ROLEPLAY HQ - fear-and-faith

TW: Mentions of slavery, abuse/violence, blood, sexual content more TBD

Run. One word was all she heard as her bare feet beat against the rocky earth beneath. Heart pounding so loudly that she couldn’t even hear the crack of the leaves with each footfall. She needed to run, her life depending on it. It had taken weeks of planning to get to this point. Countless sleepless nights in which she had painstakingly made sure each step was fool proof before her actual attempt. So tired of the abuse in which she had to endure at the hands of a man that wasn’t even her father… Sold at the age of eight Sienna was used to doing what she was told. Clean this, cook that, go do this. Sit down. Shut up. It hadn’t always been so bad, but once she had come of age her body began to develop… things. That had been the turning point in her life, no longer a simple servant and instead beaten and broken any time she so much as moved or opened her mouth. The mistress of the house hadn’t liked her, not since her husband had begun eyeing her like a piece of meat out for slaughter. If she was black and blue and broken she was less pretty, less eye-catching, and so began her life of abuse. Off in the distance Sienna could hear the dogs barking. The sound of their claws thudding against the ground accompanied by the sounds of horse hooves. Had her plan failed? Where had she screwed up? .

07:02

Run. The word louder now in her mind as she veered to the left towards the river, the sound of the waves a welcomed relief as she slid down the hill. She hissed as her knees and legs became scratched by the thorns and rocks on the way down but she wouldn’t stop, couldn't stop. Her life depended on it if she were to be free. She hadn’t always been meant to be a slave; her father had been a nobleman with a title but he has squandered it all away gambling after his wife had run off with a cobbler. His solution? Sell off his only child to a life of servitude. Could she blame him? No, not when life was a cruel mistress and one did what one must to survive just as she did now. Sienna hissed as she felt her torn up feet fall into the water. Her whole body tumbled over a branch and she became a tangled mess of limbs as her body splashed into the river. The only evidence that remained of Sienna was a ripped piece of fabric from her shirt that had caught on the branch. The thin material flapped in the wind and sent the hunting dogs into a wild frenzy as they came to the river's edge. One of the men that had been following her halted his horse and jumped down to see what the dogs had found, a curse leaving his breath as he snatched the fabric. He scanned the surroundings but didn’t see any other sign. “Did you find her?” The commanding voice of her once master rang out into the night air, clearly his rage growing with each passing moment that she was not once again in his grasp. “Nae, she fell in there.” The man on foot nodded towards the turbulent waters as it crashed against rocks. “She can’t live fer long sire, ‘er corpse’ll wash up in a day or two.” He stated, his face grim in knowing that it would not please the lord. .

07:02

Crack! The sound of the whip hitting flesh, the smell of blood in the air. “Fuck sake George, she was mine! I’d have had her fucking virginity and you fuckers can’t keep my property carefully locked up!” *Another whack from the riding crop had a bruise already forming on the older man’s cheek and he bowed his head low. “Apologies, me lord, forgive me.” The man didn’t say another word, instead whistling for his horses as he grabbed the reins of the other one. “Damn your apologies, find me what is mine or don’t come back.” *His words were final as he clicked his tongue and took off leaving the man standing there at the river’s bank looking distraught. Further down the river Sienna’s body was still not in her own control, being pulled this way and that with each curve in the river. Multiple times she had tried to grab hold of something, anything to find purchase on so that she might get out of the water’s freezing depths and each time she had failed. She was losing her body temp and fast, her energy already waning from the exertion she’d had to use in the first leg of her escape. Seconds turned to minutes and with each one that ticked by she found the edge of her vision darkening. .

07:02

Move. Her voice echoed within her mind as she once again threw her arm out at a passing branch, her nearly frozen fingers grasping the thick material of a root from a nearby tree. Fate had seemed to finally be on her side as she pulled herself up with the remaining strength she had. Most of her upper torso was now exposed to the elements as she crawled out the remaining distance onto the shore. Sienna rolled her body over, her chest heaving heavily as she stared up at the dark night sky. The stars and moon hidden behind gray clouds. She was alive, for now she just needed a moment to catch her breath and then… then she would be on the move. She couldn’t stop, as far as she knew she hadn’t traveled far from Lord Henson’s manor. Several heartbeats passed before she finally willed herself to once again move, her arms and legs bending as she hoisted herself up off the damp ground. Now covered in mud and leaves she was better hidden, her pale ivory skin mucked by nature. She would walk for miles in search of shelter though she would never find any. A storm began to brew off in the distance and Sienna swore under her breath. She was too tired, too spent to continue on any further. With regret she limped her way towards the road. It was a risky choice but one she had to make if she wanted to survive. With a sigh Sienne let herself lean against a tree by the roadside, her slender yet curvy body sliding down it’s bark as she fell on her ass. Her body now betrayed her, her mind simply overcome with exhaustion. The last thing Sienna heard was the sound of horse hooves and the wheels of a carriage.

07:03

@Professional Shay Slander

Leon stood outside the residence of the noble his father asked him to meet with. He exchanged pleasantries with his practiced mask of a smile. He maintained his bearing perfectly. Leon was the oldest child of a successful merchant noble. His family owned many businesses and had large influence over the nobles. Although officially the Wilfort family specialized in foodstuff, wines, and jewelry, it was the unofficially specialty that kept them in favor, information. The Wilforts had a large network of people who were often in places due to their businesses that heard things, things people will often willing to pay for. Although Leon lived a life most people would dream of it wasn't for him. He was the oldest of three, which fated him to inherit his the business. He had no interest in the business whatsoever he wanted to do something more heroic. He would often read stories of knights and heroes, and imagine that was his life. Leon finished his business and climbed into his carriage. It was one of their nicer carriages it was well decorated. The interior had nicely cushioned crimson seats. It was large enough to fit four comfortably. They used this carriage when on business trips as a show of wealth to help move things along. These types of gestures were the exact thing Leon hated. As the carriage lackadaisically moved down the road, Leon rested his hand on his head looking out of the window of the carriage. He was daydreaming as he normally did when the carriage drove by a girl. He almost missed her as she was half laying on the ground, propped up by a tree.

"Stop the carriage." Leon said has he rapped his fist on the wall signaling the sole driver. As the carriage stopped the driver opened the door and Leon stepped out. He walked back towards where he thought he saw a body the driver walking behind him. The he saw her, he looked at the desperate state of the girl and thought her dead. He almost turned around then she let out a cough. Leon looked towards the driver "We should just leave her here my lord." the driver said knowing what Leon was thinking. "Would you want someone to leave you out here Adam?" Leon said with a look of condemnation. "No" Adam replied already moving to pick up the women. Leon handed him his jacket to cover. "Use this to cover her. You'll need yours riding outside the carriage" Adam picked her up and put her inside the carriage. "Where do we take her?" Adam asked. I thought for a second and decided she need rest and medicine both they had in excess an his manor. "to the house Adam" Leon replied while getting back into the carriage. He looked at the unconscious women laying on the bench across coved by his jacket. He then turned his head back out the window and began daydreaming again. @EnchantedNymph

Whether it had been minutes or hours from the time she had collapsed against the tree Sienna couldn't tell. Her darkness held her tightly in it's grasp as her body shivered. So out of it that she didn't even hear the approach of footfalls, or the sound of the two men who stood over her body. Hair caked with mud and leaves partially hid her face, though her wounds were clearly evident. She had multiple lacerations on her face, arms, abdomen and legs. Even mostly unconscious her body shivered from the early fall air, her lips slightly blue from the drop of the temperature since nightfall. The driver Adam would notice how light the girl weighed for her size, she was clearly malnourished among other obvious problems as he draped her with Leon's jacket. Sienna didn't even wake when she was placed inside the wagon, her head falling against the cushioned seat with a soft plop before falling slightly forward, her body facing Leon on the opposite bench. There was no pleasant dreaming for Sienna, instead the pitch blackness in her mind warped and took shape of the men who were pursuing her. The sound of the horses hooves echoed inside her brain as they made their way down the long winding road. Her nightmares continued to torment her the longer they rode on, oblivious to the fact that in truth she was perhaps safe for the moment. However long the journey was Sienna would not stir, her body too deprived of nourishment and too beaten down from her tumble down the hill side and into the river. She would need time to rest, to heal though from first glance it would appear that she was perhaps already on deaths door. Though in truth, her spirit was too strong to give up just yet. She was young, her life while it had been full of pain and misery was only just now truly beginning; even if she was on the run. No, Sienna didn't run just to die in this moment but it would be a few hours yet before she would wake enough to even utter a word or give an askance glance.

19:40

@Professional Shay Slander

Leon spent the rest of the ride in silence looking out the window. The only time he was removed from his daydreaming was when the battered woman would occasionally move. She was clearly battered and dirty. The dirt from her body had already stained the lavish crimson cushions of the carriage. Leon didn't care these things didn't matter to him. His father and brothers would they hated when their toys got dirty. * *Leon couldn't help but spend the long ride their countryside manor daydreaming about the heroic things he would say when she awoke. silly lines like 'rest easy fair maiden your knight has saved you from the wilds'. Leon smiled at the thought. He had saved someone's life. He continued to wonder about who she was a kidnapped noble's daughter, or maybe a commoner who was lost. Leon was still daydreaming as the carriage arrived at his manor. His staff greeted him with smiles. Leon was loved by the servants and handmaids, he was the only one who treated them like people. His family was full of snobs who loved their influence on the court of nobles. He just wanted a life of adventure and honor. As the carriage stopped, the door was opened by the driver and leon stepped out. The night air was chilly without his jacket. He couldn't imagine how the woman would have survived the night if he had not intervined. He was greated by the head maid, Anna. "Welcome home young master" she said with a smile. Leon moved to the side showing the woman laid on the seat. "I have a guest who needs some aid and a warm bed" The older maid raised an eyebrow "A nobel womean?" she asked. "I'm unsure but a woman none the less" Leon said. "I will tend to her personally" she said with a bow. "Thank you Anna. Adam take her to the guest room across from my room" I said as I walked towards the manor.

20:22

Without a word Adam lifted the woman and followed. Adam placed the women in a large guest room filled with expensive oak furniture and a large bed. The handmaids began to wash and tend to the woman as I went to my room to collect my thoughts before I briefed my father on the events of the trip.

20:22

@EnchantedNymph

She had been moved, carried from the carriage to a room inside, still she did not wake. It wasn't until the maids had begun to undress her that she stirred, finally roused enough from her sleep to sit up. If any of the women had said anything to her it would not register in her mind. Her mind not quite caught up with her body, almost as if the girl had been on autopilot. Sienna was cleaned from head to toe, maids scrubbing hard in most places but tenderly in others where her wounds were still quite fresh. It was clear that the girl had been abused, besides the fresh wounds, there were months old bruises scattered across her body. Her hair had to be combed by three separate maids to fully get the twigs and knots out of her hair but once Anna felt she was sufficiently cleaned they moved the girl to the bed. They'd dressed her in a simple gown that must have been Anna's as both girls had similar builds save for Anna having more meat on her bones than the girl lying in the bed. No one cared to think about it might be improper to have this unknown girl in the room attached to the young master's room. If she had been the daughter of a nobleman it would have caused a stir in the higher society if word got out, though thankfully for those involved that were not the case. Only once Sienna was tucked in proper with a soft fire going in the fireplace to warm up the poor thing did the maids leave, the lower two heading quietly to the servants quarters where they would be sure to whisper and share the gossip with the news of the new guest of the house. Who could she be? Where had she come from in such a state, and why had the young master brought her home? .

20:50

Anna herself would head to the young master's room to give her report on the condition of the girl. She would recommend that he call upon a doctor. Some of the wounds while they had been cleaned already showed early signs of infection. The girl would need care and soon; the wound on her abdomen was a truly deep cut and Anna suspected something had become imbedded in the wound. Anna would wait a moment for further instruction, if there would be none the maid would turn herself in for the night. Her eyes glancing once more at the door of the mystery girl. @Professional Shay Slander

Leon had just got finished preparing for bed himself. When Anna walked in he was at the desk beside his bed. He was writing notes of his meeting so not to forget anything for when he told his father in the morning. He was tired but he know he needed to be diligent in his responsibilities but his mind couldn't help but stray, thinking of the girl across the hall There was a light knock at the door and it cracked open. He knew it was Anna, only she was comfortable enough to open his door without an answer to enter. Leon turned and listened for her report "She is a fragile thing. I don't think she is from a noble house. Too small. We did the best we could, she is hurt badly. She needs a doctor to help many of her wounds, most were not fresh she has been through something. The wounds look similar to how some of the girls around here used to look before your father took ill." Leon know what she was implying before his father grew ill he used to take his frustrations out on the servants of the house. Their maltreatment stopped as soon as Leon became the de-facto head of the house. "You think slavery?" Leon asked with a sigh "I do." said Anna. "I'll have to talk with her and understand where she came from. who else did you mention this to?" Leon asked. "No one but I'm sure the other girls have put some of the pieces together." "Have Curtis begin forging documents of a lesser nobility depending on what she says, we might offer some support. In the meantime send word for the family doctor to arrive in the morning. If he ask and only if tell him she is a daughter from one our long-distance business associates who was attacked by bandits during transit." Anna nodded with a bow and turned to leave the room. *"Why go so far for a stranger young master?" she asked be leaving the door. "Don't you think her bravery for fighting should be rewarded Anna?" *I ask. Anna didn't respond she just smiled as she shut the door behind her. @EnchantedNymph

It would be well into the morning before Sienna would truly awaken, her body's exhaustion so grand that she slept like the dead and perhaps there were a few instances where she truly would have slipped into the afterlife, save for her soul which seemed to refuse to leave the mortal coil. The first thing that Sienna would notice would be the fact that she was not laying against the tree she had remembered collapsing against. Her eyes fluttered open as her hands moved to feel around her. She tried to sit up all to quickly and felt the sharp pain right underneath her ribs. Collapsing back against the plump pillows that her head had been resting on she groaned. Sweat coated her pale skin, the sun's rays that came through the thick and rich colored curtains reflecting off of it. Her heart hammered inside her chest and she lifted the blanket to look underneath. Fear spread through her as she realized she was not wearing the clothes she had ran away in. Where had they gone? Who had found her? Where was she currently? Had she been caught? So many questions rushed through her mind as adrenaline began to pump through her body and despite the pain her body felt she forces herself to slip from the bed. Her left leg gave out though before she could even take a full step and she fell forward. She tried to catch herself, her arms falling forwards as she fell against a long dresser. The things on top clattered loudly as she yelped out in pain. @Professional Shay Slander

Anna was doing her morning rounds and was just about to check on the girl and bring some breakfast to put beside the bed in case she woke up. She heard the crash and rushed into the room. She saw items that were once on the dresser on the floor and the woman the young master brought back clearly in distress. "Easy now girl, your not in any shape to be up. I'm sure your confused, but you are safe. The young master will be in later to answer your questions and most likely have some of his own. For now back in the bed." Anna instructed as she set the trey down on the dresser and helped the mysterious woman back into the bed @EnchantedNymph

To say that she was confused was an understatement and as the maid moved about the room Sienna watched her wearily until she came over to help her up. Her chest ached and she had a feeling she did something to one of her feet which was the main cause for her falling. Sienna winced as the woman's arm wrapped around her own, her weight shifting as she was helped up off the floor. It took more than it should have to get back into the lush bed and by the time she was propped up against the pillow she was a panting sweaty mess of a young woman, her face ashen as she leaned back. The maid had said young master which either meant nobility or money... both of those meant power and status and none of which Sienna had. Was this so called master someone like her previous master? Her heart was in her throat as she looked at the maid wearily as she moved the tray with food onto her lap. "Now, I imagine you can't eat it all but do please feel free to eat what you can... and please do not get out of the bed again. If you should need anything my name is Anna and you can just call upon me." Anna bowed and excused herself from the room though she paused at the door to stare at Sienna one more time as she picked up a piece of toast and sniffed it, as if she was worried about being poisoned or something. Sienna looked up when she noticed the made still in the door and she sat the toast down, forcing a slight and weak smile. The maid nodded once before shutting the door heading off to who knows where. @Professional Shay Slander

Leon entered his father'||s room. It was dark and musty. The only source of light was from the fireplace. His father had fallen suddenly ill a year or so ago and at this point could barely leave the bed. When is father grew ill that's when Leon's life became a prison. He was forced to continue to run the business and "learn" from his father. Leon walked beside the desk and sat in the chair still there from the last time he was here. "The meeting went well father. All of your terms were agreed upon. They were not too happy with the implying blackmail but they agreed nonetheless." Leon said to his father. Leon's father, Castor, didn't even open his eyes at the sound of his son's voice. "Good...who...is...th...girl?" Castor said wheezing between each word. Leon wasn't surprised some of the service workers were still afraid of Castor and thus told him almost everything that happened outside his room. "Slave?...return...for...reward" Castor continued.

17:59

Leon internally panicked at his fathers second sentence. He hastily thought of an excuse. "No she is my guest. Not a slave father." Castor laid in silence at the thought. Leon learned over the years that his silence was not always a good thing. Leon decided this was not the time to sit around and let him probe further. Leon rose from his seat. "I will be going father. Send word for me when I need to make another trip. I must go see to my guest after all." Leon briskly exited the room. He went directly to the room where the young woman rested. Leon knocked and waited.

17:59

@EnchantedNymph

Alone at last she began to work on the food that had been brought to her. It was a plate full of simple things that would be easy on her stomach. An assortment of fruits, the toast with a tiny portion of butter which was like liquid gold, or at least that was what Sienna assumed. She'd never had it and seeing it there on the plate she picked up the butterknife that had been given, slathering it on to the toast she had discarded earlier. It smelled delicious and as she took her first initial bite Sienna discovered just how right she had been. The flavor while salty held a bit of sweetness too it and she wished there had been more, though being greedy was something she never felt she had the right to do. Once the toast was reduced to nothing but crumbs Sienna began to work on the fruits, starting with the grapes and bananas and finishing off with the glass of orange juice that had been provided. It had been the most Sienna had eaten in... too long to recount. Most of her days she survived on stale bread and rain water she had collected. Feeling stuffed already she leaned back against the pillows, wincing when a sharp pain spread through her abdomen. A slight sheen of sweat spread across her forehead and she shut her eyes and tried to take shallow breaths in hopes the pain would subside soon. @Professional Shay Slander

Leon waited at the door and heard no reply. Instead he could faintly hear the sounds of silverware and concluded she wanted to eat in peace. The thought reminded him that he hadn't eaten himself. A good breakfast would wash the nasty taste left in his mouth from talking to his father. With that Leon looked at the door with the mysterious maiden on the other side one last time before walking to where he usually had his breakfast, the garden. Upon reaching the garden, Leon sat at in his usual spot where a lone table that was off the the side of the entrance to the garden. It was an impressive garden, filled with many different flowers surrounded by 10' vibrant green bush walls. Leon always toyed with the idea of a garden maze, but always talked himself out of it. It would only be interesting until he remembered the way through then he would be back to boredom. He wasn't sitting long before Anna approached him with his normal breakfast. She knew what he like, a simple breakfast of bread, cheese, and a small portion of meat with some hot tea. Anna placed it on the table and stood quietly by behind him waiting for him to finish his meal or request something from her. "I might have walked into a corner with my father, Anna" Leon said without looking back at her. "Father wanted me to return the girl for a reward if she is a slave" he continued "That would be the correct thing to do if she is master" she replied with a tone of condescension. Anna was very good a saying one thing but never being misunderstood by what she was really saying. "I lied." Leon began. "I told father she was my guest, not a mysterious strange woman I found on the road" Behind him Anna silently smiled "Yes I do believe I remember how excited you were for you guest to visit last week" Anna retuned. @EnchantedNymph

Finished with her meal and in pain from her impromptu attempt of getting out of bed Sienna was left with no choice but to lay in the bed with the comfort of silence. The room while cozy was elaborately decorated making her feel like she was out of place. A pebble in a shoe, or more aptly a piece of trash with the good linens as her old master's wife use to say any time Sienna had to be inside her chambers. She didnt like the feel of it and as time slowly continued forward Sienna grew tired of laying in one place. So used to rising early and working until the sun was well beyond the horizon Sienna didn't like sitting idle. Even when her tasks had been gruesome or grotesque she had found slice in the fact that she had something to keep her hands and mind idle from the harshness of it all. To keep her mind off the beatings, the verbal assaults that were throw her way time and time again. Wish a deep breath she eyed the floor as she carefully inched her way to the side of the bed. The tips of her toes barely touched the floor but she managed to softly land on them without too much pain. This tine instead of trying to outright walk like normal she used the edge of the bed to make her way ever so slowly and step by step to the door that she assumed was to the bathroom. By the time she'd arrived more than likely half an hour had passed but she had managed on her own and that in itself she was proud of. Coated in sweat she reached for the knob. @Professional Shay Slander

Leon finished his meal in silence on the garden while enjoying the view. His mind full of with the long list of paperwork he had to complete today. It really was beautiful morning. The sky was clear and the sounds of birds abundant. Leon found himself daydreaming has he was suddenly brought back to reality by Anna's voice. "I'll have your dishes taken away. And you should be getting to the days work." She said the last part with an air of warning. She was right, she knew he would sit here all day if he wasn't probed. "You're right." he said has he rose from his seat. Leon made his way back to his room. There was a large stack of paperwork waiting for him. His room was the second largest in the house, behind his father's. It was lined with shelves of books, mostly stories of heroes and knights amongst scholarly. There were two chairs next to fireplace and a large bed covered in crimson sheets. In the corner was a desk that faced the wall. There were three doors in the room: one leading to the hall, another the bathroom, and one connecting to the guest room where the mysterious woman rested. With heavy shoulders, Leon sat at the desk and began to read and reply to letter and business reports. Leon was focused on his work when he heard the door behind him open. Assuming it was Anna or one of the other maids, "I could use some tea to help make it though this paperwork." Leon said without looking back. @EnchantedNymph

It had not, in fact, been the bathroom she had thought as she was met with the shelf upon shelf of books. That hadn't stopped Sienna from entering however, ever curious but also having come too far to make it back on her own for very much farther. Sweat trickled down her brow as she leaned against one of the shelves. Her pale cheeks even more ashen from the throbbing pain in her abdomen. Upon hearing the request for tea she flushed, realizing she must be in the master's bedroom. It would make sense. Knowledge had always been wealth, at least I Sienna eyes and she looked around appreciatively as she tried to catch her breath. When she finally did speak her voice would be low with a slight rasp. One that would bring to mind of water tumbling over smooth pebbles. "I- I'm afraid I've entered the wrong chamber." Sienna was unsure what to do with herself now that she were here. While the books had drawn her eyes initially it was the back of the man before her that drew her eye now. He looked strong, young even perhaps similar in age with herself. Her heart thunder in her chest more from feeling inadequate, just from his back she could tell he was finely dressed. Unlike her in the simple robe that had been offered to her at some point. She swallowed the not in her throat and made to push herself off the wall. "A-apologies." @Professional Shay Slander

Leon was sitting at his desk with his elbow on the desk, head propped up by two of his finger against his forehead. He hadn’t even bothered to turn as he made the request, but hearing the weak unfamiliar voice made him jump. He turned in his chair and looked upon the woman in the doorway his looked her up and down. She looked tired,ragged, and beaten. Leon put on a smile before he spoke, attempting to chose his words carefully “Ahh if it isn’t the mysterious maiden. Are you sure you should be out of the bed? You look to be in a terrible state. We sent for our doctor he should be here within the hour.” He said with all of his trained politeness. As he finished speaking he rose from chair and leaned on the desk to face her. His hands resting in front of him fingers clasped together. @EnchantedNymph

Cheeks flushed Sienna glanced downward as he asked her if she should be out of bed. His statement about her looking to be in a terrible state was an understatement and instinctively her hand moved to the would in her abdomen. "I- I was looking for the bathroom. To...freshen up." He rose from his chair and Sienna instantly lifted her hands and shook her head which was a mistake. The pain that rocked through her and down her spine was instantaneous and her face paled. "Please, do not rise on my account sir. I'm-" She stammered glancing up, noticing that he was facing her she met his eyes and she almost instantly regretted it. He was well off indeed, his clothes and adornments screamed money and Sienna felt even more out of place. "I- I apologize for disturbing you. I shall go back now..." This time Sienna didn't wait, turning slowly with the wall as support as she agonizingly slow made her way back into the room she had been placed in. @Professional Shay Slander

Leon remained in place. He noticed her grab her abdomen, remembering what he was told about her injuries. As she mentions looking for the bathroom, she apologizes and turns to leave. Leon was tempted to offer assistance noticing how she had to use the wall for support. He decided against it. She clearly felt uneasy and he didn't want to push her further than necessary. Once she left the room, Leon walked out into the hallway and made his way towards the front foyer. Alone the way, Anna saw him and followed in trace.* "Is there anything you need my lord?" She asked. "I was wondering where the doctor as at. I just saw our guest and she was clearly in need of medical attention." Leon replied. "He should be here any second." Said Anna as they made there way to the foyer. Anna opened the front door, they saw a carriage pulling up at that exact moment. A driver dismounted and opened the door. A short man stepped out. Leon recognize him, it was Dr. Gates. He was well respected and often served Wilfort family. He has his assistant with him. A younger boy who Leon could not remember his name. Leon walked out and greeted the doctor. "Ahh welcome thank you for coming on such short notice. I hope your trip was well." Leon said with a smile. "Yes it is fine. I hear you have a patient for me." He asked eager to provide his assistance. "Yes she seems to have sustained some injuries that are significant. I ask that you treat her like she was a member of our house." Leon said as he lead the the two into the house. They walked back towards the room "Anna can you aid the doctor? I will return to my room and finish my reports." Lean requested as they stood outside the door housing the young woman. "Of course my lord" Anna replied as she knocked on the woman's door. Leon lingered for a moment then he returned to his room. @EnchantedNymph

She had managed to make it to the room she had been placed although it had been at a glacial pace, her breathing ragged and sweat drenched her brow. Sienna had been an idiot to think that she could do anything on her own. She was bruised, nearly broken and surely bleeding again. The maid who had come earlier had been right, she should have stayed in bed. The thing was, Sienna was stubborn and only after trying did she truly realize the error of her ways. Halfway to the bed was when she'd heard the knock on the door. Her legs freezing in place though the upper half of her body sways slightly from the intensity of the pain she was feeling and perhaps the blood that now coated the clothes she had been dressed in at some point the night before. Frowning she tried to focus her vision to keep it all one instead of seeing double. "Y-yes?" Her voice was shaky, clearly having over exerted herself in a futile endeavor. Her one word response seemed to be enough for the maid, pushing the door open and entering. The maid got one look at Sienna but before she could react Dr. Gates spoke. "Boy, assist her before she faints." .

18:56

"Oh, I'm not-" As if he could predict the future Sienna sway slightly more before her body began to crumble to the floor. The assistant managed to carefully grab her just in time. Careful of her wounds, the assistant lifted her up the best he could and moved her to the bed as the doctor set his bag down on a nearby table. "Anna, if you would I'm going to need scalding hot water for sterilization." Dr. Gates looked from the maid to the poor girl that had now become his patient. "What was she even doing up? From what I was informed she should be bed ridden." Clicking his tongue he pulled out a pair of scissors and made hiw way over to the side of the bed. Making quick work of the fabric of the dress. He cut it cleanly down the middle and tossed the pieces on their prospective side so that he could observe the condition of her body better. "Boy, get the twine, the needle kit... and we're going to need a poking iron from the fire. This is worse than I fear. Shaking his head he moved back to the first bag, pulling out a rolled up leather cloth that contained needles and a vial of clear liquid, likely and anesthetic. Once Anna returned with the water the Doctir gave her a nod. "It's not going to be pretty. I've got to reset her rib, looks like one of her lungs were punctured as well... it'll be a few hours yet. Please inform the master of the house." He pulled some of the liquid from the vial into a needle. Squirting just a bit out into the air as to remove any air bubbles that may have been trapped and tapped it with his nail before moving back to the girl. He felt for her vein before he angled the needle, pressing into the delicate skin of her inner elbow. She may have been passed out, but he didn't want her waking up mid operation.

18:57

@Professional Shay Slander

Anna nodded and left the room again. She rushed over to Leon's room and knocking once. "Enter" Leon said. Anna opened the door and gave a quick bow. "Dr. Gates wanted me to inform you that the woman's injuries are much more severe. Something about resetting ribs and said it will be a few hours. He gave her something to keep her unconscious." She spoke quickly, from her anxiety Leaon could tell she cared for the woman. Leon listened to Anna with calm rationality. "Gates is renowned. I'm sure she is fine in his capable hands. Ensure the doctor has everything he needs." Anna nods and turns to leave. Leon adds "Keep me posted Anna." Anna looks back "Of course sir" She adds with a smile before leaving. Leon paces around the room unsure of what to do. He knew he would just be in the way if he went into the room, but he was nervous. @EnchantedNymph

True to the doctors words it would be well over an hour of sweat and precision as he worked on the girl. It was a tricky business, righting one's ribs when they were so slender. Careful of not causing any extra punctures to her organs before he patched up what he could. By the time he was done the bed sheets were soiled in the girls blood. The doctor himself looking much worn as he had his assistant delicately lift her while one of the maids changed the sheets. Removing the blood from his hands and arms he discarded the towel into the bowl, turning to Anna who stood in the corner of the room. "I've done all I can, now we just leave it up to the Gods and pray that she survives. Do we know of her origins? She is severely malnourished. It will likely take twice the amount of time for a healthy individual for her to heal." He began cleaning up his tools, wiping them down before replacing them back in one of the several bags he had brought. "I'd like to speak to the lord of the house now, before I'm off on my way. There are some clear instructions that I shall write down for her care, and the matter about the bill-" His assistant placed the girl back down on the bed and she groaned lightly. Her eyebrow twitching as she did. "She should not rise from the bed, someone should stay with her so that the mistake she made earlier is not repeated. Ahh, now, let's all let her rest, it'll be an hour yet before the anesthetics wears off. Come come." @Professional Shay Slander

Leon paced around his room. Why am I so worried about this woman? He thought to himself. Why did he feel the need to save her. Why did want her to know feel safe? He was worried what even was his plan once she was better? He knew it was only a matter of time before the hard questions of where she came from would be asked. He pushed the thoughts out of his mind. One thing at a time. First comes her heath, the rest later Leon walked out of his room into the hall. He stood outside the door, unsure if to go in. He didn't want to interrupt the process, but he was curious. He stood there unsure what to do. Just as he built his resolve to open the door, a maid carrying the bloodied sheets walked out. Leon stepped back shocked. What was happening in there? he thought. He stepped aside as the maid moved passed him bowing in his direction before heading toward the area where they clean the linen. As he watched her leave down the hall the doctor stepped out into the hallway. "Ah, Master Wilfort I was just coming to talk to you." he said, with an expression impossible to read. Leon was concerned if the woman was ok and couldn't tell by looking at his face. Leon gathered his composure "Yes doctor, I assume you would like to chat about the young woman. Let us head to my study where we could talk" Leon gestured toward a door a few rooms down. It was his study, Leon rarely used it as he preferred to read in his room but it would do for a meeting area. It walked towards the door with the doctor in trace. He opened the door letting the doctor in. The room was filled with shelves of books and expensive furniture. In the center of the room sat three plush chairs and a massive rug. "Please take a seat." Leon offered. He noticed that Anna had slipped in the door behind them and stood by the door. Leon sat down waiting across from the doctor waiting for his report. @EnchantedNymph

The doctor would take a seat, his face holding a serious expression as he did so. "Thank you, sir. About the young woman..." He would spend a solid twenty minutes explaining all that he had done, and all that would need to be done in the days following for her recovery. He was adamant that someone should remain with her so she didn't make the same mistakes they'd walked in on before. He spoke of the fees in which he would request and finally after the discussion seemed to be coming to a close he would lean forward in his chair, his eyes narrowing for just a moment as he lowered his voice. "I...feel it is important that I bring up one more thing before I depart. You see, while examining her I noted a branding mark upon her mark. Seemingly carved into her flesh in the most..." His face turned grave. "Inhumane way... You have my silence but the mark is well familiar to me. The Dumont's are not a family to trifle with even with a family of your...repute." He shifted in his seat restlessly. "It would be wise of you to find her elsewhere to be, you've paid a fine sum for her healing but sir, I do not think it is wise to keep her under your roof for much longer." His words escaped him and the silence that spread through the room one could hear a pin drop. Meanwhile in the room in which Ana had been left in with the woman in question the maid sat in a chair, her hand dotting Sienna's brow to remove the sweat that had accumulated there. She felt terrible for her, and the discovery of her branding mark... it was a troubling matter and she hoped that her master would do what was right when the time came. He had no obligations to the sleeping girl, and no matter how much Ana might feel for her plight it would put her master at too much of a risk to keep her. blankspace

08:56

Sienna herself dreamt of the man she had seen, his serious yet indecisive look having left an impression on her. Dreams of warmth and wildflowers, of laughter and promise... until those dreams were replaced by much darker things. Nightmares with shadows chasing, screams and the crack of a whip at her back. Her heart hammered wildly in her chest as her eyes shifted beneath her closed lids. Sweat continued to coat her body, the pain from her injuries clearly taking a toll on her body and mind.

08:56

@Professional Shay Slander

Leon listened to the doctor and tried to keep a neutral face as he explained the extensive injuries and recovery she would need. Although he kept his face absent of emotion, Leon was amazed that the woman was able to move at all. Her will must be astoundingly strong As the doctor leaned in Leon found himself leaning in himself. The doctor talked about a branding mark and Leon mentally kicked himself, he didn't think about her being marked. That made things exponentially complicated. The mark was of the Dumont's. Leon disliked the family. They were barbaric and held on to the little scraps of power they held, abusing the few they had power over. They were basically everything Leon hated. " Let me deal with the Dumonts" He replied keeping his composure. "I apricate your concern and discretion you have always been good to our family. I will figure out a proper solution" @EnchantedNymph

It would be three days before Sienna did more than stir and in that time she'd dreamt of terrible things. Of nightmares that made her question if she were truly alive or dead. Yet, there were moments while her body was recovering that she'd felt a calming presence that offered warmth and light. In those times she had been safe from the nightmares. The light overwhelming the shadows of her mind and in those moments she was able to truly rest and recuperate. It was on the eve of the fourth day that Sienna's eyes would begin to stir, her fingers twitched and her lips parted in a soft moan of discomfort. A chair creaked somewhere in the darkness of her room, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly came to. Her surroundings were not familiar until she recalled what had happened before she had lost consciousness. Not too eager to sit up out of fear of hurting herself again she turned her head towards the direction of the sound. Her heart thudding inside of her chest wandering who was there. "He-" She cleared her throat, her lips and mouth dry. Taking a breath she tried again. "H-hello?" @Professional Shay Slander

Leon would spend the days of her recovery trying to come up with a solution for the woman’s brand. He had a few ideas but they were either very risky or very expensive. As he racked his mind, Anna didn’t hesitate to voice her concern. This was a risk that she thought was unnecessary. She didn’t want to return the woman but stealing someone’s property was a major offense. Leon hated that this woman would be describe as stealing someone’s property. Anna would spend these days watching over the woman. She would dap the sweat off her forehead with a cool cloth. There was a chair in the corner of the room where she would sit, sowing to pass the time. Everyday Leon would let Anna take a break and would sit in the room. No too long, a few hours here and there. He would sometimes watch her sleep. He face would be contorted,her brow frowned, her eyes rapidly moving beneath her eyelids. Leon could tell she was reliving whatever torture she had been though. After building the courage he would hold her hand during these moments. Sometimes she would relax. It made Leon believe that he helped her in some small way. On the fourth day, Leon was sitting in the chair him and Anna had spend so much time in. He was reading when he heard a moan. He didn’t look up, she would often let out small moans or heavy breaths while she rested. Then he heard “ hello?” Leon quickly looked up, to his surprise she was awake. Leon closed his book and rested it on his leg. “Hello welcome back to the land of the conscience” Leon kept his seat he didn’t want to cross the room and startle her. Know a bit more of her background, he figured she would be slow to trust. “Would you like some water?” He asked. “I’m sure you have a lot of question. Don’t worry you are safe here.” He said with a smile. @EnchantedNymph

The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn shut on the windows and around the bed, though Sienna could hear the voice and the direction it had come from. Her head turning in that direction and seeing the man she'd talked to...yesterday? How long had she been asleep? She didn't want to sit up, the pain and ache clearly there and while she had been asleep for who knew how long Sienna knew that her body was still exhausted, seemingly having worked overtime to begin the healing process. Seeing the kind smile light across his face caused Sienna's heart to do strange things and she quickly looked away. His question was on point and at first she'd just nodded her head before realizing he might not have seen it. "Y-yes please." Her tongue darted out to trace along her chapped lips but it too was rather dry and did nothing to alleviate the uncomfortable feeling. He hadn't made a move to approach and she wondered if he was going to call the maid or if he himself would be getting it for her. It was an absurd idea, someone of such stature to wait on someone such as her... Clearly her mind was still addled due to sleep and her recovery. This was not some made up fairytale by some poet somewhere; this was real life and it was not romanticized, it was cold and ungiving. Clearing her throat Sienna looked back in his direction. "May... I ask, how long have I been in slumber?" Would she be found? Would they ship her back to the Dumont's to be beaten, likely into an early grave for her disobedience? So many questions swarmed her mind and her anxiety had her heart acting erratically. @Professional Shay Slander

Leon rose as and made his way to the door. While on his way she asked how long she been sleep. Leon paused with his hand on the knob he looked over to her. "Three full days. We expected longer to be frank. Your injuries were pretty bad, broken ribs and more." Leon opened the door. Anna was waiting in the hallway by the door. Anna always stayed close by. She didn't believe that her lord should be standing by a woman, a slave woman at that. Because of their unique relationship, Anna was not quite with Leon that she believed that he should take the woman back to the Dumonts. It wasn't that she was cruel and supported slavery, she just didn't want any harm to fall upon his master. Thus far Leon has not comment on sending her back, but Anna knew he was searching for alternate solutions, it was just who he was. It was the reason she was so loyal to him, but this time she was worried it would be to a fault. Anna heard the door open, and she turned. "She is finally awake. Can you bring her some water?" Anna gave a short bow and went in the direction of the kitchen. Leon closed the door back then leaned against the stone wall beside the door. Although he played this conversation many times in his head while she was sleep, he was at a lost of words now. "So when the doctor was caring for you, he noticed something else besides the injuries." Leon left it open to see how she would respond. He wanted to handle the situation in whatever way she wanted to take it. @EnchantedNymph

She tensed hearing his words after the door had shut, her eyes darting to stare at some obscure object that decorated the dresser on the opposite wall. Sienna tugged the blanket a little closer to her body, wincing in the process as she thought about how best to respond. There was no confusion as to what he meant, the slave mark on the left side of her chest, right above her heart. The memory of the branding flashing through her mind, she had been but a child when she had received it. "Yes, I suppose he would." The fear was clear in her voice, the thought of why he might have brought it up bringing that adrenaline coursing through her system. "A-" Her voice cracked, her fingers digging into the blanket. "Are you going to make me go back?" She closed her eyes, her heart thumping wildly inside her chest. Why would he pay for a doctor if he was just going to send her back to the Dumont's...she'd rather have died if that were to be the case. "I- I won't go." While there was fear there was also conviction. "I'd rather you stabbed me in the heart than that." There it was, out in the open for him to do with what he would. It was a risk, telling him so. He could easily have her shackled and put on watch until the Dumont's came to collect. But, would he? She didn't know this man and despite her dreams of him rescuing her she couldn't outright know if it had been a premonition or wishful thinking. Her eyes finally turned towards where he stood. "He'll-" She shook slightly. "He's not a kind man, but he will do worse than kill me."

13:42

@Professional Shay Slander

Leon looked at the woman and couldn't imagine the pain she had been through. She would rather die than go back. Leon thought long about the situation. The long silence enough to almost create a thickness in the air. "No I don't plan on sending you back." He finally responded. He would be completely honest with her on his thoughts. "The mark however is troublesome. Something will have to be done about it. On top of your appearance. Say we did hide the mark, they could still recognize you. My family does business with the Dumont's. They are a detestable lot but they pay for our wares." Leon continued to talk more to himself than to her. "I could offer to buy your ownership, but with your escape there is the chance he wouldn't accept or charge an exorbitant price." The door creaked open, and Anna walked in with a large pitcher of water and two glasses. She paused in the door looking between Leon and the woman laying in the bed. "Where would you like the water?" she asked. An obvious question to fill the silence. "You can place it on the night stand beside her, thank you Anna" Leon answered. Anna walked over to the bed and set the pitcher and glasses down. She then stood over in the corner of the room, sending a clear message. Normal protocol would say for her to leave to room, but her staying and the look she gave Leon said "I want to hear to protect you master." Leon didn't ask her to leave, he trusted her and though her opinions would be value added. "So what would you like to do? I can offer you a safe place while you recover in the short term. We still need to figure out the long term." Leon said to the woman. @EnchantedNymph

At the mention of the Dumont name Sienna flinched nearly shrinking in on herself. She'd had this grand plan to run away, having planned it for months and now she was at the hands of another noble who could dictate her life with just a few words. Though she did feel relief when he stated he wouldn't be sending her back he had also made a valid point. The branding mark was not something that could easily be covered. The only way would be to cover it with another or... Tightening her hands into fists she watched as the maid named Anna brought the water to the small side table, only when she moved did Sienna move to pick up the glass, wincing as she moved enough to grab it. She downed it's contents quickly, some of it spilling down the front of the blouse she had been given. She had been out for days, and her body severely needed the water, she could tell. The glass now empty she turned her eyes back to the man she had yet to learn the name of. Her voice was still weak but it didn't stop her from speaking as he asked her what she wanted to do. "I...am appreciative for the place to stay while I...recover." His family worked for the Dumont's, and it was a risk, but it was one she knew she would have to take so that she could recover enough to flee. What to do for the long term however was something she couldn't quite figure out, her eyes turning downward to stare at the empty cup. She turned it slowly in her hand as she watched the one tiny remaining drop slowly makes it's way around the inside of it. "If... I could be given a knife... I can.." She sucked in a breath. "Solve one problem." Sienna wouldn't kill herself with it, no. She would use it to cut off the very branding above her heart. It was a decent size but surely the pain would be nothing comparable to the broken ribs that ached. She glanced back up at him before continuing. "My hair is a give away. Mr.Dumont-" Gods, she hated saying his name. "Always made me wear it long."

09:58

After a moment of silence she continued, her body once again growing tired though she needed to finish this conversation. "The man he will send to look for me is...not the brightest. I'm sure you have seen him. He's always a few paces behind Dumont, George is his loyal dog..." To a fault. But she wasn't sure if she should mention that to the man across the room. George was indeed not smart, but he paid close enough attention to Sienna at the behest of Mr. Dumont. Always making sure she was where he wanted her. She shivered, her hands moving to rub at her shoulders. "I- I'll do anything just- P-Please don't send me back." @Professional Shay Slander

Leon watched as she downed the water. He couldn't help but feel for the woman as she looked as though something as simple as a glass of water could possibly be taken away from her. After she finished the glass, Leon watched her carefully. He was studying her reactions, her thought processes, her mindset. He wanted to know what kind of person she was. She was someone who attempted escape, a crime that didn't go punished lightly. Then she asked for a knife. Leon raised an eyebrow. His crossed arms tighten to his body. "You plan to attempt cutting off the brand? Without anesthetic?" Leon had thought of the idea, but he didn't want to offer cutting a woman he didn't know. "If that is the route you wish to take, we could get anesthetics. I do own a merchant company. You plan to do this yourself? I could ask the doctor to do it. He is very loyal to my house." Leon liked her bravery, or was it desperation? "We could cut your hair if that is what you wish as well" Leon listened as she finished. "This George has no authority here. He wouldn't be so dumb as to offend my family. The Dumont's need my family to provide them with resources, there is no better merchant family, and they know that." Leon looked her squarely in the eyes "I assure on the name Leon Wilfort, I will not send you back. I think the slave trade is detestable hence why I don't own any. Take Anna her she could leave if she wanted." @EnchantedNymph

"Knowing the man who is after me...we have no time." It was a simple fact, whether his words were true or not he didn't know the obsessive side of the head of the Dumont family. The way he coveted what he wanted in the most vile ways. Sienna shook her head. "I can do it, without anesthetic, but-" His words had cut her off, and for a moment she wanted to argue. The Dumont's might in fact need the business- "Your family?" She brows arched together, searching his face as if there might be some clue that she had missed. There were a few prominent families that had the wealth and power to rival that of the Dumont's. Her heart pounded in her chest as he looked at her head on, his swear to not send her back offering relief while the name sent a shock through her entire being. "Wilfort" Her blood turned cold, she'd heard of them, or at least of his father's. She couldn't stay here, even if his words were true and well meant. Sienna's head gave a short nod. At the mention of Anna her eyes moved to where the maid stood, a look on her eyes that matched that of Sienna's. Now Sienna knew why and she couldn't resent the woman for it. While she might have been in their presence for long she wasn't ignorant. In fact she was observant, and even while she had been bedridden and in the darkness she had heard snippets of conversations of those around her. "I'll need the knife, scissors and if you have it, and an iron to cauterize the wound after." She let her eyes drift from Anna back to the man across the room. She would stay, but only long enough that she could manage to heal enough. With the amount her body had gone through she couldn't risk leaving immediately, it would mean her death but the longer she would stay, the longer she put herself and the two in front of her at risk...and the risk of his father was too grand to ignore, just like that of George, despite what Leon had stated.

10:19

She bit her lip after a moment of silence. "My name...is Sienna." He didn't need to know her last name, the Shepherd's might have fallen long ago but the name was still muttered in certain circles and she couldn't outright trust the two near her. The only one she could trust was herself and she wasn't dumb enough to believe that all of this care was given freely. There was always a give and take in this world, and no matter what her dreams had made her feel she would not become someone else's prey.

10:19

@Professional Shay Slander

Leon regarded Sienna with a mixture of concern and curiosity. As a noble merchant from a powerful family, he had seen a slave mark before, but it still made his stomach churn. It was a cruel reminder of the injustices that existed in their society. When Sienna asked him for help in removing the mark, Leon's first instinct was to refuse. The Dumont family was not one to be trifled with, and his own family's power was equally matched with theirs. But something about Sienna's desperate plea made him hesitate. He couldn't turn her away without trying to help. "I can help you," Leon said firmly. "I'll get you the tools you need to remove the mark. But we must be cautious. I'll do everything in my power to protect you, but we need to make sure that the Dumonts won't find out about this." Sienna's eyes widened in surprise, and he could see the fear in her expression. It was clear that she knew the risks involved, but she also seemed determined to proceed. Leon admired her courage, but he couldn't help feeling uneasy about the whole situation. Despite his misgivings, Leon knew that he couldn't leave Sienna to suffer under the weight of her past. He would do whatever it took to help her remove the mark and start a new life, even if it meant going against the powerful Dumont family. @EnchantedNymph