Chapter Seven- Say what now

"Hey Elise," I began for probably the fifth time.

"Curtis if you don't shut up I will castrate you," she said in a dark but also in polite tone.

"Sorry I just couldn't resist," I teased.

During our journey to the shadow isle the only exciting thing that happened was Elise cuddled against my arm as we walked in relative silence. The constant view of snow coupled with a cold and dull sky opted for a pretty tasteless travel. It wasn't helped by the fact that Elise was eerily quiet save for the few times I tried to strike up conversations with her.

She had been alright yesterday but ever since we had woken up and started on our way again she had completely changed. The ever teasing and playful Elise was replaced with a quiet and depressing one to be honest. I had planned on talking to Ahri about it but she had already gone to sleep, leaving me a message saying that I should go to bed earlier with a pouting face and that she missed me. I in response I had left her a message telling her that I missed her too and that I would try to go to sleep earlier to catch her so we could talk. I also might have left her a short note about the things I would like to do to her, might have.

In my opinion the trip would have been more pleasant if it wasn't for the group of Elise's followers following behind us. To my annoyance they we're probably trying discover why their precious leader was attached to a worthless slave. The rest of the followers, the four that weren't there for when I first arrived at Kaladoun had discovered my reasoning for my sudden and unannounced appearance from the two that were there. It was when their chatter amongst themselves became almost intolerable and rude to the point of where I was forced to address it.

"Is there a problem?" I ask, making sure that my voice clearly protrays my irritation.

The adolescent-like group hushed up quite quickly to my comment, more then likely not expecting me to directly address them about the subject. There was one however, a young woman by the name of Daniel, that decided to speak.

"Would it be alright if I asked you a question?" She asked nicely, shocking me a little by her politeness.

I thought about it for a second before replying, "sure,as long as its alright with Elise. Elise hums a yes,or what I'm assuming is a yes so I beckon her to continue with a nod in her direction. I didn't really care about the question now that I thought about it,I mean they were going to die anyway right?

"What was it like to be a slave?" She asked, her tone lacking any emotion.

The question caught me off guard honesty, so much in fact that I stumbled. Thankfully Elise caught me by holding me up by the right arm she hugged on to. I silently thanked her before answering the question.

"Where to begin on that one..." I began. I didn't mind answering the question it was just I honestly didn't know where to begin.

"I've been a slave for almost six years going on seven-

"You've been a slave for seven years? She whispered, barely audible.

"Six," I corrected before adding,"how bout we save the questions for later hmm?"

"As you wish," she says before bowing her head slightly.

I take a breath before continuing. I tell her along with the rest of the group my experiences as a slave. I leave out a few intimate parts,including my strange relationship with Elise and Ahri. I don't give a dam if they were dying or not, their was no way in hell I was going to tell them about my sexual life, moreover tell them that their beloved leader was trying to jump my bones.

"That's about it," I say with finality. "Any questions?" .

Of course Daniel along with the rest of the group had questions,but Elise surprised everyone by asking a very intimate and embarrassing question.

"Have you ever.." She said, clearly hinting towards the subject of intimacy.

Of course the group gathered closer after letting out loud gasps. Even the trees seemed to be listening as there wasn't a rustle of leaves to be found.

"I don't know what your talking about," I say quickly, trying to defer Elise from continuing. Of course Elise being Elise decided to press on the objective of causing me embarrassment.

"I know you must have some sexual experience my slave," she laughs.

I didn't know how to respond to the statement. She had said it so bluntly and so nonchalantly, without a care in the world.

The group still waited in anticipation for the answer they want to hear, me being forced or having the pleasure of having intercourse with my previous masters.

It only takes me a second to come up with a witty answer.

"I'd prefer not to kiss and tell."

A wave of disappointment was voiced by the group. Elise merely laughed it off and returned to her comforting place smothered in the crook of my arm.

i was silently giddy that Elise seemed to have returned to normal, but i wasn't stupid enough to believe that she wasn't perfectly ok.

Xxx.

We continued walking after that for about two hours before night was upon us, If I were to be precise the moon was on the horizon. The forest as well as the sky looked beautiful now that I notice it. I'm sure I noticed it at least a dozen other times but no matter how many before it always looked majestic. Apparently Elise felt somewhat the same as she too, had made a comment enlightening comment about it. I would have considered it a date it wasn't for the group of sheep we were shepherding to their doom.

The question of what exactly the small group was going to die for still plagued my mind. To add to that Elise's nervousness earlier didn't sit right with me. She seemed to have gotten over during the latter of our day, or so she portrayed. If we got some private time I would be sure to question her.

I'm pretty sure me and Elise could have journeyed further but of course, her followers were growing weary and such. We had made camp in the middle of a clearing of a clearing in the forest. After we had finished setting up the tents and a campfire, we all had canned broth, semi-fresh yeast tools topped off with ale and cookies. I didn't ask about the ale...I really wanted to but I didn't. The forest was quiet after the sun settled, which I appreciated greatly. It became substantially colder during nightfall, which was to be expected of course. Before we were going to turn in for the night we had started to eat.

To my left sat Dexter, one of the four and tallest man in the group. His face is decorated with numerous scars, most of them age couldn't hide the leather like skin as they had looked like they tried to heal but couldn't completely. One ran straight across his left green eye, another across his nose. The last noticeable scar ran across the corner of his mouth, it almost meeting the other. I couldn't tell what he was thinking as his face was expressionless, his eyes showing the most life but only due to the fire that reflected from them. The air around him coupled with his gaze told me he was delved in his own thoughts so I decided I would let him be.

To my right sat Daniel's pretty and pale form . She wasn't bad looking by any means but to be compared to Ahri or Elise she looked normal, at least in my opinion. She had short black hair that was shy being shoulder length hair, a piece of it covering one of her teal eyes. Her lips are pale red and if I was being honest they looked quite tempting. She looked focused in thought, merely twirling a piece of bread in her hands. There was something... off about her. I couldn't help but feel this nostalgia around her and the weird thing was... I liked it.

Opposite of me sat Elise, she being between two of the other males in the group, Jacob and Micheal. For some reason she had opted to sit away from me. She was currently sitting with her right leg crossed over her left one, her hands busy with her bowl of broth.

As the six of us sat around the campfire- the other two Hanna and had Edward had ate little and turned in earlier- a awkward silence had settled among us. I tried to meet Elise's eyes, waiting for her to look in my direction, but she never did. Every time I think she would look up at me her eyes loomed somewhere else.

"Why are you staring?" David asked, his brown eyes boring into my direction.

Before I answer I spare one last glance at Elise. She seems to be finally paying attention as her eyes were on me.

"Because I can," I say simply. If I was being honest I would have said that I was worried to hell about my master at the current moment. The fact that she was being rather quiet and hardly spoke a word for nearly four hours frightened me.

"Well it's quite rude and I think our leader would appreciate it if you stopped staring" he said in a condescending tone.

I was about to retort when Elise had spoken up in a resolute voice.

" I would actually as appreciate if you both shushed. I am trying to eat, not listen to children."

Again silence fell upon us. David returned to eating his broth,a scold plastered on his face of embarrassment. I took light sips of my ale , a hint of embarrassment probably evident on my face as well.

It dawns on me that that was the first time Elise had ever scolded me for something. My shoulders slump as disappointment and frustration washes over me from the fact that Elise is upset and I can't figure out why at the moment because of these brats. I'm pulled out of my thoughts when Daniel speaks up.

" we are all free to do what we wish, Are we not David?" She says sternly.

At this David let out a quiet laugh. "You would be defending him wouldn't you?" He said in a suggestive tone.

"I'd rather defend a slave then a sorry excuse of a man like you,"she said with a smile.

At this comment I couldn't help but let a smile play on my lips. It was a rarity to encounter feisty woman.

"I'm sure you'd rather being doing a lot of things other things to that slave too ," he spat, his tone demanding attention.

To my surprise Daniel merely stares at David.

"How right you are David," she retorts before closing her eyes.

David laughed quite loudly as he pointed to Daniel quite rudely, in a way a child would.

"Did you guys hear that? She just said she wanted to have sex with him, a slave!" He laughs in between.

"I thought we were all adults, not hormonal teenagers who just discovered sex correct? " Dexter ask to no one in particular .

"She didn't say what we were doing, in fact I'm pretty sure she wanted to play a game of Bavarian raspy?" I say coolly towards Daniel.

She quickly nods.

I raise a eyebrow towards David, his face growing redder by the second as the embarrassment that he was the only one Who cared about sexual preferences kicked in. After pouting and whispering a few words he finally sits down.

Now that it had finally settled down my thoughts become more pronounced in the silence.

What was Daniel up to? The way she had commented towards David's question racked my brain. If she really did want to have sex with me I would have to reject her. I'm not only in a relationship with Ahri, I'm in one with Elise as well. But I couldn't help thinking about her, not in a way of lust but in a sense of curiosity. The feeling of nostalgia played in my mind, like I should be remembering something really important but I can't.

After a short while everyone seems to be finishing up. I'm still finishing my cup of ale when Elise stands up and makes a announcement to everyone telling them to get some rest before disappearing into what I believe is our tent. As soon as she stands up David decides to stand up as well.

"Elise if it's possible I'd like to talk to you, " he said before adding with emphasis, "in private."

Elise nodded once before walking over to the biggest tent which were hers and opening the flaps. She motioned David over before disappearing within.

As I watched David make his way into the tent I couldn't help but ponder what he was going to discuss with her. I know it wouldn't be about me, unless he wants to usher Elise's wrath upon him. Right before he walked in he stopped in front of the entrance of the tent and turned around, locking his eyes with me.

"Don't worry dog, I won't bother your master long," he laughed.

Before I could retort he also disappeared into the tent. I sighed loudly and downed the rest of my ale.

"Is he always a dick or is it just me?" I ask to no one in particular.

The group was silent but their facial expression told a different story. Surprising everyone Dexter lets out a bellowing laugh, one that probably shook everyone around the campfire. He wiped a comically tear from his eye before turning his attention to me.

"Don't worry about him, he's just jealous because he thought he was Elise's favorite."

"Favorite?" I asked before thinking. Anyone could tell that their was hints of jealousy in my voice.

Dexter nods before throwing something undefined in the fire. The fire crackles, obviously pleased with the extra food besides the dissipating wood it already lead to consumed.

"He's the most desperate and foolish of us all to try and attain Elise's personal favor," he said with a hint of tiredness. He must've been used to talking about David.

I was about to retort when I hear faint moans come from somewhere. Everyone falls prey to silence as they all tune into the moaning as well. My eyes widen when I realize that their coming from..Elise's tent. I jump up and practically teleport to the door. My head races with jealousy and confusion as I grab hold of the tent before promptly ripping it off. What on the other side of the door turns my blood cold.

On the floor of the tent lie Elise... covered by the naked and sweaty body of David! He's wearing that shitty ass grin of his as he's turns his attention to me. Their clothes are scattered everywhere along the tent, a site which triggers my anger ablaze. But what really sets me off is what the little bitch David says.

"I'm...her...favorite," he says slowly, emphasising each word by pounding into Elise,causing her to moan.

"Ahhhhhasoooom-"

I stop mid-yell as I realize that I was still sitting at the campfire...looking like a idiot. The pounding of my heart against my chest seems to slow down to a even pace. I feel embarrassment spread throughout me as I see David and Elise exit the tent, curiosity lacing their faces. Everyone is silent as they wait to hear the reasoning behind my outburst but Dexter already knows as he begins snickering quietly to himself. Daniel's eyes are closed, as if she was asleep but I could tell she wasn't. Jacob seems to be unaffected by all the commotion, instead walking into the tent that occupied Edward.

"Care to explain yourself dog?" David said rudely.

My embarrassment quickly turns anger. I stand up and look him square in the eyes.

"Do we have a problem?"

He crosses his arms and smiles absurdly wide.

"I don't know do we?"

I'm not a saddest by any means but I would be lying if I didn't say that I couldn't wait to see him die. I have the urge to light his ass ablaze right where his pathetic self stands but I know that would probably displease Elise more then satisfy my anger. Despite my want to answer him I instead turn around and walk away. A small smile plays on my lips as he calls out to me.

"Where are you going dog?" He says mockingly though I could tell their was a hint of frustration embed in his voice.

I stop walking and turn my head to the side, staring at him out for the corner of my eye.

"You're not even worth my time you sack of shit."

With that said I made my way to the farthest tent to the left and dive into it, not bothering to respond to David's yelling behind me.

Xxx

"Curtis?"

I open my eyes and I look upon a impassive Daniel. Her eyes are locked on to me like a hawk. Her robe is off, leaving her in a simple tank top and black jeans that looked quite comfortable.

"Are you feeling well master?" She asks me, her tone seemingly void of emotion, but it has taken on a different accent. I knew the accent was akin to old families and royalties. Be had met a handful of people with the accents on his campaign as a slave, but her voice was... soothing and pleasant.

"Yea I'm finwaiit what did you just call me?" I say nervously. Did she just call me master. Was she into the kinky stuff of something?

She waves her head in a disapproving way before she looks down at me again.

"You are misguided my master," she says before stroking my hair gently.

I couldn't deny that it felt good but I knocked away her hand, the awkwardness overthrowing the feeling. I sit up and speak sternly.

"Who the hell are you and what do you want with me?"

"My name is Faora," she says with a soft smile before adding, "and I am forever yours," she finished with a low bow of her head.

There was a very awkward silence between us. I simply stare at her, Her head still bowed. There's so many questions running through my head but only one escapes my lips.

"What the fuck."

Her head rises and she leans into me quite closely, already past the point of personal space.. way pass.

"Cussing makes you look quite vulgar," She whispers, her warm breath tickling my nose.

I burst backwards, my back to the tent as dirty thoughts surface. I try to calm myself but I know I must be blushing profoundly. I was about to retort but I was too late as she quickly crouched in place and told me two things that made my heart stop.

"I am sorry master but I must tell you two things before I go," she said hurriedly. "Everything you think you knew when you were little is a lie and the second is that Elise plans on sacrificing you."

"What the-" but I was interrupted by her sudden diaapperance. She literally disappeared, leaving behind sparks of black energy in her wake. My eyes narrowed in irritation as someone was unzipping my tent. Of course it's Elise, still dressed in her red and black jacket. Her face is sticking between the folds my tent, a small and tired smile playing on her lips.

"Mine if I come in?"

"Of course Elise," I say before Faora's word play in my head.

'She's going to sacrifice you.'

She shuffles in and takes a sit next me. I'm nervous now, not because of the feelings I have for her, but because of the what Faora said. She's up to something, that I'm sure about. Everything I knew when I was little was a lie? I'm ripped out of my pondering when Elise speaks.

"Is their a reason you were huddled along the wall when I came in?" She asked humorously, her eyes smiling towards me.

"I had a bad dream," I lie.

She nods her head before looking at the door of the tent.

"Why we're you really huddled along the wall," she repeats, though her tone wasn't playful, it had a more serious edge to it.

"I'd rather not say," I say honestly, and that was the truth. I didn't know how'd she'd react to that... how I'd react to that if it was true.

"I thought we were suppose to trust each other Curtis?" She says softly, laying her head against my shoulder.

"You say that but you won't tell me what's wrong?" I blurt without thinking. "I'm sorry Elise-"

"Its ok Curtis" she whispers before grasping my left arm. "I am... conflicted at the moment," she admits solemnly. "Promise me you won't freak out," she says softly.

I take a moment to lay my head on hers before answering,"Promise." I feel my heart quicken as I'm half expecting her to tell me she's going to sacrifice me or something.

"My dad wants to eat you."