

She cleared her throat and many of the slaves stopped and stared at her in hate and dread.

"Lady Raimi claims that earlier, someone was playing a trick upon her," the small girl-slave declared. "As such, NO ONE will be having any dinner tonight until the culprit is named and handed over. However, the person to turn in this disobedient cur will receive a double portion tonight." She curtsied. "That is all." Then she left.

[Deleted]

Everyone groaned, and Da'cien cursed under his breath. "Well that's just fantastic," he sighed, flopping back against the wall. Whoever the culprit was, though, he'd have to congratulate and then slap them.

[Northen Light36]

Acqua and Faith exchange guilty looks. They hadn't thought this might occur as a result of Faith's trick.

"Opps," Acqua murmurs.

[Deleted]

Da'cien sighed. "That's life here. If people wanna cause trouble, they should be more subtle about it," he groused, running a hand through his hair. "Never mind. We both know how to deal with hunger, I guess. So what's the secret?"

[Northen Light36]

"Don't yell," Acqua warns softly.

~This is my secret,~ Faith projects, staring unblinkingly into Da'cien's eyes. ~I did follow my kitten here, but it's not hard when we can talk so easily.~

[Deleted]

Da'cien choked on air and nearly fainted, staring wide-eyed at Faith. "I.... I'm not a-a Beast," he stammered. "What are you?"

[Northen Light36]

~A cat,~ Faith replies shortly, making Acqua giggle.

"She's force-blessed," Acqua whispers to Da'cien, tracing the mind sign in the pattern of Faith's fur.

~My kitten needs a guide, despite what she thinks,~ Faith comments to Da'cien alone. ~My Lady showed me favour so that I might do my duty better. A kitten needs a mother as she grows.~

[Deleted]

"I.... see," Da'cien said slowly, staring at Faith until his eyes started watering. Remembering to blink, he rubbed his eyes, shaking his head. "Well, I don't really see, but I understand enough," he amended, looking from Faith to Acqua and back. "You're adopted, I take it," he commented to the girl.

[Northen Light36]

"By everything and anything that moves it seems sometimes," Acqua comments dryly.

~Somedays I wish that was the truth,~ Faith replies. ~It would take an army to keep you out of trouble kitten.~ Giving Acqua a lick on the hand, Faith curls up to sleep, her interest in the conversation lost.

[Deleted]

Da'cien just smiled. "Would that I had a saucer of cream and fish to reward such a faithful, blessed animal," he said quietly, giving Faith a last rub behind her ears. For a moment he considered asking if Acqua would tell the cat to run to the nearest authority and tell them what was going on in Ekaitz, but the actor kept the idea to himself. Faith would not leave her "kitten"; that much was apparent.

[Northen Light36]

Faith purrs at the thought but replies, ~That can wait until we're all warming ourselves by our firesides. Sleep now, both of you. You'll need your strength.~

"all right Faith," Acqua murmurs. "Night." Curling up around her pet, Acqua drifts to sleep easily, despite cold feet and a grumbling stomache.

---

Early the next morning, well before dawn, Faith paws at Da'cien's face.

[Deleted]

"Mmph." Da'cien brushed at the irritant, half thinking it was his hair; even when he braided it, strands and locks escaped to hang around his face. But it kept coming back, until finally the entertainer was forced to crack open an eyelid to find a furry face in front of his.

He almost yelled, but got himself under control before more than a squeak could be emitted. "Faith?" he whispered, barely audible, a hand going to his thigh in case he needed to cancel any more sound.