eclecticwitch

𝓒𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼

Miguel grinned and accepted the offered drink. He sipped it, enjoying the cool bubbly beverage. After all of his hard work, it was lovely to refresh with a cold drink. He considered looking into something harder, but they had more work to do. There was no way he was going to dull his faculties with liquor. It seemed Ret was going to join them as well. This was certainly going to be an entertaining trip to say the very least.

He continued to sip his beer, listening to the groundworks of a plan get set. His mind drifted a bit but he was pulled back when Sully addressed him directly. The blonde licked foam from his upper lip and grinned. "I'm all your's boss. I'm ready for whatever you throw at me." He winked at Sully. "Just let me know what you need me to do and consider it done." After the loss of his sister's leg, he lived for the Unseen. They helped him get financially back on his feet as well as allowed him to look into the bastards who stole from him.

In came the very familiar face of Ret. The grin on Miguel's face spread. "Welcome, friend. It has been a while since I last saw you. It'll be a pleasure working with you again." He extended a hand to shake. "Have you seen Espie lately?" The question was innocent enough. He had his qualms about her chosen profession but he did like to keep tabs on her gentleman callers.

@Firecracker_@CaptainSully

-----

Esperanza laughed lightly. "Sure, I'd be glad of the company." She hooked her arm through his and walked along side him back toward her apartment. She catted idley about things that been going on. A crazy bar fight that had been broken up. The price of some food items rising. Nothing of consquence, just Espie being her usual chatty self.

When they reached the apartment building she let go of Quint. "Thanks, I'll see you tonight, okay?" She patted his cheek lightly before making her way up into the apartment. The building was a bit dilapidated and some of the wallpaper was peeling from the hallway walls. They lighting was dim and a couple of bulbs needed to be replaced. She entered her very clean apartment where she lived with Miguel. It was small but light. Plenty of windows and even a balcony where she grew some of her own plants. She entered her room where she rarely slept and into the shared bathroom. Quickly she showered and began the process of making herself up.

Her make-up was lightly done, accentuating already exotic features. Her hair was put into a loose braid which hung over one of her shoulders. Little metal roses with gold tipped petals were laced into the braid. Her dress was black with lacing around the neck, over her shoulders, low on her back and long sleeved. The bust of the dress was a tight clinging halter and buttons were done up from her neck down her back. At the waist, it belled out to stop at her knees. She wore fishnet stockings and a single red heel. Once satisfied with her appearance she left the building and made her way the short distance to the Flying Lotus.

The fire had put her a bit behind and so she did not have much time to sit and relax before she was called to sing on stage. Espie hopped her way to a single wooden stool and lowered the microphone. The crutch was laid on the ground at her foot. Thin fingers gently stroked the stand and she brought her ruby lips close to the netting of the microphone. As the music began to play she closed her eyes and parted her lips.

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Bride of [Unknown]
Interacting with Sorrin @WeepingLiberty and Ehkota

Adora was so pleased to have made so many friends. It was magical really. To have comrades in this trying time was a balm to her hurt soul. When Bree took her hand, Adora leaned down to brush her lips delicately against her knuckles, gave Arden a sly glance, and then released the girl. She was about to hop back into the water when a wave of cold rushed over her. She shivered and watched the Drakken enter, speak to the guards, and then demand they all leave. It was time to meet their husbands.

Her breath caught in her throat and a scowl appeared on her face. She stood, gracefully moving her hands in a wiping sort of motion about to remove all the water from her body. It left in long tendrils, gathering at her fingertips before she dropped it onto the stone floor. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around buxom figure before grasping Sorrin’s hand. There was no way she was going to let her dear friend get away from her this time.

Once they had all reached their rooms, Adora decided that she should at least look stunning for the man to whom she was to bear children. First impressions were everything. She brushed out and pinned up her lilac hair. A series of loose braids and hair roses crowned her head and a messy bun at the back. She stuck in ornaments of gems to help her bright hair glitter. Tendrils of hair kissed her face and neck, giving her a somewhat ‘just out of bed’ appearance. The gown she chose was one that she was to wear on her first day in court. A day that would never come.

The dress was light grey fading to black and fitted quite nicely over her bust and stomach. It showed off every curve. The sleeves were long and draped down, exposing her forearms and hands. The neckline settled at the edge of her shoulders and showed her tanned collar bone and slim neck. The skirt of the dress was wide and made of a floaty fabric. It was made to look as if monarch butterfly wings fell all around her waist. Each movement caused the black and orange fabric to flutter. As a last ornament, she placed around her waist the same sash that had gotten her into trouble her first day here. Pleased with her appearance, she pulled a warm, grey shawl around her shoulders and grabbed her chest of things – ensuring her most prized possession was buried at the bottom.

Adora made sure that she would share a carriage with Sorrin. She talked lightly and jovially to her dear friend the whole way. She told intricate stories and made jokes. Anything to keep their minds off of the fact they were about to be sold into slavery. She prayed that Sorrin’s husband would be a kind and generous soul. Someone who would love and cherish such a beautiful and sweet girl.

All too soon they were ushered from the carriages and into a bright gleaming hall. She took in the Drakken. Some watched hungrily as they entered. Many were quite ready for their prospective brides. Adora squeezed Sorrin’s hand. Barely had they made the procession in when a hand grabbed her upper arm. She gasped in surprise. The tiny Gem looked up to find a handsome, chiseled man leading her away. She attempted to hold into Sorrin for as long as possible, but their fingers parted, and she was lead into a darkened hallway.

She remained silent, gauging what was going on. Speak too soon and it could end her life. Instead, she obediently followed behind the disgustingly handsome Drakken. The hall they walked down was lit only by torch light every few feet. Shadows crept and changed with the dancing firelight. A feeling of foreboding had attached itself to her throat in a chokehold.

Finally, they reached a room. The Drakken opened the door and pushed her inside. “Wait,” he said, quite simply and left her there. The room was simple and gave nothing of her situation away. Was this her husband? Was she to wait for him until he came back to consummate the marriage? Perhaps he was in some way important and had to see to multiple duties first? This was not at all what she had envisioned. What about all of her other sisters?

She felt more lost and confused than she ever had in her life. Adora sat on the bed and buried her face in her hands, desperate for some sort of meaning. For a moment sobs clawed at her in order to be let free. To wrack her body and dull her mind. But no. She did not have the time for self-pity or sadness. She had to make some sort of a plan. She had to make sure she would be safe. That her life would be good in some way.

Adora stood up from the bed and went to the window. She looked out on the dark, rainy night. Cold air nipped at her nose and threatened to chill her to her bones. She could not see much and so she went about the room looking for any and all available clues. Despite her fantastical dress she crouched to look under the bed. She opened drawers and inspected the empty closet. Nothing. There was nothing to give her a hint of what would be happening. Finally, she settled on the bed once again. She would use the only weapon available to her. Adora decided, if she preformed well enough for this man she could live a life with out terror or abuse. She took slow, deep breaths to prepare herself for the task at hand.

𝓒𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼

Esperanza smiled. The awkward way Quint held the child was quite adorable. It was obvious he didn't have much experience with children. But people in his line of work or her brothers generally did not. She supposed it was a blessing. She lead the way back to the smouldering building, calling out for Anika's parents. It took some time but finally, someone responded.

"Over here!" A man was kneeling next to a woman whose face as badly burned on one side. Anika instantly lit up and squirmed to be out of Quint's arms. Once her feet touched the ground she took off and threw herself into her father's arms. Her mother smiled painfully and stroked the child's hair. Espie approached them.

"I'm glad we were able to find you. I was worried."

"We were too. Thank you for taking care of our little girl," the man said over his daughter's head. Espie offered them a small smile.

"If you need anything at all, Our Lady of Mercy should be able to help. We'll find a place for you to stay should you need it." The gratefully accepted this information. Esperanza spent a little more time with the family, to ensure they were doing well. Once satisfied she turned back toward Quint.

"What an exciting day, huh?" she asked playfully, heading toward the back of the crowd. It seemed that things at the scene were well under control. "Better yet I get to work later. Will you be coming by for a visit?" she asked, tilting her head to the side. She paused at the sidewalk which would toward her home.

@Gelatinous Cube

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Bride of Gwillim@Tracyarmav and Scyrvensrel @Amethyst

In a long line of young women, Hestia entered the hall filled with Drakken. She could hardly believe the number of them. And their size! She had seen all of the guards and what have you when they were being trained. However, the sheer number of them made the height so much more intimidating. She decided to keep her eyes downcast and her hands clasped tightly in front of her. The girls were being taken by guards one by one by one and introduced to their new husbands. At last, Hestia was forced forward. The hand that guided her was none too gentle and she hurried to keep up with his pushing.

They stopped in front of a pair. A man and woman. Her jade eyes widened as she tilted her head back to take in the view of them. Hestia was confused. She had assumed that she would be given to a man. Did she belong to both of these people? As if to answer the unspoken question the woman came forth and Hestia quickly averted her gaze. She was terrified she had offended the Drakken. When the woman stopped, Hestia flinched. Instead of the slap she had been anticipating, her hand was delicately lifted and inspected. Hestia had not expected the largeness of the woman's hand or its warmth. She glanced up as the woman bowed to place a chaste kiss on the back of Hestia's hand. Her eyes widened and she wondered briefly if they were in danger of popping out of her head. A flush spread over her cheeks and she could not help but shake like a small terrified dog.

As her face was lifted, Hestia met the woman's gaze for the first time. Her eyes reminded Hestia of caramel. Warm and brown. Hestia offered her a small, embarrassed smile. Apparently, the woman liked what she saw and spun her around. The sudden movement had her stumbling a bit but was immediately steadied with the Drakken's possesive hold on her. She allowed herself to feel safe next to this woman. It was certainly more pleasant to stand like this than in front of the hall with all eyes upon her.

As Scyr spoke to her, Hestia tilted her head back again to look up into her face. It seemed that her new spouses had very hard to pronounce names. She had no idea if she could say them correctly. What if she messed them up? Would she be beaten? Her eyebrows furrowed as she ran the names through her mind repeatedly. Scyrven... Scry... Sky... Oh that certainly wasn't right! Gwil... Gawo... Gills... Oh no. She would have to wait for them to repeat their names. Why did she have to be so stupid?

Realizing she hadn't responded properly, she looked between the pair before speaking. "I am called Hestia. Gristmill." She spoke only slightly above a whisper, her voice bird-like and soft. Which matched her slender, willowy appearance. The biggest thing about Hestia was her frizzy, mouse brown curls after all. Quite suddenly her new husband stood next to her as well and she was smooshed between the warmth of their bodies. While she was terrified and nervous of them, she felt so much better being hidden from view.

Her new wife mentioned buying her some clothing. Hestia glanced down at the green dress she had been given to wear. It was the nicest thing she had ever put on her body and certainly did not suit her. She was a plain little thing after all. What would she do with nice things? "Uhm... It's okay... I can just sew together some leftover cloth... if you have any. Please... I don't want to be any trouble..." She rubbed her hands over each other and shrunk down slightly awaiting to be yelled at or hit. Or perhaps she would get it later and they were just saving face here. Oh... she just shouldn't have spoken.

Summary

Hestia is terrified of everything and is really bad at remembering names. She also is scared of getting new fancy clothes and offers to sew her own to cause less trouble. While she is scared of her new spouses she is more comfortable with them than exposed to the room.

𝓒𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼

@CaptainSully

On the walk, he considered this news that not even Sully knew what was going on. This meant a rogue element. Someone who was acting outside of the confines of the rules. Not that there were really any rules. But this was an act of aggression by someone they did not know. This frustrated Miguel. It meant more work and the potential for more things like this to be handled. This meant more of the community paying for something they never started. He kept to himself, following behind the boss.

They arrived at the Flying Lotus and were ushered into a back area. Someplace private and safe. Miguel found an area where he could stand and watch so as to not be in the way. He leaned against the wall, relishing the violence happening to this monster who believed himself justified. It was exhilarating watching the man get his just desserts. The only drawback was that Sully was a very straightforward man. He was keen to get the job done, quite possibly because time could very well be of the essence in this case. The torture ended much too soon for Miguel's liking. The threat of pain was just as important and nothing was more lovely than slowly taking his time with a victim.

Miguel inclined his head once he had his orders and watched the boss leave the room. With a sadistic smirk on his face, he approached the body and began the work of making it as easy to move as possible.

--

The work was completed and done with a certain air of elegance if he did say so himself. Body parts were marred to avoid detection and spread through areas of Lisden. They would have a hard time connecting anything to the Unseen. That was, if they ever found the parts to begin with. He stopped home briefly to change. His clothing dirty from his work at the fire and from the body disposal. Miguel could not stand being dirty. His new clothing consisted of a pale cream button up, dark blue vest and matching trousers. He opted only for his watch, leaving all other adornments aside since the weather was so warm. The button up was left open a few buttons down and exposed a bare, bronzed chest. The sleeves were rolled up in an attempt to keep cool.

Miguel walked the familiar path from his home to the Flying Lotus. This place was like a second home for him, he spent so much time there.
He had to support Espie after all. Even if he had a certain amount of disdain for her occupation. He approached the bar, taking a seat next to Sully and grinning. "I apologize deeply for the delay. I am all yours, what may I do?"

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

What? Are you okay?

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

The past day and a half had been but a blur. Her travel to Drakken lands after the man who should have been her father shunned her, the lessons both from the Speech Drakken and the ones on childbirth and religion and now here she was in the springs. It was almost unbearably hot for her. Hestia had come from a fairly temperate climate and had never heard of hot springs before. Her foot was burned from her first day and she was hesitant to get into the hot water. She watched fellow Gems hop into the water with glee. Hestia did not like the idea of being naked in front of so many people. However, the thought of being clean enticed her.

She found a fairly secluded spot and removed her towel. She bathed quickly, lathering in soap, rinsing, and hoping out right away. She pulled the towel around her before venturing out into more public territory. She sat at the end of one of the smaller, uninhabited springs. She let her legs dangle into the water, coming up to knee height. At first, the heat of the water burned her ankle but it soon after passed as she got used to the temperature. She enjoyed watching the other girls bathe, play and laugh. Though if she caught too much sight of skin she would look down into the murky mineral water and blush.

It had seemed all too short before a Drakken man entered the room and bellowed for them all to leave. Hestia put up no resistance. The tall Gem was one of the first to the door. She waited for her sisters to line up before they were led away. The fact she was wet caused the cool air of the world outside to see that much colder. By the time she reached her room, she was shivering and her lips were blue. She dressed in the clothes the Drakken had given her. The dress that had been laid out on the bed was a soft forest green. It was cut quite low and fit snuggly against her thin, frail-looking figure. It made her feel a bit like a starved cat in beautiful wrapping paper. It was much nicer and cleaner than the wear she had travelled in. Oldrin had never given her more than burlap sacks to sew together for dresses. She also had no possessions to speak of. Oldrin had let her take nothing and practically shoved her out of the door and into the arms of her captors.

As one of the first girls ready she allowed herself to be steered into a carriage and bore the long journey to meet her husband. She prayed and wished that he would be kinder than Oldrin had been. But in the end, she did not have very high hopes. Her life was in another's hands and she had never known any different.

Summary

Hestia catches up to the current times and is rather boring. She is ashamed of hers and other's nakedness. She is overly warm in the springs but enjoys herself none the less. Like a sheep, she is herded to meet her husband.

𝓒𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼

Anika drew back from Quint, unsure about this strange man. She clung more desperately to Espie and caused her to cough a little. Anika let up her hold but continued to half glare in suspicion of the stranger.

Esperanza watched as her brother ran off to continue helping those in need. While she disliked his occupation, she had to admit that it did quite a lot to help the community. She sighed, looking at the child in her arms. Anika was still very much distressed about the situation but had calmed down in the safety of Espie's arms. She glanced back at Quint as she took into consideration his suggestion. Anika clung to her and Espie did not have too much by way balance. It would be most helpful if they could get the girl to walk on her own. "That's a good idea, lets head that way." She jerked her chin toward a street just slightly out of the way. The buildings would block the site of the wreckage.

Slowly she made her way toward it, having to take very careful steps in an attempt to hop and balance a child. It was slow going. In exasperation she looked over her should toward Quint. "Could you hold my waist to help make sure I don't fall? Just stand to my right here and wrap your arm around. I'm not used to doing this shit." She grinned and waited for him to help her movement. She directed him a bit to help her walk more comfortable. Anika was at first afraid of the man being so close, but grew more comfortable as Espie sang a spanish song to her.

"Los pollitos dicen, pio pio pio. Cuando tienen hambre, cuando tienen frio," she soothed in her soft, lilting alto. "La gallina busca, el maiz y el trigo. Les da la comida y les presta abrigo. Bajo sus dos alas. Acurrucaditos, hasta el otro dia duerman los pollitos." They had finally reached the area Espie had suggested and attempted to set Anika down. She screamed and clung to Espie's neck. "Poco amor," she whispered softly into Anika's hair. "I cannot hold you for long. I need you to be strong and walk so that we can find your parents." She moved so she could lean her back against the wall and offered her crutch to Quint. "Could you hold this please?" Once the crutch was taken she used a hand to stroke the child's hair, making soft shushing noises to help calm her.

"I very much want to help you Anika. Can you help me?" The child pulled her face from Espie's neck and wiped snot on the back of her arm. Glancing toward the area which had been burning but that she could no longer see, she finally nodded. Espie let her down and slid down the wall so she could be at face level with Anika. "What are your parent's names?"

"Mommy and Daddy." Well, that was little help.

"Do you know your last name?"

"Belgar," Anika responded. Something they could work with.

"Do you think you can walk with me? Or will you let Quinsey carry you?" The child seemed to consider it, looking between the both of them. "Quinsey is a very dear friend of mine. He would never hurt you. He knows if he did I would chop his huevos off." She smiled kindly to the child and Anika walked to Quint, lifting up her arms in a request to be carried. Esperanza used the wall to stand up and took her crutch back. "Well, I guess we look for Mister and Mrs. Belgar."

@Gelatinous Cube

Prized Bride (A New Beginning)

Interacting with - Sorrin @WeepingLiberty, Bree @Ellion and Arden @Pupperr

The first girl seemed to not enjoy Adora's idea about 'gently' enticing some of the other girls to enjoy this glorious bathtime. She pouted slightly until she heard a familiar voice. She turned to see her dear and darling friend standing before her. She was shining and beautiful and her heart once again sang at the sight of her. As Arden said she was fine, Adorabella launched herself from the water, using her ability to help push her forward. The water in their pool lowered for a moment as she landed on the side of the spring. It washed back, filling the rocky enclosure once again.

"Oh Sorrin," she half whispered. "I am so glad to see you. My deepest apologies for having lost track of you." She pulled the taller girl into a hug, her tanned arms around a pale waist and face laid against her bosom. "I am glad to see you feeling better, you were in such a state yesterday." She drew back, a tearful smile on her face. She grabbed the other girl's hand and excitedly pulled her toward the pool. "Come, join us my sister. The water is absolutely decadent and relaxing. Though I hope the heat of it will not hurt your burn. At lunch, we will have to see if they have any honey."

As she started back toward the pool Arden agreed with Bree that they should not make waves, as it were. She didn't care. In fact, she would forget she had ever suggested it. Adora had her darling friend back and she would do nothing that could hurt her. However, as she listened and watched the pair a lamp lit up in her brain and a smirk found its way to her lips. The two girls were... well... One could hardly think otherwise. How beautiful. How devastating. It could only end in tragedy. But, Adorabella would ensure the girls could find every happiness together. Their mutual shyness was lovely to behold. The trick would be to push them toward each other in a way that was not at all aggressive. It had to be their idea after all.

Standing at the edge of the pool at this point she knelt down as she slapped a hand to her forehead. Adora had let go of Sorrin's hand at this point. "My sincerest apologies for my rudeness. How could I have forgotten my manners? My name is Adorabella, it is an intense pleasure to meet the both of you. I know we only have one more day here but I hope that we can become close and offer each other support in this trying time. There is no reason we cannot find little feelings of happiness while in our enslavement." She leaned forward and offered a hand out to the two girls to shake, her other steadied her balance against the edge of the bath. Her wet hair fell forward over her shoulder, dripping water down her collar bones and into the water below. "And my beautiful friend behind me... I will let her introduce herself."

Summary

Sorrin appears and Adorabella is ecstatic. She forgets all about troublemaking but finds a new plot to manipulate. Two girls who care about each should be allowed to do so. She just has to make them realize it. She introduces herself finally and offers friendship.

𝓒𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓦𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼

Miguel loathed the summer. The heat made his suits almost unbearable. Today being a particular hot one he was just miserable. The dry air pressed down on him and he was glad he had left his suit jack at home. He opted for a light grey three piece. The vest fitted over his form nicely and the sleeves of his white button up were rolled to his elbow exposing a rather expensive gold watch. The tie he wore was a fun blue color with white unicorns on it. The unicorns were so small they looked like white dots unless one was up close. In his blonde hair he wore a grey feather attached at the end to a thin braid.

As he walked through the streets he became more desperate to reach his destination. Only a few more steps until he entered the dirty looking dive bar. Inside was cooler than the outdoors, but not by much. It was still a relief to be out of the sun. He brushed back his hair, allowing the moving air to dry the sweat on his face and neck. It did not take him long to find the person he had come to meet. A large grin exposed perfect white teeth. He waved before taking a seat at the bar. "Wonderful to see you again Quint. It has been a bit." He held up a finger and ordered himself a beer. "I do indeed. And as we both know, a friend in need is a friend indeed. A friend with cash." He chuckled lightly as the beer was placed in front of him. He took a sip from the cold, frothy beverage.

"We can discuss business in a moment though, how have you been since the last time I saw you?" He turned in his bar stool, leaning slightly against the bar. He was a very open, warm sort of person. His smile was never faltering and manner of speech genuine. "Been by the Lotus recently?" He sipped his drink again.

As Quint responded to him, Miguel's phone began to ring. He subtly pulled it from his pocket to see who it was that called. Work. "I sincerely apologize, my good friend, but I must take this. When the boss calls, you know." He winked before answering the device. As he listened to the man on the other end, his face fell. He looked at Quint with darkness creeping into his features. "Of course, I'm not too far. I'll be right there." He hung up the phone and tucked it back into his pocket. "Sorry Quint. There's a fire nearby. The boss man wants all hands on deck. I'm afraid we'll have to postpone our chat a bit. Of course, if you would like to come along and help you will certainly be compensated." Miguel downed his beer before standing. He offered the barman his arm so that he could accept payment.

The two men left the bar at a run. It was not hard to see where the fire was coming from. Black smoke billowed into the air and the heat only intensified the closer they came to the fire. As he arrived he began the process of helping people away from the building. Some needed first aid and he helped as much as he could. As he knelt, wrapping a shirt around a fairly serious burn on an older woman he noticed a very familiar form not too far away.

"Esperanza?" he shouted. Hastily he finished the wrap job and approached his sister. She was holding a child who appeared to have been recently crying. "What are you doing here? Where's your shirt?" He removed his vest and helped her place it over her nearly bare torso. "Who is this?" When the twins were around each other their usually light spanish accents became more thick, as if they were feeding off of each other.

"Hola hermano." She accepted his vest and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Hiya Quint." She flashed the other man a quick smile. "Anika has lost her parents. Help me find them. I can't get through all these fucking rubber neckers very well." Espie shifted the child in her arms so she sat more evenly on her hips. Unfortunately having only one leg made that difficult and she wobbled a bit.

"I have to keep helping. Quint, do you think you can help Espie out?" Miguel tried to take the child from Esperanza but she clung with a death grip to his sister and screamed. He immediately removed his hands and sighed. "I'll be back for you as soon as I'm done." He kissed his sister's cheek and ran off to continue the work of ensuring the survivors safety.

He approached the building to find his boss. Miguel had a deep respect for Sully. It wasn't very often that the head of an organization would be out with his crew getting dirty. "What happened?" he asked, hoping Sullivan might know.