"Though I have removed myself from the oppressive shackles of the Jedi, I shall never be free. For mine are the chains of destiny. The will of the force."
-Revan
A long long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
Alia ran the slender comb through her hair. Her half dead eyes lazily staring at her reflection in the tiny mirror in front of her. She had just finished touching up her makeup and reapplying her lipstick. Now all that was left was to fix her hair and spray with perfume. She had to be pretty tonight, and for what it was worth she was. Her hair was a silky brick color that fell in naturally smooth locks down to her shoulders. Her eyes captured the sky with a well shaped petite nose resting below and just above her luscious ruby colored lips. Not that she noticed anymore. Her looks mattered little to her. Still, she did find some solace in these small moments of peace and quiet so she never complained about the level of upkeep that was expected of her if it meant she got to be alone for awhile. Sitting there in the small grooming room she could relax and listen to her surroundings. The gentle footsteps in the hallway, the hum of the hyperdrive, the subtle dripping of water coming from the refresher. She could close her eyes and picture herself outside the ship, floating amongst the stars. Sometimes, she would imagine herself flying through space free of all worries, free of the dark, free of the small cramped slave quarters she now found herself in. If she could she would just sit like this for hours, without a care in the world. But there was always something to eventually bring her crashing back down to reality.
A knock on the door and a head poking through the archway broke her from her trance.
"Sister, the Master is looking for you. He told me to fetch you at once."
Alia turned to see Taya poking her head through the door.
"Okay sister, thank you for warning me. I'm just finishing up. I'll be there momentarily"
"Please hurry, I'd rather we all stay on his good side tonight." There was a hint of desperation in Taya's voice, the Master must have been in one of his moods.
"I'll just be a moment longer sister, I promise."
The young Twilek girl nodded in appreciation and rushed out the door to rejoin her Master. Alia let out a small depressed sigh, her few moments of peace were over. It was time to return to reality. She stood up and checked her outfit before she left. The silk garment she wore was short and revealing. The dark red color highlighted her naturally tan skin, ample lower back, and full breasts. She checked her earrings to make sure they were on correctly, as well as the golden bangles around her wrist. If it wasn't exactly as he wanted it they would all suffer for her mistake, so she had to be careful.
As she checked herself out her hand moved to the collar locked around her neck. It had been three years since she was given this "gift" by her new Master and lately she had been forgetting it was even there. The exterior was silver laced and decorated with several small gemstones giving the collar a lovely necklace aesthetic to mask its cruel interior instruments. The core was stainless steel and contained a micro-charge emitter capable of sending up to three thousand volts of electricity through her skin, as well as a miniature thermal charge capable of separating a rebellious slaves head from their body with the push of a button. Every slave on the ship wore a collar similar to this one. It's what marked them as property. She would sometimes wonder about what happened to the little girl and her family that now seemed like a dream. But she knew such thoughts only invited pain into her heart, and that was something she would no longer allow. As Alia looked at herself in the mirror now, dressed in her pretty silk garments, covered in expensive jewelry and makeup, all she could think about was how truly empty she felt.
Alia rushed down the corridor of the small ship, avoiding the scaly gaze of the trandoshian mercenaries as she passed by. Occasionally another slave girl would run passed her, keeping their head down to the ground to avoid the gaze of the mercs just as she was. Trandoshians considered it an insult for slaves to look them in the eye, and would quickly turn violent against any who were unaware of that fact. Because of this, slaves were typically trained to never look a superior in the eye without permission. It was one of the first rules you learned on a slaver ship. The ship itself was a G-Type class cargo ship originally designed for transport and protection of high end goods. The interior had been modified to accommodate up to 40 slaves at a time as well as space for guests and customers. The ship was controlled by an automated Nav-Computer completely under the control of the ship captain. The Astrogational Charts were bio-locked to the Masters genetic signature. The ship didn't go anywhere without his say so, and he only ever bothered to pilot the ship while he was being pampered by his personal slaves. Much like he was doing tonight.
Alia stepped through the automated doors of the captain's quarters and entered the private chambers of the Slaver captain. The floor was velvet lined to match the drapes hung on the walls. Among the drapes hung tapestries of expensive design. Most of them picturing scantily clad females of various species. In the center of the room was Slaver captain Herrod Skelton. A member of the intergalactic crime syndicate 'The Exchange' who specialized in the sell and trade of high end luxury slaves. Among the crew he was known as The Slaver King, but to Alia and the rest of the girls he was known only as, the Master. The Master was relaxing in his personal lounge chair enjoying the pampering of the girls working around him, filing his nails, and rubbing his shoulders, while he sipped on a glass of Tarisian ale.
"You're slow girl, I expected you here five minutes ago." The arrogant and cold tone of the Master's voice was plagued by raspy cracks in pitch, from years of death stick abuse.
"I apologize Master, I was in the process of getting ready when I was summoned. I'll be more mindful of my time in the future." Alia spoke with false sincerity, dropping to her knees with her thighs spread loosely open as she had been trained to do.
"See that you do, I'd hate to have the Taskmaster discipline you again."
The Master didn't bother to look at her as he spoke. His eyes were closed and his head tilted back in a relaxed state, extenuating the scraggly overgrown beard on his chin. His hair was a dirty mud color that was almost as long as Alia's. Over the years it had thinned in the front to the point of forming a bald spot that extended all the way to the crown of his scalp. His hair was braided into a long ponytail which hung loosely to one side of the chair. His skin was spotty and pale with thick tufts of hair matted on his chest and belly, which protruded out over his silk robe bottoms. Years of drinking and smoking had left him a haggard wreck in his middle age. He didn't take care of himself, then again he didn't have to.
"Piloting the ship is a stressful and time consuming endeavor. It's these few moments of relaxation you girls provide me that keep me focused. Imagine if I had been too distracted wondering where you were to properly pilot the ship? Why, I could have steered us into an asteroid belt, or rammed us into the side of a derelict space station."
The condescending tone of her Master always grated on Alia's nerves. She knew damn good and well the ship was completely automated, there weren't even any buttons for him to push. It was all voice activated.
"Master, you shouldn't worry yourself over our lazy sister so much. It's not good for your tense muscles."
The sickly sweet voice that spoke next came from Saphira. The blonde pale skinned beauty dressed in the pink two piece slave attire who was currently rubbing the Master's shoulders. Saphira was his favorite, and she made sure the whole ship knew it. Alia couldn't stand her, nor could the other girls for that matter.
"Your concern is so sweet to my ears little dove, perhaps tonight you'll find a way to better help me with these tense shoulders of mine."
"Of course my dearest Master, it would be my greatest honor, and since I'll be helping you with these stubborn muscles would it be okay if Analee polished the lounge tonight?"
"That was supposed to be your job tonight sister! I'm already cleaning the lavatories tonight!" There was distress in the voice of the one stuck with the unfortunate task of filing the Master's toes.
Analee, or Ana as most of the girls knew her was Alia's best friend on the ship. Her skin was a beautiful ebon which blended well with her raven hair, and deep set onyx eyes. She was dressed in the same two piece slave outfit as Saphira except hers was a bright green. Like Alia, Ana was once a Mandalorian slave, and they were the only ones on the ship who could speak Mandoa fluently. It was through this mutual understanding that they bonded, the two looked out for each other whenever they could. Alia felt sorry for her having to be so close to the Master's feet. He didn't bathe unless guests were coming.
"Now now Analee. Your sister is right. I'm sure you can get them both done in plenty of time if you work at it hard enough. Saphira will have her hands full anyway...among other things." He gave Saphira a yellow toothed grin as he spoke.
"Master! You're going to make me blush you big meanie!" She giggled.
"I...understand." Ana was deflated. She wanted to object but she knew it would do her no good. Saphira always got her way in the end.
"That's a good girl. We must all be willing to pitch in however we can to keep this ship running smoothly. We are each a piece of a single unit working towards a common objective. Never forget that my dear beauties"
"Oh Master, you are so wise. Truly this ship would be lost without you here to guide us." Saphira's voice was like poisoned honey to their ears.
"Ana, I can help you with the lavatory so you can focus on the polishing."
"Thank you Taya. But aren't you already dusting the furniture tonight?"
"It's okay. It shouldn't take me long, and this way we can both get to bed sooner." The young Twilek gave a hopeful smile.
Taya was focusing on finishing up the Master's right hand. Her corset clung to her voluptuous figure, highlighting her thin waist and perky breasts. Her jade skin and light blue tinted cheeks gave her an exotic look for a Twilek. She was far too beautiful and kind to be wasted as a slave Alia often thought.
"M..Master could I please put the tray down? My arms are going numb."
The small squeaky voice came from Pix. The newest slave on the ship and the only male in the group. Normally the Slaver King sold all his male slaves as soon as he got them. There was no real demand for them in his line of work other than as a free labor source. But Pix was something of an exception. He was a skinny boy with short blonde hair, rosy cheeks, and naturally pursed lips. He was dressed in a gold embroidered white cloth skirt and nothing else. His mild and meek manner combined with his effeminate looks helped him fit in amongst his sisters. Unfortunately, being the only male slave on the ship often made him a target for the Master's cruelty.
"I already told you boy, once I finish my ale you can put it down."
"O...okay Master. Thank you."
This was a lie of course. He would just wait until his arms gave out, and then the poor boy would get shocked for dropping the tray. It was a game the Master liked to play with all the new slaves. He looked for any excuse he could find to torture them. But Pix seemed to get the worst of it.
"You summoned me Master?" Alia asked, trying to set her mind to other things.
"Yes I did. Bring another bottle of Tarisian ale from the storage room, and be quick about it."
"Yes Master, right away." She rose quickly to her feet and left the room. Hoping the Master's cruel game would be over before she returned.
Alia walked briskly to the storage room down the hallway. She was in no hurry to get back and watch Pix get shocked. But, then again, if she took too long she would probably be next. It was a lose lose situation either way in her mind. Upon reaching the store room she began looking around for a fresh bottle of Tarisian ale among the various spirits sitting on the shelf. It was the Master's favorite drink, not that Alia understood why. It smelled like Tac piss and his breath always reeked of it. It didn't help that he already smelled of death sticks to begin with.
The Master would be going to bed soon so they were likely going to line up to be "picked" for the night. Usually that was Saphira but sometimes he would feel spontaneous choose one of the other girls. Normally Alia didn't care about that sort of thing. Thanks to the Mandalorians, violation like that didn't bother her anymore. She would just do what she always did. Lay down, look off to the side, and pretend like she was somewhere else. But tonight was story night and Mother Nali had promised to tell her favorite one, so she really didn't want to miss it. Hopefully he wasn't feeling adventurous and would just pick Saphira like he normally did.
After searching for a few moments Alia located the correct bottle and removed it from the high shelf where it was placed. As she turned around to head back to the captain's quarters she knocked into someone standing behind her, falling backward and nearly dropping it.
"Oh dear! I'm so sorry little one. I hope I didn't hurt you." Came a familiar, nurturing voice.
"Mother Nali!" Alia put down the bottle and hugged the older twilek woman. "I'm so sorry. I didn't see you standing behind me."
"It's okay little one. I'm just happy you didn't drop the bottle or we would have both been in quite a bit of trouble."
They both laughed.
Nalina, or Mother Nali as the younger girls called her, was the unofficial Matriarch of the slaves. She was an older twilek with skin that was once like a beautiful amethyst, but had since faded over the years. The skin around her ocean like eyes had begun to wrinkle, and the skin of her cheeks had begun to dry out, losing their natural blush. It was obvious to everyone that she was once beyond beautiful. But years of slavery had taken a toll on her. She dressed in a plain white cloth dress that fell to her knees. She was the oldest slave in service to the Master, and was often left in charge of organizing the girls and watching over them when they weren't serving him or his guests. The girls loved her. She was a kind and nurturing soul who was the closest thing most of them ever had to a mother, which is where her nickname came from. In some ways she reminded Alia of her own mother from so very long ago. This only strengthened the adoration she felt for this woman.
"I hope he's not being too hard on you girls tonight." Nali said, stroking the young girl's hair.
"No Mother Nali, not to us. But he's playing that cruel trick on Pix." Alia said, trying to find comfort in the twilek's arms.
"Oh please no. Not the one with the tray!"
Alia shook her head confirming Nali's worst suspicions. She took a deep pained breath, trying to keep herself calm. It wouldn't do any of them good for her to get worked up tonight of all nights. The Master could ruin the one thing they all looked forward to every week. Nali kissed Alia's forehead in reassurance.
"You just try not to think about that wicked man okay? Just do as he asks and stay out of trouble. I'll make it up to all of you tonight, I promise." She gave Alia a reassuring smile.
"I know you will Mother Nali. You always tell such great stories."
"And if I'm not mistaken tonight is your turn to choose."
"Mhmm. And I already know what I want to hear." She beamed.
Nali chuckled in amusement.
"I'm certain you do. It's the same one every time."
They both laughed once more. She always knew how to make Alia feel better. Along with Ana, she was the only reason Alia hadn't fallen completely into despair a long time ago. But as they both new these small moments never quite lasted long enough to make up for the perpetual torment they were forced to endure on a daily basis.
Their embrace was interrupted by a familiar high pitched scream ringing down the hallway. They both turned towards the direction of the noise, the Master's private quarters.
"Sounds like he's finished his game." Alia said somberly.
"Yes. I'm afraid so. You should go back to him little one. His patience will not last much longer I fear." That was the last thing she wanted her to do. But they both knew there was no choice in the matter.
"I know." Alia kissed Nali on the cheek. Putting on a brave face. "Take care Mother Nali. I'll see you tonight."
"Take care my darling." She said, putting on a brave face as well.
As Alia left the hallway she thought for a moment she could hear Mother Nali quietly weeping behind her. But she dared not turn around to see. She needed all the strength she could muster. The day was not yet over.
Upon returning to the Slaver King's private chambers Alia found the girls all lined up in a row sitting on their knees with their thighs spread loosely open. She knew what this meant. The Master was choosing which girl would follow him to his chambers tonight. Pix was on the ground next to the Master trying to clean up the ale he dropped with a rag. Tears were leaking from his eyes and his neck was bright red.
"Make sure you get it all up or I'll shock you again!"
"Y...yes Master. I'm s...sorry." Pix was trying his best not to break down, his whole body was trembling.
"And don't get your snot on my carpet either or you'll be cleaning the whole floor!" The Master turned to see Alia had re-entered. "What took you so long?!"
"I'm sorry Master, I had trouble finding the bottle."
"Never mind! Just put it down on the table and get in line with the others." He pointed to the open space next to Ana
"Yes Master."
Alia quickly put the bottle down and got into position. Joining her sisters on her knees. Ana nudged her playfully and gave her a quick smile. Alia returned her smile and nudged her back for support. If they could both just get through this without incident then there was still hope for the night. That was all Alia cared about right now.
"Scrub harder boy! If it you don't get it out of the carpet you know what happens. ZAP!"
Pix jumped, his nerves were shot. The trembling worsened but he continued to scrub, wiping the tears and snot off his face onto his skirt. The Master laughed until he started coughing. He took a moment to catch his breath before leaning back in his chair.
"Now then, who shall it be tonight?"
He scratched his beard in mock contemplation. Pretending like the decision was the most important one of the day. He looked at each girl, humming to himself while he mulled it over in his head. This was it, the moment of truth, Alia thought. Ana must have known it too because her hand was gently squeezing Alia's thigh. Neither one of them wanted to get picked, but more than anything they didn't want the other to get picked either. The Master's eyes scanned over the four girls in front of him. All whom were staring at the floor, except for Saphira of course who was winking and making kissy faces at him as always. Taya was, as always, completely calm. The same look of mournful resignation on her face as there always was. Alia felt awful for wanting Taya to be picked over her and Ana, but she couldn't help it. She wanted story night too badly this time. Come on you dirty old core slime! Just pick Saphira like you always do! Just leave us alone for once and be with your cantina rat. She silently prayed. The whole room was silent for about a minute before the Slave King spoke at last.
"Alia! You're our lucky winner tonight!"
Of course. Of course he would. The one time she didn't want to get picked. Of course that's what he would do. What did she think would happen? That he would let her go? That she could have just this one night of peace away from this constant hell he kept her in? Of course not! When did anything ever go right for her? Since becoming a slave her life has been nothing but a bad joke with no punchline. Honestly she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. At that moment she just wanted someone to blast her brains out and be done with it.
"Oh Master, you are so cruel!"
A familiar voice snapped Alia out of her spiral. Was that Ana?
"What did you just say?!" The Master was in shock. As was the rest of the room.
"I said that you are cruel! Cruel and neglectful!" There were tears in Ana's eyes.
"What's the meaning of this?! Do you have any idea who you're speaking to you little schutta?!" The Master's face turned red, his rage building within seconds.
Pix, Alia, Taya, and Saphira all stared at her in complete disbelief. All with the same thought in their heads. Is she out of her mind?! She's going to get herself sent to the taskmaster for sure!
Any slave who failed to follow commands or talked back to the Master was sent to him. An Iridorian mercenary who specialized in torturing and breaking rebellious slaves. The creature was a cold blooded sadist who desired nothing more than watching the fervor and life drain out of his victim's body as they suffered under his torturous techniques of discipline, and when he was done he would patch them up and send them on their way as if nothing happened. The fear the girls shared of the Slaver King was second only to the absolute terror they held towards the Taskmaster. None of them would even dare to mention his name most of the time, and Ana was now volunteering herself to be his next victim.
At any moment that collar on her neck would turn on and she would be dragged kicking and screaming all the way to his torture chamber by the mercs. Alia feared the taskmaster too, but not nearly as much as she feared hearing her friends agonizing screams. For the Taskmaster always left the door open as he worked for all the ship to hear. No, if Ana was going then so was she. She would not let her be alone in this. She opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Ana crying out once more.
"You are cruel and neglectful Master! You do not even consider that I wanted to be picked tonight!" Ana said, making small sniffling noises.
The Slaver King stopped.
"Oh...that's what this is about?"
"Yes Master, it is! I was so hoping to be picked tonight."
Slowly the redness in his face went away. He started to laugh.
"Is that all? Why didn't you say something you silly girl!"
In that instant the entire room visibly relaxed. The color returning to their faces. All except for Alia who was now feeling incredibly guilty. She knew what Ana was doing, and she didn't like it one bit. Ana continued her little act, making pouty faces and sticking her lower lip out at the Master.
"It's been so long since you've picked me Master. Have you forgotten I exist? Am I not pretty enough for you anymore?" She gently swayed her upper body from side to side in a seductive manner, fluttering her eyelashes at him. There was no denying she was good at this. It takes a lot of talent to pretend to want to be with a man as vile as the Master. Nevertheless Alia hated that Ana was falling on the grenade for her.
"Oh my dear sweet precious little Analee. You stab my heart with your words. You're right. Of course you would desire to spend time with me. How thoughtless I was to neglect you so." The Master placed his hand on his chest as he spoke, feigning a wounded heart.
The arrogance he displayed made Alia want to puke. She wished he really had just been stabbed. She didn't care what happened to herself. But she hated him for what she knew he would do to Ana.
"Very well my pet. I will pick you for the night. On the condition that you get all your chores done on time."
"Thank you Master! I promise I will!" Ana clapped her hands together pretending to be ecstatic. She played her part well.
"Atta girl. Now come give your Master a kiss." He puckered his lips.
Ana stood up and walked towards him. Alia and Taya both shut their eyes as she bent down. Neither of them wanted to see this. Alia felt bile rise in the back of her throat at the sound of their lips making contact. She could smell his breath from here, and she was sitting at least 3 feet away. Afterwards Ana returned to her spot in the line, her eyes watering.
"Now then girls. Your chores for the evening have been assigned. I want everything done in a timely manner. Analee I expect you in my chambers within the next three hours. Saphira my pet, you're with me. The rest of you, dismissed."
"No talk! Work!"
Alia was trying to explain to the trandoshian merc that she had finished with the holocron encryption but he wouldn't listen.
"But I'm done! See?"
She showed him the finished holocron. The merc hissed at her menacingly.
"Please I want to go help my sisters clean!"
"No clean! You work!" He spit at her.
Alia was struggling to contain her frustration. She frantically pointed to herself and exclaimed "I am done!" placing the holocron in his scaly paw. "Done!" She said again, trying to get the message through his thick skull. He rolled the object in his hand, his reptilian head turning to one side inquisitively. He seemed surprised that the holocron was completed this fast. Truth be told it was pretty quick. Holocron encryption can take hours, possibly even days depending on the complexity of the design.
"Acceptable. You clean."
He moved to the side to let her pass, kicking her down to the ground as she did so. Alia stood up meekly and dusted herself off walking out as quickly as she could while the merc laughed in his scaly voice.
"Core slime" she mumbled.
Ana and Taya were waiting for her in the lounge busily scrubbing polish into the floor with rags.
"Sister!"
Ana leaped up and ran to Alia. The two embraced each other lovingly. Speaking in Mandoa.
"Ana my love." Alia pulled her in close, tears already forming in her eyes. "Why did you do it? The Master chose me. You didn't have to do it sister."
"Of course I did my darling Alia. You've been looking forward to this for weeks. I wasn't about to let him take you away from Mother Nali tonight of all nights."
The two shared a private moment, speaking to each other in the language only they understood. The language spoken by the ones who forced them into captivity.
"Sisters, I don't wish to interrupt but we really should finish the floor. The Master will be expecting Ana in less than an hour."
Alia let go of Ana and quickly hugged Taya.
"Sorry sister, I didn't mean to ignore you."
"It's okay my dear Alia. But we really should finish up."
Alia nodded in agreement and the three of them resumed polishing the lounge floor. Taya, much like Mother Nali, was born into slavery on the criminal moon Nar Shadda. It's the only life she had ever known, and despite the hardships she had to endure she always somehow managed to keep a smile on her face, even if it was just to make the others feel better. Alia loved her for that.
"Ugh. This is taking forever! You know if the Master would just invest in a cleaning droid we could be done so much faster."
"But Ana! Without those extra funds how would Master ever refill his liquor cabinet?!" Taya exclaimed. Imitating the Master's condescending tone.
"Yes Ana! Don't you know that the Master's job requires a great deal of effort? Without his spirits how would he pilot the ship? Why, he could fly us into an asteroid belt, or crash into the side of a space station!" Alia joined in.
The three giggled at their little joke.
"I'm sorry. What did I miss? I could have sworn you were supposed to be cleaning."
A sickeningly sweet voice made the three girls jump. They turned to see a familiar face smirking at them in the hallway.
"Oh, Sa...Saphira! How long were you standing there?" Alia's face was flushed.
"Long enough...I bet the Taskmaster would love to hear that hilarious impression of yours sister." Saphira smiled wickedly at her.
"L...look sister, w...we were just having some fun I..."
"Oh no, it's fine. I completely understand. My lips are sealed." Saphira checked her nails. Inspecting the polish for chips. "But in exchange for my silence I'm sure you wouldn't mind doing something for me in return."
"What do you want?"
"Oh nothing much. Nothing much at all. Maybe just...do my chores for the next two months."
"Saphira, that's not fair!"
"Ana it's okay." Alia stopped her.
"But sister she can't just..."
"Let it go Ana. Alias right. There's no point in arguing with her." Taya said, attempting to be the voice of reason.
Ana wanted to protest further but she knew it would do her no good. They were right, as long as Saphira was Master's favorite she would always be untouchable. Saphira flipped her hair, completely ignoring Ana's anger.
"Your sisters are smart. You should listen to them."
Ana bit her tongue. Ignoring her sister's goading.
"I take it sister the Master is done with his massage?" Taya asked.
"Oh that? We finished hours ago. Master passed out about 20 minutes in. So I decided to take a bath and do my nails. A shame you were stuck working, it was quite relaxing." She said mockingly.
"Was there something you wanted Saphira? Or did you come here just to blackmail me?" Alia asked through gritted teeth.
"Actually, I'm here for Ana. The Master's awake now and he's waiting for you. Oh by the way! You may want to have some ointment ready. He's a little hung over and, well...not in the best mood right now."
Ana looked pale.
"You better hurry girl. You know he's not a patient man." Saphira laughed at her, using that same giggly sweet tone she used with the Slaver King as she left the room.
Ana fell to her knees, defeat in her eyes. Alia rushed to her sister wrapping her in her arms.
"Ana my love, please let me go to him. You've been through enough today. I can always hear Mother Nali's story another time."
"No sister. He's expecting me. And I'm more than happy to go in your place." Ana placed a hand on her sister's cheek, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'd walk to the edge of the galaxy for you. You know that."
Alia hugged her closer, joining her sister in tears.
"My darling Ana. You are too good to me. Next time I shall go in your place I swear it."
"No sister. Next time I will go. You two have been through enough." Taya placed a reassuring hand on Ana's shoulder. "Next time let me..."
"NO!" Ana began to cry, burying her face in Alia's shoulder.
"I don't want either of you to have to go again! I don't want any of us to get picked ever again!" Ana began to openly weep in her sister's shoulder.
Taya and Alia both shared a look of deep sorrow. They understood all too well Ana's frustration.
"Why do we have to do this?! Why do any of us have to suffer through this?! Why are we being punished this way?! What did any of us do to deserve this?!" After a few moments Ana let go of her sister and raised her head, wiping the tears from her eyes. She took a deep breath and smiled. "Sorry sisters...I'm not sure what came over me."
"Ana..."
"It's okay Alia, really. I'm fine. It won't be that bad. He'll probably pass out before anything happens." Ana cleaned her face, her voice calming down.
"Ana...okay. You're right...it will be okay." Alia's words sounded hollow in her throat.
"Just promise me you'll tell me all about Mother Nali's story later okay?" Ana's voice was perky again, she was back to her old self. But it was too late to be reassuring, she had let the mask slip. "I better get going. It won't do me any good to make him angrier than he already is. We'll talk later my love."
"Okay sister. I'll be thinking of you." Alia kissed her on the cheek. Ana stood up and waved goodbye to Taya before running out of the room. Alia remained on the floor, too emotionally drained to get up. Taya offered her sister a hand.
"Come on Alia. Let's go. Mother Nali is waiting for us."