AN: Ah...cunno. *rubs head sheepishly* Sorry for the wait. I've been attacked by writer's block and getting this chapter out just wasn't that easy as I thought it was. I started out ok, then it just...went sorta downhill. Anyways! Thanks to blackmagic35, SteelSoul, Amanda Swiftgold, Jessikalyn and Olorin Stormcrow for your reviews! I really appreciate them! ^_^ And now, since you're all probably tired of my babbling, please read on! ^_^
Chapter Five
Hard Memories

When they found me later, I had fallen asleep, exhausted. Apparantly, upon hearing of what they did, Mother insisted I be let out now. I guess Savan really had no choice, or rather he did have a choice and preferred wild magic over a wild Aranel. I woke up in our room later on. Mother was busy humming to herself in the kitchen; I sat up and moaned. How on earth did I get such a horrible head-ache? I guess my moan was loud enough, because instantly a cup of tea was held out before me. I stared up at Mother.

"Drink this," she smiled. I took the cup, slowly tipped it back, and drank of the warm lemon-tasting liquid. My head-ache began to go away. "Savan said you'd need it," she sat down beside me, looked me carefully in the eye, and said, "are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Mother," I replied, "I learned control." As if to prove my point, I closed my eyes for a moment, concentrating. When I opened them, I laughed lightly at my Mother's face. Between us, ten tiny stars of white-light danced in place. They twinkled as if in song together, a perfect melody, each completing the other. They moved suddenly, at my silent command, and wrapped themselves around my mother's wrist in a tiny bracelet. She gasped at this, then she watched in even further awe as each star in turn leapt into the air above us and exploded, showering us with a gentle light dust.

"Shirley--!" Her free hand flew to her mouth as the last star melted between us. I was nothing but smiles as she gathered me in a warm embrace. It was then that Savan decided to enter the room.

"I thought you'd be awake, and none too soon, either," his voice had my mother and I seperating. I looked over, and to my surprise, Savan looked actually stressed. The anxiety etched into his face was such a stark contrast to the usual thoughtful lines that creased his brow, or the laugh lines that graced his kind visage when he smiled. He wasn't even smiling. A fear ran through me. Something was wrong, I could feel it.

"Savan? What's going on?" I padded over to him and I could swear I saw surprise in his expression. But I had no time to ponder that because his next words chilled me to the bone.

"Melbu is here."

Behind me I could hear Mother's terrified gasp, and if I turned I would have seen her fear materialize in shaky gestures. I remembered Savan and Reven talking earlier about the monthly inspection. But that wasn't to happen for another four - no, three - days! Was I ready? Would I be caught? I had learned to control my magic willingly, but I had yet to test it under stressful situations. Savan had obviously been thinking along the same lines as me, because I was immediately picked up off the floor.

"Shirley, look at me," he ordered. I turned fearful amber hues to him, and his voice took on a serious overtone, one that I did not like because it always meant he was trusting me with something. "Do you think you can do this? I know it's early, and you've only had one day in the chamber..."

"You can't be serious!!" Mother was instantly there, at my side. She was glaring holes through Savan as if he had asked me to march an assault on Mayfil. Of that hellish place I had heard enough horror stories; this couldn't be that difficult, could it? "This is Melbu, Savan. Melbu Frahma!! Wingly overlord of all Endiness! What would he want with us anyways? Why must we be even there?! Shirley is just a child, my child, Savan, and I'll be damned if I-"

"Aranel, calm." I was set down on the floor again as Savan now worked to reassure my mother. This was getting us nowhere. "Everyone must be there, Aranel. Everyone. All slaves and their owners. I'm of the High Magical Council, too. One of the head magical researchers of Aglis. I'm expected, and you're expected to be there. Because he's early, he's giving us some time, albeit small, to collect all the slaves within the city. Now this is important because it could mean life or death for you. You mustn't act as you just did. If Melbu sees a slave acting out of order, punishment is swift and harsh. I can do nothing against Melbu, Aranel. Charle and Faust are about the only people who are able to convince him of anything."

"Are you saying I throw away my pride?!"

"No! Yes...Temporarily. Remember how you two were when you first came here? Act like that, and you'll be fine. Do not make eye contact with anyone, you must do as I say, and if I act oddly do not hold it against me. Understand?"

She hesitated, but finally we saw the curt nod of her head. Savan looked at me, then. "And you. Shirley, you must-"

"I know Savan," I smiled. "I'll be good, okay? I won't talk, move or blink. Promise." This was good enough for him, because he nodded and I finally saw that smile I missed. We were then taken outside, and he led us to the main streets of Aglis, where all the owners and slaves were lined up. I was amazed at the actual number. There were thousands!!

"Stand infront me." Savan ordered and we moved to comply. We mimicked all the other slaves, heads down, shoulders slumped. Some were wearing tattered, ripped clothing. Others were as well off as we were, and had expression ranging from anger to smugness on their faces. Mother and I were just focused, or at least I was. As I lowered my head, I heard a giggle beside me. I instantly hissed a 'shhh!', not wanting any attention brought to our section.

Though, now I suppose that was simply useless, because like Savan said, he was on the High Council. Melbu would want to speak with them, all of them. And most likely us, too. Why? That question was always at the forefront of my mind whenever it came to the Wingly domination over other species. I didn't understand why it was impossible for us to simply live in peace with each other. Was it all just a dream? Was my life in Niere just a passing dream? Not meant to exist in this game of predator and prey?

A hush ran over the crowd as Melbu appeared. He had simply phased into existence before our very eyes. This was my first time seeing the Dictator Frahma, and I shuddered at his very form. I think it was his eyes, though, that really unnerved me. Narrow slits of blue that glowed green and red. They were windows into his very soul, he left them unguarded, letting everyone see what was truly there. And it was frightening. All I could describe them at the time was 'pure hatred'. It was as if he seethed the very emotion, leaking it from his every word, poisoning our thoughts with that same hatred as we listened.

"I must apologize for the short notice in which I came," his voice was steady, and firm. He didn't speak overly loud, but I think it was quite clear that no one had trouble hearing him. "I am here, not because of the inspection," there was a quiet murmur in the crowds at this, "but because I and Charle are in need of some fresh slaves." He was meticulously plucking at the fingers of his gloves, as if what he said was no more natural and expected than the sun rising. "I was told I could find some very ... interesting candidates here. Would the nine members of the High Council please step forward?"

No, no, no, no!!! All I could think of as Savan stepped around us and joined the rest was escape. How? I didn't know. I just wanted to get away. I knew I couldn't, but the desire was still there. And I didn't dare do anything with Melbu directly in front of me. But, Soa I wanted out.

There were some quite murmurings among the High Council and Melbu. I noticed there was a woman beside him, obviously Wingly by the shade of her hair. Her face was very kind, like Savan's, and when Melbu's face flashed with annoyance or anger, she simply laid a hand on his arm and he calmed. Though it was obvious to me that he hated that. It was as if he cringed each time, as if he had lost a battle. She wore the most outrageous dresses I had ever seen, but through it all she was very beautiful, and simply shone of kindness. I remembered Savan's words earlier. Was this Charle Frahma? Melbu's older sister?

"Shirley! Aranel! Come!" Savan's orders reached my ears. They were spoken a bit harsher than usual, but I didn't care to notice at the time. I spotted Reven and while I wanted to smile and say 'hi', I did not. Warnings kept fluttering in my mind. Before I could grasp onto any sort of ledge to hold me steady, I was falling under and obeying. We walked forward quickly and quietly. When we reached him, I noticed that Reven had called Chany and her son as well, and the other members had all called their slaves. A fear shook me.

"What kind of slaves did you require Charle?" Melbu turned to his sister, confirming my guess on her identity. She simply sniffed and walked forward, eyeing the line of slaves before her with a critical eye.

"Hush Melbu, darling. I am perfectly capable of choosing for myself," she waved a hand dismissively at him and I had to contain a smirk at his annoyed expression. Charle, meanwhile, was walking up and down the line of us. She did this twice before stopping infront of me. I was looking down at her feet. "Savan, your slaves-?" I heard her voice.

"Ah, of course! This is Aranel and her daughter Shirley. Excellent workers, Charle. Aranel, I know, is an excellent dancer and-"

"Really?" She interrupted Savan, which I didn't like; but, I had to let it slide. "And what about the child? Anything special about her?"

"Ah..." Savan hesitated, I held my breath, "Shirley...is like any normal human child, Charle. She has lots of energy, I tell you, and is very obedient." I again had to hold back a smile. I had lots of energy, indeed.

"Look up darling, let me see your face," Charle placed her fan beneath my chin and lifted. I stared up at her, eyes taking in her kind features. Her eyes were a soft crimson hue, and there was something in them inevitably appealing. They were the light to Melbu's darkness, I couldn't see how they were related at all. "Savan, I think I'd like to work out a deal with you."

"Of course, Charle." My eyes went wide. Savan was going to sell us? But ... what about ...

"Melbu, I'll be at Savan's, working out arrangements about the exchange. Be a darling and don't do anything rash."

My eyes went wide as Mother nudged me along behind Savan and Charle. This was shocking for me. I had already accepted a fate as a slave, but I wasn't prepared to accept a fate where I wasn't allowed a stable grasp on anything. Savan was stable; I could trust him. But I wasn't allowed to believe I could stay with him. I hated this!

Before I knew what I was doing, I ran ahead, despite my mother's startled protests. She called after me in vain, and I darted infront of Savan of Charle. Turning around, I held out my arms defiantly, blocking the path to Savan's. My eyes didn't water, but narrowed in angry defiance. "No!" I shouted, aware that we were already far away enough so that no one from the gathering could hear me. Savan stepped forward, a tender smile on his face.

"Shirley, that's enough. Come now, what are you doing?"

"I don't want to leave! I never wanted to be a slave, Savan, but I don't want to leave all the same! I've worked hard to accept this new fate; why can't I be allowed to keep it?!" I startled myself at the stark emotion that lined my words, and I think it startled Savan, too. My mother ran up next to him, but he put a hand out, preventing her. He shook his head.

"No, Aranel. Let her talk first." He murmured. I could feel my magic rising up inside of me, but the control I had learned helped me quell it's tempting call. Charle stood by, watching with a tender look in her eye, but I ignored her.

"Winglies killed my father, destroyed my hometown, took away all the happiness I had ever known! Why can't I be given something, and not have it taken away from me?!" My fists shook violently at my side, and I took a deep breath to calm them. I didn't like getting angry, especially infront of Mother. I'd never been angry infront of her, and I could see her shocked expression as she stood there.

"Shirley." My head turned to Charle as she spoke my name. She walked forward, soft eyes turned directly on mine. I stepped back, just slightly; but she caught the movement and instantly paused. "Shirley, there is nothing to worry about. Nothing is being taken away from you. I assure you that-"

"You don't know ..." I stressed, thinking of Savan and my magic lessons. Those would be taken if I left, and this Wingly woman didn't understand anything.

"Yes...Shirley, she does." Savan surprised me with his words. I blinked in confusion. "She knows." The message was clear; but I was still confused.

"But I-"

"We can talk inside the tower, can't we?" Mother glanced over her shoulder anxiously, and before I could protest I was scooped up into Savan's arms and carried off while Mother followed and Charle led. I was...in a nutshell, confused beyond belief.

Back in Savan's Tower, I was set on a stool while Charle walked around me, inspecting. I wanted to fidget, the urge was overwhelming, but I didn't want to be known as some scared child, so I remained still. Charle stopped infront of me once more, and nodded.

"You were right, Savan. She has the gift. Just like my Zieggy."

"So what I mentioned is acceptable? You'll take her?"

I turned a shocked face at my owner. He had requested I be sold?!

"Yes. Staying here wouldn't help her, Savan. If Melbu found out..."

"I know. I want her to be safe, and with you she has a better chance of that."

I relaxed, and turned to look for my Mother. She was sitting nearby, listening. Nodding at times as she absorbed the logic of their statements. A few more comments were said, the price on us was set at a staggering 10,000 G. I nearly fell off of my stool. Savan had even protested as Charle held out her purse.

"Savan, darling. I am receiving a dancer and a magic user. Be reasonable and take the gold, okay?"

And that was that. We were sold.

"I still don't want to go."

"Shirley, I know. But remember what I taught you. Be strong. The gift of magic in humans is rare, I don't want anything to happen to one who has it. Especially you, Shirley."

"What do I when I get there?"

"There's a little boy that Charle will let you meet."

"Then what?"

"Then the bonds of friendship will form. He's like you, but not as strong. Help him, okay Shirley? Be what you are, be the light to others. They'll need you."

"A-alright."

"Good-bye Shirley."

"Bye...Savan."

That is enough for now, I think...

Miranda's eyes fluttered open, taking in her surroundings. Books, walls, couch, more books. They were still in Albert's library. "Shirley? Why are you stopping?" Beside her, Shana was also coming to, her arms and legs stretching out as she yawned and opened groggy eyes.

Some memories...are hard. And painful. Parting with Savan was just that. I may not have stayed with him long, but he was a father figure to me then. Remembering ... reliving it is just as painful as it was when it actually happened. It is enough for now.

"Shirley, when do we listen again?" Shana asked, now sitting upright and alert. Her soft brown eyes were misty with unshed tears, Miranda noticed. Her empathetic nature was amazing.

You will both know, in time. For now, go and live this day. Don't ... take anything for granted. I will be in touch with you soon.

And then, just as simple as that, the feeling of Shirley's presence faded.