Writ of Claimance

Early in the morning I arose as usual, though much pleased to find that the woman Jade was still with me in my bed and with our limbs tangled the way lovers limbs ought. Lovemaking hung in the air, its scent slightly stale though light upon my senses. It drew a smile to my mouth instantly, that smell. And I think I could grow used to waking with it every morning for the rest of my days.

Jade was soon to rouse right after me, and together we headed down the stairs to break the fast with Marius, for this ritual has been his and mine for nearly a decade. While I seated myself at my Master's right hand, Jade was once again allowed the chair at his left. I do not know whether he is aware how she brightens the room so. In fact, she brightens the entire house. Or perhaps it is just me, seeing my world anew through a rosier shade of glass.

After we dined, Marius instructed me to go to my room and practice on my Kalika. Yet it was clear he had in mind to leave the House with Jade. How instantly then I was filled with mistrust for the very man whom I have trusted for the last nine years. The very one who owns my soul, I was convinced, was plotting to sell my Jade... my kajira.. my love. Plotting to sell her in the markets like some cheap and disposable commodity.

Go to your room, he told me, remarking that he did not wish to return and find me upon my belly in the Atrium, weeping inconsolably like some woman. I threw myself at him; begged him not to sell Jade. But Marius is selectively deaf when he chooses, and again he reminded me to go upstairs to my room and practice my Kalika.

I want to hate him! I want so very badly to despise my Master.
But alas.. I am weak. For I love him unconditionally.

Marius returned after half the day had passed. I did not play my instrument as bidden, either. But lay upon my belly across my bed and wept the entire time. It was Jade who came to my room and knocked, seeking me out of my despair. I learned from her.. and from my Master later.. that he filed a notarized Writ of Claimance with the city Magistrate. From this day forth, the kajira's former owner.. has exactly two hands to appear and make a claim upon her property. In the event that the Slaver Asia fails to appear, the kajira Jade becomes the sole property of my Master.

I am torn now, between love for Asia, and love for the kajira.
A part of me longs to see her again..
and yet another part of me prays I never do.

Tangled Sheets

On the third day the cellar door opened, spilling a searing light down into my purgatory, blinding me with it. Jade only groaned beside me, too far wasted with thirst and hunger to cry out.

Marius descended the stone steps and crouched to unlock both our shackled wrists, before he left again without a word. I fear the worst of my punishment has only just begun. I fear my Master has somehow.. disowned me.

Nevertheless, Jade and I were given a rather sumptuous breakfast and plenty of water in the kitchen upstairs. Afterward we were both put to the wall naked. And whipped. I the moreso, for Jade's tender flesh was spared any lasting marks upon it. And still she wept til my own heart broke for her. I am powerless to save her from my Master's ire.

Yet in the end we were dismissed to my room, wherein I laid beside this kajira more confused than ever. Was that it then? Was that all that Marius had to say on the matter? I let these troublesome thoughts escape my mind as Jade and I spent the remainder of the day tangled in the sheets.

Confinement

Not a further word was spoken of our infraction, nor any word at all for that matter. Marius had been stanchly silent for the duration of the trip until we docked at the Port Authority of Jad. Once we reached home... home sweet home.. Marius banished Jade and I both to the wine cellar, where I have been an infrequent prisoner.

Each of us shackled by a wrist near the dank stone floor, we were closed in utter darkness for the space of three days. Without food or water. Without any light whatsoever. It is a pure psychological hell to whomever must endure it. Yet it was the constant presence of Jade in my utter darkness that has kept me sane this time.

We held to each other amidst our whisperings that were meant to assure one another that neither dreamt.