A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR! So, to ring in this new year right, here is the next chapter! You actually learn a bit about Minako in this one! And a few more bits about who Makoto was before her enslavement. Also, Maitym is pronounced 'MAH-teeim'.

Warning: Contains slavery, prostitution, mild violence, cursing, and other very mild to moderate things. Not too much bad in this chapter.

With love,
Korrupted.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON! But I am so looking forward to the season one finale this weekend!


All persons except the African slaves are to be provided with arms and ammunitions or be fined at the pleasure of the governor and the council.
- Act XI of Virginia law 1639


It had been five days since the public beating, and finally Minako could see the slave moved about with some level of comfort, though she was still restricting her to light work. Gavin had been forced to pay for the new door on top of being banned from her brothel, but it frustrated the blonde to no end that nothing else would happen to him; had Makoto been a free woman who had attacked him, she would have been thanked by the guards and the wretched excuse for a man would have been whipped. Another reason in her ever-growing list of why she loathed slavery with all of her heart and soul. The laws disgusted her, and with even more determination than before, she had resumed pouring herself into books on slavery laws and regulations, trying to educate herself as best as she could to ensure that the brunette would be better protected by her.

The business woman had noticed that Makoto's scathing remarks had lessened, and the previous night Minako had fallen asleep in the bar once the doors were closed with several tomes open around her, yet woke up tucked into bed with her books neatly placed on the small table beside her. She had asked Haruka if she had carried her to bed, but the butch guard had given her a surprised no; she had been entertaining a young seamstress in her room last night. When she passed the kitchen, she had over-heard scolding whispers, peeking in to glance a shirtless Makoto sitting on a chair with her arms crossed firmly over her breasts, Ami cleaning a few of the lashes with a disapproving expression. "What was I supposed to do, Ames? Just let her sleep on the table? One of us with a bad back is enough." The slave stated in reply to whatever the sapphire eyed healer had said.

"But re-opening your wounds isn't good. You know she would feel terrible if she found out. You'll have more scars if you keep this up." Minako never thought a reprimand could sound so gentle.

"Which is why I'm asking you not to tell her. She doesn't need to know."

The bluenette sighed, picking up a long length of linen. "You really are stubborn, you know that?"

A wide grin flashed onto the greenish-yellow tinted face of the slave, the bruises finally having gone down. "As a mule. Maitym even used to say that."

"'Maitym?' What does that mean?" The blonde was curious herself.

"Oh. It means mother. I grew up with a different dialect. I don't use it much, mostly because people don't understand it here." The brunette winced as the bandage was wrapped around her, moving her arms for the healer to continue.

"Excuse me, Minako." A voice whispered, causing the businesswoman to jump.

Turning, the blue eyed woman spotted Arianna standing behind her, motioning to pass by. With a sheepish nod, the whip wielder moved aside to allow the cook to enter, listening in once more. "Oh! Good morning, ladies. How are you feeling Mako?"

"Better. Not as sore as yesterday, and Ami said the wounds are healing well enough."

"Well, they would be healing better if you would refrain from lifting people! Honestly Makoto, you're worse than Haruka!" Ami protested loudly, throwing up her hands.

"Regardless, I have a lot to cook today. I have the boar roast, the soup, the bread, and the roasted vegetables." Ari grunted in irritation. "I wish we had another competent cook."

"I can help." The auburn haired slave pipped up. "Well, if Minako agrees, I can."

The brothel owner in question chose that moment to walk through, her finger tapping her chin in thought. "I see no reason why not. It's light duty as long as you stick to chopping, pouring, and don't lift anything heavy."

Emerald hues turned quickly to her. "How long were you there?" She questioned in a nervous tone, Minako waving her hand dismissively.

"Not long. Go ahead. If Arianna approves, you can help out in here too on a regular basis." The tiny whip used grinned kindly. "It would give you something else to do, so let's see!"

With a slightly irritated scowl on her face, Makoto tugged back on her tunic -the blonde was pleased to see it was one of the ones Petz had made- and walked to stand next to the cook behind the counter, Minako taking the previously occupied seat. At the smile from Arianna, the shackled female relaxed and hesitantly lifted a knife, taking some of the vegetables in hand to cut them. When she made the first chop, the business woman watched as the recovering slave released a deep breath, her features now showing the ghost of a smile. Roughly chopping the items for the cook, Makoto's hands moved with a certainty that showcased training, quickly moving on to chopping herbs as well.

"Impressive." The cook praised, her dark brown eyebrows arched. "Do you have kitchen experience?"

"Yeah. I used to cook a lot back when I was in-" Her words halted, the trio watching as she pulled up her guards quickly to cover whatever she had almost admitted to. "Back when I was free. Maitym taught me some, the rest I picked up here and there."

Ari brushed off the stumbled words casually. "Well, you are far better than Minako here. The last time she tried to help, it ended in disaster."

The bordello owner pouted, crossed her arms over her chest with a glower. "I thought we agreed never to talk about that again."

"Really? She can't cook?" Was the inquiry as she deftly scooped the cut herbs into a pot.

"Not if you don't want to be poisoned!" The cook cackled. "Ruined everything she touched and nicked her finger. Went screaming for Ami, swearing that she had chopped it off. Rei and I banned her from cooking from that day forward."

The former shrine maiden breezed in from the back garden at that moment, holding a flower in her right hand delicately. "She really is awful at it, I assure you."

"I thought you were on my side!"

Rei smirked. "I am. I also think that being honest is a good thing."

A sound filled the kitchen, an unusual one that they hadn't really heard before; Makoto's laughter. The enslaved female stood laughing loudly at the entire scene, her face bright and tilted upwards to the kitchen rafters. Her eyes were closed, her right hand modestly half covering her mouth, and it made everyone else beam. It was a rather lovely sound; sweet, clear, and just a touch rough from the slight gravel that was naturally in her voice. When finally the laughter eased, Rei stood against the wall, her tone gentle. "You have a very pretty laugh, Makoto."

The auburn haired female grinned still, trying to suppress her obvious glee. "I'm sorry. I just... She honestly never struck me as the kitchen disaster type."

"I'm right here, you know!" Minako asserted desperately. "Can we please change topics?!"

Ami seemed to be the one to agree with the blonde, asking the injured woman, "You mentioned growing up with a different dialect. Where were you born?"

Makoto's expression grew stern, her green eyes a bit hard. The knife was placed on the counter, and all went silent in the kitchen save for the crackling fire to cook with. Just as she was about to apologize for asking such a personal question, the shackled woman replied in a voice laced with deep sadness, "Not so far from here, actually."

Looking out one of the glass pane windows, she pointed at the distant mountain range. "See those mountains? They're about six days ride out on horseback. I grew up in the village on the far side of the large middle one, about nine days ride out. We were rather isolated by location, and I remember learning to hunt and do a lot of things myself there." Her hand lowered to the wooden cutting surface, staring at the knife. "It's been... More years than I can count since I was there... I want to go back, and visit. To go and talk to my parents."

Wet spots blossomed to life on the wood, the tall slave trembling slightly as she fought back tears. No one had seen the stubborn woman cry like this before, not even from the whipping the guards had given her, and it broke Minako's heart. The blonde rose to her feet, walking to stand beside her charge, looking up at her tenderly. "Would... Would it be alright if I allowed you to go back to your village for a few days?" Her posture was gentle, showing that she wasn't lying. "If you really want to go, then I would be happy to let you."

Tear filled verdant hues locked with kind ocean, the strong female's expression baffled. "B-but... I can't v-venture that far from you." Her features soured as her eyes locked onto her wrist shackles. "Slaves have to remain within two miles of their masters, or are considered runaways."

"Then I'll go with you." Was the simple offer.

Everyone stared at the whip wielder in surprise as she went on. "I always wanted to see the mountains for myself. It would be safer for you to have me escort you, too."

Makoto averted her gaze to the wall, watching it with a side-long glare. "I couldn't possibly ask that of you."

"Which is why I'm offering." She grinned wider, casually bumping elbows with her charge. "So, whaddya say, Makoto? Road trip as soon as Ami says you're up for it?"

The auburn haired slave was staring at Minako in curious bewilderment. Never had any of her previous masters been willing to consider letting her out of whatever city she was in, let alone go back to her village. But now, Minako was happily offering to escort her back home for a visit. To help keep her safe from roaming slave traders and unsavory soldiers who watched for slaves to stumble across their areas. Her throat tight with emotion, the injured woman simply nodded her answer, hastily wiping her eyes with her palms.

Rei watched the stubborn woman fighting back tears, her violet eyes curious and gentle. It seemed that Minako was still that sweet, kind woman she had always been; owning a slave hadn't changed her for the worst, but perhaps for the better. But still, the idea of the bordello owner wandering for a minimum of eighteen days with only a slave that had previously been very hostile towards her was quite troublesome, and something she would bring up to the barely older woman about. Instead her thoughts were broken into by a hissing grunt of pain, a dull thump!, and Ami scolding Makoto in that soft voice of hers, "Mako! No lifting includes flour sacks! Honestly, you're going to tear them back open!"

The brunette was hunkered over the counter, her left hand awkwardly gripping her shoulder while her face was scrunched in pain, gritting her teeth. "I'm fine." The woman half snarled.

"Makoto, to bed. As long as you don't strain yourself, I would appreciate your help in the kitchen. But you must rest." Ari insisted, shooing her out of the kitchen with Minako hot on her heels. "You've five bells before the brothel opens, so you should be off your feet."

With a defiant pout, the auburn haired female glanced over her shoulder at the kitchen, Minako standing behind her with a stern frown. "She's right. Bed. I'll help you get settled."

Instead of saying anything, Makoto simply began trudging off to her room irritably, her guardian close behind as they climbed the stairs. The blue eyed woman had her hands hovering a few inches away from the taller woman's body in case she required more balance, glad they made it to the landing without incident. When they had managed to make it to Makoto's room at long last, the whip wielder halted at the door until she noticed her charge glancing over her shoulder at her expectantly, entering cautiously while glancing around. She had last been inside that first night, and not much had changed; a few flower vases here and there as well as a few sashes and ribbons of pink on the desk were the only real difference in appearance.

Her charge hissed again as she tried to worm her way out of her tunic, Minako instantly hurrying over. "Hang on, I've got you." She whispered in assurance, hoisting the material up with a bit of difficulty due to the height difference.

The slave held her arms over her bandage-wrapped chest for modesty, the gold collar and wrist cuffs warmly glowing in the light of the alchemy induced fires. She looked down at her master, her auburn brows furrowed slightly. "Did you really mean it? When you said we could go to my village?"

The businesswoman had never heard her voice so small, so unsure. Casting a gentle smile up at her employee, Minako nodded. "Of course I did. When Ami clears you for being able to make the trip, we will go the very next day. Now, into bed."

Using her left hand for support, the horsetailed woman lowered herself onto her stomach, grunting with discomfort as she wormed a few pillows under her stomach. "Stupid big tits." She grumbled after folding her arms onto the pillow, resting her head on them. "Always a pain."

The blonde winked playfully, shrugging a bit. "I don't have that problem." She earned herself a glare from her companion before tucking a stray lock of auburn hair behind a tan ear. "And thank you, Makoto."

"For what?" The expression was clearly confused.

"For carrying me to bed last night and organizing my books. Next time, just wake me, okay? I don't want to be the cause of more pain for you."

Emerald orbs skirted to the floor, tan cheeks a bit flushed. "Well, you were looking up slave laws again. Figured I might as well get your sorry ass to a proper bed instead of letting you sleep at the table."

Minako kept her expression as gentle as her voice. "Well, thank you. Now, please rest. I'll wake you if we need you. I promise."

A dismissive grumble was her only reply moments before she heard the woman state, "As you wish, Master Blondie."

A week ago, the remark would have been met with frustrated screeches and possibly even a hateful glare. But this time they lacked the venom that had previously been slathered on the words, they lacked the sharpness that Makoto had used to wield them like a dagger. If anything, it sounded almost neutral; like a slightly impish joke. A tiny smirk tugged at Minako's lips as ocean eyes rolled, leaving the room with a wave, trying to be as quiet as possible.

The moment the door clicked shut behind her, a voice on her left made the blonde jump, reaching for her boot knife. "Are you sure it's wise to travel alone with her?"

The sight of Rei standing in the hall calmed the now panting woman, her blade sliding back into the sheath. Taking a few deep, calming breaths, the madam ran her fingers through her hair twice, thinking of how to answer the very valid question. "Rei, she's been actually well-behaved. And to be honest, she has only ever wounded me with words and glares before. You've seen what she can do. If she had really wanted me harmed, she could have done it in the dead of the night before fleeing."

The memory of when the slave had pinned her to the wall by her arm and throat flashed into her mind. She was acutely aware that the woman could have seriously injured her, but instead released her the moment she realized who is was. "Besides, maybe this could help her to trust me more. She's been doing better since she found out I was actually trying to free her, but she's right. I need to do more. Learning about laws to keep her safe may be important, but I need to show I trust her, that I want her to be happy."

The former miko tapped her index finger on her lips in thought, her violet irises narrowed. "Alright. I just... Worry about you. I mean, if not for you, where do you think most of these girls would be? I don't know what we would do without you."

The madam smiled kindly at her friend, wrapping her arms around her in a firm embrace. "It will be fine, Rei. I promise."


Two and a half weeks later, Ami finally deemed Makoto well enough to be able to make the trip to her village. The brothel owner was busy making final preperations for the next day as the weather began it's slow autumn cool down, and so found herself before the Magistrate, the greying man looking over the request she had presented him. "Minako, I can't possibly approve this!" He stated, his eyes wide. "An axe, sword, and buckler for your slave?! One who has already attacked a free man? Attacked!"

The woman rolled her eyes. "Is was to defend Ami, and the Duchess Kaioh already testified as much. We are going on a long trip, and she needs some arms. The axe is for wood cutting." She held up her hands to show the man her palms. "Do these hands look like I even know how to fell a tree?"

"And a sword?"

She shrugged. "We could encounter bandits."

The man sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "There is no way I can approve this, Minako. I'm sorry, but I must refuse..."

His words trailed off as his grey-blue eyes took note of her pleading expression, her features soft, imploring. "No. No, no, no, no." The Magistrate half sputtered. "You can't just use that face every time you need me to sign something!"

Her eyes became sadder, his gut twisting slightly. "Besides Mina, it's been nine years! You can't expect me to fall for it every time you..."

Her lower lip quivered just slightly, and the older man's throat tightened as his heart melted. Just like it always did. "Heildar damn it all. Fine!" He took up a quill, dipped it in ink, and signed the document as well as melting wax and applying his seal before handing it back. "Here! Take your damned notice." He grumbled.

The blonde grinned triumphantly before swooping in to kiss his cheek, gaining a wide blush from the much older man. "Thank you, Magistrate! This means a lot, I promise." She winked at him playfully. "You always were my favorite patron, you know."

The official rolled his eyes. "You had several patrons back then, Minako. I was just one of many."

Her ocean hues softened. "But you always were kind to me. You truly were my favorite. I always tried to make time for you, Gareth."

His own expression became tender as he looked at the former prostitute. "I know." He stood and looked at a wall tapestry as she walked to the door, speaking loudly. "My offer still stands, you know. If you should ever wish to leave the business and marry, I still offer myself to you as a suitor."

The madam turned back to her former patron, smiling at his back. "I know. If I ever decide to close the brothel and marry a man, I will let you know."

Gareth turned back to her. "Mina, I wasn't joking then either. If you should ever want to bed a woman while married to me, I would never speak against it."

With a soft smile, the whip wielder walked back over to stand before the Magistrate, reaching up to caress his cheek lovingly. "I know. I still remember your offer. Gareth, I do care greatly for you. Truly, I do. But I need someone who can understand my business and respect it while I run it. I'm partially married to the Crystal Palace, and I need someone who can help me run it. Keep it in order. Who can protect my girls with me. You and I both know it's not you."

He leaned into her palm slightly, his expression weary. "I am too ingrained as a law keeper to help run a brothel. I will still do all I can to help you legally, Minako." His eyes brightened. "I do hope you find that person you need. Even if they aren't me."

Minako stood on her tip-toes and placed a gentle kiss on his lips, the older man returning the action in kind. When she pulled away, the two pairs of half-mast blue eyes locked, and she whispered, "Thank you, Gareth. Truly, thank you. Perhaps in a different life, we would have been husband and wife."

"Perhaps. But you should go. Arm your slave for the trip. I want you to alert me the moment you both return. Am I understood?"

She returned her feet fully to the ground, feeling as if his over-bearing streak had ruined the moment like always. "I'm not a child. I may be twenty six, but I am not without understanding of how to defend myself."

His brow furrowed. "And most women ten years younger are already married. At your age, you should have a strong husband and several young boys to protect you. I worry."

She stepped back and glowered at him, once again losing the open, deep affection she held, knowing the moment was truly gone. "Gareth. I don't require men to protect me. I am capable enough, thanks." She ran a hand through her long hair. "Now, I must go. Farewell, Magistrate."

"Farewell, Madam Aino." He stated, watching her walk out of his study before sitting at his chair, hard.

He loved her dearly. It was such a pity that they were destined to clash over so many things. Gareth placed his head in his hands, taking a slow, deep breath in. No matter. He would still do all he could to aid her, anything at all without showing her too much leniency. Perhaps he would be able to locate more books on slave laws for her as a return gift. Maybe that could be his apology for annoying her once more.


Minako and her slave walked to the blacksmith in silence, the slave sensing that her younger master was deeply troubled by something, but not speaking up. That was a conversation best left for when they were back at the Crystal Palace and had privacy. "Tell me again why you wanted to come with me for a sword, Mako?" The smaller female inquired.

"Because the sword is meant for me, yes? Which means I need to be comfortable with it. The feel and balance is important, and I would be willing to bet my right arm you don't know enough about weapons to tell." Was the mildly humored reply.

A golden eyebrow arched. "And how do you know so much about weapons? I'm really curious."

The slave's eyes darkened as Minako watched the walls her charge clung to so desperately were once again cast up. "That's for me to know." However, a minute easing of her features was a new part to this typical dance of minds. "But... Maybe I'll tell you some day."

The blonde stared at her in open shock until a wide grin broke onto the taller woman's lips. "Just don't hold your breath, Master Blondie." She teased, bumping her elbow against Minako's playfully.

Minako laughed loudly, shaking her head. "With how jealously you guard your secrets, I feel it wise not to! I do need to breathe to live, you know."

It was nice to see her charge so excited about their departure the next day, and it seemed that it was making the stubborn woman quite playful and pleasant. Haruka even had mentioned that the brunette had been grinning like a child during sparring that morning. Opening the door to the smith's shop, both women were startled to see Travis speaking with the mocha skinned man. "Goldsmith, Blacksmith." Makoto greeted politely with an incline of her head.

However, the blacksmith stared at her openly, his mouth agape, causing all eyes to stare upon him, the two free persons calling his name. After composing himself, Kalister Indra smiled shakily to Minako, pointedly ignoring the deeply frowning slave at her side. "I uh... Good day, Madam Aino. Forgive me, I just..." Hazel eyes flickered over to the taller woman before returning to her master. "I hadn't realized you gained a slave."

The bordello owner sighed and rolled her eyes dismissively. "Long story." Was her annoyed reply while fishing out her signed notice from the Magistrate, handing it to the smith as Travis excused himself. "I need to arm Makoto for a trip. Axe for chopping, sword, and buckler. She insisted on coming to pick them herself."

"Of course she would..." He mumbled under his breath, handing the paper back before looking at the green eyed woman's general direction. "Alright, come on. Let's get you armed Hens-" The smith turned a vibrant red as the tan female stiffened, clearly angry. "Er.. Slave."

Minako watched as Makoto reluctantly followed the man, stalking after them from a safe distance. Makoto was a cautious person at best, and so if she was wary about the smith, then so was she. As blue eyes watched the tall brunette look over swords, she could hear hushed conversation, Makoto's tone scathing. She only caught what seemed to be the tail end of their discussion, however.

"But, we all thought you were-" Kalister began in a whisper, but found himself cut off.

"Quiet. Not a soul, do you understand me? I'm a slave now, and that's that. Who I was is dead. She died that day, so forget what you knew of her." Her irritated charge muttered back sharply.

The smith seemed to deflate, nodding. "Yes, Makoto." He jumped as her hand went to a sword. "No, not that one. It won't feel right. The weight is different than it looks. Here, try this one."

Completely confused and trying to wrap around the confusing chunks of new information on her slave. She seemed to be someone the man knew, possibly respected. Minako was coldly reminded about just how little she really knew about her stubborn employee, about just who was Makoto Kino the person. At long last, the duo returned with the gold-clad slave holding a fair sized axe, a short sword, and a metal rimmed buckler. "How much do I owe you, Kalister?" The businesswoman inquired, reaching for her coin purse.

"Nothing yet. The Magistrate's document means that these are loaned. Upon return, I charge for damages or destroyed items. Until then, I wish you both a good journey."

Slowly nodding, the two women walked out of the workshop, making their way to the stables next for horses. "Well, that was... unusual." The smaller woman tentatively supplied.

"I knew him, it's that's what's bothering you."

Ocean hues blinked in shock at the boredly stated admission. It was so under-whelming that she almost was disappointed at how easily the information had been given up. "I uhh... Oh." A question formed on her lips, tumbling out swiftly. "So, who are you? You know. Who are you really."

The taller woman halted, the sunlight catching at just the right angle to show just how far she had come since arriving half-starved at the Palace. Her sturdy form was covered in powerful muscles that lay hidden under warmly tanned skin, the tunic cinched by a leather belt at the waist proving her rather remarkable figure, strong, long legs covered by loose trousers, the golden restraints glowing in orange tones. Minako knew scars lay crossing this way and that along her back from horrible beating she had suffered, a clean edged one along her side that seemed to be from a blade, her green eyes both warm and coldly guarded at the same time. It was a wonder of humanity that she had never lost her fire, never let herself be destroyed. "Who am I? You want to know who I am?"

The question was soft, almost hesitant, prompting the blonde to nod carefully, as if afraid of chasing the strong slave away. Makoto took in a deep breath, trying to relax herself before breaking into a huge impish grin. "I'm here to serve, O great Master Minako." She playfully goaded while dropping into a highly exaggerated half-bow as to not drop any of her supplies, laughing at the groan of exasperation from her master.

The blonde rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over the orange dyed corset that covered her lose white shirt, her lower lip in a pout. "You're impossible, Makoto! I swear, you and Haruka could be sisters!"


The following morning saw Minako sitting at her desk with Rei in the chair beside her, both sipping on tea in companionable silence. She had already gotten into an argument with her busty charge over sleeping furs earlier that morning; Makoto insisted that the whip wielder needed more than two fur blankets as they would be in the mountains, the blonde stubbornly retorted that she didn't get cold easily, and so they had reached an impasse. While she kept her two, the auburn haired escort seemed to think that six was a decent number, which seemed terribly excessive. They had also packed a large number of winter weight clothing, but that was something that the small female didn't argue about. "So, how long will you be away?" Rei finally prodded, her posture worried.

Minako set her cup down, reaching for a sealed document on her desk. "No longer than twenty three days. But... I had this drawn up."

After offering the item to her trusted friend, the former miko took it in her hands, glancing nervously at her boss. "If I don't return or give word by forty days, everything is yours. As of right now, you are the temporary owner of the brothel, but should something happen, and I not make it back..." A grin found it's way onto her lips, absurdly cheery in spite of how serious the topic was. "Then best of luck keeping these girls wrangled. And don't let the Princess paint her room any more tones of pink."

Rei nodded and placed it on the table with her cup, violet hues a bit watery. "I won't, but you be safe. I'll do all I can while you are away, Mina. I promise."

The two women embraced firmly, returning to their tea until Haruka came to inform the bordello owner that the horses were ready. Slowly, she stood and grasped the cloak on the wall peg to follow the guard, making their way to the streets outside to see Makoto checking over the horses. Minako watched as she double checked the riding gear, a brown cloak draped over the saddle of the larger beast already. When the slave turned to spot her master, a smirk played across her lips gesturing to their steeds. "They're ready. I put our supplies on them as well."

"Do we have food?" The blonde questioned, finding a leather satchel thrust upon her.

"Enough for a day or so if rationed. I can hunt more." The gold shackled woman seemed to swell with pride. "And trust me, I am a good hunter."

It was a bit disappointing that the businesswoman realized that they wouldn't be eating Ari's delicious cooking the entire time, but if Makoto was involved with the food on this trip, at least she would eat somewhat well. Placing the satchel over her head, Minako mounted her quarter horse and took up the reins, watching Haruka clasp arms with the busty escort. "You take care of her, got it?"

A nod was exchanged and they embraced, Makoto pulling away to mount her own horse with a deft skill, her brow stern as she checked the sword at her left hip, the axe in the saddle yolk, and the buckler over her packs. When they were deemed satisfactory, she walked her horse towards her master's, the morning sunlight reflecting the restraints to cast a warm glow on her skin, emerald hues curious. "Ready?" Was the simple question.

A small smile tugged at the blonde's lips. "Ready. Let's go."

With utmost ease, the brunette turned the horse and began making her way down the street, leaving her master to catch up a bit less smoothly. Minako couldn't help but notice just how at ease her charge was atop the large horse, how she and the animal appeared to be one regardless of the lazy, one-handed grip she had on her reins. They reached the city gates, and after showing the arming notice from the Magistrate, they were moving across the open fields.

Blue orbs glanced at her companion, taking in the slight ghost of a smile on Makoto's lips. Hopefully, the reunion of the woman with her family would be just as happy as this moment.