My Character:

Rika


-Winkie- My character's past is a secret~

So, Vonlyn, would you like to start?

My Character:

Adel Varcan


He is a warrior, whom is in desperate need of someone to help when he returns from the battlefield.

(( Would you like to start, or should I? ))

((You can start if you like! I have to work today, but I will be on later tonight. ^^))

A large black stallion pushed its way through the crowded market streets; its rider shrouded in a thick black cloak. Most people hurriedly moved away from the beast that glared at them with dark cocoa eyes, but the ones that didn’t were of the curious type with hopes of catching glances at its mysterious owner. Unfortunately, his hood was up and easily covered his long onyx hair and vibrant blue eyes. Those eyes watched as their destination slowly came into view; causing him to pull lightly at the reins and guide the horse towards the entrance.

Stable hands were already waiting as the man easily slid from the stallion and handed the nearest stable hand the reins. The young lad took them with awe struck eyes as he watched the stallion stamp and shake its head. Without looking back, the man entered the large building when another servant pulled open the door and directed him towards the office. He entered and finally removed his hood; feathery black hair falling out to frame his handsome face. The owner of the slave pen hurriedly stood with a smile.”Ah, Master Varcan! I will take you to the pens right away!” He exclaimed, walking around the small table and beckoning for Adel to follow him down the hall.

Adel followed behind him, his gait that of a predator. There was just something dangerous about him, and the way he carried himself. The owner pulled open a door and the pair found themselves in a large hallway lined with cages only big enough for a man to lie in, or stand. All sorts of people stood behind the bars; men, women, and children of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It was a good thing that Adel had a knack for disguising his emotions, because he found himself disgusted at how these people where being treated. He suddenly wished that he could purchase all of them, but he had neither the time nor space for dozens of people. So instead, his glimmering sapphire eyes carefully looked over the slaves; hoping for one to catch his interest.

What once had been a pleasant gaze quickly transformed into a glare as the Slave Trader entered their hallway. Rika's glare was defiant, as she planned to chase the costumer away for less business, though it would lead to a beating later. The Slave Trader raised his fist a small distance from his side - a warning to behave. But she wouldn't, to protect the others from the unfair conditions of being a servant.

Her experience made her stronger, able to endure the hardships. Arrogance was the key to being discarded. But she was a bird in a cage, every time she switched cages it was too quick for her to escape. Her past masters had never set her free, with cold hearts and their idea of how slaves should be treated. It was unfair and sickening to think that they treated one of their own kind like dirt. But hey, who said humans were humane?

As she stood up, she stretched in her small space and then stepped forward. She had a slender figure, with both hair and eyes jet black, and fair toned skin. Being quietly pretty, she looked out of the bars of her prison.

Then Rika decided that first she would examine the buyer, if he looked kind she would lay back and let him take one of the children. If he looked otherwise, she would try her best to make him take her and spare the younger ones. But his eyes confused her, they were full of pity. Should she perform or stay backstage?

It was hard for Adel to simply walk by the children, but he could not bring them to the battlefield either. He also found himself walking past the men without much of a glance. They were likely to either attempt to flee, or be forced to join the battle if things went awry. So, the only other option was a woman. No one would want to force a female onto the battlefield, and they were almost always gifted with tenderness and a strong will. Yes, that was what he needed; a strong woman that still had the capability of being tender.

Adel was only here to find someone to take with him back to the army’s campsite. He needed someone to take care of him when he returned from battle each night, and a woman seemed perfect for the job.

Not long after he came to that conclusion, did his gem-like eyes meet hers. She was the only slave to be standing at the forefront of their cage. Her skin tone was light, and brought out the darkness of her hair and eyes that held a hint of defiance. He paused here, and noticed out of the corner of his eyes that the owner didn’t seem pleased that he was showing interest in her. He wondered at the man’s reaction before turning to face her.

”What is your name?” He inquired his voice deep but soft. The owner was slightly over to his right, but quickly stepped between the two. His face wore an apologetic mask, as he gave a nervous laugh. ”My dear Master Varcan, you wouldn’t want to purchase this piece of filth! Please don’t waste your money on her. Every master that she has been with has always brought her back with horrible things to say.” He spoke quickly and reached a hand out to possible steer Adel away, but the warrior easily stepped out of his reach with a scowl. Apparently, the man didn’t understand that his customer’s anger was directed at his words and not the fact that he was trying to touch him, so he continued; this time making sure to keep his hands to himself. ”Please, we have a good selection of younger girls that have already been broken.”

Adel was having a hard time biting back an angry growl. The only reason he came to this place was with the hopes of actually being able to give someone, less fortunate than him, a better life. Even if that life was now going to be fraught with danger, but wasn’t it dangerous for them to stay here as well? As much as he would have liked to kill the man where he stood, Adel simply clenched his fists. ”I don’t appreciate being interrupted.” His words were clipped; his tone icy. This time, the owner gulped, his face draining of color as he began apologizing and quickly moved out of the young warrior’s view. Now that he felt safer behind his customer, the owner glared at the female slave; daring her to talk back, and warning her of the consequences if she did.

Her confused look had instantly been replaced by a polite smile. Secretly pleased at how the Slave Trader had been simply brushed aside, she rested her eyes on the other young man. "My name is Rika," She replied. "Sir." She added, bowing her head daintily. The look of horror on the slave trader's face made up for half for the many cruel actions that had happened at his hands.

Then she turned her head as the child next to her stirred and woke. Her eyes widened and rounded as she stared at the male in front of Rika's cage. Rika cursed under her breath and began talking to the child softly. Obediently, the young girl lied back down and curled up, closing her eyes.

Relieved, Rika turned back to the man in front of her cage again. "Erm, do you mind if I know your name, Sir?" She asked, feeling a bit awkward. Why was she, a simple poor slave asking for the name of someone else, like equals?

Adel watched as the young woman named, Rika, calmed down the girl next to her. So he was right. The woman had a tender side to her, but she was brave as well. He could feel the animosity that the owner put off as Rika answered him. He gave her a slight smile and answered. ”My name Adel Varcan.” He then turned abruptly and faced the owner; his mind already made up. ”Open the cage.” Adel ordered, his voice steely once more.

The slave trader hesitated, debating on whether to obey, or refuse and beat the girl after this new and dangerous customer left. In the end, his greed won out and he finally nodded. His hands shook slightly as he fumbled with the pouch at his side. Adel silently moved back and allowed the man to unlock the cage. He could only guess at what the man’s face must look like as he opened the cage door, but was surprised as the owner pulled out a pair of chained cuffs and roughly clamped them over the woman’s wrists. When he turned around and tugged the woman from the cell, he retrieved a cold glare from Adel.

The warrior decided against making a scene, and remained quiet as the owner handed the woman over. He knew that he was only moments away from throttling the slave trader, but gritted his teeth and grabbed a hold of the chain between the lady’s cuffs. He tossed over a small pouch that rattled with gold, and turned from the greed in the owner’s eyes. As he began to walk away, he pulled the woman close and let go of the chain to instead place his hand lightly on the small of her back. It did bring the pair closer than he intended, but he preferred not to touch the cold metal that was clamped awkwardly around her small wrists.

The owner hurriedly ran after them and held out her key with a smile. Adel paused to accept it, and with a last thought. Did Rika want to say good bye to anyone? He wasn’t sure how to ask, and he was itching to leave this place of sadness and pain. He forced himself to still, however, and look down at the woman beside him. ”Would you like to say goodbye to anyone?” He let his hand fall from her back, as he awaited her reply; his eyes catching the owner happily walking out of the hall and presumably back to his office…

((Heh, sorry for the 2 paragraphs I'm brain dead in the morning ^-^" ))

The handcuffs were heavy, they dragged Rika's hands to her sides. The Slave Trader had left the hall looking extremely pleased. Probably glad to had gotten ride of me. She thought. Then Adel surprised her by asking if she would like to say goodbye to anyone.

Shaking her head slowly, Rika smiled at him. "It would be better if I just left." She replied sadly. Replacing her sad expression with a happy one, she looked up at Adel who was a fair amount taller than her. "Would you like to go now, Master Varcan?" She asked.

.{It's all good!}.

Adel nodded his head wordlessly, before replacing his hand in the small of her back. His walk was brisk as he led her out of the building. The young stable hands were back, their hands griping the stallion’s reins tightly as he stamped his hooves at the sight of his master. Adel stopped right before the horse and turned to face Rika. His hands went to her cuffs and quickly unlocked them; letting them fall to the ground without care. After he felt a little bit better, the warrior went to the horse’s side and fumbled through the pack that securely hung there. His hands pulled out a thick black cloak and handed it over to the young woman.

”It might be a little breezy.” He observed before grinning up at the inky black stallion. ”His name is Zephyr. Have you ever rode a horse before?” Adel inquired, a smile on his face as he turned to watch her with his sapphire eyes. It was still early in the day, but Adel had several errands that he needed to do before he took Rika back to the campsite. He actually had a surprise for her first, and then he needed to stop and get something to eat. He may have been a high ranking officer on the field of battle, but the food still wasn’t as good as something home baked with care.

Relieved to have the cuffs off, Rika took the cloak after saying thank you. Then she nodded at Adel's question. "Zephyr," She whispered, watching as the horse stomped and shook his head. "He seems to be very fond of you, Master Varcan." She said, smiling at Adel and meeting his light blue eyes with her dark gray ones. The stallion was growing impatient. It wanted to be in action once again, and it showed so by nudging Adel. Rika smiled again and lowered her eyes to look at the horse.

Wondering what her daily schedule would be from now on, Rika tipped up her head to look at the clouds. It had been the same for long periods of time depending on where she was and who she was with, but now she pondered about what it would be. This master seemed to be different from the others, he was kind but mysterious. She hadn't discovered much about him except his name. Because of this she didn't know what type of labor she would be doing. Servant work, business work, maid work? What would she be doing in the time she was with him? She wouldn't stay with him. No, she couldn't stay with him. Hadn't all the others not wanted her as well?

Rika's whimper was barely audible, but it escaped her lips still. She didn't want to leave Adel, her past master's had been incredibly rude and demanding, she had yearned to find one that was nice, even though she didn't even know what he was like. But he couldn't be like the others! She just knew it! Otherwise why would he have still taken her when the Slave Trader had told him about her defiance and old masters?

She was making herself dizzy, why was she so obsessed with the future? Perhaps because she had lived through such a terrible past. But she wouldn't think of the future now, only of the present time.

Adel patted the stallion’s long nose with a rueful smile. He nodded as Rika answered; one hand going to his hood to easily flip it back up to cover his head. Zephyr rolled his eyes at his master and shook his head roughly. The stable boys quickly backed away from the beautiful creature. Most of them scurried off to continue other chores, but a few stopped to glance back as Adel grabbed a hold of the reins and easily pulled himself up into the saddle. It was quite a feat considering the size of the stallion, but he managed with the easy grace of experience.

Once he was settled, Adel’s gaze turned to the young woman to his side. She was gazing at the darkened sky with an odd look. I wonder what she is thinking about… Adel gave the horse a nudge and it stepped forward, enough so that his master could reach down and pull Rika into the saddle with him. He gave her a smirk before nudging Zephyr forwards again. This time the stallion pranced back out into the busy market streets following the silent orders of Adel as he used his strong legs to guide the horse to another store down the winding streets.

Adel led the horse to the entrance of the rather large store. This time there was no stable hands to take Zephyr, which meant that the warrior was going to have to stay outside to keep an eye on him. The inky black stallion would never run off, but there were some unsavory people eyeing him. Of course, if they tried to get close, Zephyr had no problem with snapping at them, and the stallion would by no means be an easy steal. However, Adel was not about to take any chances, so instead he turned to look at Rika with an apologetic smile.

”I’m afraid that you’re going to have to go in alone.” He told her as he reached beneath the folds of his cloak to untie yet another pouch. Adel took one of Rika’s hands in his own and laid the pouch in her tiny grip. It jingled as it moved and was quite heavy. ”Here, you are going to have to have more practical clothes than that.” He said, grinning. ”All the money is yours. I suggest getting some warm and travel hardy clothes. If you like, you may get a few nice dresses as well, but I will have to wait outside with Zephyr, so hurry up.” His voice was friendly, and he held out a hand to help her from the stallion.

The weight of the pouch caused Rika to glance down at it, after a minute she looked back up at Adel, smiling. "Thank you," She said, lowering her head to a bow. "I'll try to be quick, Master Varcan." She added. After entering the store, she turned to look at Adel through the closing door. Her assumptions had been proven correct, Adel was kind. The closing door broke her stare and she turned back to the store. Other costumers were staring at her, probably wondering why someone dressed like herself was in such a place.

Ignoring them, Rika breathed in and strode up to the first collection of clothing. A dark gray outfit was her first traveling assortment. Finding nothing else that particularly caught her eye, she moved swiftly to the next arrange of clothing. Two pairs of clothing caught her eye, a pale blue dress and another deep green gown with equal beauty as the blue dress. She really was getting used to shopping.

Near the end, Rika had found 8 outfits and 2 pairs of shoes she liked, all within her price range - perhaps she would even have some money left. She handing the pouch to the woman who owned the woman as she bought her clothing. "Would you like to change into one of these, miss?" The woman asked quietly. She obviously thought the question was awkward, Rika smiled at her to reassure her that it didn't bother her. "I would, thank you." She said, the woman smiled back at her handing back a few coins and a gray dress. "There's a washing basin near the back." The woman added, Rika nodded and headed towards the back of the store.

A few minutes later, Rika walked uncertainly from the back of the store. Wearing the dark gray dress and a quiet blush on her cheeks. Cleaner than she had ever been before, she exited the store after exchanging a series of smiles with the shopkeeper. After stopping a few feet from Adel and Zephyr, she smiled shyly, her other clothes slung over an arm.

In the end, Adel was glad that he had decided to stay outside. This marketplace was definitely not one where anyone should leave a horse outside unattended. Too many people where curious and since the streets were so crowded, it brought them right next to Zephyr and his darkly clad rider. Adel was forced to glare at the young men that tried swatting at the horse, and one even had the nerve to pull at Zephyr’s tail which nearly earned him a kick to the ribs from the agitated stallion.

Needless to say, it was a great relief when Rika finally walked out of the store. He was instantly glad that he had decided to do this. For one, the new clothes fit her well, and it was obvious that it had all made her happy. But what pleased Adel the most, was that she had not taken the money and ran. No doubt that it would have been an easy task for her to lose him in the throng of people in the streets. However, here she stood a shy smile on her lips. He was forced to smile back at her, and he nudged Zephyr forwards so that she was standing to their side.

”My lady?” He inquired, reaching down a hand to help her back onto the dark stallion that pranced in its spot. He almost found himself telling her that she looked lovely, but he didn’t want to embarrass her, or make her feel awkward.

(( Oh No! Writer's Block! xD Anyways, Happy *Early* Valentines Day =3 ))

"I apologize for taking so long, Master Varcan." Rika said, accepting his help onto Zephyr. Hoping she looked okay, she looked unsteadily at Adel. I'm being vain, Rika thought, turning her head to look forward. Stop caring as much as you do, Rika. Why should he care how a slave looks or not? Shaking her head, she turned to look back at the store she had just shopped at. The woman waved at her and grinned, Rika smiled back and waved. A friend, perhaps?

Shifting her gaze to examine the market, Rika then noticed how packed it was. It was full of people, both sellers and buyers. "Busy day isn't it, Master Varcan?" She asked, raising one of her thin eyebrows.

Adel could not twist around in the saddle to look at Rika as she spoke to him, so he wasn’t able see the emotions that flittered across her face. Instead, he gave Zephyr a nudge with his legs and the horse began to push its way through the crowd once more. ”Yes it is.” He replied, as he was forced to coldly glare at a man that was being stubborn and not moving from the stallion’s path. It annoyed Zephyr as well, since the horse simply butted the man out of the way with his snout and continued down the road. The scene caused Adel to grin.

As the trio made their way to their next destination, Adel found himself a little anxious. For several months now, the other commanders had been telling the young man that he needed to buy a slave for the extra help. Now that he has, Adel wasn’t quiet sure how to proceed. He knew that he was not like regular masters. For one, he would never raise a hand to Rika. Ever. She, of course, had no way of knowing this, but she would probably realize sooner or later. Most masters were also of noble blood; fat, lazy, and the like. Adel was obviously neither, and Rika would not be stuck with normal chores that she had probably had to do with her previous owners. Now, she would be living in an army’s campsite.

Adel was still deep in thought as their next destination came into view. Fortunately, the streets were beginning to clear, but the sun was also beginning its slow descent beneath the horizon. A soft groan left Adel’s slightly parted lips. Instead of having a nice dinner indoors, the pair was going to have to eat and ride. It wasn’t like Adel had a curfew or anything, but he needed to get back to the camp before nightfall. People of the unsavory sorts were beginning to come out, and Adel didn’t feel like killing anyone. So, he led Zephyr through the store’s gates, and a stable boy ran out to greet them.

The young boy paused with uncertainty when Adel didn’t slide off the stallion. Instead, the young warrior beckoned for the boy to come closer, and he leaned down. ”We cannot dine in tonight, but I need two to go.” His hand pulled out a few coins, which the boy took with a grin. Adel was a regular here, whenever he could find some free time that is. The boy quickly ran off towards the building, and Adel twisted in his saddle a little so that Rika could see his grin. ”I hope you are hungry, Rika.”

A groan had escaped Adel's lips and it had not gone by unnoticed by Rika. Wondering why he had done so, she watched as they continued riding though the sky was darkening. Soon, she found out why he had groaned. They would not be eating inside, but that was perfectly fine with it. Actually, she was quite used to it.

"You have assumed correctly, Master Varcan." Rika replied politely. She sounded distracted, and it would probably not be missed by Master Varcan. One man was eying them and it unsettled her. This man probably did not have the best interests at heart. Usually, she would be used to this as well but there was something in his eyes which made her notice him.

Then again, most people who planned of something tried not to let the victims spot them. Either this man was blunt and not very smart at all, careless and confident, or... Not planning anything at all. But still, she watched him, ready to warn Master Varcan if the strange man started moving towards them.

Adel caught her hesitation, and as he turned away from her, his eyes slid past a man whom hurriedly looked down. He rolled his eyes. The last thing he needed tonight was to terrify Rika. He tightened his grip on the black stallion, whom pranced in place. It was only a few minutes later when his attention was drawn to the door of the store. The young lad carried two steaming bundles beneath his arms as he tried to hurry towards Adel. At the same moment, Zephyr snickered. Adel scowled, glancing down at the man from earlier. He was brushing past the stallion, his head lowered, but one hand was reaching out amongst the saddlebags. Quick as lightning, Adel grabbed the man’s wrist and placed a blade to his throat.

Immediately, the man whimpered in surprise. Where had the knife come from? The handle was hidden in Adel’s hand but the blade was thin and long with a wicked edge that gleamed in the fading light. ”I suggest you leave at once.” He growled. Adel waited for the man to nod shakily before drawing back his blade and thrusting the man back. He rose from the ground shakily and stumbled past the young lad that stared at Adel in awe. In a matter of seconds the blade was no where to be seen, and Adel beckoned the boy forward. The young lad came closer and lifted the bags up to Adel, whom in turn held them out to Rika. ”Here we go. It might be easier if we wait until we reach the camp to eat.” He observed, an easy smile playing on his lips.

Receiving the bags from Master Varcan, Rika lowered her head so she wouldn't meet his eyes directly. A soldier. Of course, she should have expected it. How he could slip so easily from polite to iciness, only a fighter could do so. After all, they were trained to. "Yes, it will probably be better to wait." She answered just a bit late. Playing with the hem of her dress, she hit herself mentally. How could she be so rude? This man had been nothing but perfectly pleasant to her, and here she was assuming. Who was she to judge?

Lifting her head a bit, she looked through her eyelashes to examine her newest master more thoroughly. He was good looking, maybe been through quite a few tough battles but not too many scars. A good fighter? Probably. An awkward silence took place and Rika wasn't quite sure what to say. Slaves weren't exactly social butterflies. She was used to being ordered around, not saying much. At least, she didn't remember herself speaking in a lot of conversations. A few words grunted at most. Good lord, it was a wonder how her voice was still capable of being pleasant at all.

Adel nudged the large black stallion beneath him, and the horse took off back down the streets. People were heading home now, which left the streets open and Zephyr was able to stay at a slow run until the trio came within sight of the city gate. Here, the stallion slowed, and a gate guard hurried to raise the gate for the soldier. After a moment of waiting, Adel noticed that Rika was oddly silent. He managed to hold back a sigh, assuming that he had managed to scare the woman. He consoled himself with the knowledge that she would have realize his occupation once they reached the camp anyways, and she would just have to get use to it. He had every intention to treat her right, so she really had no reason to worry.

After a moment, the gate was fully open, and he nudged Zephyr forwards. The sun was nearly beneath the horizon now, but luckily the army’s camp wasn’t very far from the village outskirts. Now that they were out in the open, Adel allowed the large warhorse to stretch his legs and move into an easy gallop. The stallion’s strides were smooth, and it was an easy ride. The young warrior also let the silence between him and Rika stretch on. It wasn’t easy for him to talk to women, and he didn’t quite know what to say to her in any case.

After several minutes of riding in silence, the white tents of the army came into view. One couldn’t see them all from where they sat, but the tents numbered into the thousands. It quickly became obvious that this was a country’s army, not merely an estate’s. Adel led Zephyr over to one side of the army of tents where a huge fenced in stable lay several hundred feet to its side. This was the cavalry’s section, and where Adel’s own tent lay. Zephyr led the way deep into the mass of tents to its center. Men were scattered about, some sitting around fires and laughing. Most called out greetings to Adel as he rode by, and more than a few had lewd jokes about the woman whom sat behind him. Adel grimaced and shook his head when he heard them, hoping that Rika hadn’t.

He soon pulled Zephyr to a stop before the largest tent among the cavalry. Beside the tent’s entrance was a large pale blue banner with a black horse at its center. Adel easily slid from Zephyr’s back and he looked up at Rika; holding his hand out to help her off. He was a little worried about what she would think about all of this, and briefly wondered if she would refuse to move.

(( Whoa, I'm so sorry for all the pauses between the posts. I managed to forget menewsha for long times before remembering I still had this RP and galloping back, lol. ))

Ignoring the rude men who made jokes, Rika managed to keep a thoughtful look on her face the entire time and she kept her eyes fixed to the sky. It had became dark in quite a short time it seemed, she felt as if she had zoned out most of the day to think. Thinking was rather boring, she should have talked to Adel more.

When they stopped, Rika failed to notice until she realized Adel was no longer in front of her but on the ground extending his hand to help her off. Accepting his hand shyly, she carefully gathered her skirt in the other hand and stepped off Zephyr slightly awkwardly considering she was quite short.

Rika let go of Adel's hand quickly and moved to adjust her dress and compose herself. Once she was sure she didn't look so ruffled by a simple movement, she smiled at Adel lightly. "What would you like me to do?"