The Center

[Dark Lord Everfear]

MiniUrsa

Leon Hawke made his way through the crowded slave market, browsing amongst its' various occupants in their cages. The young billionaire was faced with an important decision today. He wasn't looking for a mere slave to serve under him, after all. Rather, he was searching for a loving bride and companion to walk beside him for as long as he lived. Despite his wealth and power, he hadn't had the best of luck with relationships. He was convinced, however, that he could turn his luck around find that 'special someone' here - at the slave market of all places.

Suddenly, Leon's attention was drawn to a stunningly beautiful girl sitting alone in her cage in the corner of the room. He could see the pain and despair in her lovely blue eyes, and it broke his heart... Somehow he knew, deep down inside that this was the girl for him - the one he had been searching for.

Leon approached Sorchi's cage, an expression of pure kindness on his face. He reached through the bars and gently took a hold of her hand. He then brought it up to his lips, giving it a kiss. "Don't worry, love..." he said softly "I'm going to get you out of here." He then turned to the nearest slave market attendant, writing out a check and paying for the girl. He waited patiently for her cage to be unlocked and opened, as he was eager to get her out of here. She deserved so much better than this!  

[Peiwa]

Dark Lord Everfear

Sorcha sits in her cage, cowering from the nearby guards, and more aggressive and loud slaves around her. She spots a young man, who looked rather close to her age. How could someone so young afford to be here? She couldn't fathom where he could possibly be from. Regardless, he looked kind, like he simply wanted a companion to take home rather than a "toy" or worker.
And then he saw her, and began to approach. Her heart fluttered, and she looked around to the other slaves around her, unsure of whether she was who he had his eye on. It became more obvious as he drew closer, that he was in fact looking at her. As he reached into her cage, she closed herself off out of habit. He took her hand gently, and kissed it. She just stared with wide eyes, now incredibly confused. She was a slave, yet he was treating her like some sort of princess. It made absolutely no sense!
The guards moved closer, and a familiar jingle of keys came with them, becoming louder and louder. She heard the mumblings of the guard, asking if the young man was sure he wanted her, of all the choices he had. He didn't seem to understand it either. Suddenly, the cage door opened. She stepped out quietly, her bruises and scrapes now more easily visible on her limbs. She tugged at her dress, visibly nervous that he could now see just how bad she was.

 

[Dark Lord Everfear]

MiniUrsa

"Yes, of course I want her..." said Leon in response to the guard's question, sounding irritated. "Now, will you hurry up and release her from that cage already?" He was relieved when the door to her cage was finally unlocked and opened. When Sorcha stood up, Leon could see all of her bruises and scrapes, and an expression of sadness came across his face. What kind of monster would do such a horrible thing to a sweet, beautiful girl? It didn't matter now, though. Her days as a slave were practically over - she would never be abused again, and she would be loved, cherished, and adored each and every day for the rest of his life.

As Sorcha stepped out of her cage, Leon stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "It feels good to be free, doesn't it?" He asked, gently cupping her face with his hand. "It's nice to meet you, by the way... I'm Leon Hawke - and who might you be?"

Naturally, Leon wondered if Sorcha had recognized him, or at least his name... Being a billionaire and the owner of a major tech corporation, he was quite famous after all...  

[Peiwa]

Dark Lord Everfear

MiniUrsa

She flinches at the hug, unsure of what to do. She just stands awkwardly, letting him do his thing. She was used to her personal space being invaded. But.. those words he said... Free? He seemed really happy to be taking her home.

"M-my name is Sorcha Cealaigh. It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Hawke." She stepped back and bowed as she said this, making sure to be polite. She then stood back up, looking over all of his features. She didn't recognize him, but the last name certainly did ring a bell. He seemed well dressed, clean cut as one might call it. He very obviously had money, otherwise he would not be here. But she couldn't quite place it. Regardless, she just hoped she would be enough.

 

[Dark Lord Everfear]

((Sorry there's no picture. I'm on an XBox right now.))

MiniUrsa

"Sorcha... such a lovely name. Quite fitting for a beautiful angel such as yourself." said Leon softly "And there's no need to call me 'Master Hawke' or anything of the sort. I've never been too big on formalities. Please, just call me 'Leon'." He then gently wrapped his arm around her, leading her towards the front door of the slave market, where his limo was waiting outside. "Come on now... let's get out of this terrible place."

Soon enough, Leon and Sorcha had passed through the front door of the market. Leon stopped in his tracks, taking a deep breath of the cool, fresh air. After being inside of that disgusting slave market it was nice to be outdoors again, and he was sure that Sorcha shared the same sentiment. His ride could be seen waiting nearby, a custom-built black Hummer limo with dark tinted windows.

"So, Sorcha... care to tell me a bit about yourself?" asked Leon with a smile. He was naturally curious about the girl he had just bought, and he wanted to get to know her better.  

[Peiwa]

Dark Lord Everfear

((It's quite all right))


"O-okay, M- ah. My apologies, uhmm, L-leon. Thank-you." She walked with him, trying to keep pace. As they walked through the market, other slaves glared as she was so nicely "escorted" out of the facility. Some were yelling and screaming, even more angry than they were before. Others were happy, and held out their hands in the sign for "I Love You". She signed back to each one of them, hoping they would receive the same fate.

They walked outside. She had never left the market on her own two feet before, it felt quite odd. But it was a good odd. It wasn't like every other time she had left, and she hoped the rest of the situation would continue that theme. She saw a large limo, with dark windows. She went stiff as they walked closer, almost afraid to be alone with her new owner so soon. But she had no choice.

She barely heard his question, her own thoughts ringing in her ears. "M-myself..?" She then snapped into reality. Herself. Her homes. Did he mean her real home? Her schooling? Maybe that's better to talk about. It isn't quite as bad.

"I was born in a small village called Uther. It was an "off the grid" location, and the population was actually about half and half elves and humans. All my education was there, from an elf who had travelled and collected books and information from what seemed like EVERYWHERE. I was top of my class in every subject, and was in training to be a nurse, working my way up to a doctor and a specialist." She looked down sadly. "And then our home was blazed by traffickers, almost none of us survived. I was bought and sold, quite a few times, and now I'm here. I've learned about a small amount of more modern technology over the past three years, but I'm still mostly familiar with the solar and wind powering systems, rather than things like "televisions" or "tablets"."  

[Dark Lord Everfear]

MiniUrsa

Leon listened intently as Sorcha spoke, fascinated by what she had to say. She was clearly a well-rounded, intelligent young woman. An expression of sadness came across his face, however, when she told him of how her village had been attacked and her friends had been slaughtered by slave traffickers. "I'm sorry to hear what you've been through..." he said sympathetically. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. And in case you're wondering, I own a company that deals in technology myself. I'm the chairman and CEO of Atlas, the world's leading manufacturer of cell phones, tablets, and other high-tech devices. We even have a division that develops technology for the military and the department of defense."

As Leon and Sorcha approached the limousine, one of the back doors slid open for them, revealing it's luxurious interior... Leon's limo was truly fit for a king - with a large flatscreen TV, a minibar with a variety of fine wines and spirits, a small refrigerator and microwave, even an aquarium filled with exotic fish. Leon climbed inside and sat down on the comfortable leather seat, gesturing for Sorcha to come and sit on his lap.  

[Peiwa]

Dark Lord Everfear

She complies, but is evidently nervous to even enter the vehicle. She sits down quietly, looking at everything inside. It was absolutely overwhelming. Sorcha could barely think, with all the distractions, the needless tech. It at least made sense, seeing as he's in charge of such a large company. She decided to sit on her own, shifting over to a window and just peering outside.  

[Dark Lord Everfear]

MiniUrsa

Leon could see that Sorcha was nervous to enter the vehicle, but he wasn't surpised, considering all of the terrible things she'd no doubt been through in her life as a slave. But as she would soon see, those days of her life were over now. When she sat down in the back of the limo, he scooted closer to her so that he was right beside her. Wanting to be close to her, he gently wrapped his arm around her.

As soon as they were both seated, the door to the limo slid shut. The driver started the engine and they began to roll through the streets, heading towards Leon's home. He lived a ways outside of the city, so it would be a bit of a ride... "So... after being inside of that slave market, I imagine you must be hungry." said Leon softly. "What would you like for dinner, my dear? I can have my chef fix us anything you want, and he will have it ready by the time we get home." He wanted to spoil her, after all.  

[Peiwa]

Dark Lord Everfear

"Just some egg drop soup, I guess." She sounded tired. It felt like it was just another round of ownership. Same rules, same stares, just no punishments. Just another stranger, but this one's looking to play. Sorcha wondered if this was normal for any girl being loved, to be so crowded and doted on. It was uncomfortable, it would take time getting used to. Just like everything else was.

She looked at the fish. She felt like one of them, being driven around in a fancy car, being allowed to move about, but not allowed to leave. Their owner wouldn't be happy about that. Her sad expression is rather evident now, her conflicting emotions bouncing about in her head. She may still have her collar, but she wouldn't have to hurt anymore. She could possibly eat whatever she wanted, even the things her old owners would have. She wondered what a cream puff tasted like. The older masters with children would often have them, and the children all loved them.

But still. She was just another pretty little fish, just like the fancy ones in the tank. She was at least thankful, that her tank was quite large.

 

[Dark Lord Everfear]

MiniUrsa

"Well, egg drop soup sounds good... but the soup alone won't be enough to fill me up." said Leon with a grin. He was one of those skinny guys who had a seemingly endless appetite, after all. "I'll also have my chef fix some lobster potstickers and spicy Mongolian beef. You're welcome to have some if you'd like, Sorcha." He pulled out his phone and sent a text message to his chef, requesting that their dinner be ready for them when they got home. He then slipped his phone back into his pocket and wrapped his arm around Sorcha once again, holding her close.

"So, Sorcha... what do you like to do in your free time?" asked Leon, trying to make some conversation to dispel the awkward silence between them. He wondered if they shared some common interests...  

[Peiwa]

Dark Lord Everfear

((We may want to switch into a proper location so we're not clogging this area.))  

[Dark Lord Everfear]

MiniUrsa

((Yes, I'll make a home right now and quote you))  

[Dark Lord Everfear]

RaisaNadia

Lord Vincent Everfear had not come to this market searching for a mere slave to serve beneath him. He had come seeking so much more... He was looking for a loving bride and companion, one who would walk beside him for as long as she lived. The Dragon lord hadn't exactly been blessed when it came to love and relationships, but he was convinced that he could turn his luck around and find his true love here, at the slave market of all places.

Naturally, Vincent soon found his attention drawn to the beautiful pixie girl, who was sitting alone in her cage in the corner of the room. One look into her lovely emerald eyes, and he could see the pain and despair inside of them. It broke his heart to think about what she had to endure on a daily basis, and he longed to set her free. Somehow he knew, deep down inside, that she was the one he had been looking for.

Vincent made his way up to Yeva's cage, an expression of pure kindness on his face. "Hello there..." he said. He reached through the bars and gently took a hold of her hand, bringing it up to his lips and giving it a kiss. "Would you like to come home with me today? You'll be treated well, and you'll never see the inside of another cage for as long as you live."  

[RaisaNadia]

Yeva Lusine Avagyan

My life is not my own to live...

❧ The moss growing on the bars of the cages was starting to calm down after all of the excitement. The traders had finally moved her cage out into the showroom after so many years, deeming her fit to sell. She had spent so long in a room by herself with no sunlight and only the bio-luminescent moss for company. It had begun to grow there shortly after she had taken residence inside her cage and after many failed attempts at trying to remove it the traders just decided to let it be. You should have let them free you. Now we are both stuck here because you didn't want to leave me alone. Of course it was silly of her to think this way about a plant but what else was she going to think about while sitting in her cage? It's not like she could think about her centuries of freedom in the forest. Those were long over and she wasn't ever going to get them back. They were just memories that made her upset to think about. Memories of a life that could of been if life didn't have other less enjoyable plans for her.
Talking - #aacc88 / Thinking - #aabb99
❧ Her train of thought was interrupted by a man who had come up to cage to greet her. She did not know this man but she had a feeling that she knew what he wanted. And, sure enough when he reached into her cage and grabbed her hand before placing a kiss upon it he made his intentions very clear. She hadn't even been set out in the showroom for a whole day and already someone wanted to own her life. It made her memories hurt all the more knowing that after today her hopes of ever returning home really were just dreams. "I do not know why you ask. I do not have much say in what goes on in my life anymore.It is not mine to live." She said simply, her arm slack as she continued to allow him to hold her hand. It would not of been very good of her to have taken it away. She had no right to displease a potential buyer because she knew what would happen to her if she did.

...So why don't you live it for me?

Her collar: A white lace collar with Crystal bell that holds in it seven emerald charms in the shapes of a Leaf, a Ballet shoe, a Musis Sheet, a White Dove, an Easel, a Daisy, and a Jewel.

Dark Lord Everfear