Wonderlandess&Tollrick

[Tollrick Deactivated]

This might be a decent place to have this I suppose xD

[moon rabbit]

Name: Marielle

Nickname: Mai, Mari

Age: 21

Species: ShapeShifter

Status: Slave

[Tollrick Deactivated]

Name: Valcarth

Nickname: Val, V

Age: 26

Species: Deamon Pureblood

Status: Deamon Lord

 

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Edited January 26, 2019 by Tollrick

[moon rabbit]

Marielle's eyes flickered from guard to guard, she was in the middle of transportation after the auction. She had been in a slave auction yet again, this one marked the third time she's been sold, though this one seemed like it would be the final move. The first had been with her mother when she was far too young to remember any concrete details of that day, more so fleeting thoughts and glimpses at the real world she was to face. The second had been about a few years back in the middle of her early teenage years, then she was alone. The man who bought her was biding time until she was in her best state, and apparently, that was a week ago when he sold her. Like buying some old pieceless junk and turning it into a treasure, she heard talk of how he had made good money with the auction, even after having to pay fees. She never heard much after that, or rather she stopped paying attention and merely skimmed the conversation. She was mute, at least that's what she's trained herself to be. It was easier as a slave to be mute, it also for some reason made some people let down their guard around her because of it. She was wary of information since they connected being mute with being helpless. 

It made her one of the more well-informed slaves, but it wasn't enough to ever change her fate. After all, there she was being walked up to a lord's manor. She wasn't even in chains, freshly bathed and dressed. Mai would have been able to figure this all out even before hearing the details of what would happen to her. She was a gift. She even had a bow tied around her neck, and she knew this would most likely be the end to her short life. Was it a good one? No, but it was always better than dying. Perhaps that would change now. She followed wordlessly into a grand room, wondering exactly what her new owner would do with his "gift". Murder? Torture? ALl of these were possibilities, the only reason why she hadn't been dealt such a hand was because her previous owner took great care in keeping her "clean", as in void of scarring. She was still put through normal slave duties, but nothing that would ever damage her value as a never been touched. It was strange how she heard that in other countries, never being touched had a sexual connotation purely; yet, in the demon realm, it also meant one being void of torture, whether being the torturer or tortured. Maybe things would have been different if she had been born in one of those other realms, but it was not. 

She casted her eyes down to the ground as she shuffled forward, at least she was dressed, some white babydoll outfit, she felt like a child's doll, yet knew to expect much worse treatment.

[Tollrick Deactivated]

A voice broke Valcarth's thoughts as he was lost in a good book. "My lord, your gift has arrived. It has been sent from his royal highness himself."
Valcarth wanted to sigh in disappointment, though he did not wish to show it. Even small signs of disloyalty to the crown from the lords was often met with consequences. So he did what he always did. Acted with a big smile, and did as decorum demanded. "Thank you. I'll be right down."

The king had a certain preference in showing gratitude for perceived loyalty... mainly handing out slaves. 'The finest stock' coming in from the few trade caravans that came through the kingdom each year. What disappointed Valcarth even further was that his fellow noble folk seemed to be genuinely grateful of this, since they could enact their will upon them. Said will was often not the kindest. 

However, Val was one of the few who had somehow managed to keep the level of cruelty down, without him being branded a traitor to the crown. Though he could not go nearly as far as he wanted. He still had to do what was expected. What was worse was that he was the last of his line alive, and he hadn't been married yet. If not for his substantial amount of land, he would have been taken out a long time ago. Which was why he tried his best to shake hands wish as many families as he could. Especially the crown. 

Which was why he was getting his latest gift. Which he was now to meet. And he had to pretend to be happy he now owned yet another person. Walking down to the opplantet entrance hall, he saw her stand without chains. At least the king knew he'd appreciate that more. His mind already racing with how best to act this out. Should he send the king wine? Maybe even go more opulent, and throw a feast in his honor. That usually got him off his back when trying to sneak in policies about extra rations for the serfs. And before he knew it, he was standing right in front of the girl. And he had no more time to think. And it was back to acting. 

"Oh lovely. I'll have to find a way to show the king my gratitude for this wonderful gift. Thank you for escorting her all this way." He nodded politely off to the guards, and they left after a synchronized salute. Marching out the door as if they were in a military parade. Kings orders no doubt. 

He then turned his gaze towards the young girl standing before him, and now he just had to act a little more for the staff. "Now slave, its time to show you where you'll be staying. Follow my commands, without question, and you wont sleep on cold tiles. Now come along, follow your master." And thus he just walked back up the massive set of stairs, leading up to his tower. Which only was a small part of his massive fortress of a mansion. Owning a sixth of literally all production in the nation sure paid off.

Condescending, pompous, superior, elitist... In all honestly he hated that mask. He hated that he had to wear it. And he hated that he'd gotten so good at it. Though once they'd be away from prying eyes, he might at least let her know he did not intend to pull through on such a threat. At least he hoped she'd believe him. 

[moon rabbit]

Mai hardly looked up when she heard small, silent steps coming. This was perhaps her new master, she wasn't sure. She's made in the care of many others until she had finally gotten here, it wouldn't surprise her if there were one or two last caretakers. She was almost sad to see the guards go, despite their crude behavior and language, at least they were instructed not to hurt her. This man, her owner, could literally do whatever thought comes through to his mind. She studied his appearance and thought about how old might he be. He didn't look all too much older than her, but demons were a little harder to guess the ages of. They kept most of their youthful looks for an extended amount of time, but then again she wasn't one to be really talking about changing throughout the years. She resembles a human more than the demons, but she was studier she supposed. Not that she's seen humans tortured, but she heard they were some of the more delicate species. She wondered what her life might be like had she escaped to their land, where she could have blended in perfectly...at least in her mind, she would.

She nodded her head as a bow, having been formally trained into this. At least he didn't start off with hitting her. She heard horror stories of other slaves about malicious masters. It was practically impossible for a slave to change hands as many times as she has and has not even a single scar from a torture session. She assumed that this time would be when her luck ran out, but considering that she was following him somewhere into a room that would be her own, she figured she wouldn't be a sense of stress relief in forms of torture. At least not the majority of the time. Mai followed him easily, wondering what it is he might have in store for her. She stepped up each stair, looking around. It was a well enough seeming manor. For some strange reason, she couldn't hear any screams or rather anything at all. In her last few residences, it was not uncommon to hear a scream from time to time, she had almost grown used to the sound that made her both disgusted and relieved. Disgusted that a demon dared to impose status as if it was any valuable credit, and relieved that it wasn't her who was being taught a lesson. 

She thought maybe that the room would be the torture room, and she did as she was taught. She pulled on the string of the dress, loosening it as it slipped down her shoulders. She never stopped finishing moving, and as they would finally approach the door, should he turn he would find her loosely covered, waiting for him to make the final move to cause her to be naked. A simple misjudgment of the situation on her part, though what she was taught to expect should there be no physical attacks on her body.

[Tollrick Deactivated]

Luckily it seemed that her dark thoughts would not become a reality. Valcarth even opened the door for her, and once they stepped inside, it was just a simple room. Basic furnishing, a bed, a chair, a table, a single shelf, a small wardrobe, and a chest next to the bed for storrage, which meant it was very high quality when considering what slaves usually got. 

Val let out a small sigh, and started talking like an actual person at this point. A jarring contrast to his previous demeanor. "Now, this is your room. It was a guest room, which is why its at the bottom of my tower. Everything inside the tower is my private area. Which means you wont be bothered by anyone unless its actually important." He then caught himself in this. Speaking like a regular person, and then he saw his slave stand as if she was ready to let her dress fall, before he let out a deep sigh in contrast to his first. 

"Oh right... You wont need to drop that." Looking at her dress, before looking back into her eyes. "Before you think too hard on this, I wont ever intend to pull through on the usual 'obey or be tortured to death' stick. I have no intent to harm or abuse you. Believe it or not, I even intend to let you be fed decently each day." He didn't even look at her, and he knew it sounded ridiculous and unbelievable. He gripped his forehead. "Though this is sort of meant to not be widely known. Typically it is considered bad to not let 'the lesser be taught their place' and all that. Not really my cup of tea. Which is why you wont see public flayings in my lands." He smiled a bit, before looking back at her. "I just noticed you haven't said a word... Just so you know poor girl, you dont have to ask permission to speak. At least not when we're in private." He said this with a genuine warm smile. It was odd to see a daemon give a seemingly honest smile. That was rare to see when nothing awful was happening. 

This was new to him. For some reason this was not like squirming his way through politics. This was just a person. 

[moon rabbit]

(Had a busy weekend  Anyway, I was thinking perhaps he has someone over after a week or so, and after she hears the person wants to kill him, is when she tells and reveals herself?)

Mai looked around the bedroom, confusion spreading across her face for a moment. What was all of this stuff? For her? She didn't remember if she ever had a space dedicated solely for her use, let alone a proper bedroom she wouldn't be sharing with anyone or anything. Did he not want his torture sessions to be exposed? Did he like a more private space to himself? She wouldn't know, masters could essentially do anything to their property and not be punished in any way. She held onto her dress a little more, especially after he told her no. She fixed it, unsure of what he was going to do. She was fed very strictly to keep her figure, not that it necessarily mattered. With the changes her body could go through, it didn't matter how much she ate. She's seen her mother more than once seem to be "starving" only to morphe her body back to usual and split the food with others. It was almost too good to be true, and Mai decided that it simply must be. Of all people. she ought to know best that appearances can be deceiving. 

She mildly shook her head at the idea of speaking. She'll keep this ruse up, after all she never knew if or when he might drop his. She didn't trust many demons if any. She brought up her hand to right around where her vocal cords would be and shook her head, attempting to say she couldn't speak. It was a bit odd to see a demon smile, at least not sadistically. Exactly what was with her new master? She glanced over to the chair and set her hand on it gently, running it against the feeling. She's cleaned just about anything that could be in a noble's home, hell in preparation she was even taught how to clean torture equipment that would presumably be used against her. She glanced over to the bed and that probably held her attention even longer. She crept over and pressed her hand against it as well, rubbing the material against her touch as she thought about it. He was a strange daemon if all of what he had said was honestly truthful. 

[Tollrick Deactivated]

(Hope you're managing x3. I like the basis of your idea, but I think a small change would make sense :3. Someone comes to visit, another noble, and an assassin sneaks in, and attempts to poison Val, so the other noble would be framed for it. Intrigue xD. Maybe it could be the head of another noble house, coming to give an offer to plan a wedding between Val and a daughter of the family, giving them closer access to Val's land. And likely another noble family wishes to prevent this, by framing that family for murder of Val.... Ahh, rich people problems xD)

"The door over here leads out to a wash room." He said, leading on his tiny tour of the place, wanting her to know that this was indeed her area. "The water is even clean enough for you to drink if you wish." He said with his smile widening a bit. And it was then he saw her gesture to her throat.

"... You cant speak? Oh you're mute! Well all right then, a little unexpected, I must admit." He laughed a bit. He guessed the king just expected him to use her as a plaything or the like, rather than someone to hold a conversation with. Though Valcarth and the king did have different definitions on what 'plaything' should mean. Very different. It was odd to have the king be so fond of him, in his own... very messed up way.

His thoughts turned back to the girl. "I hope you'll be able to communicate through hand signs and gestures... unless, can you write? Most slaves cant, so if you would want to learn, I could have someone teach you. It would be no trouble." He said with his warm tone only seeming to fill the room, rather than fade. Valcarth could not help but smile as he saw her timidly study her new room. While also feel a strong sense of pity for the poor girl. All this was obviously new for her, and she would no doubt need time to adjust to this new life of hers. 

[moon rabbit]

(Alright )

Mai looked over when he spoke of the washroom, and she froze for a moment there as her mind raced. How were her showers before? Not very good. She stepped towards the bathroom, poking her head through the door to view the bathroom. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, it was the clearest she's ever seen her own face in who knows how long. Perhaps she'll practice shifting in the mirror, it's been so long since she's tried to change shape she was sure she was a bit out of practice. She looked back to him when he laughed, shrugging a bit. Usually, others were annoyed about the fact she couldn't speak, since it basically meant she couldn't scream, while others found the idea of silent torture fascinating. 

She closed the door to the washroom before bowing her head to him when he asked about communication. She slowly reached for his hand before beginning to run her finger in her palm, forming letters. She eventually spelled out some words, albeit incorrectly

"i no sum leters"

she had learned the alphabet more or less when she was seven or so, some older slave had came and had apparently known how to read and write. She was graciously taught the alphabet, she didn't know why he chose her. Maybe because she was young and smart and could possibly get out of the hell that was the life of a slave, or maybe he was a pervert who liked young girls. She would never know. She had barely been able to grasp all the letters and sounding out words when he was taken away, and she never knew what happened to him, she hoped he had been transferred and lived out nice days as some servant. The odds of that however, as she grew up and saw what happened to others, was unlikely. So she didn't know how to spell things correctly but considering that she wasn't ever formally taught, she was one of the more literate ones. She paused for a moment before she hesitantly wrote out more, wondering if the invitation of learning was a trick. Even if it was, she didn't want to let the chance slide by.

" i want to learn mor"

[Tollrick Deactivated]

He raised his eyebrow, and smiled a bit when she grabbed his hand, and started to form letters. It wasn't often that a slave grabbed hold of him, let alone any other of the noble families. Especially without technically being asked to. He took this as a good sign, because that meant he didn't have to have her unlearn that part at least. That was one of the hardest parts. Trying to teach people to just be people, and treat each other like it, without saying so publicly... for that would brand him a traitor. He had to spin it as him 'cleverly getting the peasants to become far less rebellious, so I save a forture on guards and torturers'. He had to always spin it. 
Which made him glad that he might not need to worry so much about that with her. Who would she tell? The people who would chop off her hand for touching them unprovoked? Unlikely. 

And there he went again. Thinking tactically, about the life of (what he presumed to be) a human being. After internally slapping himself, he went back to reality, and saw her hesitate. Curious, he thought to ask, but then she told unprovoked.  And a smile crept across his face a bit once she realized that she actually gave him a request. This gutsy girl just asked a daemon lord to provide her with something. Oh he could get used to this. 

"I can get you a teacher, so you can learn more. And I can get you pen and paper, so you can write messages whenever you wish." 

He knew this would be a pleasant surprise for her. And he felt happy that she thought she was able to ask at all. 

"Oh, and I have something more important to ask of you slave... what's your name?" He asked with a kind tone. Knowing that slaves were almost never adressed by name by their masters, he knew this could be another nice surprise. 

[moon rabbit]

Marielle shifted rather uncomfortably as he smiled at her, rubbing at her arms. Should she regret asking him? She pushed her hair back, blue eyes gazing up to his. He could punish her by cutting her hand off just for touching him, she's seen things like that happen to others, whether it was an accident, emergency, or even if they were instigated into doing so. If she learned how to write would she be able to escape eventually? Perhaps find an escape path for slaves? The idea almost caused her to huff almost bitterly, there was no such thing. The majority of slaves had been beaten to the extent they didn't ever so much as think as escaping their status. She nodded her head to the idea of pen and paper, she's never even held such materials. She learned her letters by writing them in dirt with sticks. It was easy to cover up and better than learning by writing on hands since it'll show her what to copy. 

She didn't think she would ever be asked for her name, and she wondered how long since someone's called her actual name. She couldn't even think of any point in the past few years. Mostly she's been called slave, girl, etc...it wasn't like she necessarily had a way to tell people what her name was. Mari reached for his hand, wondering what she should even write. Her name? For real? It was one of the only things her mother gave her that she has kept, even if it wasn't an item. 

"Marielle" 

It was the only thing she knew she was spelling correctly. Would he pronounce it right? Would she even be able to correct him? No, she chastised herself. Just because he was being kind now didn't mean anything. Perhaps he wanted her to learn how to write so he wouldn't have to draft his own letters anymore. Perhaps he wanted her to take notes for him, there were numerous things that he could want her to do with the skill of being able to read and write. She analyzed him some more, she never actually looked into the eyes of a daemon before, it was a sign of submission that's been ingrained into her, and she wasn't losing the chance to capture his look into her memory, perhaps she could use it to her advantage...

Who was she kidding, she wouldn't be able to keep up the charade of being him, besides she's never even felt a daemon's horns, there's a chance she would be getting them wrong if she went off of appearance alone. 

[Tollrick Deactivated]

"Marielle? Hmm... Am I saying that right? Marielle. I'll keep that in mind, and if you want, I can call you that when we're in private like now." If he addressed a slave by name when eyes and ears were on him, he knew rumors would not be hard to start. And rumors could be undermining. So he sadly had to balance that. Though he wanted to make it clear he was balancing it in her favor. Or at least trying to. 

He noticed how her eyes darted around him. Nervous and observing. Oh she was likely just scared. He could hardly blame the poor girl for that either. So he felt like going easy on her was the best option to take right about now. "You clearly had a rough time. So today, you can just take a warm shower, pick any dress in the drawer you wish, and you can just do whatever for today. Explore the grounds, as long as you show respect to the other slaves and staff here... Though I do ask that you'd be back for your dinner so it doesn't end up getting cold." He could not help but give a small laugh, expecting further culture shock that she'd now realize that he would give her warm meals. "Though please stay on the manor grounds... outside I cannot gerentee your safety. I try to enforce my laws, but... slaves are highly valued. And high value, means some are willing to go far to get hold of it... and I'd not want that to happen." He said this with a serious tone, though clearly laced in sympathy. She was his property, and as much as he disliked that concept, he knew he could use that to at least keep her in relative safety. At least if he played his cards right.

And he clearly had no idea that she had her own cards, and was constantly considering how she could play hers. That thought didn't even cross his mind. A likely fault of his illustrious standing in life.

[moon rabbit]

Marielle nodded her head slowly when he pronounced her name, almost in awe at the sound of her own name. She didn't dare speak on her own, too afraid that she might get caught. She looked down, she had recently been bathed and scrubbed off any possible dirt, but the water had been cold and it wasn't exactly gentle. The dress was something that had been picked out for her as if to emphasis her innocence to the usual slavery tactics. She nodded her head slowly, but decided that it would be perhaps best if she kept to herself. She'll take a shower and change, and take a quick look around the estate to get her bearings. She nodded attentively, signaling that she was still listening though her mind was racing. She was smart enough to know that immediately running away wouldn't be in her favor. If she wanted a better life, she needed to plan. To plan, she would need to know the estate and hopefully find a map of some sort...which meant that she would need to learn how to read. It would be in her best interest to stay a couple months, create some sort of routine all the while gathering information for her escape.

She bowed down to him, looking to his shoes. She could practically paint a picture of him thanks to how much she burned him into her mind. Mai stood up and headed towards the bathroom. She pointed inside before rubbing at her arm as if to signify she would be taking a shower. Warm water sounded nice. She bowed once more before heading in and shutting the door quietly behind her. The girl leaned against it, letting out a small sigh, goodness her heart felt like it was thudding hard in her chest. It was scary to meet someone who was in charge of your life, no matter how nice he seemed. Mari moved to the mirror and stared at herself, when was the last time she practiced shifting? It was easy to copy his hair color, slowly and surely her hair shrank before darkening, and with a few blinks she watched her irises change from blue to almost an orange-y color before settling on yellow. Hair and eyes were the easiest, it took her a few attempts, but she watched her height increase before focusing on her chest. She was mid-transformation, and already a bit out of breath. She was out of practice. It was so easy to revert back to her original form, but changing to forms she's never done before or haven't attempted in a while needed practice. 

Regardless of it all, the most key element would be horns, and she couldn't even bring herself to attempt it.If she struggled with the general body, there was no way she would be able to try and create horns. Mai got into the shower, and stayed in there for some time before getting out and quickly drying. She changed into something longer than what she had been wearing before, a little more mature thankfully. She tied the back before heading out, only after cleaning up whatever evidence there was of her shifting. Basically hair strands that fell out at this point. She then began to walk around the estate, doing her best to memorize every detail of any and every room, items, environment...perhaps when she gets pen and paper she'll start drawing a map for the estate with information she couldn't forget.

[Tollrick Deactivated]

If only he knew, the irony would be so think one could cut it with a sword. But he didn't. He just smiled to her, thinking he was high upon his horse called morals, and he happily left her room after she had went to wash herself. Confident in the thought that he was going to bless her with a happy life. Or something akin to that. 

And just as her mind was racing, he went back up to the top room of his tower, his study, sat down at his massive table made of solid dragonbone, pulled out the secret compartment in one of its legs, and pulled out his strategy plans for starting the groundwork for potential ways to seize the throne. He had a couple of useful theories on how to do so in the long term.

He could marry into another high standing house, and try to play the long game of keeping a good image till the king would die, and then try to assure the obvious pick would be him for the successor of the families. Assumption riddled, and would be long running, depending on how long before the king would die. He was in good health and still in his prime. Flimsy at best. 

Another he could do, was not rely on gaining the throne through legal means, but attempt to gain enough support for a coup. Maybe start enough chaos to start blaming it on various factions that would naturally form, and then rally the rest behind him, and gain enough political power to become the obvious front figure, and thus become ruler. This would mean a lot of sacrifice, and obviously the brunt of that would be laid onto the common people. The exact people he was trying to at least in strong part, do this for. Dangerous gamble. 

He could try to start a separate movement. Sow anti regime feelings, and watch them grow amongst the populace. Though with any anti rule organization, this would face crackdowns. Though if handled right, it would be crackdowns that would produce martyrs, and inspire further sentiment of potential uprising. And all the while, he could try to use his power he already had, to aid said group in secret, and try to put things in their favor... though the problem with that would be that he would have no control over said group. He could not control what they might end up fighting for, aside from the removal of the king. It would require a lot of strings to pull that in any sort of positive direction, and it would even then still be a gamble. 

Lost in thought, his hours flew by. Even forgetting that he had asked Mari to be back for time of dinner. And of course he had forgotten to lock the door to his study. A busy mind is often forgetful. And forgetful minds often make mistakes. And now his plans were right on the table, as he sat on his balcony, smoking to calm his mind while basking in the sunlight. 

(I was thinking that she'd maybe go fetch him. Since he did offer that she'd be given a warm meal, and he technically ordered her to 'be back by dinner'. Which would be ample time for her to actually see his plans on his desk. Though she would not be all that literate, she would easily see that him having various plans to gain the throne, and weigh in cost/benefit analysis to how much potential harm this could come to the populace, and he often mentions how he sieze the crown to have one of his first actions be to end slavery... and boom, we have some confronting and some drama to do xD. How about it? :3)

[moon rabbit]

(Sure, so basically to make this clear she goes in, sees his plans, realizes he wants to end slavery, and decides to stick around for a while longer? Sorry I'm studying rn and it's late for me)

Mari eventually realized that it was time to eat after seeing a table being set. She didn't quite eat all too much, so she had almost forgotten about the idea of food.  She headed towards his study, more so checking the rooms one by one that she hadn't gone through. She listened for noises, and only when she heard him in his room did she find where he was. She walked in silently, knocking quietly against the door before heading inside. She looked around for him but found an empty room, which was strange. Her eyes scanned the papers, most of the words were too hard for her to read, but she recognized a little. Mainly, the words slavery and king, it took some staring and attempts at pronouncing in her mind before she was able to pick up on some key notes. 

End Slavery ? What kind of...that was almost blasphemy in their realm. Her mind connected the dots, and she realized that he must have been genuine. Even if his act and actions were all for show, there was no reason for him to right out his plans as if to convince her he was a good guy. To the best of his knowledge, she didn't know how to read too much, hell she was only able to pick up three to four words which were thankfully the key ones. Had he been serious about all the things he said to her. She didn't show it on her face as she backed up, clasping her hands in front of her. Her eyes moved over to the balcony, coughing a bit as the smell of smoke drifted fainly back into the room. She headed over and knocked on the side, catching his attention. Bowing her head to him, she stood up straight after and placed a hand against her stomach. She didn't know another way to signify to him it was dinner. Getting him was the least she could do as his slave....but she was starting to think perhaps he didn't see her as such. If everything she thought was true, perhaps she should stick around. There wouldn't really be anything for her to worry about, aside from perhaps some small duties that wouldn't be too hard for her considering what else she's gone through.

[Tollrick Deactivated]

(First of all, you dont have to justify yourself here. I get it :3. And its totally fine. And yeah, I though that might give her an intensive to wanna stay. And I apologize for being so slow on it.) 

The sudden knocking gave him a small shock. Unexpected to say the least, and once he looked over, to see it was her, he was still clearly sort of in a small panic. He saw her sign, and understood what she meant, but then his eyes went over to the door... that he forgot to lock. Then to his desk... which was filled with his plans. He then looked back at her, before he got up, and stepped in close, before looking her dead in the eye. 

"Did you see my work? And if so, how much did you understand?" His stern tone was clear. Though it was more in panic, than any form of hate towards her. Clearly. He did not wish to be discovered. He knew plenty of serfs and slaves didn't even want freedom... they didn't understand what it was. And they often believed the lies that they would just be better off when at the mercy of the lords. And this one was specially selected by the king himself... he didn't know. And he could not take chances. Luckily he was good at spotting a liar. The most useful skill in politics. 

He reached his hand out slightly, so she could answer by drawing the letters to answer his question. "I need you to tell me Mari." For once, he didn't feel like he had control in even his own room. Which was new for him. He couldn't take the chance of all his work being undone by such an avoidable mistake. He needed control in his life. Because when he had control over things, he could effect them. And he could use that. Not having that, was like not having himself. 

Edited February 3, 2019 by Tollrick

[moon rabbit]

Thanks, and you're good too

Mai took a small step back when he came close, unsure of what happened.d Was she going to get in trouble for coming in? He hadn't explained to her many rules about the estate, and she briefly panicked into thinking that perhaps one of his rules was she couldn't be in this room. Just because he didn't tell her didn't mean she could go without punishment. A slave ought to know their master even better than the master knows himself, without being too uppity or smart of course. She shook his head at his question, knowing to be clever. Has there ever been a time that she didn't lie to an owner or someone higher saying she knew less than what she did? It felt like all her life. Whenever she messed up, she was never hit because that diminished her value, but that didn't mean she went without punishment. She looked up to him and knew that she couldn't outright fully lie and say she had never seen the table, it was a bit too late for that, so she needed to twist what she knew so she technically wasn't lying. 

She hesitantly took his hand, more so seemingly because she was scared he would strike her though in actuality she was still planning what to say. Finally she began to write, with a somewhat clear idea of a lie that she would now stick with.

"tank u leter King" 

she wrote, pretending that the only thing she comprehended was that he talked about the King at some point, it was probably easiest to notice the word King than anything else considering it's plastered on many different papers/signs. She pretended to have mistaken his writings as a possible thank you letter to the King for the "present". She never let go of his hand before she started to write another word, of apology. She was glad that while she vaguely understood writing it wasn't clear enough. She didn't think she would be able to make mistakes when it came to literacy so easy. Comprehension sure, but literacy without even thinking would be hard. She attempted to say Sorry to him regarding the letters before she finally looked up to him, letting go of his hand finally. She braced herself for anything, possibly even a hit. 

"I Sorwe"

[Tollrick Deactivated]

He sighed heavily. Realizing that even if she was telling the truth, and was just ignorant... he would never know. Now he had to take a massive risk... and so something he had almost never done. 

"... I might as well just come clean." He began, before looking back up at her. "I intend to overthrow the kingdom, in order to better the lives of the common folk, including ending slavery... setting people like you free." He gestured towards the balcony, out towards the city. All those people flocking around. Each living their own life. Each with their own hopes, dreams, and fears. 

"And if you don't believe I'm telling the truth, I can prove it to you once you've been properly taught to read. Then I can let you see my plans with your own eyes, rather than just believe me at my word... And I think you might appreciate me letting you actually be shown something is true, rather than just being told." His apologetic tone, then turned more serious once he finished, and took another deep breath. 

"However..." He turned back and looked her dead in the eye. "... I hope you can understand why you cannot speak a word of this to anyone. You should know far more than I why I'm keeping this plan a secret. You've lived the very reason why I do so." He then gave a small smile. He deeply hoped that this sign of trust would... turn out right. He hoped this could build trust between them. And he hoped most of all this would prevent him from needing to commit a lesser evil, for the greater good of his plans. He hoped. He hoped that the slave girl in front of him, would wish to have her chains broken. 

[moon rabbit]

Marielle gasped softly when he told her his idea, and she stared at him wondering if he was being serious. A daemon lord wanted to end slavery? She glanced over his balcony and looked over the sight he might see every day. SHe's never seen the city like this before, hell she's barely walked the streets before, she couldn't quite remember the sensation of being down there. She slowly moved her eyes back to him, her mind working frantically to rule out and choose her next words/actions wisely. This couldn't be a test, but she also couldn't get the idea of obeying just on the small chance it was. Did she agree? Did she reveal that she could speak? Or should she disagree and stick to being pro-slavery? It was frightening to think of having a possible ally in this kind of life, and sometimes it'll be the death or worse of other slaves who naively believed in everyone. She's too old and has seen far too much to just believe whatever he might say. 

She swallowed the lump in her throat before bowing her head to him, with whatever she said, could it mean being beheaded? Honestly, bowing her head at that moment was just an action to get even more seconds to think it through. He wouldn't have told her this if he didn't want to trust her, if she exempted the idea this was a test it was all she could come up with. The idea of overthrowing the kingdom was enough for a beheading of all those involved and then some, whoever who may have held a relationship with the person or persons involved: including family, friends, servants....Unless they had value in some other way, all of those people would be killed. She raised her head and slowly reached for his hand, writing on it as she typically did.

"As u wis"

not following with his ideology may also lead to her being killed, since she would then know a secret he couldn't afford to have get out. At the end of this, that was the most neutral statement she could come up with that would leave her in a neutral area. Technically on the off minuscule chance this was a test, she was only following along with whatever her master wanted. Naively just like a slave should. She smiled at him before placing a hand on her stomach and then pointing at her mouth. It was dinnertime for them both after all. She waited for him to walk first, since he was still higher status than her. After she took some training, she'll pretend to be dumber and not quite understand so the lessons slow down. Then she'll work on reading by herself by sneaking into the library, it'll be easy enough she figured. She'll come back afterward and look over all documents she can find then.

[Tollrick Deactivated]

His demeanor saddened slightly once he saw her simply revert into slavish obedience. This wonderful girl, her mind twisted and defiled enough to make her just... he sighed. She could not be blamed. He now had a new project. Teach this girl how to become a person. She might have never really learned how to be one for all he knew. But the more he thought, the more determined he became. It would likely take a long time... but he wished for her to not just be free from the chains that would bind her body, but also the chains that binds her mind. 

He straightened his posture, and gave a nod to her. Seeming professional and proper once more. "All right. Sorry for the delay, you must be hungry. Let us dine." He said with a calm smile, before turning to leave, expecting her to follow. He had to act like a master all the same. Otherwise he might never get through to the girl. This might be all she had been used to listen to. At least he could do then, is use that power to at least guide her in a positive direction. At least long enough for her to be able to take steps on her own. 

His thoughts aside, he was reminded that he had actually become rather hungry himself. And now looking forward to a warm meal. "Oh, and by the way Mai, you will be sitting with me. It will just be the two of us dining." He informed her. He used this as an excuse to let her have a decent meal. If any prying eyes would question this, he could always come with an excuse that he liked coddling that which he owned, or something. Such a narrative might at least make them not see his horns as only a lie. Benevolence having to hide in a cloak of malice. 

Instead of the large dining hall, he had arranged them to be seated out near his private garden. Under an alcove, with his mansion to one side, and all the green practically surrounding them as they would sit at the massive carved out stone table, and be served by the staff. Who had already set the table, and provided the food. Only a single waiter would be needed. Otherwise they were alone. 

"Have a seat milord. Same goes to you... ehm..." "She is just mine. And she shall sit as well." "Of course lord." Having to keep up appearances, while trying to not be too insulting. He hoped she understood. Though he did think she was likely to think nothing of it. Just obeying. In any case, he hoped she would at least enjoy a warm meal, cooked for taste, rather than just to prevent starvation. "Have a seat slave... and dont worry. You need not hold back from eating till you're full."

[moon rabbit]

Marielle followed him out, the smile she held disappeared as soon as he wasn't looking. As they passed by the desk she took one last glance at those papers, she would find them later. She nodded her head to whatever he said, regardless of whether or not he was paying attention. Mostly her thoughts were elsewhere. His appearance and personality never really faltered, except for when others might be hearing. The fact that he seemed saddened by her response proved even more so then maybe he was a good guy. Sad she supposed from the fact she just agreed with him, the easiest response for a slave. He took the time to be considerate of her. Quite a shame, she thought. Good guys to slaves were few in this land, especially considering what typically happened to them. They either died or became corrupted and lost their once nice demeanor. As her eyes flickered to the back of her new master, she wondered which would happen to him first. She stepped out slowly when she felt the outside breeze, oh goodness how many times has she actually been outside? 

Mai took the time to look around, soaking in the green of the land, she reached out and touched the grass before quickly rising before he could. It was soft, how odd it was that she had the sudden desire to run barefoot across it, or just to lay down in it. She chastised herself just as quickly as those thoughts had come up. She glanced to the food before sitting down after being told to. She didn't dare touch the food for the first few seconds, being a shapeshifter her stomach was basically indestructible, considering she could take virtually any form which could increase or decrease her appetite. That, and shapeshifting often made her hungry, considering the amount of work she did to change form. That was also a reason she didn't shift in a long time, that and wanting not to be caught. She looked to the utensils before hesitantly picking up the fork. She looked to him for one last confirmation of permission before she took a bite, and she immediately had to stop afterward. There was nothing wrong with the food, it was quite the opposite actually. It was delicious. Has she ever eaten something like this before? Before she even realized, she had taken another bite, and then another. It was warm, and a bit salty, yet sweet, and savory and- her taste buds were going off. This was not leftovers or the second rate slave food she was typically given. 

She actually hiccuped from eating too quickly, which caught her off guard as she realized how fast she had consumed about half of her plate. It was too easy. Oh god, her eyes moved to her master. It really would be quite a shame if he died due to being nice to a slave. 

[Tollrick Deactivated]

Seeing her let go slightly, and simply enjoy a few moments, made him smile. Seeing her touch the grass, before running back, and how she was now chowing down food without thinking much... he could not help but be happy. Which helped him let go as well. He could not help but laugh, at her surprised expression after she hiccuped, as well as her surprised expression of her plate now being half empty. Once he was done laughing, he playfully added "You know... you are allowed to take seconds." It was clear this poor girl was hungry. So he just let her go. Besides... this was far too entertaining to not encourage. 

Though he started eating as well. Eventually, after trying to remind himself that this was also a meal for him, rather than just a show. Eating far more civilized, and slowly, allowed him ample time to watch in delight though. And comment with the occasional wide smile, small laugh, and a few encouraging comments. 

He then started laughing at the realization that the bastards were right... he really was going to spoil her. And he honestly had no issue with this. Which made it all the funnier to him. Which he just downed with wine, meat, and a lot more wine. 

He started wondering what else he could do. "... Once you've eaten, you are allowed to stay in the garden. It seemed like you were curious about the grass." His smile widened. He wanted her to be happy... and he was also incredibly entertained. And if it just meant more of this pure wholesome joy, from pushing this further, he could not help himself. He just had to spoil her. 

[moon rabbit]

Mai flinched a bit when she suddenly heard him laugh...it wasn't malicious or drunkenly in nature, which caught her off guard a bit. She nodded her head meekly before going back to eating, this time a bit slower than before though regardless it was still a fast pace. She ended up quietly asking for seconds, meekly holding her plate and pointing at it with a questionable look on her face before she was finally given more. She nodded her head as thanks to both the waiter and her master before she continued eating. She nearly finished off that plate too before she felt full. It didn't matter how much a shapeshifter ate, she didn't need to worry about anything altering the way she looked, considering she could do that all by herself. 

She perked up a bit when he mentioned staying in the garden, and nodded her head. It was then that she realized perhaps she ought to take care of her master, truly. Of course, she would have done so accordingly, but for once she had a small feeling of gratefulness towards him. She selfishly, of course, wanted to protect this little asylum she now had, but she would feel bad if anything unfortunate happened to him because he was too kind. She stood up and pushed in the chair, neatly cleaning after herself before handing the waiter her dishes. She bowed to the waiter as thanks since she knew what it was like to serve and know little would be given in return, and then she bowed down to her master. She looked around the estate and all of the grass, before looking back to him. She pointed in the distance, towards the grass to indicate where she shall be in case he needed her. She slipped off her shoes and held them in her hands before she took off running. Considering how long it's been since she's actually ran, she could feel her lungs burning sooner than she would have liked, though what would have been expected of a slave. She ought to work on her normal condition. She laid down then, breathing quickly and rolled onto her back, calming down slowly. The grass felt nice. She slowly closed her eyes, going in and out of it. She should start running more, she couldn't just shift randomly if she needed to get away from something, and here it seemed like she would have the ability to make herself stronger or faster naturally. 

[Tollrick Deactivated]

After watching her run off, he did not remember for how long he watched her just frolic. He had gotten enough wine that he hardly cared. He eventually got up, and just asked one of his guards to simply watch over her, so she would not get lost. From a distance, without disrupting her time enjoying herself. It would be unfair to expect of her to know her way around the place, so in his ever so slightly buzzed state, he felt it only right to just make sure she would be able to get back to her room when she wished to. 

He then stood up, put his cape back on, before heading inside. He would head back up to his tower, and pack his plans back up, meticulously. Though going extra slow to prevent himself from breaking any of it, due to the alcohol in his blood. As he thought through it, he should have locked his door on the way down the first time. He sighed, and then smiled, when he looked out the window. Seeing her lay there in the garden. He hoped she would be grateful. 

He hoped he was doing enough. Though... he felt like they needed to talk more. He wanted to know her better. Wanted to... he needed more to drink.