Branded
Authors note: I am exceptionally sorry for those who read the first couple of chapters in which I didn't edit very well, because you probably found a billion mistakes. All correct now, hopefully! All characters belong to me, except Reaver. He's all Fable's. Enjoy the third chapter!
Chapter Three
Once the carriage was loaded, the ride back to Bowerstone lake began. The rain had ceased, never managing to build up to more than a drizzle, and the clear skies allowed the sun to shine through just a little. The world outside fell silent, mirroring the inside of the carriage to an uneasy level.
On one side, sat Reaver who was still smiling at his newley bought property, bathed in sunlight as he took in his victory. He sat perfectly primmed and proper, in spotlessly clean attire despite his recent surroundings. Not a hair was out of place on the dashingly good looking tycoons head, which was a far cry from what sat opposite him.
To the left of Reaver on the seats set facing him, slumped the older man, passed out against the side of the window, in blissfull peace unaware of his fate. God knows how long the fellow had experienced this much sleep, so Reaver left him to dirty the side, being as he was in such a generous mood. On the far, right side of the seat, sat a similar sight, Adrian this time, still unconscious from his earlier actions. He had been carelessly thrown on to the seat, causing his legs to curl up in to an uncomfortable position. His face was too scrunched up, like he was frowning or angry at something in his sleep. Probably myself, Reaver though, and gave an unexpected chuckle, that suddenly broke the silece.
Elise jumped slightly, and for a second she stopped stroking the hair on her brothers head which was nestled in her lap. She looked so tiny inbetween the two men, but in mind, she looked the oldest of them all. Her face no longer showed any sign of fear, only complete care for Adrian, and determination to see the trip through. Slowly, Elise looked up, meeting Reaver's gaze and held it for a second in, before returning to her brother. That's where he eyes stayed for the remainder of the journey.
Some time later, the carriage neared the trees that bordered the entrance to Bowerstone Lake. The sun hung low in the Sky, painting the leaves and the water in a golden hue. By this time, Adrian had awoken from his state, refusing to speak to even Elise. Instead, he resulted to throwing quick, scowling glances at Reaver, inbetween staring at his hands. Elise had turned away from him, obviously a little upset at his silence. Not that they could share much in the company of Reaver anyway. She resulted to looking out of the window, past the sleeping man, whose name she faintly remembered to be Joseph.
Although she had to put on a slightly defiant act for the sake of her brothers aliance, she secretly liked her new situation. As it stood at the moment, she was safe away from the slavers, who were no strangers to giving abuse and pain. That would be enough on it's own, without adding that she'd never been further than the borderlines of Bowerstone Industrial. She'd always dreamed of seeing more of Albion, no matter how little it was. Inside she was greatful. She didn't know what would wait for her in her masters new home.
A moment later, Reaver clapped his hands together, the loud sound jolting Joseph awake. He spluttered for a moment, before remembering the situation, and the noise died down. 'Now now my good fellows, we have arrived at mon château, and not a moment too soon!' The carriage turned in on the largest mannor, and all three eyes widened. The door opened, and Reaver was the first to step out, followed hesitantly by the others.
Double doors to the house swung open, either side stood two women. Although clearly servants, both were incredibly clean and well presented, alongside being extremley beautiful. Their clothes consisted of a ruffled white dress, cut just above the knee, and on top, a brown, leather type vest, much like Reaver's own dress style underneath his long coat. Typical, Elise though. She could of pegged Reaver to be the vein man who would dress his workers in scantily clad versions of his own fashion.
'Good afternoon Master Reaver!' The girls chorused cheerily, in a practised form. Reaver held out his arms embracingly, a smile plastered on his face.
'Ladies' he replied happily, walking forward. The brunette of the two skipped forward to collect his cane and top hat he routinley held out. 'Ah, thank you mon cher' he replied to her gesture, before adressing the blonde. 'Christine, would you be so kind as to fetch Laurent for me my lovley? Make it hastey, we have new workers that need attending too!' Christine nodded, before hastily walking in the the mannor. The brunette gave the three a reassuring smile, before accompanying Reaver inside.
Elise exchanged a glance with her brother, before Reaver called after them to follow him in. Joseph went first, followed by Adrian who unconsciously pushed Elise behind him, just like he'd done so many times before back in Bowerstone.
The entrance hall to the mannor was grand, decorated lushly with expensive furniture. Around the room, and down other halls, Elise spotted several of the other workers, all dressed the same, bar the men, whose uniform appeared to be similar the the womens, but replaced with black trousers rather than the low cut dress. However, male or female, each and every worker was exceedinly beautiful, which just showed Reaver's taste.
At the top of a flight of stairs leading to the second floor, appeared a man, who was tall in stature, and fairly thin. Black hair was swept back, in to a perfect, short ponytail, tied with a lavish silk ribbon. Although he was dressed the same as the other servants, for some reason, he gave of an air of authouriety. His face was sharp, with green piercing eyes. He reached the bottom step, and turned to Reaver, giving him a small, respectful nod.
'Master Reaver' he adressed the three along side his superiour, his voice deep with a french, flowing accent that sounded like music.
Reaver wasted no time with pleasentries, and immedietly explained the situation. 'Ah Laurent, these lovley workers right here are to be taken to the baths, and washed to an impecable standard. I want no smudge of dirt left on their heads, do you understand me? Call on Christine, or a few of the others if need be, but I want them dressed and fed well too.' With that Laurent nodded, motioning for Joseph, Adrian and Elise to follow him up the stairs.
The three trudged up, each observing the fine furnishings and tappestries that adorned the walls, before dissapearing down another hallway, but not before hearing a series of giggling, followed by Reaver laughing.
Down the hall they followed, listening as Laurent called on a few others to help him. Jessica, the quiet brunette from earlier who looked in her early twenties or so, and two other males, both alike in build; tall, and broad shouldered. However, one, whose name she remembered as being Nareeme, had skin as dark as night, with warm, exotic eyes. He noticed Elise staring, and gave a small grin, before nodding, and turning away.
The group stopped infront of a closed door, and Laurent turned to Elise. 'Here you shall bathe with the aid of Jessica.' Both women nodded before he continued. 'Men follow me down the hall to the other wash rooms.' Jessica gently ushered Elise through the door, and before she disapeared through, she caught a glimpse of the other man, Gareth, ruffle Adrian on the head.
'Come on pretty boy!' Gareth joked, before laughing in a friendly way and turning a corner. Jessica closed the door.
The room Elise found herself in was magnificent. White marble floor covered the room, matching the equally white walls. What little sunlight still remained outside poured in through the wide, clear windows, and bathed the tiles in a warm glow
Jessica stepped forward to an enormous, round bath tub set in the center of the room, and turned a tap. Hot, steaming water began to put out, and Elise gasped. The rare times the slavers let her wash had been through a bucked of ice cold water, that had already been used by the other captives. She had never before experienced this. Jessica wandered over, giving her a warming smile. She reached out, and slowly began to untie Elise's rags, fiddling with the string. She could sense Elise's discomfort, and tried to make conversation. 'My names Jessica, what's yours?'
Elise stayed quiet, and shuffled her feet, before frowning at the dirt marks she'd left across the tiles. She froze, knowing she'd probably be punished for defiling such a beautiful floor. Noticing the shock on her face, Jessica looked down before taking Elise's hands. 'It's okay sweetheart, that's not your fault, you can hardly help it. That's why you're here, to get all clean.' Jessica gave a smile, and Elise relaxed. She stepped out of her rags, which Jessica busily folded, before turning off the taps, and testing the water.
Elise stood, covering her body with her arms, more out of coldness than anything else. She was comfortable with nakedness, specially as she'd spent most of her life with other people in slave cells.
As the bath sit cooling, Jessica led her over to the corner of the room, with a small drain and a metal head fastened to the wall. Elise was hesitant, before Jessica flicked a switch, and cool jets of water sprouted from the head. 'It's just to wash as much dirt off as I can, so it doesn't sit in the bath' She explained, and Elise emersed herself under.
Although the water was cold, the clean water felt good on her skin, and she stepped out dripping wet, feeling a little more refreshed.
Elise sighed slightly. As much as she'd planned on just sticking with her brother, and maybe Joseph, Jessica seemed like a nice enough woman, and it wouldn't hurt to make a few friends round here. She didn't doubt she would be here for a very long time.
'Elise' she confessed, before stepping forward, and taking Jessica's hand.
Jessica helped her in to the tub, and smiled as she relaxed in the water. 'Your name?' She asked, and Elise nodded. 'It's pretty' Jessica complimented, as she went about the room, collecting several bottles of liquid. As she did this, Elise sliped under the water, holding her breath. For a moment, everything seemed at peace before she sat back up, content.
Gently, Jessica began lathering on the varied soaps, and a while later, Elise was clean. She was wrapped in a towel, and dried, before clothed in a workers uniform. Jessica took a pair of scissors from a nearby cabinet, and began to snip away little bits of hair.
Elise arched an eyebrow, which Jessica saw in the mirror infront of them. She chuckled, before speaking. 'Reaver likes perfection' she whispered quietly, before rolling her eyes. 'I won't take too much, I promise. I couldn't bring myself to do it, it's so long!' She complimented. It was true, her hair hung in dark brown waves, just below her waist. Her small height made it seem so more longer too.
When Jessica was finished she spun Elise around. She pursed her lips, squinting her eyes. 'Just one thing more...' She trailed off, pulling a white coloured ribbon from her own hair, letting it fall just past her shoulders. She tied it in Elise's hair, like a band, that pushed back her fringe. 'Perfect! And it matches your dress' She gave a wink, before turning her to face the mirror.
Elise looked astonished, before touching her own cheek. Never before had she felt so clean and comfortable in her life. She smiled, before choking out a 'Thank you'. Jessica bent down, and gave her a light kiss on the cheek.
'It's no problem sweetheart, now. lets get you fed.' Elise nodded, following Jessica to the door, when she stoped, and turned around. She looked a little uncomfortable, like she wanted to say something, but was afraid of the consequences. 'Look, hunny, Reaver is a very dificult man to work for.' She'd bent down again, eye level with Elise, her voice a whisper. 'You haven't asked a lot of questions, which is good. There's no need yet, just play along for him. Just do as he says, and it should be okay. For god's sake, don't speak out, okay?' Elise made to question her, but she hushed her. 'Please? Promise me?'
Elise slowly nodded, as Jessica straightened up. 'Good! Now let's go eat.' She smiled, and opened the door. Jessica changed so quickly on the topic of Reaver, god knows what he did here.