Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Elves of All Kinds (1x1)

How many times had this scene played out? How often had she been in this large barn-like building, on a small ledge along the wall, standing alongside so many other women? Some were frightened or angry, lashing at any who came near -- the newcomers, obviously. Others stood quietly, allowing potential buyers to inspect their bodies. It was always the same inspection: skin, teeth, muscle, back, and breathing. The last category was where Belle lacked. But she was always chosen out of the lot of elves, due to her fair skin, strong teeth, pretty face, and bicolored eyes. People didn't care that a mere splash of dust could send her into a coughing fit to the point that she couldn't breathe; she was a natural elf, and with that lineage came beauty in its purest sense.

Belle used to fight whenever she was bought. She would scream and bite and kick at whoever took hold of the rope connecting her neck and wrists. But now, as she stood there in the dusty marketplace, she was quiet, just praying to Elim -- the god that her father had come to rely on -- that her next master or mistress wouldn't be too cruel to her. She had no dignity left, no sense of pride. Heck, she was among a mass of women being sold off to filthy humans, either as toys for the men or otherwise. Elves were a popular item on the blackmarket... not too many were brought back from the war front to be sold as slaves. But lucky Belle had managed to survive, lucky to have the tattered cloth dress that somehow managed to cover her thin, malnourished frame. The greedy eyes of the humans had no effect on her now, not after all these years. She let them watch her, let them feel her for any sort of muscle, let them run their filthy hands over her skin to check for illness. It was no use to fight. Not anymore.

One man stood apart from most of the others, watching the women carefully. Inspecting with a cold calculation that the others lacked. He then walked up and looked at each one, but didn't touch. In fact, his hands were clasped behind his back. The way he dressed and the way he held himself proved he was a noble. He strode down along the line, looking at each woman. And then he reached Belle. Like the others, he stopped and looked her in the eyes. There was nothing to be seen in his own dark blue eyes. However, he suddenly turned to the slaver and nodded. "This one."
The other men started to protest, but he pulled out a pouch of coins the size of which shut them up quickly. They couldn't compete against an offer like that.

Belle watched the man, no emotion on her face. Another rich human... Wonderful. Well, at least the wealthy ones tended to be less brutish than the middle-class men...most of the time. Belle quietly stepped off the ledge as the slave master came to collect the pouch.

"This un's weak," he muttered, weighing the bag in his hand. "Sure yer willin' t' pay this much?" Despite his questioning words, he held out the rope to the man, glad to get such a good price for the girl once more. The girl he had just bought seemed gentle, at least. She kept her eyes lowered, keeping a respectful silence. She had been well-taught not to speak unless spoken to, not to make eye contact, to follow orders without question. If she didn't have her breathing problems, she would be even more sought-after than she already was.

The man took the rope and nodded. "Positive." His voice was strong, firm. He walked along with his new slave, but there was no tugging on the rope, no jerking her to walk faster. He went to his carriage and a footman opened the door. The man got in first, and once Belle had followed him in, he looked her over carefully. He tapped on the side of the carriage and it started to move. "So, what is your name?" He looked out the window idly, as if this was a casual conversation with any person. Slaves always had a name. Only the ones in the trade for a long, long time would have forgotten their name. They clung to their name, the last bit of themselves that they had, even if only in secret.

Which name? Belle thought idly, sitting in the carriage with her hands curled in her lap. She wet her lips, so unused to speaking save for questions. "My birthname is Belina*," she said meekly, keeping her gaze on her lap. The reason for her specification? Most humans wanted her to have a...well, a more human name. Most wanted to strip her of her past identity. In the past a few of her names included Julia, Rose, and Lilian. Only a few times had she been addressed by her real name, if a name at all.

{*I honestly don't remember... something like this.}

(Bellana, I think?)

The man listened to her answer. "Bellana...Bella, 'beautiful'. Well,it certainly fits. Natural elves do have a certain beauty about them. But you, even more so. You're different than the natural elves I've seen before." Well, of course. She'd had mixed breeding. She was a natural elf and one of the higher elves, Raeliel's people. "Bellana...hmmm." he mused, still staring out the window. "My name is Arthur Landers. You will address me as 'Sir' or 'Master', however. What are your skills? And what can you do the best?" He finally looked at her, watching her as she answered him.

(I gotta go to bed, I'll post more later but tomorrow is my super busy day)

{Sounds right~}

Belle's expression didn't change as he mused over her name, over her looks. She almost wished she was ugly so that no one would buy her, that she could easily escape so no one would miss her. She gulped when he asked for her skills. "I sing, sir. Music, mostly. I can cook and clean as well, but since birth my lungs have been weak." Meaning, of course, that she couldn't work very long. Most humans took this as an attempt at laziness, and it wasn't until they saw it was true that they returned her. This man, Arthur Landers, would be no different.

{Night!}

Arthur raised a brow. "You sing with weak lungs? Interesting." He was only a little skeptical. It was always a possibility, but he found it interesting that she could still sing. "So, you've been an entertainer for the most part." In probably all senses of the word, he knew. He was not oblivious to what pretty Elven slaves were used for.
"Well, you'll find that things in my home will be much different than what you're used to, most likely. First, you'll get a bath. Then you'll be clothed and fed. I absolutely can't see the sense in starving slaves. In my opinion, the health and appearance of a slave is a reflection of the owner's wealth and business standing. I refuse to have you left skin and bones in tatters. It wouldn't say very much about me and my business, now would it? You'll also get a room of your own. The rest of my housing staff are part time, so I've certainly got the space." He looked out the window again. "I highly doubt you will, but I'm obligated to give this warning to make it fair; lay one finger on me, in any way aside from business, meaning in anger or in lust, and you will be sent back to that barn. Understood?"
He looked at her this time. "I do not have time for folly and rumors. And the easiest way to negate rumors is for them to be untrue. I will not have the town claiming that I bought a sex slave. It would crush business and the idea is absolutely ludicrous."

No one said she could sing for very long... But Belle just remained quiet as he explained how things in his household would go. Truly, it was different from anywhere else she had been. She sat up a bit as he spoke, thinking over his words; he seemed a smart man, always thinking of the future and the outcome of things. She glanced up just as he looked at her, and found herself tense, unable to look away. Numbly, she nodded. "Yes, sir. I understand." So that meant she wouldn't be used like she had been in previous homes... This was a welcome change, but Belle wondered vaguely how long it would last.

Arthur knew they were nearing his home, but he continued. "Your duties won't be straining, but you will be expected to work. You will wake me in the mornings, unless the door is closed. If the door is closed, do something else to occupy your time. If the house needs it, straighten up or something. If there's nothing to be taken care of, then you can do whatever you like. Sometimes I work late and I do not wish to be woken." He paused, thinking over things. "Your daily duties will be simple. Straighten up, help set the table and clear the table for meals, and help Madame Tuttle with the laundry if she needs it. None of these are strenuous activities, so you should be alright as far as breathing is concerned. If something does become a difficulty, let me know."
Finally, they arrived. Naturally, it was a mansion. A beautiful mansion. He got out, then helped her get out, and walked with her to the house. The footman opened the door for them, and once they were both in the house and the door was shut, Arthur took the rope off of her and tossed it aside. "Brenda!" he called, and a plump older maid came hurrying in. "This is the girl. Take her up and wash her, and see to it that she has fitting clothes."
Brenda nodded and smiled. "Yes sir, right away!" Then she looked to Belle. "Come, child, let's get you cleaned up."

Belle nodded quietly all through his explaining, but kept her gaze lowered now. She was silent, quietly taking in everything. Finally, when they arrived at his home, she looked around. The same as any other beautiful estate she had worked at, she supposed. But when Brenda arrived to clean her up, she took a quiet step towards her, rubbing her wrists. Once they started walking, Belle just quietly took in everything in the home, glancing down hallways and into rooms so she could start to get a feel for the home.

Brenda took her upstairs and into the bathing room. She filled the tub up with warm water, and while it was filling she turned to Belle. "Alright deary, it's time to get you out of those rags." She'd help Belle undress, if she allowed, and then helped her into the tub. She got out some soaps and scented oils, humming lightly. "Master Arthur certainly picked a delicate one, didn't he? Well, we never tell him, but we know why he makes his choices." She chuckled softly and helped Belle wash up. "Master Arthur has a habit of taking on what we call 'charity cases'. I was one myself, you see. My husband got into some bad mischief and was jailed, and I couldn't do anything to keep the house. Before the guards could kick me out on the street, though, Master Arthur offered me a job here at his house. He's a good lad, he is. A very successful businessman, too. You'll be well cared for here, my dear. I bet you'll love the meal cook's got ready for you. Don't eat too much, though, you might get sick. You'll have to take it slow." The older woman rambled on contently, washing Belle clean of dirt and grime and all else with the soaps and the scented oils. By the time she was done, she just let Belle soak for a few minutes while she went to get a dress. "Yes, yes, this looks like it will fit for now. We'll take you out to the tailor's tomorrow and get some outfits fitted for you."
The woman smiled and helped her out of the tub, helped her dry off, and helped her dress. Then she brushed through Belle's hair and pulled it back into a pretty bun. "There you go. Master Arthur likes his staff looking neat and tidy. Aren't you just a lovely child?" The woman clucked in pleasure at the work that she'd done, then took Belle gently by the arm. "Come now, let's get you downstairs to eat. Once you've had a meal, Master Arthur will want to see how you turned out. I'm sure he'll be satisfied that you look very professional!"
(And now I'm away for a while again xD I'll be posting when I can, today is my super busy day)

Belle just listened quietly, smiling a bit at the talkative woman. Though she never responded verbally, she would nod at opportune points, but she was mostly enthralled with the warm bubbly water. The scent was lilac, and it was welcome compared to sweat and dirt. Cleaned, the elf was even fairer, with a pretty skin tone. Her dark hair once cleaned had a pretty sheen to it, and looked nice pulled back. Once dressed, Belle went along quietly with the ever-speaking Brenda, her stomach growling at the aspect of a meal. She couldn't remember the last time she had had a proper meal! But she heeded Brenda's warning; she had experienced overeating after a long time of malnutrition, once or twice before.

Brenda brought her downstairs, smiling as they turned the corner into the room and found Arthur in there, talking to the cook, who was holding a large covered platter. "Ah, young master! Come, take a look, I've got her all cleaned up!" Arthur turned to look at her, lifting his chin slightly and studying her with a calculating gaze. Then, he gave an approving nod. "Once again, madame, you have worked your magic." The chef bustled past him and set the tray down by the one place that was set at the table. "Come little miss, let's get some meat on those bones! I've prepared a fine meal for you, yes I have!" said the man proudly. "Master Arthur insisted that I made the portions a delicate size, as to not upset your stomach of course, but don't worry as time goes on, your helpings will be hearty indeed! Please, eat up!" He lifted the lid with grace, revealing meat, vegetables, bread, jellies, and all sorts of other goodies. Arthur walked over and stood beside her. "Make sure to have one of each, if you can. Start with the meat first, it's the most important for your health. Once you get the healthy food, you can have sweets later. Most important is for you to regain your health." He turned away. "I won't have a skin and bones servant in my household." Brenda rolled her eyes and winked at Belle. "That's just his excuse to feed you well." she whispered. "Remember what I said about charity cases, miss? He wants you healthy for your own good."

Once her master approved of her "new" self, she sat down with a little sigh. But when the chef revealed her meal, her eyes went wide as the mass of aromas bombarded her senses. There was so much food! She couldnmt possibly eat it all! But as Arthur's instructions were laid out, she nodded. But before she ate anything, she looked to the chef and gave a grateful nod. "Thank you, sir." He had made all of this for her, after all. So she began to eat, slowly at first until her appetite realized she was hungry, and after a while she managed to have a bit of everything. True to Arthur's orders, she ate a slice of the meat provided, but it seemed she prefered the freshly baked bread and delicious home-made jams. When she was stuffed to the brim, her plate was just barely half-empty, but her content sigh and slightly dazed expression made it obvious that she had taken her fill.

(On for a while!)

Brenda took away the leftovers when she had finished, and when she came back, she smiled. "Come now, child, let's get you to bed so you can have some rest. You'll sleep like a babe with a full meal in you!" She smiled and led the girl upstairs and to her room. She helped get the girl all tucked in, then pulled the curtains. "Just sleep as long as you want, dear. Master Arthur always gives the first day or so as a recovery period. So just focus on feeling better, resting up and eating."

{whoo!}

Belle gratefully lay in the bed, so warm and soft compared to her sleeping pace in the market. She watched Brenda close the curtains, before speaking up. "Thank you, Brenda," she said quietly, "for helping me today." She had taken to being grateful for any sort of kindness over the years, and she always made sure those who were kind to her knew she was thankful and appreciated them. However, she was quickly fading into drowsiness, with a full stomach and the warm blankets covering her. It wouldn't take long for her to drift off...

Brenda smiled softly at the girl and brushed her hair back from her face, any stray strands that had come out, and tucked the blankets up over her shoulders. "Don't thank me, missy. Thank Master Arthur. But first, sleep. Sleep, and dream sweet dreams." She left the room, closing the door and leaving it dark now. By the time Belle woke up, it would be late; the sun was gone, and the only light in the room was a candle that Brenda must have left on the vanity for when she woke up.
Whenever she came out, the house seemed empty. Candles and lanterns were lit, keeping light in the place, but there wasn't really the sound of anyone around anymore. Then again, Arthur HAD said that the staff was all part-time. Only the shuffling of papers would catch her attention and draw her to the hall past the stairs, where a door was left open. Arthur was sitting at his desk, papers strewn all over the place and a quill pen held in his fingers.

Belle stepped lightly through the empty house, moving like a spirit among the rooms. It seemed the only lights were in the hallway...until she saw an open door. Hesitating a moment, she slowly approached. The girl tucked stray strands of hair behind her delicate elvish ear as she peered into the room. Inside sat Master Arthur, bent over what she assumed was paperwork of some sort. However, she did not enter, for fear he would be angry at being interrupted, as so many of her past masters were. So she remained where she was for a few moments, watching the human from the hallway, the doorframe casting a shadow over half her face while the light coming from inside illuminated the other half.

It only took Arthur a few moments before he spoke. "You're awake." he said calmly, not even looking up. "Are you hungry again? Cook left the leftovers in the kitchen for us to make into a soup if you are in need of another meal. I haven't eaten supper yet myself." He put down the quill and got to his feet, giving a stretch. "It's settled, then. We'll eat. Then, I suppose I'll give you a tour of the house. You'll learn it over a few days, so in the meantime do not be afraid to ask anyone you see about where a room is if you can't find it."