Amanda Wright

  Xiomara was quiet for a moment. She was studying her; almost in a predatory manner. She couldn’t quite help that. It was the Siren in her. “Woah. Rough night?” She already knew the answer. She could see it all over the girl’s face. Xiomara patted the ground beside her, though she almost instantly pulled the girl down by the arm regardless. She had questions. “There. You look a bit tired.” She wasn’t new to beatings, though she hadn’t gotten any here… Not yet.

She clung to the flicker of light inside her, the small flame that was her desperate need and want to live. To not die here all alone, unable to fulfill any of her dreams such as finding love, having a career, being a mom and a partner. But at the time it was getting harder and harder to hold onto hope. To believe that she wouldn’t die in this prison, bleeding out from injuries or even succumbing to death in a master or mistresses home. Staring at the other girl she gave a small nod, sure that it was pretty easy to see on her features. Amanda had never been all that good at cloaking her emotions. Noticing briefly that the brunette was patting the ground next to her, Amanda was a bit startled, though not reluctant, as she was pulled down on the ground to sit next to the other. “Thanks.. and I am. I’ve had a couple of rough days.” she admitted with a small sigh. She then tried to give the other a weak smile, appreciating the fact that she cared enough to act. “I’m Amanda.” 

Kai focused his attention on healing the young woman, the slave one of the more cooperative and docile so he didn’t see the need for this sort of treatment for her.  However, he also understood some of the supernatural thrived on pain and torment, and while that wasn’t his preference, he understood some could have it.  When she spoke he looked up at her, shrugging slightly.  “In all honestly it doesn’t matter to a lot of people. I bother with it because I believe some quality of life should be upheld for this system to work at all.  And because no one else bothers with it.  But, I do hope this doesn’t happen to you again.  You seem a sweet and obedient girl.”

While Amanda understood some of the business side of the slave system, she had a hard time comprehending the cruel and violent sides to the practice. Sure it made sense that the government of Crown Point benefited from selling and renting slaves, but she questioned every day why there weren’t more rules set in place, or why physically harming a slave should not be forbidden. It wasn’t a humane practice you could defend, and it was one born out of war. Just like the Natzi regime and similar governments and the American slave system way before that. A system that was accepted because people already lived in unstable times. Where the current events of war fed into people’s perception of what was right and wrong, what was acceptable or not. When you started thinking like this, misery and despair wasn’t far behind, looking around you at a world you could hardly believe you were apart of. A world that didn’t fit with your own ideals and opinions anymore. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand the need for this degree of violence. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, you don’t deserve to be beaten bloody. Then again I’m not violently predisposed so I find it very hard to relate to anyone who is. But I suppose we are lucky there’s a few individuals like you who do bother with it, otherwise we’d all have a rather short expiration date.” She felt like it was all too heavy to bear, and talking about it probably wouldn’t do any good. “Thank you.. obedience gets one further than pride. Though obviously it didn’t spare me this time.” She tried to make a joke of it, giving him a tiny smile.  

Kaleb was surprised when one of the other slaves seemed to come to his aid. Part of him was relieved that there was someone else out there who for even a moment might show him a little kindness, another part felt guilty that he seemed to need help at all. He should be stronger than this, he’d survived worse. What the humans had put him through, they’d tattooed him in the past, the barcode still on his arm from where he’d been ‘bred’ for the war. Kaleb hid a little behind her, admiring her courage to stand up. Maybe if he’d had his fur and claws he’d be more inclined to be brave, but he felt so weak and powerless. “Don’t…don’t let them hurt you because of me. I’ll get…the brand.” He spoke softly, not wanting her to get in trouble over his own weakness. 

Kai rested a hand gently on her abdomen, immediately setting to work on her ribs and lungs while also dulling her pain.  Someone had abused the poor girl rather harshly, and the familiar was glad he’d been here when he was.  Who knew what condition she’d be in if her body remained like this.  “Let me know when it eases, but don’t talk unless you’re finding it easier to breathe…I’m not one to try and cause unnecessary pain.”

At his gentle touch and the easing sensation spreading trough her, Amanda exhaled heavily, closing her eyes for a moment. Just like she had for the entirety of the night, the blonde was wishing for some sort of reprieve from this miserable existence. She was usually one to constantly manage to look at the bright side. To turn negativity around. But in this very moment she wondered how anyone in her position kept that sort of attitude when being worked over like this time and time again. She’d had a few bad rentals in the past. Violent masters in particular seemed to be drawn to her. This one though had been without mercy. The more he beat her the more angry he had seemed to become. As if her reaction, crying out and battling tears, were the wrong one. It was as if his touch was slowly sending this comforting warmth up her torso. The pain relief was not immediate, but soon enough Amanda could feel the pressure ease off her lungs, making it easier to breathe. “Its a lot easier now. And I suppose thats kind of you. Nights like yesterday makes one wonder if our pain really matters to anyone..” She stated quietly, meaning ‘ours’ as in ‘the slaves’ pain. 

She would of been through the ice on any other night, and he’d let her drown in freezing water. This was supposed to be a night for the slaves though, he doubted that the other elders would be overly impressed should he decide to strike one down, especially one he was meant to be looking after. 

“It’s my way of saying that I presumed it was obvious. And that as I said, you wouldn’t like my answer, so unless you wish to hear gory details, I’d not ask gain if I were you.” He would happily explain his answer, but it would be so full of blood he shouldn’t speak of it in front of a woman.

If Maalik was to smile genuinely, it would be at the cost of someone else, usually, someone in pain, and at his hands. “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean, though you’re right. Dwelling on the past is a mistake, and will bring you nothing but pain.” he said and smiled at her “I haven’t been to a carnival like this for decades, maybe even a century. I didn’t enjoy it much then either.”

While Amanda would by no means claim her mind was entirely innocent, she liked to believe it was fairly free of hate, violence or resentment. There had rarely been a day in her life where she had genuinely wished someone any ill. She was known to be both warm and open to others and her greatest issue with people were usually if they displayed a lack of kindness or any show of sympathy. In that regard some of the masters and mistresses seemed rather cold to her, and she would never quite understand why they would support a system that put down and enslaved others. Where if found guilty your punishment was a life sentence with no exception or way to truly atone. It seemed all too harsh. 

As he mentioned gory details she wrinkled her nose, just a bit and shook her head. “I’ll refrain then.” She said with seriousness returning to her tone. She was grateful that he had given the choice whether or not she truly wanted to hear a honest answer. 

There was a heaviness to her gaze as she nodded. “Don’t look to the past, and avoid picturing a future. I suppose its a way and lesson learned to live in the present as much as humanly possible.” Her tone thoughtful, even as she tried to convince herself to think less. While he had insisted his smile could not be entirely genuine, it sure was a bright sight, making her smile reappear. “What do you enjoy then?”

For once, she was not on her cot writing in her own little world as the sound of footsteps neared. No she was at the bars, ready to charm the first master or mistress who came around the corner, ready to convince just about anyone to take her back home with them. To touch her, to let her have what little, but essential touch she needed in order to feed. In order to survive. So when the male did turn the corner, Amanda smiled flirtatiously at him, her hands tightening around the bars. “Hi there handsome.” she said, tilting her head, allowing her long, blonde hair to fall over her shoulder. “If you’re looking for a girl to have a good time with, I’m her. Take me out for a spin and I promise you won’t be disappointed.” 

Maalik was far from a fun loving guy with a carefree attitude, but he was rather amused at the thought of pretending for a night. He just hoped that he could keep it up, as he grew bored rather easily. 

He looked to her as she asked what his first choice would be, and chuckled, unsure she actually wanted to know when his first choice would be tying down all the humans and filleting them like pieces of meat. It would probably be best to keep all his homicidal thoughts to himself around slaves. They may not show the same enthusiasm for bloodshed as he did. “You shouldn’t ask questions to which you won’t like the answers.” The Angel replied and smiled to her. 

Flattery. A d o r a b l e!

“Oh I do have a magnificent smile. In these types of situations though, it’s not quite genuine.” Not when they expected a centuries old Angel to enjoy a fairground set up for children. “You though, do you enjoy these sorts of things?”

Amanda found it refreshing, to be able to have a semi mundane conversation with someone without feeling as if she was speaking out of turn or threading on ice. She tended to be careful around masters and mistresses until she could peg them into types. The ones who demanded high levels of respect and would lash out if you stepped wrong, and the ones who would be friendly and easy going. Thus far, the ash blonde seemed to belong to the latter category. 

She cocked a brow in question in response to his reaction, trying to figure out if he found it amusing because his form of normal in some way differed from hers. Or if he just found it amusing that she wanted to know in the first place. “Perhaps. Is that your way of saying you find my questions intrusive?” She asked in return, her light smile still in play. 

“That is a little sad, though most people rarely smile with a genuine intent, or so I’ve learned.” Most smiled to be polite, to hide something or to just plainly play along with a mood or a conversation. “Carnivals and fairs you mean? I do. Granted I wish this one was under better circumstances, like the ones I’ve been to in the past, but dwelling doesn’t get you far.” 

“I’m decent at it. I can grow things and not kill them. The hard part for me is actually getting them to sprout in the first place. Honestly, nothing is better than fruits and vegetables you grow yourself. I love fresh tomatoes and zucchini,” she smiled. The garden she had planted with her mom was so fruitful. She loved it. “That’s unfortunate. I don’t understand why they’d even care.”

“I never got those green fingers. My parents never entertained the concept of growing organically. If you can do it well though you should totally ask a master or mistress once you’re claimed to let you have a vegetable patch or five in their garden. Most seem to own large houses with ever bigger back yards.” She noted with a wry smile. It sounded so nice and somewhat peaceful, to find such tasks intriguing. Amanda had never found any sort of serenity in using her hands to make something. She’d always been dependent on the pen and paper, or a laptop to get consumed and feel somewhat zen. “It is. And they care because they count the dollars of course. Each rental benefits them, and if you can’t walk or talk then they can’t profit.” 

There was nothing quite like a night of noise and fun to put slaves in a good mood. He couldn’t help but think it was a bad idea, but if there was a chance people would make a run for it, he’d be there to drag them back kicking and screaming, or just bring their heads back if they struggled too hard. Still, there were perks to trying to enjoy himself, it meant he got a real insight to how the slaves interacted with each other, and that could be useful.

“Wouldn’t that be cheating?” he asked, teasing her and gave a shrug “I suppose i could win you a big cuddly toy, but then you’d have to give it back before morning.” Considering slaves weren’t allowed anything in their cells, there wasn’t much point.

“On a normal night, granted, this wouldn’t be my first choice, but while we’re here.” The angel gave a shrug “I suppose trying to smile through it can’t be that hard.”

Amanda tried not to make too many connotations to her past. It made her feel sad to think of her friends back at college, or her family, when being reminded of times spent in similar places with them. Or the fact that she could have been with them now if she had chosen differently. Not that she would. Her choices, the ones which had landed her here, weren’t put in the regret pile. If anything she regretted that she had not done more, not pushed herself further. 

“It would be if you are rule abiding.” She teased back, considering his suggestion, not entirely sure if he was serious. “You could and yes, I suppose I would have to.” When she hadn’t bought it herself, or rented while being given something, she wasn’t allowed to keep it. Which put a small damper on the possibility of course, though the blonde still wouldn’t have minded. 

“Then what would be your first choice?” She asked curiously. “Doesn’t have to be. I’m sure you have a great smile.” 

Edwin smiled at the girl. “I am aware. I came to this city for it’s safety after my long stint in the war. Care to guess what species I am?” He asked as he thought to his mansion. He had enough room to give his favorites their own space to use while they were with him. “Would you be up for picking out some furniture for a guesr room of mine after you’ve gotten some clothes?" 

Amanda smiled back, getting a thoughtful expression as he asked her to guess his species, as well as providing her with some personal information. “Stint? Didn’t you fight for your own kind? Sure, though its not too easy when I haven’t seen any abilities. But I can cross off incubi cause I can usually sense my own species.” He didn’t strike her as a vampire or werewolf, also seeming too contained and civilized to be a wendigo. “Uhm.. dragon?” she guessed. Bringing the dress to the counter, Amanda stepped away, seeing as the master had said he would pay. “Of course.” she said, not entirely if he was in the process of moving in and were killing two birds with one stone, or actually wanted her opinion on actual furniture.