Strange Winds
#1
The horse plodded dutifully beside Amy, weaving through the mountain paths. She was glad to have arrived in such a diverse area. She'd passed the smell of one pack already, and Amy felt there would be more to come. With her goods she was sure to secure her position as the top merchant throughout the lands. If there was competition, well, lone wolves often disappear. She would be the only one they could truly rely on. Amy would be in control of the lands, without having to bother with stuffy subordinates.

As they went over a particular rough patch the wagon jostled, eliciting whimpering from the single passenger. Be quiet. Amy's words hissed, displeased by the slave's complaints. She was doing well for how long she'd been a slave for, but the girl constantly tried to escape, and complaints like that were common. Slaves were to be quiet. Breaking the girl of her tongue without beating her was difficult though. Amy was unwilling to damage her merchandise, forcing her to rely on other means.

Amy lifted her head, sniffing the wind. She was near a pack, but still far enough away that a patroller wouldn't chase her off. It was ideal, allowing her to set up shop without any threats. Cheerfully Amy looked around. She needed a flat place to display and make camp at. A rocky clearing would do for that. Moving in Amy unhitched the horse, allowing it to graze. She started a small fire, letting the smoke advertise her presence. Soon customers would arrive, and when they did she'd be ready. Samples of the merchandise was hung up. With care the slave was taken and tied up at the back. Those looking for it would see, while more sensitive people wouldn't notice. She was ready for business.
#2
Alexandrea silenced her whining with a painful snap of her jaws, as she clamped her vivid blue eyes shut, cringing at Miss Sunders’ words. She lowered her head and held back a sniffle, as she did her best to keep quiet; the last thing she wanted to do was anger the Merchant when it could be avoided. Instead she turned her gaze to scan her surroundings, searching for escape routes or possible solutions to get away from her slavery. It was no use though… not here. Not among the rocky slopes and steep gorges, or the unfamiliar paths and winding trails.
She took a small intake of breath and let out a silent sigh, as a sense of defeat descended upon her, but she straightened up unable to accept the loss. She would simply have to try another time, and not let this great disappointment affect her hopes. She glanced at the surroundings again, double checking for any possibilities of any kind. The rough path and mountainous terrain would prove to complicate things if she had tried to run, and she wasn’t used to such lands to begin with. She lowered her ears in despair, fretting that she may never see her grandmother or village again.
The young Luperci distracted herself from her depressing thoughts, by staring at the beautiful scenery, this time taking a better look at the land for what it was. Never before had she seen such a place, having come from the frozen tundra of the Arctic. Her soft gaze fell on the plants that lay scattered about between the rocky crevices, and her eyes seemed to sparkle with a sense of wonder and opportunity; what sort of properties did the herbs so far south have to offer?
Then she felt the cart slow down, lurching slightly as the horse stopped, and Alexandrea looked up with perked ears. Curiosity prickled at her senses, but her fear of the unknown kept her firmly planted to where she sat. She watched as the Merchant let the horse graze, before setting up camp, putting up a fire as advertisement. The white dog-wolf flinched away in surprise and fear when Miss Sunder reached for her, but she found herself unable to get away; incapable of even moving with her frightful state paralyzing her in place. Soon she found herself tied to the back of the cart.

[ooc: 396 word count.]
#3
Amy paced around, checking to make sure everything was in place. She groomed the horse, checking it's hooves for rocks. She moved the furs around, making a small place for people to sit comfortably. Jewelry was taken and hung from nails outside the wagon. Her more deadly sales items were tucked away, with only a couple daggers and the carved bow in sight. She didn't want to make anyone think she was a threat.

Amy was clean and dry, a beautiful outfit on. The silver necklace offset her fur perfectly, bringing out the gleam. The only unsatisfactory one was the slave. She would need to be dressed up if people wanted to view her. Amy frowned, studying the girl, before giving up and moving on. It was unlikely that the girl would be sold on her first day in the land. She would be more patient than that.
#4
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:3 here comes someone new!! Optime form, I already discussed this thread too with Bria, Amy is allowed to attack Sammi! This is horribly rambly, forgive me! I swear this is my longest post. It's a one-time thing...

The day had started rather satisfactory for the ivory woman, she had yawned and stretched her lean body before slipping out of the bed that she and her mate shared. Kissing the top of his head and nuzzling the kids, Samantha softly murmured "I'll be back later. Just going fir a walk." She got dressed quickly, pulling on a quick blouse and jean-shorts. To finish off, the young vixen pulled on the dark brown fur cloak and set off. As she exited the dark caves, Sam had remembered that she had forgotten her dagger. Just in case she had to defend herself in the dark woods. Sprinting back to the cave that she called her own, she pulled the jade dagger from the set of wooden drawers that Rain had made them. Soon enough the young Luperci was in the glowing light of day. At every footstep, the ankh necklace shone in the low sunlight, a gift from the leader Naniko at the ceremony. It was supposed to give the new bonded pair luck, hopefully it would today. The cold air bit at the exposed parts of the colorless femme's body, making winter's arrival clear. Aqua eyes gazed over the terrain, the weather was nice enough, better than the storm not too long ago, a few days prior. Samantha knew that her mate wasn't too happy about her outings; it wasn't like she was going off to see other men or looking for fights, the last outing only resulted in a few scratches to her muzzle. A she walked along, the terrain became more rocky and mountainous, it wasn't a place that she visited often. Soon enough she realized that she was walking along the same mountains that Anathema was under. Although this was no-man's-land. Since her recent promotion to Furcas, Sam found that she was a little more respected compared to being a Zepar. As she hopped over a low rock, her ankle got snagged in a crevice and the woman found herself caught stuck. Her hands tried to pull away at the rocks, tried to free herself from the hurt. White Digits clawed away at slate and finally her foot was loose. Relieved from freedom, a sigh escaped the Luperci's lips. But when she stood up, Sam almost collapsed and fell. Her ankle was badly twisted and painful. Walking now in a limp, looking very pitiful, Samantha couldn't help but wince at the horrid stinging pain. A strange sight was seen, a horse and cart, some smoke floating lazily towards the sky just a little bit higher up.

The sight became even more strange as she noticed someone tied up to the cart, a small woman who looked very thin. Now who would do this? Of couse the woman would not tie herself to the wagon, that would be bizarre. Maybe she could ask for help, maybe find something to use as an ankle brace. She rounded the corner and saw a beautiful dog-woman sitting on a cushion of furs, a silver necklace hung from her neck, how could this grand lady have someone tied to the back of the cart? Confusion followed and the ivory fatale hesitated, weakened by her injury with only a dagger; how could she defend herself if something were to happen? A breath came as a whoosh as a small gasp came from her lips as she remembered the female tethered at the back. She stood her ground for a quick moment before hesitantly asking. "I-I'm sorry...I have injured myself. If there's any way, can you help?" Something told the wolf-woman that something was up. That this wasn't normal. Without thinking, her hand under the cloak went to the dagger strapped at her thigh. Not the best at hand-to-hand combat or fighting with a dagger, Sam feared that if something went amiss, there would be no hope. Her other hand clutched the Ankh around her neck, silently praying that nothing would happen. The silver bracelet shone around her wrist as her hand was raised, a present from her mate when he asked her to be his. It was his mother's before she passed and he wouldn't want anything to happen to it. Her gaze fell to the merchandise and wares around, maybe the woman was overreacting. Maybe she could buy something for her son and daughter. Her vivid sea-green eyes still remained fearful and distant. Breathing in the cool mountain air, the fae was able to relax to some degree. She remained alert and cautious though. Although close to her home of Anathema, the young woman didn't know how to be able to go. If the woman at the back of the cart was a slave, maybe helping her escape would be a plan. But what about her own life? The golden woman had the upper hand in size, Sam was always petite, on the lean almost underweight scale. Her expression turned calm, everything would be alright, never show fear right? The grey-tipped plumage of her tail waved slowly, analyzing the situation.


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</style>this beautiful table was given to me by Gen.
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#5
The sound of limping reached her ears before she smelled the guest. Smiling Amy put on her best face for the customer, eager to get started. There were so many goods to sell, and this would be her first stop. If she did well here Amy might even consider forgiving Alexandrea her escape attempt and let her sleep tonight. She studied the woman, looking at the nice fur cloak and beautiful jewelry she wore. Clearly this was someone who had things worth trading. She smelled of the mountains, a deep scent that penetrated even through the trimmings of the pack she belonged to. Amy smiled warmly.

You are injured? Come and sit down. You'll be much more comfortable this way. Amy didn't offer help as she stood, gesturing to the place she vacated. She would give nothing for free, not even the help the girl clearly needed. Amy was a business woman to the core. If she could make something from it she would. Gracefully she strode over to the wagon, pulling it open. She pushed aside the jars of poison, looking for something that would help with the swelling. A beautiful silk cloth was selected as a wrap, a pair of leather bracelets to secure it and keep the ankle from moving.

Amy pulled her precious plant of witch hazel out, taking the time to collect a small jug of water and a rock to crush the leaves. I can make a poultice for your wound if you wish. Carefully she set the items she'd collected before the customer, just out of reach. Of course, nothing is for free in this world. This plant is rather difficult to maintain. I will need repayment for your use of it. Her statement made Amy watched the wolf, waiting for a response.
#6
Alexandrea felt the rope pull and tear around her wrists, itching beneath the fur and rubbing painfully at the skin. She let out a soft whimper and started to twist and writhe, searching for a way to rest more comfortably, but only managing to make the pain much worse. Letting out a small gasp she pulled herself up and used her muzzle to rub against the rope with a bit of an agitated low growl. It was very irritating! Her lips pulled back in a silent snarl as she tried to calm down, she hated to lose her temper; as small as it may be she disliked being angry.
She gave a pull at the ropes and winched when they dug into her flesh slightly, pulling tighter around her wrists. She let out another sigh, this one filled with a strange mixture of relief and despair; she was glade that the painful itch was now a dull ache, but now her attempts at escaping would be more difficult. She tipped her head back and gazed at the sky high above her, realizing that she probably wouldn’t have gotten anywhere very far even if she tried.
The young hybrid sagged as defeat swamped over her, but her ears remained up and alert, her spirit still strong and stubbornly unable to give in quite yet. Then it was at that moment that her high angled ears flicked and perked as they caught an approaching sound on the wind. The white wolf-dog blinked her blue eyes open before she looked up to see another Luperci limping toward them. For a moment all she could do was stare at the stranger, starting a bit when their gazes met. Then her fur prickled with unease and worry when she realized that the older female was hurt.
Alexandrea looked her up and down before her soft gaze fell on her swollen ankle; she then looked back up and tried to search the Luperci’s gaze. She wanted to understand what happened more… she wanted to help. She was a shaman! It was her duty to help and heal those that needed it. She tugged at her restraints and began to twist and turn as she tried to get loose, feeling her training kick in and causing her to feel a strong urge to get to the wounded.
The slave found the bounds on her wrist drawing tighter and she narrowed her eyes with frustration and sorrow. She sagged again and looked over her shoulder as the injured Luperci neared Miss Sunder, speaking with a wary tone. She wiggled about slightly and tried to get a better look, wondering what the Merchant would do in this sort of situation; unlike some, she was aware of just how cruel Amy could be and she found herself worry and fret for the stranger.
She prayed to her ancestors and the spirits of the land; she hoped and wished for the stranger’s life. She knew very well that she was a long way from home and out of reach of the ancestors and spirits that she knew… but surely the ones on this land could hear her prayer? She had never made a prayer since she had left her home… Did her prayer even stand a chance here?
Alexandrea crouched down till she was almost lying on the ground, her bound wrist hanging above her head, as she tried to peer from between the wheels of the cart. She could just make out the feet that belonged to Miss Sunders, and the feet of the strangers. Her blue eyes fell on the injured ankle and she was instantly going over in her mind what she may need to treat it. She was new to the land, but she had quickly begun to understand the many herbs that grew here.
She had gathered some supplies here and there when she had the chance and was rather amazed to see that Amy allowed it. She tore her gaze away from the injured leg to look at the Merchant’s hind paws, wondering if there was a chance that she would allow her to heal this stranger. She knew that Amy would certainly not be willing to do anything until she was certain that she could benefit from it.
The young Shaman perked her ears when she heard her captor speak before getting up and offering her set to the potential customer. She watched intently as the hind paws moved about within her view from behind the wagon. She felt her insides clench painfully in worry when she heard Amy’s voice and words as she moved; she knew it! Amy would charge this injured Luperci. She tugged and pulled at the roped as small grunts of protest rumbled through her throat. Her ears twitched and she glanced to the side when she noticed the merchant gather healing supplies and she flailed about some more, trying to get loose of her restraints.
Alexandrea wanted to help the stranger but how could she hope to do so in her current situation?! She sagged and felt her body slide slightly over the ground as she went limp in defeat once again. Was there any use? She was a slave and she couldn’t change that no matter how hard she tried. She had already tried to escape earlier and failed at it yet again. What could she possible hope to do? All she could do know was watch… and pray.

[ooc: 911 word count.]
#7
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:3

Samantha slowly sat down, relieved that the dog-Luperci woman was going to help. Blue green eyes widened when she saw the fineries used as a wrap. She would've just asked for a simple old shirt to be torn. Sammi remained silent and glanced back at the woman at the back of the cart. Empathy for the woman, she must've been pretty upset to be taken for someone else. Or even sold. The Merchant demanded a trade for the fine wrap/bandage and Sam looked herself over. She just couldn't give her necklace and bracelets to the golden girl, they were special. All for her mateship. "I-uh...I don't know what to give you in return...All I have is this cloak and jade knife." They weren't too grand, a simple cloak of furs that her mate had cured and sewn into a makeshift cloak. The dagger was chipped at the end, had no sharp point. She pulled off the cloak easily and found herself slightly shivering. The dagger was set in front of the woman, hopefully satisfactory. Aqua eyes glanced nervously at the ivory girl at the back, would she have to end up like her? Sam, if she could would try to help the woman escape, but what would happen? Would she have a seat beside her with shackles on her limbs? Sam quietly sighed. So much happening. The pockets of her shorts had nothing special, just some herbs for healing that were forgotten. "I don't know how to repay you back..." Unable to speak, she thought of taking the bandage off, giving it back. But after the woman's courtesy of helping that wouldn't be polite. The Furcas was confused, always under the mountains, this was different being on top. Getting down would prove to be difficult with her injury. She wrapped her wiry arms around herself, chilled by the mountain air. Being so small and having fur not as long and thick, Sam was almost always cold. If Rain were here, he would know what to do. He could also trade his wares.

Sam thought of her kids back at home, almost big enough to play and run. Fighting over almost anything. Her son and daughter were so perfect. She'd do anything to be home and cuddle them close. 


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</style>this beautiful table was given to me by Gen.
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#8
Amy grimaced slightly as she looked at the meager wares the girl offered her. A simple homespun cloak and a chipped jade dagger. The weapon was worth something, certainly, but she wanted more than that. Her eyes traveled over the girl's body, considering what to take as payment. That was a very nice bracelet she wore, yet it hadn't been offered. Swiftly Amy scooped up the dagger, taking it back to place with the other weapons. The plant she'd made the careful paste with was returned as well before Amy turned to face the customer.

I'm afraid this isn't quite enough. Amy passed the cloak back to the shivering girl, her smile as cold as ice. Your cloak holds no value to me, and the dagger isn't worth enough. Amy cupped the girl's chin with her hands, looking her in the eyes. You wouldn't try to cheat me, would you? After all, I did aid you. Amy moved her hand to touch the bracelet the girl wore. It was beautifully crafted, and would be worth the repayment. Singly it would have only payed for the ointment, but combined with the dagger it covered the worth of the treatment. Won't you give me this?

If the girl said no, Amy would be forced to take payment by other means. She'd done it before, taking payment from people's skins. When they couldn't pay, Amy would torture them, listening to their screams. Their bodies weren't actually worth anything to her, but they held value to the customer, so she would take that, as they viewed her own goods of so little value. Equal trade is important, after all.
#9
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Feel free to PP Sam or attack.... This sucks...

It was rather intimidating to have the woman so dominant. She brought the bracelet close to her chest, hugging it close. No. She couldn't trade the treasure. "I didn't try to...I can't trade this! My mate gave me this bracelet. It's too special." She clutched the silver loop closer to her body. Fear in her eyes. The Merchant had a cold look in her eyes, something she wasn't used to. Something that she was untrained for. Sam picked her cloak back up, a decision was to be made. Should she take the wrap off and back the deal? Or could she run? Running wouldn't be a wise choice as her ankle was badly twisted. "Here." Being bold to unwrap the silken fabric from her injury, she lay it back in front of the woman. Ivory ears pulled themselves back to her skull, the dagger was gone, the cloak wouldn't prove useful. She reached for her knife but hesitated and pulled her thin hand back. It would be dangerous to anger the Merchant. It was fight or flight. Could she run? Incapable of doing anything reckless or dangerous, she tried to relax. She felt like a bird caught in a trap, helpless. She could already see what the merchant would want now. Her. if she failed to give anything of use. She thought of the woman tied and immobile. To be sold to others for trades. Would that be her in a while? Helpless and taken against her will. "I don't have anything to trade you." The woman stood her ground at that moment, a defensive light in her eyes. What could the dog do? Attack her? Hurt her? The weapons stored away looked mighty deadly. The ivory fae limped backwards. To get some distance. She would help the slave-woman escape. That's what she would do. Of course.

Sam couldn't just leave with the slave helpless left in the Merchant's watch. She slumped to the ground and was helpless. Trapped almost.  


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</style>this beautiful table was given to me by Gen.
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#10
The girl's decision was made, sealing her fate. Amy had no mercy. Almost with complete disregard for the kindness she'd shown the wolf tore off the precious cloth and dropped it on the ground. It was too late for that now. The poultice had stained the cloth, rendering it useless. Despite this great sacrifice the foolish girl had refused her. Even if the cloth was still usable, it didn't cover the poultice that couldn't be taken back.

Angry Amy snarled, advancing on the poor girl. How dare you! She threw herself forwards, drawing the short sword. With a quick slash she stabbed into the thigh. The wolf squealed beneath her grip, helplessly trying to get away. Not done with the punishment, Amy grabbed her arm and twisted it back. She thought it was bad with a poor ankle, wait until she had to deal with a broken arm! One more rotation and the arm made a sickening crack, bone sticking through.

The sound pleased her. It calmed her mind, cutting down on the anger. Whining softly she licked at the wound before hitting the girl in the face again. She wouldn't get away with this!

OOC: Can I take an eye?
#11
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I'd rather you didn't, I just wanted her to be a little beat up, not monster of the dead when she returns. Red for Sam, Green for Aleo. Here is a bloody exit....


Aleo had decided to take a walk, to help him remember things and feel peace. Screams and cries of pain were heard from a ways away, he jogged to a higher elevation and he had never expected to find this. A woman was being attacked by a dog, a larger dog who was seeming to enjoy the pain emitted from the ivory wolf woman. He reached for his sword and his hackles raised. His voice was a snarl, a warning. No one should be getting this treatment. Hey you! Get your fucking hands off of her!" He leaped to the scene and pushed the wounded behind him, defending with his sword. He blocked hits with his longer combat sword and moved away. When the moment was right, Aleo scooped up the wounded woman in his arms and fled towards the trees lower down. She smelled much of Anathema, he intended to take her there. The Dai-in was very worried, the woman in his arms was bleeding badly and she appeared to be fighting for consciousness. "Rain...It hurts." She moaned, he knew no one by the name of Rain and guessed that they were most likely her lover. He took the broken woman closer to the borders of her home and set her down, he made trips gathering water and food, desperately trying to keep the woman alive. He wrapped all of her wounds carefully and let the woman rest. Aleo knew that he wouldn't let her die under his watch. He fell asleep finally by a fire, alert in case something happened.

_______________________________


Samantha woke long after the attack. Her whole body was sore and her fur was matted with blood. "Wha? Where am I?" Blue eyes fell upon a man sleeping nearby and she became confused. The man woke up instantly and spoke to the ivory fae. "I saved you. You almost died." Sam's memory of everything that happened came back. She looked at her wrist which still had the silver bracelet along with the one Jackson had given her. "Oh. Thank you. Will you help me back to the caves? I bet my mate is worried." The German man nodded and let her lean against him as they walked to the caves. They said their goodbyes and Sam thanked him again. She didn't even know his name.

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