When he woke up, the first thing that came to mind was the other children. Although in reality he was the eldest of them all, he had grown accustomed to being called a child by their Master and Traders alike that it seemed like instinct to simply respond to such a call. Unlike everybody else who were safe in their sleeping pods, his had cracked upon and instead of being greeted by the warmth of their home, the bitter cold of winter in some forgotten unknown did. Rising from the sheet of snow he whipped his head about and heard screaming.

Twin voices, screaming at the top of their voices from a deep crevice. The demon dusted himself of the snow, seemingly unaffected by the chill in the air despite the lack of much clothing upon his person. He was basically wearing jewelry with a thin almost negligible loin cloth over his privates. A long veil and to cover his face and hair with a train attached to such loincloth. Harleth took off to the sound and upon reaching there, he saw Fujimaru carrying the twins in his arms.

"Fuji---What happened?," the soft spoken harem slave asked as he lifted his veil and looked at the kitsune with confused morganite eyes, "We were...on our way home? I don't understand."

The long haired changeling's ears twitched and he shook his head, settling the two fae twins on the ground. "We were attacked. Our trader's dead. He set me free instantly to help fend them off. He didn't make it. I did. They took the rest of us. The only ones left are you, the twins and Eilshor. I think there might be others but at the moment that's all I know of."

Harleth groaned, raising a jeweled hand to the level of his temples and massaged the sore spot, Good god... How could they ever hope to get home in this situation?! The elder demon looked at the situation, surveying the whole matter and frowned.

"Don't forget about me."

They turned their heads to find a fifth survivor amongst their ranks. The unicorn child. He looked battle worn and tired, chest heaving and breath uneven with a piece of broken glass in his hand as he made his slow and painful walk to the group. Pip had been the youngest in that group, not to mention the most rebellious at that. Dried blood covered his person as he nearly fell over out of exhaustion. Fujimaru caught him even before he could be physically intimate with the snow, allowing the boy to lean over him.

"Eilshor is still in his pod. When the attack happened, his pod was thrown off and I'm presuming he's still alive."

The twins nodded. The older of the two, Hyde spoke up to the rest of them with his soft red eyes upon the group. "Eilshor---Before he was sold into slavery, wasn't he some kind of mechanic or technician? If anything, he cannot be allowed to die then. He might be able to fix the cart or make one. Come let us look for him."

"We have to hurry though. If Eilshor wakes up in his pod---he'll be kicking and screaming. He's claustrophobic." pointed out Vanilla, squeezing his brother's hand tightly as he followed him.

Harleth nodded. "Then let's get going then. If the conditions were more favorable then we could split up. Alas---Fujimaru can you turn call your inugami to help us?" The pink eyed demon looked at him, an arm across his bare chest as the twins and the unicorn child checked on each other for any injuries.

The kitsune nodded, "Not to worry, I shall also be turning..." The enchanter gave a mysterious smile before he turned into a fox spirit of silver fur and nine tails, calling out his dog familiars to sniff out their friend's pod in the snow.

Not too far away stood a large mansion on top of a dark and snowy hill. The place looked cold and most of all unpleasant to be there, even though the walls of the house were snowy white. It carried a dark aura over it.

The house was a home to a mystical creature and his only servant.
Many legends were told about the house and it's lord. Most of the legends were those that would scare little children to be good and listen to their parents, others were told by grandparents to their granddaughters to tell them how romantic the dark side of the world could be. But all the stories had one thing in common, the creature had bright blue eyes when the creature was at ease, fiery red hair that would enchant everyone and fangs that were made to kill.

"Brrr, look at the snow out side Aimee..." a soft and sweet voice said as the girl came in with a cup with red hot liquid.
"Yes sir, it's very cold. I'm glad I'm not stuck in the weather... There is a blizzard comming from the north." a young girl said.
Her long blond hair was tied back in a ponytail and her body was covered with the cutest little maid's dress ever seen. Her bright green eyes looked at her master as he turned around, causing his red hair to fly up just a bit.

"Yes...I do hope no one is outside, I even feel pity for the animals outside." The gloved hand of the tall and slender figure took the cup with warmed blood and sipped it. "Thank you for my afternoon tea, Aimee." he smiled as he turned to the window once more. "However, I am glad that those gray snow clouds are blocking the sun. I can finally move around a bit. His blue eyes reflected the window and it's snowy landscape. "You may do what you please Aimee, I will do some work soon, you'll be bored to death if you stayed, my little demon." he smiled as he patted her head.

That's right, the human looking creature was a demon, but not full grown, she wasn't very old when the vampire, Lord Jack Edward MacGaven found her in the cold and dark night without anyone to take care of her. Since that night she was staying with the vampire, helping him where ever she could.

The nine tails frowned as he let his golden eyes survey the area. He was already using his supernatural senses and he still could not find a trace of their elven peer. They had decided to split up since Fujimaru had summoned more than enough inugami to act as escorts.

He had been the one who practically tossed the pod away from them and now he could not find it. The fox felt terrible about the whole matter---but it had been for the best now. Had he not done so, kami only knew what would happen to the new slave.

They had split up and had a rendezvous point. Should they get lost, the familiars would lead them back to the said spot. If anything should try to attack them, thankfully all of them were battle trained and would be able to fend for themselves. Though if need be those spirits that guided them would be able to fight back.

Pip groaned as he checked through the bramble and dirt, finding no clue about their blond friend. The unicorn had decided to take on his animal form, finding that being on fours made him swifter and more powerful than being bipedal. There were tracks though. But he had no idea what they were there for. It gave him a chill to find they were blood stained though. They lead towards them too. Someone---from the attacking bandits probably knew some of them were free and not part of the loot.

He turned on his heels and began to return to the rendezvous point. He had to warn them!

The twins were having more luck really. They found what looked like strange tracks in the snow which lead to some place. It was the tracks of Eilshor's pod. But it lead into the lower regions of the dead forest, blanketed in snow and looked dangerous. Hyde wanted to venture off but the younger would not have it. He found it a little too dangerous for his tastes.

As for Harleth...

The elder demon had taken the direction opposite to any of the the twins and like the kitsune had found nothing. Instead, he found something he ought not to.

Not too far from the rock he was hiding behind were the bandits.

But it seemed they were not any normal bandits. Rather... They were actually enchanters and actually had tomes and such. They took out a pod and decided they would 'toy' with it. The pod was first opened, the slave inside pulled out and soon---

There were no words to describe the evils they did upon the mermaid inside. Tears instantly rolled down his cheeks as he had to cover his mouth from letting out a shriek in horror watching them 'experiment'.

To sum it up: What is inside a mermaid's tail?

The demon lifted his veil, covering his face and hair and took off. Back to the rendezvous point. As much as he would have liked to interrupt and stop them, he was only on his own. Even for a demon of his age and power, Harleth was going to have a difficult time. One against many... If he had someone to back him up perhaps he had a chance. Walking away, it broke his heart knowing that they had taken most of the pods.

He did not wish to think of what kinds of horrors would be committed after that slaughtered mermaid.

At the rendezvous point, Pip and the others were there, the former sharing with them what they had found. The twins also shared that they had found tracks but no pod.

"I found a castle," announced Fujimaru when he arrived. "It's actually overlooking the place where we're gathering now. I haven't approached it yet or tried to but... I don't know. At the moment, I believe it's not safe to be moving about with the news Pip has brought us. Let's try to seek shelter for now."

After a while of being in the quiet study he smiled and stretched out, that's the point he heard several heartbeats. "hmmn..>There are people out..." he whispered to himself as he turned and looked down at the dead and snowy forest. He noticed two groups, he closed his eyes and listened, he heard fear lots of it.

He soon got up, layed his goose feather aside and got to the main hall of his large estate. He grabbed his coat and cloak and moved out to the stables, were several horses stood.
The large red head moved the the darkest stable and got to the large black horse with fierce red eyes. "let's help some others." the vampire whispered in an ancient language. He saddled the horse rather quickly and got ontop of it. Soon the horse spread his dragon like wings and flew off, towards where he master had steered him to.

Soon the sky turned dark and the blizzard rushed in. Jack was forced to land and gallop over the snow. Soon he reached the group of bandits and looked at the hurt and dying mermaid. "You shall pay!" he said.

Most bandits got up and ready to fight.It wouldn't take too long before the horrors would be unleashed from the vampire. Fangs flashed at the humans before the fight started.
Within a few minutes the snow had turned blood red, a small river of blood reached down to a group of rocks.A smile got to his bloodstained lips. He got the the horse and took it's reigns guiding it through the snow, searching for the group in problem.

Apparently, legs were not what would find inside a mermaid's tail. Rather you found bone and muscle, perhaps even other organs needed for her sustenance. In reality, they knew this and were simply doing such activities for their sadistic purposes. It was a chilling combination of domination and perversion how they left her. One of the bandits who was in the caravan had opened a pod and was having his way with one of the slaves, having tied the poor boy up and even went so far to keep him in place by stabbing his palms to the wood. The others also practice their own cruel torture and sex upon the said slaves, unknown to the incoming vampire.

When he was spotted, they calmly left their evil deeds, as if it was the most normal thing to do---to leave young beautiful souls now marred with abuse and violence, perhaps even for dead. As they were drunk and distracted with lust, it didn't take long for them to fall under the vampire's hand.

Though cruelly, as it to make a last stand, they had used the slaves they tortured as shields before they themselves fell dead or killed them first, as if to bring them as they traveled to the after life.

What was last was a scenery of corpses and torture.

"What was that?."

The four turned to the direction of the massacre and cringed at the blood curdling sounds of slaves and bandits a like. Harleth felt ashamed not having done anything in his fear of ending up like them. The bejewelled slave lowered his veil and then spoke.

"I saw them. But I did not do anything. They dissected Ara like they were dissecting fish under a lab microscope. They also---They also---" He raised a hand to his mouth, trying to keep himself calm and then lowered it finding some strength to continue, "They were practically taking out their anger and frustration over our rarity and price on the captured ones---saying spiteful things about our Master and mocking him. Not to mention they were rough and brash, not taking care of the children saying that even for men of their stature, they could now be able to indulge in high class whores..."

The demon soon grew quiet and turned to Pip, "Is that what you saw?"

He shook his head, "No... But I know one or so are not with them. Perhaps even...on this spot. I don't know."
The unicorn turned to his side, seeing the younger of the twins growing afraid as the conversation turned grim thanks to Harleth's revelation.

Fujimaru cleared his throat, having resumed his bipedal form and willed them to order, "We can only hope Eilshor will be fine. For now we have to get on the move towards some place safe. But if worse will come to worse---" The fox paused and then let out a deep breath, not really wishing to give the ultimatum.

"We commit suicide. Destroy ourselves," continued Harleth in a quiet, somewhat eerie tone, "We will belong only to him and him alone... Anyone else---" The demon shook his head.

The flow of the conversation only made Vanilla further burst into tears and panic all the more in his brother's arms. He didn't want to die! He wanted to go home already!

The vampire had cleaned himself up before he spoke silently to the group of lost and desperate slaves.
"Why are you all so scared?" he asked as he looked at the group and tilted his head a side gently. The demon horse lowered it's head nibbling on the bit he had in his mouth.

"It's not safe in these woods, vicious murderers and bandits roam here. Come to my castle, there is a storm coming in. You'll die in the freezing snow." he offered them as he held out his hand to the slaves, showing them he meant no harm at all.

These slaves, they were all so gorgeous. All of them were mystical creatures, he sensed it.

Slowly his hand brushed his fire red hair out of his eyes, showing his pure blue ones. However he had the blood of the bandits on his skin and clothes.

He had heard the mercy cries of all of them, also the slaves had been begging. Jack, the vampire had killed them and had prayed for each slave that he had killed, prayed that they would return to their next lives in safety.

The unicorn rolled his eyes, growling as he turned to Hyde and looked at the younger twin. He raised a hand to Vanilla's head, patting the soft pink hair and hummed a soft tune under his breath in hopes to calm the panicked red eyed fae. Pip's voice was small and somewhat high pitched, singing a little louder now. It was a lullaby his mother would sing for him when he was in one of his moods. Once when the younger fae and he were made to go and perform when they were younger, Vanilla had lost his calm and froze on the spot, much to their client's dismay. The pale skinned boy literally froze when his blindfold was removed and he saw the man they were servicing together.

He was pot bellied, ugly and riddled with scars over his body. Not to mention that the man was...

Thinking back on that incident, the short haired unicorn had to admit that after that, he began to understand the easily flustered fae a little now. It became a start of a quiet friendship for both parties. He was the only other creature that Vanilla would truly devote himself to other than his twin.

Eventually, the fae began to smile and wiped his tears with his knuckles. "Th-Thank you... I-I'm so scared... I'm so-rrry...."

Fujimaru put his hands together and bowed to the vampire deeply. "Greetings kind sir."

"One of our companions is lost in the wood---we were gathering information upon the matter. And...It is only natural to feel remorse and fear when you hear your other peers being tortured...and to undergo things that no one should ever go through, slave or not."

The kitsune wrapped his hands together, frowning at the remembrance and let out a deep breath, "How kind of you...sir. We would be delighted to take refuge for the mean while..."

"But what about Eilshor?," came Hyde, his small features turning into a frown. "We'll have to look for him soon..."

Harleth turned, jewelry tinkling at his smallest movement, "We need to rest. We will resume our search for later. Do not worry. That elf is not as defenseless as he looks. Not to mention---if it calms you all down, I will---with the permission of our host, leave a little later so I may search for him."

The demon pulled at his veil, keeping it on and folded his arms across his chest. "Besides, I feel responsible. I am the oldest in attendance. I ought to do this."

The vampire had bowed to the others as they greeted him politely.

"Oh dear, are you sure your friend is going to be all right?" he asked as he looked at the others and frowned slightly. he turned to the horse. Said something and it took off.

The vampire smiled sweetly at teh rest. "Diablo will find him for you." he smiled and then turned and started to walk. "Come, before the storm pulls up." he said and guided the way through the dangerous forest. His long hair dangling down his pack in a pony tail.

Harleth nodded, making his jewelry tinkle on the crown of his head, "I'd like to believe so. Like I had come to mention, the boy is not as defenseless as we think him to be. There is a reason why he wears a collar around his neck. And it's not for decorative purposes alone." Not to mention that the Master had specifically asked him to accompany and aid the elf in his workings. It was very rare for the senior to be asked to do this.

It was not his task to look over the training of the younger, newer children after all.

Taking a deep intake of breath, the demon turned to the fox and tapped his shoulder. He addressed him in his native language and whispered.

'Can we trust this man?' The demon's voice was soft and husky, almost like a purr against the changeling's sensitive silver ears that stood out against the long raven hair, 'The Master won't be pleased...'

'We have no choice,' he replied. 'Though we are lodging in his premises... It does not mean we have submitted to him.'

'What if he asks for us to do so in payment for the hospitality?'

The fox grew quiet, not knowing what to reply. Instead he looked over his shoulder and found the other younger slaves following complacently. They followed Jack's lead without question.

No surprise. Their youth---the bursts of energy and sudden excitement, they were often the first to go and so easily tired by things. Unlike himself and the other demon, they were more...experienced and more numb to the pains of slavery. This was not the first time they were raided and survived with only their lives intact.

Sometimes even injured.

The fox licked at his cold and dry lips then regarded the veiled demon. He lifted the veil, revealing the smooth heart shaped face under heavy jewelry and white hair with a delicate pink shine then rubbed his thumb on the soft cheek.

'Put it this way... I will take responsibility for this if anything should happen. Harleth, you are too tense.'

Then as if it were the most natural thing to do, he pressed his lips on the demon's forehead and took slave's hand, kissing it.

Harleth chuckled a little, feeling less tense and highly strung. 'Alright... I just do not take--those sorts of sights very well. Thank you.'

The demon took his hand and returned the veil to his cover his face and followed as well. He would join them in their gamble then. But considering the cold and perhaps the warmth and comfort of an indoor establishment, the latter sounded more enticing.

Soon the vampire opened the door of his warm and welcoming mansion. Allowing the slaves to adjust them selfs to teh warmth and got them robes and warm clothes.

The vampire slid out of his coat and looked at the large stairs that lead to the second floor. "Aimee!" he called out to the girl. "Please, come here." he asked her gentle.

The girl moved to the vampire, sometimes very rarely she called him her father, but mostly sir. "What is it?" she asked him before she noticed the guests. "oh, I'll make some hot chocolate and ready some rooms." she said and darted off right away.
"Thank you darling." the vampire smiled at her.
Then he turned around to play host once more. "Follow me please." he smiled as he took them to the large warm livingroom. He offered a seat to every body. He even pulled out some chairs from the dining room to make sure every body was comfortable.

"So, would you like to tell me who you are?"

Receiving their ration of clothes, they all thanked Aimee in turn. Though Pip stopped to look at his set and wondered if they were really expecting company or just that prepared. Not to mention if it would fit his small frame. Regardless, the unicorn did not have room for complaint as he was simply free riding on the hospitality of this dashing red head in the first place.
The wavy haired slave followed close behind the twins, keeping a watch eye over his friends with his long tail against his calves.

They had settled comfortably in the warmth of the living room with each one occupying a seat of choice. Vanilla had fallen asleep in his twin's shoulder the moment they sat down. The younger fae looked like he was sitting down, leaning against his brother but his eyes were closed and he looked well rested. For once, the boy did not have the look of a troubled deer in the headlights.

Harleth looked at his clothes and sighed. Troublesome pieces of fabric. But he'd have to do with it for now since he was in someone's abode. Not like it was his style to do something drastic and shock Jack's sensibilities with his real self. He took a seat near the kitsune, finding the latter a rather effective spokesman although self appointed. It gave him less responsibility and more time to his thoughts.

Often the elder demon found himself speaking and negotiating on everyone's behalf. It was good to slack off and relax a little.

"My name is Fujimaru. This on my side is Harleth... Then the twins, Hyde and Vanilla. The one sleeping is Vanilla." The kitsune gestured to each one as he mentioned their name who promptly also made a small greeting all over. "So... how of you, kind sir? What is your name?"

He leaned back, laying his hand against the provided clothes. Like everybody else, they would change once they got into their own rooms. Perhaps a bath---if their host would prove to be merciful.

the vampire had smiled sweetly at them all. Making sure to remember most names of his guests.
"Nice to meet you all." he smiled politely as he threw some more wood onto the fire, making it burn brighter.

"My name's Jack Edward MacGaven." he bowed politely. Right then Aimee walked in with a tray of mugs with hot water and tea bags.
she put down a glass for everyone and put the box stuffed with all kinds of tea on the table, along with the sugar and milk. "I'm sorry I didn't bring any hot chocolate, we ran out of it." he whispered cutely.

Slowly the host stood and wrapped an arm around teh blond young demon. "This is Aimee. I found her a long while ago and decided to raise her. She's kinda like my daughter and servant." he smiled.
She bowed politely as the vampire named her. "Nice to meet you all. Your rooms are ready, I'll show them to you after you finish your tea, feel free to use anything in this house."

The vampire sat back down and took Aimee into his lap holding her lovingly like a father would do.
"So tell me, what happened?" he asked them curious. "A whole harem don't get lost in these woods without their master."

Meanwhile the winged horse was searching for the elf, but didn't find him quite yet. Snorting the stallion landed and lied down immediately. It was tired and was stopped by the blizzard.

Harleth smiled under the veil not lifting the cover and simply easing his hands holding the mug underneath. The demon let out a soft seductive chuckle, "Aah~ This is what you consider a harem?" He raised the mug to his dusty rose lips and sipped a little, careful to time his paused well, "We are but a small fraction to the real harem of the Master."

What? Twenty slaves was just a small number really. The Master had...hundreds. Thousands perhaps? It was quite hard to tell. They rarely met in the first place as they were confined to their chambers, waiting to be called and to service. Other than serving the Master, they were also made to work as skilled entertainers in the realms of dance, literature, song and such. They were more of courtesans and escorts than whores but if asked, they would readily lie with their clients but in their hearts, they were devoted only to Him.

Hyde smirked, watching the senior drink from his mug delicately through the veil. He placed the mug for his twin on his lap while he sipped on occasion from his own. Such humility...,thought the fae. Why couldn't the demon be more honest and say as well that he was one of the favorites? Then again... That humility and grace, was that not what made him into the slave that he was now? Envied...desired and especially favored by Him. As he took a sip of his tea, he turned to Jack and shook his head, "It's more than enough. You have been very good to us. Thank you." Then the pink haired fae smiled, friendlier this way and looked at Vanilla. Still asleep.

Well. If his brother didn't intend to wake up soon, he'll drink his ration too then!

"We were hired by a wealthy town to perform for their festivities. Some of the nobles had pitched in to be able afford us all so we could come as a group," shared Pip taking the initiative to explain to their gracious host what had happened, "It was nothing more than a five day event of endless booze and dance really... Orgies left and right. That sort of thing. We were just recently released since the contract expired and were on our way back home then we were attacked." The unicorn paused to catch his breath and take a drink then scratched uneasily at his neck.

How was he to explain that the reason why they had been really attacked was to steal some of them for their own lustful purposes... that some of those bandits might have been spectators from way back?

He looked at the more senior Fujimaru and then the twins, as if asking for some back up on the situation.

The fox took the cue with a smile.

"From what I've heard and gathered from their context---those bandits were the very same people who hired us to serve them. They were mumbling and hissing in their native language about their pay not to mention the one who hired them. They decided they would turn up against the nobles and keep our fellows for themselves." The long haired changeling shuddered at the memory, trying to recall as far as he could. But only doing so served to send a chill down his spine. "They felt that... The pay was terrible with the risks so high---Not to mention they were only men, they said... They also wanted a good lay."

Elsewhere, the elf was hiding inside a cave...hiding from the blizzard, hiding from someone who was from the bandit band who was still up to now pursuing him.

And unfortunate for him, it was no less than the leader too.

The ones Jack had slew were small fry. This one... was the one who was definitely dangerous.

The vampire listened to their story nodding every once in a while. "Oh dear..." he whispered and then remembered one night, he had been there as well. "I think I know your elf friend." he blushed deeply.

He looked away and smiled some. "He's a very good mechanic, he fixed my pocket watch." he said and thought some.

Then he looked at Hyde laughing some. "If you want more tea, just ask. I'm sure Aimee won't mind heating up some water." he smiled and then slightly tilted his head aside.

The girl smiled and got from Jacks lap and moved to the demon looking at his body and bowed at his feet. "I'm honored to meet an other demon." she whispered.

"Sounds like him," smiled Pip as he drank from his mug, "Before he got sold into slavery, he said he lived in a house of dolls... Lots and lots of little toys. He made most of them. Some came from his late and supposedly eccentric aunt." When Hyde and Fujimaru turned to look at him funny, the unicorn yelped in his seat and casted them a self conscious stare.

"What?!," he scoffed as he hid his lower half from view, "We're neighbors---And I was curious why his room has so much mechanical stuff. Plus it looks like a steam punk inspired scenario. Really cool... And I asked." Then his blue eyes narrowed when he saw his fae friend give him a look and the unicorn pouted, "Anyway to Eilshor... He's very sweet and kind. Likes fixing things but... He doesn't like having sex. It scares him. Not to mention---he's still learning how to do the jazz we're so used to."

The fox could only stare at how bluntly put the boy had taken it. He cleared his throat, and stopped starring as the unicorn let out a soft sigh, feeling nostalgic.

"Hmm?"

Harleth's eyebrow hitched up a little as the little girl addressed him. He smiled and asked, "How did you know I am a demon? My~ I have masked my scent and age... I suppose I'm tired. The events of today have not been very pleasing to the nerves..." The slave lowered the mug and crossed his legs, lifting the long belt of dangling gold and precious tones over his thighs as he rested his hands on his lap. "It's an honor to meet you as well, young lady."

Fujimaru then turned to his side, "Why are you still wearing your veil even inside?"

"Because I wish to. Not to mention it was meant to conceal. I designed it so."

He shrugged, not wanting to argue with his senior and looked at the burning wood and coal. Something in his blood told him that their subject of conversation wasn't too far from the castle. Eilshor was out there and was still very much alive---but if not aided or found soon enough, it might be too late for him. the fox shook his head, No... he must not think of such things.

"Can I have more tea?," asked Hyde, breaking the uncomfortable silence when he showed both mugs now empty. "I...like your brew very much." The fae smiled a little uneasily, quite embarrassed at being able to consume so much in little time. "Sorry."

The vampire smiled and even laughed some, his fangs showing a bit.
"I noticed that too, I didn'nt ask him to do anything or so...Just gave him a little thank you for fixing my watch. He likes it when he's being treated nicely." he said and looked at Aimee.

The girl was standing next to the demon, feeling very safe near him, maybe because of their races.
When the twin asked for more tea she smiled. "Of course,I'm glad you like it so much, does anyone else want some?" she asked cutely. When she got the complete order she darted off to make some more tea. She liked these guests, they were nice and so polite, just like her 'father'.

The vampire yawned behind his hand. "I'm sorry, I'm not really used to staying up for so long." he smiled.
"I guess I'm going to rest some, if you need anything ask Aimee, she will also show you your rooms." he said, stood bowed and excused himself.

The horse had gotten shelter in the same cave as the elf. He snorted happily when he found the male. Slowly and carefully he approached the other being.

Definitely like Eilshor.

The elf was quiet, shy and very introverted. He preferred no one's company but those dolls and other fascinating mechanical creatures he creates. The long haired blond was frightened by loud noise and large crowd. Sadly, his definition of a crowd was any number larger than five. Sometimes three.
But despite his nature, Eilshor was very skilled with his hands. Other than being able to build machines from scratch, he was a skilled paper folder in the art of origami and a very talented artist.

Though that wasn't why he had been forcefully taken away into the trade for gain.

As his note connotes: Eil shor "blue sea", he had a most beautiful shade of blue eyes, as deep and sparkling expressive as that of the body of water he had been named after. Not to mention, he was an elf. Although they were few, they were somewhat 'common' in the sense that they were a staple in harems to have: they were beautiful, rare and so delicate. Like the rest of those who were enslaved like him, Eilshor was bought by the Master to keep and train, eventually to even make into his favorite. He had grown especially fond of the shy long haired child who was just so afraid of practically everything.

It came to Pip's notice that their host had especially long fangs. He curiously leaned a little closer, wanting to see better and when Hyde gave his mugs, he also added his, "Me too. I'd like another."

The unicorn wondered just what their host was...

"Staying up late? But it's not even late evening---" Pip paused and looked about. Not enough clocks or ways to be able to tell the time from where he was. What a waste. If he could only look about or better yet conveniently find a clock... "Say... What time is it anyway?"
His peers shrugged their shoulders, not knowing what time it was as well.

Watching Jack leave, the kitsune rose from his seat and shook the vampire's hand firmly and thanked him all over again, "Thank you so much... You have no idea how much you have helped us." Fujimaru's ears twitched a little in his glee as he gave the red head a most sincere smile.

The horse had gently poked him on the shoulder and offered him a ride.

Soon Aimee got back with the tea. She noticed Jack leaving and smiled some at him. "Good night, Sir. " she said and leaned up to give him a good night kiss, not caring the other was shaking his hand.

Jack smiled at Aimee before he turned to the guest and smiled politely. "You are very welcome, my doors are always open to people who need help." he smiled.
Then Diablo tapped his nose on the window and showed the elf. Jack nodded to the front door and the horse took off.

Jack bowed once more and took the elf into his home. Offering him the robes and tea. 'say...Eilshor, did you miss me?' he whispered softly into the elfs sensitive ear. his hands gently holding the others.

The elf looked up, frightened and distrustful but when he saw it was a horse---somehow he just did even in the dark of that moist, putrid cave, the long haired blond smiled a little and took the invitation. Animals were kinder... They wouldn't try to hurt him. He rose to his full height slowly, carrying up his flimsy silk and satin dress along the way as he laid against Diablo's body. He was so tired...

Eilshor looked so small and to frail against the dark black and muscular devil horse he rode against. He looked like he'd been through hell and back with the lost and frightened expression he wore even in sleep. The blond winced a bit, burying his cheeks against the soft black fur and murmured.

Upon arrival in the castle, the blond felt a strange but awfully familiar feeling from the whole matter but dismissed it. Why was the horse leading him up here?

Groaning, he snuggled against the horse's back some more and sighed. It was so cold... He wanted to be home... He wanted to things to go back to normal---

"Eh?"

He looked up, feeling the sudden warmth and presence of someone else. The elf bobbed his head from the comfortable living bed and opened his large doe like eyes, "Ja-Jack? Sir..."

The boy moaned instantly, snuggling against the offered robe and froze a little, "Don't--- Please." His cheeks were warm with slight embarrassment from the whisper already. "I---Umm..." His palm was dry from the cold weather, after being exposed in such harsh conditions for so long.

He didn't know. Did he miss the vampire?

Heck, he couldn't even remember---Until it hit him now.

"Where am I?," his little voice asked, the feeling of being lost so evident in his tone.

Fujimaru noticed Jack taking no notice of him and felt offense. After watching their host leave, he went back to the couch with his features a little changed. The fox seemed a little... bothered by something.

"Thank you so much Aimee~!," chirped Pip when he received his mug of tea happily. The unicorn smiled at the young demon girl as he sipped the brew, wondering what was in it that made it so wonderful. Hyde soon took the cup, giving his thanks as well.

Harleth stood up from the couch and went to look out the window, "I have the strangest feeling Eilshor's here already." The demon folded his arms across his chest and watched the blizzard rage from the outside, somewhat glad to be indoors and safe from the chill. "I suppose that saves me the trouble of looking for him then?"

"How do you know?"

"I just do," he replied calmly.

The horse had been very carefully with the other, even using his wings as shields for the snowy cold. He had made noises so the other wouldn't fall asleep during the ride.

"Come, my friend, you're exhausted...And safe, you're in my home, your companions are here too." he whispered.
He made sure the other was nice and warm. "Do you want to see them, or would you rather rest now?" he asked the gorgeous elf.
HIs gloved hands held the cold creature closely, worried.

Aimee blushed deeply. "I'm glad you like it!" she smiled. She had also put down some cookies for the ones thata were hungry. "PLease tell me what you all eat, so I can make that, you must be hungry." she smiled. "And I must apologize for my fathers being, his from a nocturnal race." she said, meaning indirectly; he's a vampire.

She heard her name and hurried off again. She noticed how her father was standing with the lost friend and how Diablo was shivering.
"Take care of Diablo please, he's freezing now, give him some nice warm slobber will you?" he asked her kindly.
The blond head nodded. "But of course."

"I could live here for a long while and not mind a bit at all~!"

Pip was just a little too honest at times. The unicorn felt drunk with glee as he consumed his tea, praising Aimee some more with her brew. "I haven't had this much tea in a long while! I know you really shouldn't but...It's yummy! And it doesn't even need additives like honey to taste good too!"

He picked up one of the cookies and happily sighed against his chosen seat. "Can your master buy me now? I like it here a lot..."

A deep laugh came from the older fae as he looked at him with a smirk, "Right. Then again you're cheaper compared to most of us so I guess he wouldn't have problems if ever. Then again---if we compare ourselves to either Fujimaru or Harleth-aiyah, we would be VERY cheap." Hyde shook his head, a smile on his lips as he raised the mug to have another sip.

The fox seemed embarrassed for the two younger slaves, giving Aimee a flustered smile, "Excuse those two. They're very young..."

A vampire? That explains things, thought Fujimaru as he nodded and watched her leave, "Thank you... You've done more than enough already."

Hearing of the good news that his other peers were well and good within the premises of the much taller vampire did not move him at all. The elf was still looking far off with his blank glassy blue eyes, clutching at the robes closer to his body. The edges of his red skirt were wet and torn from the pursuit while his feet were sore and chaffed from running in the snow.

Eilshor raised a hand to toy brush back his long blond hair and quietly requested, "I'd like to rest...perhaps wash a little if you don't mind, sir." The elf spoke in hushes, barely audible but there, "I'm tired and I want to rest. You do not need to give me any clothing. I just want a place to be able to regain my strength and I shall be going on my way then."

People would find the shy youth aloof and a little arrogant but in reality, the doll like elf was anything but all of that. More of an awkward...gawkish and easily flustered boy. Simply being held close and showered with so much concern, the slave was already blushing under the longish bangs that covered his round cheeks.

"Where...Where is my room?"

Aimee could only giggle at the young unicorn. She bowed each time he praised her and would only say thank you.

She was rather surprised when the young one asked to be bought. "I think it would be best to stay with your friends. It can be quite lonely when the Lord is asleep for many many days." she said and fumbled some with her skirt. She was lonely during the time the vampire rested.
After her department she took the horse to the stables and took care of it.


The redhead nodded, understanding the way the elf wanted to be.
"Of course, let me take you to your room." he said and then lifted the freezing creature up and carried him up the stairs to the west wing.
There were lots of guests rooms, eventhough a vampire shouldn't feel any emotion or pain, this one did. He had managed to copy feelings, well, thanks to Aimee.

When they were at the elf's room he put the creature down and opened the room. It was light colored, calming and warm.
"Here you go, ask Aimee if you need anything at all." he said and looked into the dull blue eyes. "Rest."

The unicorn lowered his mug and rocked back and forth against the chair, looking at Aimee. Sleep...for days? Why? That sounded really odd... Was he some kind of immortal or something? Hmm. But then didn't the little girl seem to hint so with her words? Wrinkling at his little nose out of habit, he turned to her and grinned, "Well if you're lonely and I'm around, I can always keep you company. Then you won't be alone and we can play board games and stuff too!"

That promptly made Hyde chuckle again. The fae gave him a look that spoke of age than of his apparent look of youth as he moved his twin to lie down on his lap. "Don't mind him. He's really a child at heart so parlor games still amuse him..."

Pip frowned, feeling a blue bit of betrayal cross his features on that statement, "I thought you were my friend!"

"But real friends stab each other in the front, my dear," purred the pink haired fae, "Besides, I find your child like nature very endearing anyway. Note, child like not childish."

Still that did not erase the pout on his features as Aimee made her departure into the stables.

Eilshor did not like to be carried.

But not like he had any qualms on the situation. Sighing against the vampire's chest, the rather small elf snuggled trying to make the most of the man's warmth and closed his eyes. Finally...he could rest.

The blond looked up a little later and watched Jack's features and wondered. Could this man help him find his family...or the very least let him escape this horrible life now?
But there were others in the castle too...

Knowing his luck... He wouldn't make it. He frowned slightly, looking like he was about to cry and closed his eyes again.

Whatever---he'll just have to swallow it all up and pray.

"Thank you..."

Eilshor didn't look at him in fear of suddenly breaking down and telling him everything. The former client was kind, kinder than most of his clients ever but that did not mean he could trust the man. Not to mention---there was always the fear of walking out of one cage and into another.

aime had giggled at the cute boy. "you're a sweet guy." she had blushed.

The vampire looked down at the elf and raised a brow. "Eilshor, is something bothering you?" he asked as he guided the elf to his private small bathroom. He looked at the smaller blond and made him look up at him.

The vampire could be trusted, however he didn't force the trust.
He wouldn't force to make the other talk either. HIs hand gently took the elfs and rubbed the back of it. "you know what? Go take a bath, get some sleep, if ou wake, come to my chambers in the east wing, wake me if I'm still sleeping." he whispered, his total bodylanguage could tell any one that he was exhausted.
"Then you can tell me what's bothering you. Maybe I can help." he whispered.

Upon Aimee's departure, Hyde burst into laughter and lowered his mug, "You heard that?! You're a---" But before the fae could even finish, he paused and found that the unicorn was blushing slightly as he spoke and now he had totally something new to tease him about after all. The pink haired slave grinned and then leaned over, resting his hand on his knee and asked.

"You like her don't you?"

Pip had been caught off guard by the question that he spilled the tea on himself and he practically jumped in his seat, letting out a neigh of a yelp. Thankfully he had not dropped the mug. "What?!"

"Mhmm?," stirred the younger twin on Hyde's lap hearing that sudden noise, "Who does Pip like?"

Fujimaru growled, telling them to be quiet and keep their noise down. He reminded them that they were not back home and that they had to be proper in this new place. "We should not abuse Lord Mcgaven's generosity." Then the kitsune came to notice something.

"Where did Aiyah go?"

Elsewhere, an elf froze up on the spot---feeling nervous and a little rattled being on the hot seat. Why was this vampire so concerned over him all of a sudden?! When Jack took his hand and expressed his concern, Eilshor wanted to snatch it back and run away. He wanted to get away from this vampire as fast as he could... If earlier the shy elf wondered if he was someone to be trusted and such, suddenly all that turned different when the red head started to feel touchy feely with him.

The blond did not like to be touched unnecessarily. It made him uneasy. It made him feel that people wanted to make some use of him for their own selfish manners.

But what he could not understand was this...

Why did Jack lack that terrible aura when he did this?

Swallowing hard, the elf did not reply to the man's questioning and simply nodding, shrugging even as he just took off and went to do as he pleased: a bath, then rest.

Even if some curiosity gripped him---if he went, would Jack harm him or help him?

Having smelled the shy little one's blood, the senior of the slaves took off quietly as he could and searched for him---using the boy's unique scent to simply guide him. Harleth was not one usually sent off to such boring events really. These were for the lesser, unsophisticated children but since Eilshor was there---it soon became a must for the demon to go.

The elf was his responsibility and his cargo. Should anything happen to the boy, it would be his head in line.

He wasn't too far from the blond's room now.

The scent of fear and hate was so thick in the air, or so the slender limbed demon could inhale. Why was Eilshor afraid, better yet... WHAT was he afraid of?