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Post by catorb on Jan 19, 2017 13:11:53 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
He lay still. So very still. Because, if he lay still, it didn't hurt. If he lay still, it was like nothing had happened... But he could still feel it, the brand. It gave an odd, drumming yet itchy feeling. He could also feel the bandages wrapped tightly, criss-cross along his chest, too keep the patch with soothing ointment on his shoulder in place. Master Luciano had gone out of his way to buy the best medicine for the roan colt. Ointments and salves, that should sooth the pain, and help quick recovery of the marred skin. Even an oil, that should help against scarring. Algren was quite sure, thought, that such was meant for small kitchen accidents... and not for a large brand like he now wore on his shoulder.
The fact he was branded, and that it hurt, didn't do him much anymore. The anger he felt towards the city, for making this decision was still there, but very faint. Right now, the young teen felt more horrible for not doing his daily chores. Such as housekeeping, or the garden. What about meals? Was Illidis suppose to prepare those now? Master Luciano had told him to stay put and rest up, and honestly, despite not being able to do his chores, Algren couldn't complain. It felt nice to rest up...
He lay flat on his side, on the soft mattress and pillows. Listening to the sweet summer birds outside, and the faint hum of the ocean in the distance.
His stomach growled.
Maybe he should sneak out to get a snack...Although, he didn't really feel like eating. Hunger was a familiair feeling he could bare, and he didn't want to disobey his masters orders. So instead, the roan colt took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. Which was a bad idea, for his brand throbbed uncomfortably from the faint movement.
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 19, 2017 13:27:30 GMT -6
Illidis | Pit Slave
"In the end what separates a man from a slave? Money? Power? No, a man chooses, and a slave obeys."
-Andrew Ryan, Bioshock
Branded. The word rang in his ears. It was terrifying, to think that Algren had been marred like that at his age. Very close to the age where he himself had been scarred. Illidis swallowed, laying on his bed and feeling Athos crawl over his back. His housemate hadn't looked good when he came back... Master Luciano had been in a frenzy, making sure he had medical care and rest.
But... His emotional wellbeing was something else. It worried Illidis. He hadn't seen or heard his housemate leave his room. He knew the feelings all too well. Besides the physical stinging pain, there was... A mental pain which burned deeper then any brand or knife could manage. It was terrifying, intimidating... Crushing.
Perhaps that's what the higher ups wanted. To break all slaves with the burning heat of the brand. The grullo's green eyes flicked to the door of his room. His own worries wouldn't be soothed until he saw Algren would be okay. He'd grown fond of the roan colt over their time together, and he was becoming as protective over him as Luciano was.
Heaving himself to his feet, Illidis quietly left the room, Athos carding his long, scaly body through his mane to hold on. His gaze flicked about, his gaze lifting from the floor as no one was around.The Pit Fighter's hooves clicked softly on the floor as he wandered down the hall to his housemate's room. Did Algren want to be disturbed? He might be resting... He could just knock, anyway. Apologize if he caused a problem, then go away. He gently knocked on the door. "Algren?" He called softly, slightly pricking his ears to hear a response if it came.
~~~
Word Count: 287 words; Post 1
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Post by catorb on Jan 19, 2017 13:56:16 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
Algren's ears perked up at the soft sound of Illidi's voice. Illidis? Did he need something? The roan colt quickly started thinking of what it could be...
"Come in." Algren's young voice cracked out as he moved his head up without thinking. "ah-" The wrinkling of his sensitive skin made him cry out under his breath, quickly clamping his teeth down to deal with the pain. Despite the throbbing, the colt moved up to rest on his stomach, his legs pulled underneath him, watching for the door to open. What could Illidis want? Maybe he was hungry too? Al quickly started thinking of any dishes he could prepare in case was was called for it. Although, he realized, the groceries he'd went to get yesterday got lost somewhere along the way--before all of 'that' happened. They didn't have much in stock right now.
Algren's attention was fixed on the stallion, ready to take on any task, any troubles he might have.
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 19, 2017 14:04:41 GMT -6
Illidis | Pit Slave
"In the end what separates a man from a slave? Money? Power? No, a man chooses, and a slave obeys."
-Andrew Ryan, Bioshock
Illidis thought he heard noises of pain from his housemate. He worked his jaw some, opening the door and peering in. He carefully slid his body through the partially open door and closed it behind him. He hadn't really... Initiated things with his housemate. But he was going to try here. "Um... Are you alright?" He softly asked, keeping a respectful distance. His gaze flicked from the ground to Algren.
"I wanted to just check on you since you haven't come out since coming home..." He continued, flicking his ears. He took a deep breath. "I... I know what it's like." He mumbled softly, slightly pawing the ground. "I know what you're going through so... I'm worried..." He slowly looked over the bandages. Just like after he was marked...
"I can leave if I'm bothering you, but, I... It's sometimes better to talk, get everything out... I didn't have that in the past, and I guess it would have helped me if I had been able to open up to someone?" He was growing quite nervous that he was bothering the younger colt. He looked attentive, ready to get up. Oh. "Ah, please lay back down, you should rest."
~~~
Word Count: 199 words; Post 2
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Post by catorb on Jan 19, 2017 14:38:53 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
Algren watched, with hidden amusement, as the grullo stallion literally slipped into his room, trying to take in as few space as possible. Truly Illidis, the colt thought. He blinked at the careful question about his well-being, and it dawned on him that he hadn't spoken a word to the pit slave since coming home late last night. He suddenly felt a little guilty for worrying him, and quickly spoke, "I-... I'm alright," He tried making his features seem reassuring, hoping the stallion didn't notice him locking his jaw. "Our master takes good care of me." He added smiling faintly with a gesture at all the medicine on his end table.
A moment of silence fell--before Illidis spoke again, "I... I know what it's like."
Algren couldn't help but having his gaze flik over the many intricate scars on Illidis' form. He never tried to look, it was inappropriate. But as he listened to the paint stallion's nervous words he couldn't help it. The colt was taken by surprise as the pit slave continued to speak. He wanted to talk... For Algren's sake...
They never really spoke on a personal level, especially not about their pasts or such. But it made the colt's heart swell at the thought of the shy and skittish stallion, actually coming over to him to check on him, because he was worried. It seemed quite unlike him. But... Talk about it? He had to admit, he wasn't much for talking. But--Illidis offered it. He would feel bad for dismissing the stallion now, knowing this wasn't an everyday thing for him to do.
Algren's brow lowered, his gaze wondering, ears down. "I don't... really know what to talk about." He confessed. Of course Al knew Illidis ment his branding ordeal, but... There wasn't really anything to talk about. It happened. That's it...
Right?
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 19, 2017 15:59:37 GMT -6
Illidis | Pit Slave
"In the end what separates a man from a slave? Money? Power? No, a man chooses, and a slave obeys."
-Andrew Ryan, Bioshock
Was he really alright? Illidis was somewhat skeptical. He hadn't been alright after his scarring. Not for a long time... He still wasn't alright. His gaze trailed to the medicine and he slowly nodded.
The colt's gaze on his scars didn't go unnoticed. It made him shiver slightly, feeling a bit of shame for his markings. Then he saw Algren's gaze fall, ears down. He worked his jaw, standing in silence for a moment. "I...If you don't want to talk, then maybe I could instead? If you don't mind? I...I'm still working through my own things, so it would be nice to talk a little..." He gently asked, walking over to the bed and cautiously laying down on the floor beside it.
He looked over the bandages again, and then at Athos who started to stretch out to climb onto the bed. Uhm... "He's... Going to want to climb on you and say hello. Tell me if you don't want it, I'll take him back." He quickly said, giving his ball python a bit of support to be able to reach the bed without falling down.
Then he was quiet for a moment. Should he talk about his own scarring? He'd only opened up to few people... Luciano knew his history through buying him and his papers, but he'd only... Personally opened up to his former master, Axel. He watched Athos slowly slither about the pillows, flicking his tongue before slowly slithering over the roan colt's leg.
"I...I was about your age when I got marked." He slowly gestured to his scars. "My master's name was Lord Sagan... He still lives in Aodh, I've seen him... I was already trained as a fighter by then, but... Sagan only bought me for my looks and as a trophy at his side instead of what I was good at." He swallowed, "he had me for a few years. Loved me, I think. But he got bored of my appearance, and asked me if I wanted to... Become beautiful for him."
He took a small break to breathe and calm himself down, slowly going through the memories in his head. He still heard Sagan's voice, cooing, purring, promising sweet things to him if he went through with it and behaved. Like honey ensnaring a fly. He focused on Athos, watching the python look up at Algren before starting to crawl up his shoulder. "H-He might play in your mane. He likes doing that." Illidis warned Algren, his voice a bit more shaky now. Calm down, Sagan wasn't here...
~~~
Word Count: 425 words; Post 3
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Post by catorb on Jan 20, 2017 12:58:34 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
Algren nodded at Illidis' offer to talk instead, truly curious for the stallions unusual behavior. He seemed more comfortable with the colt now, Algren was glad to see. The roan's eyes suddenly darted to the grey lilac snake, slowly making his way off the stallions neck. He hadn't even noticed it was with Illidis as he'd walked in, but he now watched it with fascination. He glanced up at Illidis' words and quickly shook his head, "Mhm, it's fine." He replied, but kept an careful eye on the reptile as it slithered along his pillows, making it's way to his warmer body. Al couldn't help but grow goosebumps as Athos crept over his legs, and wobbly tried to reach the colt's neck. Though, Al was surprised at how smooth the python felt--nothing like he'd imagined.
His attention turned back the stallion now down on the floor, next to his bed, as his soft voice broke the silence in the room. He spoke about his scars and the master who made them, and Algren could hear the struggle in his voice. His lips parted in quiet shock at the pit-slave's story, understanding how personal of a topic this was. The colt could tell Illidis tried to sound composed, trying to simply tell a story. But the hurt in his eyes, and faint tremble of his breath was a clear sign this was difficult for him. So, the colt kept quiet, and listened intently.
Images played in his mind of the mutilation, and it sickened him. No wonder Illidis seemed so broken down. He had been abused, manipulated... scarred for live. The colt shortly focused on the humming pain on his shoulder, but no--that mark was nothing like that. It was just... a brand. A mark, to tell everyone in Hireath he was a Aohdian slave. He wasn't... traumatized...
Algren was brought from his thoughts at the sudden odd statement from Illidis. He likes to play in my mane? His old master? He thought with confusion, but soon realized it was Athos the stallion ment. The ball python had finally found a way to crawl up the colt's shoulders and slowly started moving through his cropped mane. Parting it in odd manners. Algren let out a breathy laugh at the odd sensation. "He's quite the adventurer." He added, trying to crank his neck to look at the reptile. But his shoulder protested. So he kept a straight face--letting the pain subside once again.
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 20, 2017 13:42:46 GMT -6
Illidis | Pit Slave
"In the end what separates a man from a slave? Money? Power? No, a man chooses, and a slave obeys."
-Andrew Ryan, Bioshock
The soft laugh from his housemate made Illidis's ears prick, and a soft, faint smile graced the pitfighter's face. He nodded silently, watching Athos explore the different mane. "I lose track of him sometimes because of this." He added as Athos reached Algren's head and popped through his forelock to look down at the colt's face.
After a moment Illidis softly started up again. "I said yes to Sagan. I trusted him. I thought he meant getting a piercing, or maybe tattoos..." He worked his jaw a little. "But when it came time to go through with it,.. I saw knives instead of anything else. I politely said no, but Sagan became enraged... Saying no is the worst thing to do." He mumbled. He didn't get into the details. Algren didn't need to hear the full details on how he fought with Sagan, was gripped and dragged by the hair, tied down and cut up... No, he was too young for that. Luciano could know if Illidis decided to one day tell him the entire thing, but not Algren.
He watched Athos look around before going back to weaving through Al's cropped mane. Then he softly sighed. "...Sagan went through with it anyway." He gestured to his scars. "It hurt more then anything I've ever felt..." He looked at Algren's bandages. "He bandaged me, like how our master did for you, but he didn't let me rest. I was back to being his trophy companion just a day or two after things. And..."
He hesitated before speaking. "...I didn't trust him after that. I was desperate to please him, yes... He was my master. But I was terrified of him, and I prayed to Ignacio for help." He looked at the spiral scars on his legs. "It was difficult to get through. I was alone, none of Sagan's other slaves were allowed to talk to me. It was exhausting." His green eyes flicked to Algren.
"I know this might not help you, but, when I felt at my lowest, I told myself, "I'm an Aodhian Pitfighter. I'm strong. I can endure the pain." to get through it. It helped some, and I managed to recover." He softly smiled again at Athos continuously retreating in Al's mane and then popping his head out. "And I guess Ignacio listened. Sagan got bored of me and sold me after that, and as terrifying as it was, I came here, and Master Luciano is a better master then Sagan ever was."
"I guess I'm just... I'm trying to tell you that it's okay to feel low and be upset, it hurts a lot. I know that. But I... Well, Master Luciano and I want to help you, or listen to whatever you want to say. Or at least I can, I can't speak for the Master." This time, he offered a gentle smile to Algren himself, lifting his gaze to meet the colt's.
~~~
Word Count: 489 words; Post 4
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Post by catorb on Jan 21, 2017 8:26:54 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
"I lose track of him sometimes because of this." I can imagine, Algren thought. The silly snake had lifted the heavy mood for a bit, thankfully. But soon Illidis continued his story, and Al carefully listened.
The colt's brow lowered. This master Sagan... He was something really bad. Cutting someone up, for the sake of looks? Sadist... He thought, understanding that Sagan was one of those masters feared by slaves. A reason why some slaves didn't like their position, and wanted to escape. Nothing like master Luciano. He was good to them.
The roan colt gave a nod of understanding as Illidis claimed to have lost his trust, after what Sagan had done to him. Algren had a feeling he wouldn't have trusted the guy from the start. The image of a snobby, sleek stallion came to mind, with a nasty grin on his face. The colt smiled however, as the pit slave told him how he pulled through, and it made Al notice how much Illidis had change at this very instant, compared to the first time the colt met him. Although the topic of the conversation wasn't great, Algren didn't recall ever hearing the stallion speak this much, and with such honesty from his own feelings. It was a good thing, he thought. Illidis was opening up, a little bit. The roan colt was sure to handle this delicately, knowing this bond could easily be broken. He let the stallion finish his story, and returned his smile at the end.
A moment of silence fell, and Algren knew he had to say something. He dropped his gaze--before lifting it again, "Thank you... for telling me all this." He spoke softly. "I'm glad you're here now, and... be part of this household." He struggled with words, not sure how to get his thoughts across. "I mean, I'm glad you don't have to go trough that anymore. I've never known abuse like that, I've only belonged to master Luciano." Suddenly flashes of the slave market plagued his mind. How he and his mother were bound and chained, forced to walk for miles to reach the city, and slowly starved in the streets, while their slavers tried to bargain with buyers. His mother... slowly braking down...
They were never... abused. Just cared for poorly. The colt pushed the thoughts from his mind. It's not the same, he told himself.
He worked his jaw, "The branding... it probably looked worse then it felt." He said, unknowingly gesturing at his shoulder, "I just... Don't understand why, though. Why did they do it. I know it's not my place to ask, but somehow, I feel like we slaves have a right to know. It would make it so much more simple if they just told us." The faint embers left from the night before awoke within, the feeling of anger creeping in the depths of his stomach. He caught himself quickly though. Not wanting to go on an inner rant again. He thought, for anything else to say. He needed to try and spill his feelings, and thoughts, like Illidis just had... right? That was the point of this talk, it would make him feel better, he'd said.
"I guess--I was scared. I wanted it all to be over with, so I could go home. But... the process took forever." He swallowed thickly, trying to remember the night. "I thought I could go home, after the branding. But they put me back in that little room, with the others." He he paused, staring at the sheets with his brow furrowed. He remembered the contagious fear and panic that had seeped in his coat that night. "I just... wanted to go home." He croaked out, his jaw locking immediately after. Why is this so hard?! Al thought annoyed at himself.
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Jan 24, 2017 22:57:20 GMT -6
Illidis | Pit Slave
"In the end what separates a man from a slave? Money? Power? No, a man chooses, and a slave obeys."
-Andrew Ryan, Bioshock
Illidis listened quietly as Algren started speaking. He slowly nodded. Even though they were lower ranked, sometimes giving them just a bit of information did help. At least, it helped calm them down some. He glanced at his shoulder, flicking an ear. Were the brands just as bad as a knife? ...Most likely not. The brand wasn't cut open again, and again, and again, just to make sure it scarred...
He slightly pricked his ears at hearing Algren start to open up. That made him quite happy, and he silently urged him on. He felt pity for his housemate. He'd been alone, in pain, unsure of why that was happening... It was so similar to him and Sagan that it horrified him. He slightly shifted closer, the sound of his voice weakening striking the pit fighter.
"I'm sorry," he mumbled softly, moving his gaze from the bandage to his face. "You're here now though... And I think that the Master is trying to figure out a reason for this, so we might get some clarity on just why it happened." He quickly picked up Athos when he saw him crawling towards the bandage and then placed the snake back down on the bed. "I doubt that he'll want anything like this to happen again... I think he'll try to prevent it? I hope so, at least. He seems like the type." He mumbled, lifting his head and moving his ears forward. His muscles were slightly upset by this, unused to the change, but... He wanted to have it be comfortable again... It had been too many years since he'd been able to relax and not force his ears back all the time.
"Um, Al... If there's, anything I can do to help you, you can ask me, okay?" He offered. "As long as it doesn't go against any of the Master's rules, I'll help out as best I can."
~~~
Word Count: 319 words; Post 5
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Post by catorb on Jan 29, 2017 7:16:03 GMT -6
Algren Aodh | Servile Slave
The roan colt took a mental pause and tried to collect himself again. He felt so silly, and a little embarrassed. But those feelings soon dissipated as Illidis spoke. Somehow, no matter what he was saying, the stallions soft spoken words felt comforting to the colt. Like a low humming, soothing his coiled string inside, helping him straighten it once more.
Algren nodded in agreement to the pit slave's words about their master. Luciano really did seem like the type to not just let this slip. Although, the colt wasn't sure what his master could do about it... The chevalier that night had been right. It was the decision made by the high king, and his will was law. All they could really do was stomp their foot down like a angry toddler, throwing tantrums. But perhaps... Master Luciano had connections. And Algren had a feeling the noble had more power than he led on. But that was none of the colt's business, of course...
He faintly smiled in a thankful manner to the stallion. Not only for picking away his pet snake from the colt's sore shoulder, but... for all of this really. Should he say that? Out loud? Nothing had really happened though, had there? Algren ended up confusing himself, again loosing himself in thought as he did so often. His ears perked up at Illidis' offer though, and he looked up. "Thank you... Illidis." He said with a genuine smile. He did feel better now, somehow. Algren thought of the stallions offer, but didn't really wanted to bother him with anything. So he kept quiet.
His stomach suddenly growled again, and uncomfortably reminded the colt of his hunger. Al caught the stallions eye, but decided to try and get up. "I should probably get something to eat." He said with a groan, moving his weight to his front legs stretched out in front of him. With one smooth move he was on his feet, his hooves digging into the soft mattress. The colt climbed down and all throughout ignored the sering pain of his burn. Before he could take a step though, something suddenly hit him.
"Ehm... Well, actually..." He turned to look at his housemate. Should he ask? "I was actually wondering, if--if maybe you could train me." The thought had been on his mind for quite sometime. He knew he was young and small, but his weakness had started to bother him more and more. Even with some simple house chores he had trouble, simply because he couldn't lift anything heavy. And oh... How useless he had felt at the attack on the Crucible... And the rampage at Breim. It was horrible. All he could do was stand and watch from the sidelines...
He had finally started to gain the weight he'd lost during his live on the slave market. Maybe now, he could learn to gain some strength, and perhaps a way to defend himself. Troubling times seemed to be ahead... perhaps it was for the best.
"I know servile slaves have no need to know how to fight... but I want become stronger." He added. "And not be so useless." He didn't truly refer to his house work, and hoped Illidis understood that. If he understood this at all. Perhaps he shouldn't have asked. Would their master even approve? Surely the pit slave already had more on his mind right now.
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Post by Moose-On-Ice on Mar 1, 2017 19:29:12 GMT -6
Illidis | Pit Slave
"In the end what separates a man from a slave? Money? Power? No, a man chooses, and a slave obeys."
-Andrew Ryan, Bioshock
Illidis softly smiled in return. His ears flicked at the growl from his housemate's stomach, and he blinked at seeing him stand up. Wouldn't that hurt his shoulder? He watched Algren carefully, not yet daring to actually touch him and help, but he was ready to come to his aid if he needed it.
The grullo lifted Athos back around his neck and stood up himself, swishing his tail. He was going to step to the side to allow Algren to pass when the response caught his ear. He looked at him, pricking a single ear in a silent show he was listening.
Train him? He blinked, processing that. Train him? W-Well... Luciano would... Need to know first. He didn't want to do something behind his back that would make him think they were trying to plan an escape. He did not want Luciano to think that. Not at all. He couldn't risk getting sold. His gaze darted down to the ground instinctively.
He slightly worked his jaw, his ears flicking back uneasily. A gentle 'no' was on the tip of his tongue. He couldn't teach Algren how to fight... But... He glanced up. Stronger? That... Wasn't fighting... He softly cleared his throat. "...That's not entirely untrue..." He softly said. "I was born to be a servile slave, trained for it too... But my second master and home trained me for it."
His former master had had a special eye, able to pick him out from the strings of other slaves and see his potential. While he wasn't trained with the same gaze, he did look at Algren and see with some time and age... He could put on a fair amount of muscle and become a rather strong stallion.
Better then him maybe. Strength was valued more in the pits then speed and agility. He was more fragile himself. As if on cue, his shoulder throbbed slightly. That would be a chronic injury...
He shook his head slightly, focusing on Algren again. "...I... If the Master says it's alright, I can. I just don't want to get in trouble. I'm still somewhat... Recovering from the ordeal with the dragons, and the fights aren't happening so... I don't have very much to do myself. As long as the Master agrees." He hoped Algren would understand his concerns...
~~~
Word Count: 382 words; Post 6
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