New Beginnings -:- Eliina and Phoenix

It had been some time since she felt a bit in her mouth.

The last time she felt her teke suppressed was before she was bought back from the state by Iscah when Isador allowed it. Working in the Dark District was one of the worst times of Phoenix's life, if not the worst. Not only was she taken from her beloved Mistress, she was forced to endure conditions that was never meant for one such as she. She was beautiful, a creature of fluid movements and one meant for pouring wine, uttering gilded praises. She was highly schooled, for a slave, and that made her prized. Such a creature was never, ever meant to live the life the Laborers did. It was a long, painful month, one she hoped she would never have to endure ever again.

The House was not doing well.

Eris was already sold off to another, which broke Phoenix's heart. The child had taught Phoenix how to fly, and the pegasus had been there when the youth first arrived. It was scary to think that it could happen to her and the others, too.

And of course, it did.

She was made up to be as perfect as she could be. A fresh coat of polish was painted upon her hooves, matching makeup applied to her face. Not a feather was permitted to be out of place, the leather of her wings and tail was oiled to disguise any potential cracking, and her mane was freshly shaven clean. All of these things were perfectly fine. Phoenix adored feeling pampered and smelling of flowers. The only difference was the old, gilded slave bridle that was only worn for very brief occasions when not with Iscah at her side. Her new Blessing burned in her chest with sadness and, above all, anger. She was angry that she couldn't even say goodbye to Iscah. But she was also angry that it seemed like Iscah didn't do anything to prevent this from happening.

No. No surely Mistress did everything she could...

Gulping back tears, she followed the Chevalier through the streets of New Valore. Training automatically took over, setting her own feelings on the backburning until she was alone enough to deal with them. It would look horrible upon Iscah and the rest of the House if she made a scene now, especially when she was to be sold to the next lucky buyer. No, she would be complete perfection for this next Master or Mistress. That was what was expected of her, and she would never fail her duty because of some silly feelings. Ignacio said she was the one who was holding herself back. Maybe this was the change that was needed. To get her spark back.

That gave her the boost of confidence she needed.

Soon enough they came to where slaves were being bought and sold. She immediately put a smile, albeit a little sad, upon her face, nodding to all who did not wear a bitted bridle. She would do her best to ensure the House got every shard she was worth, and she knew it was already a lot. The more they got, hopefully the better they would feel about their decision. This was her job, her duty as a Servile Slave living in Aodh. She would not let her feelings get in the way. She couldn't.