[Tiki Time]

The Trial

Amalia stepped out of the Amruthar Palace and glanced up towards the moon. Mm, a lovely evening.

She’d barely taken a step before she heard a raven cawing. She raised a brow and reached out her arm for the raven to land. Untying the letter from its leg, she shook her arm to shoo the raven away. Letters are never good news. If it was good news, it could wait…people only send ravens for bad news. She wrinkled up her nose, took a deep breath, and opened the letter and read it silently to herself.

“Amalia, I will tell you what occurred in the judgement between me and Max.” Oh damn it all, I missed the trial …

“During the trial, Max and Alyisse brought up that I was trying to turn his allies against him, such as you. I apologize for this, but it came out from me that you and I had a home in Eltabbar” She sighed softly, pursing her lips as she continued to read “Mistress Jutta ordered Max to put Alyisse up for auction, I apologize for disobeying your trust, I know you told me that he shouldn’t know.”

I knew this would happen. Didn’t I tell him? Now I’ll lose Alyisse. What happened to the damn deal he agreed to offer Max? Why did our house even come up? “I was punished by being forced to give up the key to your home, I can only live with the other knights or with my master.”

Are you kidding me? I only moved to Eltabbar for YOU… “I realize that with this you may never with to speak to me again, but Amalia, I love you.”

Love. Love, he says… “I hope you can find it somehow, someway, to forgive me for what I have wronged you for. If not, I cherish and will cherish every moment we spent together. I love you…” She didn’t even read the signature, knowing exactly who this had come from.

What a mess, what a gods damned mess. I’ll lose Alyisse, Max is probably furious with me, and Tyrael can no longer live with me. Alaric is…well, busy being Alaric. Now what? She crumpled up the paper and glanced up to find Alyisse standing there. She blinked, sighed, and motioned the elf over. She scooped the elf into her arms to comfort her and prepare her with the knowledge that her fate is unknown, that she could not purchase her.

“Come, Alyisse. I need to respond to Tyrael and I want you with me.” Amalia released the girl and began to head towards the Palace to retrieve more paper. The elf followed along obediently and waited as Amalia scribbled a letter in response, “How dare you inform me in a letter. If you truly love me you will give me the respect I deserve by telling me to my face. I will wait in my room in Amruthar. Come speak with me, now.” She folded up the letter and with a small huff began to head to the caravan.

“Deliver this to Tyrael Black,please.” She spoke as she handed over the letter and a few gold before heading into the inn.

“Uhm, Mistress Amalia…I do not believe I should be alone with Tyrael after what happened.” The elf spoke meekly. At that, Amalia stopped and turned, giving her a soft smile, “Don’t worry, dear. You won’t be. Now come quickly before he arrives, I have a job for you.” I need to know if he'll lie to me...

As they arrived, Amalia shut the door and informed Alyisse that she wanted her to hide behind the couches and listen to the conversation. She wanted Alyisse to verify that Tyrael spoke truth. I don’t know who to believe right now…She’d thought with a frown.

Before they knew it, there was a knock at the door, Tyrael had arrived. Amalia motioned the elf to the couches and only went for the door when Alyisse was properly hidden.

As Tyrael entered the room, Amalia pointed him to the other set of couches, ensuring that Alyisse could remain hidden from his view. As he sat down, she angrily barraged him with questions, “Did you not offer Max the deal? How was our home even relevant to the trial? Do you realize what you’ve done? Do you realize I will lose Alyisse now, because of you? If you loved me, why did you betray my trust? Now we cannot live together, because of you. Is that what you wanted?” She was furious but rather calm considering the situation.

With each question, Tyrael provided a suitable answer…at least, suitable enough. She was still upset, but not as upset as she’d previously been. Not until he told her that Alyisse had blatantly lied and it was that lie which caused Tyrael’s punishment.
Furious once more, Amalia’s voice rang out, “ALYISSE! Get your damned white-haired arse over here this instant.” Alyisse quickly popped out from behind the couches and meekly came to face Amalia.

It was obvious that she expected to be smacked, just as Amalia had smacked her before. Instead, Amalia simply interrogated her next, “Is it true? Did you lie in the trial?” The elf, to her credit, admitted to what she’d said and confirmed that Tyrael’s words were true.

At this point, Tyrael got himself up from the couches, chuckling…but not a happy chuckle. To Amalia it seemed as if it was a crazed chuckle of disbelief. She watched him as she wandered to the bedroom door, picked up a flower pot, and threw it at the wall. I hope he’s going to pay for that… She wrinkled up her nose and frowned, watching him storm off into the room, “Tyrael…”

“Perhaps you should see to him…” the elf spoke meekly once more. Amalia nodded and dismissed her. And now the argument begins…now that we’re alone, I can express how I truly feel. As Alyisse left, Amalia followed Tyrael into the room.

---

The Fight

Amalia's anger made her crazy. Usually calm and rational, her emotions were running hot. So hot that she could not even quiet her mind. She was not used to this level of emotion running through her. I moved to the city I hate for him, and he got himself kicked out of my house. How could he do that to me? ...Why am I so angry about this? He's just a target, just a mark. Why do I care? Stay calm, Amalia, you shouldn't be angry.

She approached Tyrael and took a deep breath. "I would not have moved to Eltabbar if I knew we couldn't be together. What are we supposed to do now?" Her mind was still raging, she was screaming from the inside...but she wasn't sure who she was more mad at, him...or herself. Don't ruin this, Amalia. He's still the most powerful man who cares for you. Yes, your plans were thrown off kilter, but you can still use him. ...Use him, why am I using him anyway? Right, power. She took another deep breath.

"We don't need to live together, we can make this work. I know I upset you, but Amalia...we just need to persevere," His words were calm, he seemed much calmer than she was. Is he even upset about this at all? Wait, yes, of course he's upset. He claims to love me...this has to be upsetting for him.

"How could you let this happen? How was our home at all relevant to the trial?! If you'd have just kept your word and kept your mouth shut, this wouldn't have happened!!" She burst out in a rage. Stop it, Amalia. Calm down, it'll be fine. Persevere he says, yes...you can do that. He seemed far too calm for her liking. She was raging on the inside and he seemed fine...apologetic, but fine. So positive, so sure that they could still be together. It wasn't about being together, that wasn't the point of all this. Of course we could "be together" without living together...but that's not what I wanted. I need to keep an eye on you, make sure you don't lose interest...my plans for you are long term. Yes...long term. She found herself daydreaming for a moment, thinking of the future...this "long term" she'd referred to. Try as she might, she could not get the thoughts of Tyrael out of her mind, he was standing there, in that "long term". No, no Amalia. Stop it.

She snapped herself out of the daydream and began feeling furious all over again. But "long term" was all she could think about, before she knew it she was screaming once more. "This isn't what I wanted! I DIDNT WANT THIS! I wanted more for us!" More for me. "I wanted us, together! Our own home, our own family someday!" ...What?Why did I say that? Lying isn't what we do, Amalia. Twist words, imply, but never lie. Lying isn't... But it wasn't a lie, as much as she tried to deny it to herself, she knew it was true.

"I know, I want a future too. We can still have that, we can persevere," Will he stop saying PERSEVERE?! I don't want to persevere!! Despite her thoughts, he continued, "I am a Thayan Knight. Thayan Knights are supposed to live with their masters or their fellow knights."

Thayan Knight. Right, that's right. That's why you're here Amalia. He's a Thayan Knight. That's the best you can do unless Alaric becomes a Red Wizard. THAT is why you picked him and not Max. Don't forget it. She struggled with her thoughts, trying to stop them, trying to think about something else, trying to focus on the argument. "And their women are just supposed to...what? Sleep alone?"

"Most Thayan Knights swear away from women, actually", he'd replied simply. That made her furious all over again, she was losing it, losing herself. This stung her, stung her so hard she lost all control over her rational side.

"WELL FINE!" She huffed. Fine, if he wants to swear away women, fine! But he was still talking... "And those who do not...yes. But we will not always sleep alone, I will be able to visit your home and stay for a day or two but not stay there." Her words finally sunk in, "...What?"

"You heard me! Swear away women, then! If that's what Knights do!" She tossed her hands into the air, she was irate and emotional, she wasn't making any sense...not even to herself.

"...I said most Knight. It's not forbidden to have a woman." He seemed dumbfounded.

"But it's forbidden to BE with one!" Her words were sharp, harsh, and uncontrolled.

"Not for a long period of time! I can stay in a room and a home with you but I can't call it a home! I can't have a key!" He protested, obviously desperate to calm her down. What's the point then?! What's the point?! Not for long periods of time? So...so I'm temporary. Fine, I'm temporary, it doesn't matter. I was just using him anyway.

She burst out once more, "So what? What is this? Temporary?! Am I just temporary to you?! To be cast away when it becomes TOO LONG?!" She was crazed. She snapped completely.

"NO!" He firmly replied to her insane accusations.

"YOU just SAID no women for long periods of time!!" She was cherry-picking words, but she couldn't realize it...not with how angry she was. Stop it, stop it, stop it. You don't even care, Amalia. Why are you being like this?

"No staying in the same home with you! I can be with you! In inn rooms! I can visit your home for a few days! We can GET an inn room" he was repeating himself, desperately trying to make her see that she was overreacting, "Not no WOMEN. No LIVING with them for long periods of time." His attempts were admirable but they weren't working.

"I don't want an inn room! I want a life!" On the outside she was simply angry, on the inside she was crying.

"Then walk out! Go find another man! We have a LOVE! We LOVE each other!" He shouted back at her. Love, love...there he goes again with this word. We don't have a love, no, he loves me but I don't love him. I don't. I love Alaric.

"I don't want to be your courtesan you visit on occasion when you're feeling lonely!" She retorted, because that's what I'd be. Just a courtesan, just someone he uses and leaves. If he isn't staying, he's just having his way and going.

"I WOULDN'T BE COMING FOR YOU TO BE A COURTESAN, AMALIA!" He'd finally broken too, shouting at her now. He was obviously angry now as well. She blinked, He's yelling at me...why is he yelling at me? I'm not yelling at him, But she was, she definitely was.

"...Stop yelling at me!"

He calmed down at that, "I would be coming to spend time with you, and not when I'm feeling lonely, when I'm not doing tasks. Because I love you!" There he goes again. Love. "Well, I~" she hesitated, love you too? No. I don't. I don't. Stop it, "I AM ANGRY!" she said instead.

"Then hit me!" This threw her aback a bit, hit him, why would I hit him? "...What?"

"If you're angry, hit me. I do not mind."

"I'm not going to hit you!"

"Well then how else are you going to calm down?!" The desperation in his voice was clear again.

"I DON'T KNOW!" She replied angrily. I don't know. I don't know anything right now. I don't know...why I'm so upset. What is wrong with me?! At that, she threw herself at him, pressing her lips against his in furious passion. It wasn't long until they moved to the bed, the scene fading to black.

Afterwards, they'd dressed themselves. She was calm again, for the time being, but she was confused. Why did I just sleep with him? I don't sleep with any of them. None but Alaric. I don't sleep with targets, it's too dangerous. But, he wasn't a target anymore, was he? She continued to refuse to admit it to herself.

Once more he came to her, wrapping his arms around her and saying those four words, "I love you, Amalia", but this time he continued..."And I know you love me too." What? No I don't.

In a lapse of judgement, she spoke her thoughts, "I don't." It was his turn to be taken aback. She could feel the pain she'd just caused him, how he must have felt as if she'd stabbed him in the heart.

"Then I can't...touch you, right now."
"Tyrael...I'm sorry, I care about you. I do, I just...I can't love. The last time I loved...I...you wouldn't understand, you don't understand." But the pain was obvious on his face. Why do I care? So I hurt him, so what? But it was hurting her to see him like that.

As he began to walk away from her, he spoke "We can't do this if you can't pronounce three simple words." Her gut felt as if it had turned upside down. He was leaving, she was losing him. Stop him, stop him. Don't let him go, your target is walking away. You have to stop him. "Tyrael..."

He seemed to have calmed down though, because he turned once more towards her, "I don't know why I'm so upset. I know you love me." Her actions spoke louder than her words, of course she loved him, she'd moved to a city she hated for him. I do...don't I? She did.

"I need to go, I have business to attend to" he said as he began to walk away once more.

"I'll see you to the caravan." Good, it's done. It's all okay, it's all fixed and I didn't have to lie. I don't lie. Only twist words and imply, but never lie. She followed after him and as they got outside of the inn, she couldn't hold it back any longer. "Tyrael...I love you too". And it wasn't a lie.

[Tiki Time]

The Failed Meditation

Amalia sat within an empty room of her house, her legs folded into crisscross position with her hands resting gently upon her knees. As she took long, deep breaths in an attempt to drift into peaceful meditation her mind continued to wander.

Why can’t they just get along? Is this my fault? Have I played them too harshly? .… No, this has little to do with me. Max is simply too emotional, aggressive, and rash. If only he’d calm down, if only he’d have listened to me. None of this would have happened.

She sighed heavily, wiggling her bum a bit as she attempted to get into a more comfortable position. Shh, mind. Now is the time to rest. Now is the time to focus on your body, mind, and spirit and reconnect them with each other. Her mind was only silent for a moment. How did this happen? How did I let myself care? He was a target, nothing more. Like so many before, I was just supposed to use him and move on… a fight would have meant nothing, I’d just walk away from it all.

She grunted, opening her eyes with a small grumble as she slowly stood up. I miss Alaric; I wish he’d pull himself away from his studies. None of this would have happened if he’d just been here. I never would have let him into my heart, I would never have had this dilemma. Now, I may have to choose a side…and I’ll lose Alyisse. I can’t win a bidding war for her, the poor dear is going to end up with a horrible master. All because Max has a temper. Damn you, Alaric. Damn you, Max. Damn you, Amalia...and Tyrael. Damn you most of all Tyrael, for making me love you.

She groaned, “Obviously meditation isn’t going to work right now” she said to the empty room.

Perhaps a trip to Amruthar…

[Tiki Time]

The Nightmare

Amalia was standing in the center of the woods with the moon shining brightly. Although the moon was full, it was still very dark and very cold. She couldn't hear anything...and as she tried to call out, no noise came from her mouth.

Where am I? Where is Tyrael? Where is Alaric? Max? Marister?

A chill ran down her spine. As she reached to rub the back of her head, she felt something soft. Hair? I don't have hair... But she did. Her hair was thick and black, it was long and tied into a ponytail that ran all the way down to her waist. She knew this hair, she had it once before...long ago.

Before she could continue her thoughts, she caught a glimpse of something move behind a tree. Who is there? Where am I? She was scared, but curious.

Attempting to hide within the shadows, she moved towards the tree. Suddenly, she felt an icy cold hand upon her shoulder. She quickly turned around to see the robed figure of a woman. "I've been waiting for you," the woman spoke to her. She recognized that voice...it was her own.
But if that's me...who am I? She looked down at herself and nothing looked~ different, but she couldn't see her own face. I need a mirror, I need to see my face. Who am I? Am I me? But...she's me.

The voice broke the silence once more, "Oh, poor dear, don't be scared." Not scared...confused. "You're lost dear, you lost your way. I'm here to get you back on track." I am lost, aren't I? Where am I? Why am I here? "Come, this way, sweetheart. You'll be okay, trust me."

As she began to follow the woman, there was a flash of light so bright she had to shield her eyes. She was hot, and as her eyes adjusted she could see nothing but endless sand. She was naked, and her tattoos were missing. Where did that woman go? Amalia was alone again.

She began to walk, she did not know which direction she was walking in; she could not find the sun to assist her in navigation. Her skin was bare and burning, and the sand was rubbing her raw. She could smell burning flesh...her flesh. Her fingers were blistering, her feet were smoking, and her head was so, so hot. Hair...so much hair. Her hair untied itself and fell about her shoulders, she shuddered as she suddenly became even warmer. I thought I cut this off, I thought my hair was gone...it's too hot, why is it so hot? Why am I here? Please, someone...am I lost? Am I lost in Moszabbar? Is Tyrael here? Will he rescue me from these sands? No...no, Tyrael is in Eltabbar now.

She couldn't see a city anywhere, just endless sands. You said you'd protect me...where are you? I need you to protect me. She was alone, abandoned, she knew he'd leave her...they always did. She began to sob, but she was too dehydrated to cry. No tears streamed down her face, but she felt as if she was crying all the same.

The woman appeared before her once more, "Shh, you aren't alone. You have me."
But, you are me? Who am I? Who are you? The woman faded into the sand and re-emerged as a man.
Marister? It was Marister and he was staring right at her in all her naked glory. She quickly threw her hands about her body, trying to cover herself. Her arms were blistering hot and red as a rose, and soon her cheeks were as well.

"Thay is a dangerous place. You need to be careful, trust no one."
No one...not even you?
"No, you can trust me."
You said no one, you said...no one.
"Yes, no one but me."
No...you're trying to isolate me. Why? Why are you doing this to me? Where are my friends? Stop keeping them from me! Please! Where are they?
"You have no friends. Only me."
Stop it! No, stop it! She began to run, she ran right through him. Her feet were burning in the sand, they were melting under her, she was melting. Soon she was nothing but a torso and she was running on her hands. She was scooping sand behind herself as she tried to propel forward. I'm dying, I'm alone and dying.She tried to whimper again, when the woman appeared. The robed woman reached her hand down and Amalia took it.

Suddenly she was in the ocean, her legs were back, and she was swimming. She could see an island in the distance, with a massive tower. She began to swim towards it as fast as she could. Tower. Towers mean wizards and wizards mean Alaric. I need to get to Alaric, he'll save me from this. But as she continued to swim, the tower never seemed to get any closer.

She was becoming exhausted, she never had to swim this much before. Alaric! I can't swim much longer! Please, Alaric! I need you! As she called out for him, he appeared before her. He was standing upon some sort of odd floating contraption...a strangely shaped raft. She didn't question it, she looked up to him and reached out. He was staring down at her and shaking his head and as she reached, he moved away. He moved further, and further out of her reach until she was crying once more.

Don't leave me! Come back! I can't swim much longer!
"I have to study and you are distracting me," he remarked simply.

Her arms and legs gave out and as much as she tried, she could not use them anymore. She began to sink, the water was closing in around her. She was suffocating, she couldn't breath, the water was filling her lungs and she was trying to cough it out...but she couldn't.

Suddenly the robed woman scooped her out of the water, "Shh, you're fine, dear. I'm here. I've got you." Amalia began to sob once more.

She looked at herself and she was just a child, and the safety of the robed woman's arms were gone. She was kicking and screaming, rolling around on the floor.

"Your mother is dead because of you," she felt a thick boot jam into her stomach. She gasped and cried out...she knew that voice. Father...?

"You useless child. All you do is cry. You'll never be anything. I'd sell you to the brothel but you aren't worth anything. I may just give you to them, to be free of your incessant crying." No, no please. I promise I'll be good. I promise I'll be useful. I'll become something, I will, I won't let you down.

"You're nothing. You're no one. You're a shame to the Mulans. You're a snivelling, useless, ugly brat." He kicked her once more, this time she heard a cracking and she felt as if her ribs were poking into her lungs. She gasped for breath and begin to crawl away. She knew this feeling, she knew this scene...it had happened once before.

The robed woman scooped her up once more and wrapped her arms around her. They were warm and comforting, she felt safe...and her father faded away. "Shh, you're okay. I'm here. I'm always here. I'm the only one who will always be here for you."

Amalia whimpered some more, nodding her agreement. She understood, no one was there for her...no one but the robed woman. She opened her mouth in an attempt to speak once more but before she could say anything she felt something shake her. "Mistress Amalia, we've arrived."

Oh, thank the Gods. She crawled out of the bed and left the caravan.

[Tiki Time]

Marister

It seemed only a moment after she stepped off the caravan that she heard the cawing of a raven. Good gods, it's like they're psychic and stalking me. She glanced up to see the raven swooping down towards her, and like last time she stuck out her arm to retrieve the letter.

This time the letter was sealed with wax, a Unicorn Head and Chauntea Symbol. Marister...She sighed softly and broke the seal. What does he have to say now? He never writes me unless he's upset.

Amalia, you were quite shaken up when we last spoke in Tyra. I am sorry I disappointed you in not being your lover but my life is a bit complicated.

She raised her brow. Disappointed? I wasn't disappointed. It wasn't that big of a deal, I didn't even want to be lovers, I was disappointed you didn't want to know me better...

You are quite an attractive woman. However, despite any warnings, certain actions of yours have cast shadows and on me.

What do any of my actions have to do with you?

Even "siblings" talk to each other. I will be in Tyra. I request we meet to talk.

I haven't had time to talk to you. I'm busy dealing with a mess Max and Tyrael created and trying to protect Alyisse from the damage of it all.

She sighed heavily and scribbled a response. She found his words rather presumptuous and selfish. Why would she have time to speak with him when she was so busy trying to mitigate the damages of Max's impulses. The lives of Max, Tyrael, and Alyisse were far more important than having a "chat" about it all with Marister. If he needed to speak with her, he could seek her out, but she had no time to seek him~ out.

After "shipping off" her letter by raven, Tyrael arrived behind her. She felt arms wrap around her and give her a comforting squeeze. She couldn't help but smile as she turned to look at him. He recognized her frustration and quickly asked what was going on. Instead of trying to explain, she simply handed over the letter for Tyrael to read.

"I would like to be there when you have a conversation with Marister. Whatever he has to say to you, he can whisper in my presence." He'd said once he finished reading the letter.

"He isn't going to hurt me, Tyrael. You don't have anything to worry about."

"Even still, I'd like to be there just in case...and if he refuses, that's suspicious, don't you think?"

She saw the logic in his words and reluctantly conceded, nodding. She knew Marister would not be happy about it, but she also knew that anything Marister had to say...she'd likely tell Tyrael anyway.

It was only a day or so later that Amalia ran into Marister in the market at Bezanthur. Luckily, Tyrael was there as well. As expected, Marister attempted to pull Amalia off by herself and Tyrael quickly protested, "You can speak to her under my supervision."

"No offense, but no." Marister had responded. Great, they're going to fight, aren't they?

Amalia sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of her nose, allowing the two to argue a bit before stepping in. "What's the big deal, Marister? You said yourself that it's a public place, so Tyrael has every right to be there. You can just whisper to me, can't you?"

Marister was still resistant, which made Tyrael even more suspicious of Marister's intentions. Tyrael was obviously worried over Amalia, but she did not feel threatened in the slightest. She knew that Marister had no intention of hurting her, but she was curious why he was so insistent that they be in private. Marister finally conceded to speaking with Amalia just outside of the Market, in front of the Temple of Umberlee with Tyrael watching intently from afar.

The moment they got out of earshot, Marister's tone took a sharp twist as he murmured to her, "Are you happy with yourself? You ruined two lives. You jealousy of Alyisse, Max cares for you and would have been of rank soon enough. But I see you're with Tyrael now, you just could not wait, could you?"

Amalia was taken aback by this. Me? I didn't do this. This was Max's fault. And...jealousy, what did I have to be jealous over? Max would have done anything I asked him to, Alyisse did not threaten me in the slightest. "I~ ruined two lives? What Max did was on him. I did not tell him to attack~ Tyrael, in fact, I tried to calm him down. As for Alyisse? I'm not jealous of her, I'm trying to protect~ her".

She felt insulted at his accusations, Amalia was genuinely trying to protect the elven girl from her fate. She thought back to the night Alyisse came to her room, the night Amalia tried her best to save~ both Max and the girl....

Alyisse had entered Amalia's room and the two had spoken nearly as equals. This was something abnormal for Amalia, to treat a slave with such respect, but she was giving her the chance to explain her recent actions. Amalia allowed the elf to speak plainly and did not grow angry if the woman spoke out of turn or said something with slight disrespect. This was an opportunity for the two to come to an understanding.

"Max broke his word to me, for you. He took the one thing that I owned, the one thing I had left, my name. He promised he would not, and then he did, because of you."

Amalia genuinely felt a bit of pity for the elf but at the same time, she knew it was her own fault. "Alyisse, dear, it never would have happened if you had not threatened my life. If you want to own something, you need to own up to your actions. I was nothing but kind to you but you were nothing but disobedient. You were pushing your boundaries on purpose and you know it."

The elf refused to admit that her punishment was her own fault, and Amalia understood that pride. She pressed the issue only minimally until the elf spoke up once more, "Can I ask you a favor, Mistress Amalia?"

"I suppose, dear. What is it?" Amalia was curious, she wasn't certain if she would fulfill the elf's request but she was willing to listen.

"I don't feel like I can trust my Master anymore...I...I wish to be sold to someone else."

This took Amalia by surprise, her jaw opened slightly. Max is one of the kindest masters this girl could ever hope for. He does not force himself upon her and he treats her very well unless she truly~ steps out of line. Why would she wish to be sold? "Alyisse, dear...you are his first and only slave, I do not believe convincing him to release you will be easy. He will be very reluctant, even if it's my request....and if he did, I cannot guarantee that you will be bought by a kinder Master. You'll be putting your fate up to chance and could end up in a much worse situation. I could try to purchase you myself but...I haven't the gold to do so. Are you sure this is what you want?"

The elf seemed to ponder for but a moment, but then nodded, "Yes, this is what I want."

Amalia sighed softly and nodded, "I'll do what I can."

She knew that Max had recently gotten himself into an enormous amount of trouble by attacking a Captain out of impulsive rage. Tyrael, the Captain, had intended to press charges against him for it and Amalia knew that there was a good chance Max would be punished severely. Max may end up a slave himself...she pondered until she came up with what she thought was the best~ chance to save Max and~ give Alyisse her wish.

Tyrael had arrived that same night and entered the room to speak with Amalia while Alyisse was present. Amalia wanted Alyisse to know that she meant to truly help her, so she allowed the elf to stay and listen to the conversation. It took much convincing but finally Amalia was able to get Tyrael to agree to a compromise.

"I wish for you to approach Max and offer him a deal. Tell him that you will not press charges, so long as he agrees to sell Alyisse." Max won't be punished severely, and Alyisse will get what she wants...I can save them both.

At first, Tyrael refused, saying that Max deserved whatever he got because this was not the first time Max had done something rash and aggressive. Amalia knew this was true, but she wanted to protect him anyway.

As her mind wandered to the memories of those nights, Marister continued to scold her. "Yes, well, you chose Tyrael over Max. I am trying to protect Alyisse too."

Amalia blinked back to the present and frowned, "I chose Tyrael because Tyrael isn't insane. Max is wild, even you~ told me to stay away from him."

But Marister was talking over her, "and have been [trying to protect Alyisse]. Yes, but you did not stay away from him."

"He is my friend~ Marister. Max had no idea about my feelings for Tyrael because I knew they already~ hated each other and I didn't want to add fuel to the fire."

"You should have told him upfront. Never taken Max's key." I just said I didn't want to make things worse between the two. Telling him would have made things worse. Max would have attacked Tyrael sooner, he would have never stopped trying to kill Tyrael to win my heart. I did what I thought was best, "He and Tyrael were already~ fighting, Marister! It would have caused more~ issues."

"No," was his only reply. No, what do you mean no? Of course it would have.

"I took Max's key long before Tyrael-"

Marister had cut her off, "This could have been prevented. You should have told Max outright and returned his key first." That wouldn't have prevented anything. Don't you see, Marister? It only would have sped up the process. This was going to happen either way. Max's hatred towards Tyrael isn't about me, but my feelings for Tyrael would have simply made him snap sooner. Why can't you see it?

"I can't see the damned future, Marister. Max is a good friend, I took his key because he is my friend~."

"And your lover? But he was not as high in society as Tyrael." Max was never my lover. Never. I cared for him as my friend, but I never, ever slept with him. He knew we weren't together, he knew we were not lovers. How dare~ you accuse me of such things, you have no idea Marister.

She was enraged but managed to keep calm, "Max was not my lover." She stated simply.

"And is this why you distance yourself from me?" What? No. I just haven't had time for you. Amalia was becoming defensive, she folded her arms over her chest and furrowed her brows. Her words were quick and somewhat angry, "Max attacked Tyrael because we had a failed mission. It had nothing to do with me. "

Marister had interrupted her yet again, "I will still be a friend if you need me". Friends don't accuse other friends of lying, I've never lied to you Marister.

She continued to plead her case, "I tried to convince Tyrael to drop the charges."

"True, but you did not tell him you loved Tyrael", Marister was speaking of Max again, ignoring her last point. I didn't know i love Tyrael until long after the mess exploded...I didn't know i loved him until so recently...I still don't know if I love him. I do, but...do I? Yes, of course I do. Gods, Marister, you have no idea what you're talking about, do you?

Marister continued, "Yes, by sacrificing Alyisse" I was doing what she asked~!

She attempted to explain once more, although she felt more and more as if her attempts were useless. "Alyisse begged~ me to be sold!"

"I have heard differently." ...Then she's lying to you Marister. She is lying to you, I'm not. Why are you choosing to believe her over me, you should know me better than this. I don't lie, Marister. Lying isn't what I do.

"She said she couldn't trust Max anymore and she wanted to be sold. She asked me to convince him to sell her and I told her it would be difficult!" Her thoughts returned to that night... Was Alyisse setting me up this whole time? I was trying to help her, and she was setting me up? I wasn't the jealous one, Marister. She was. She hates me because Max loves me more than her. "I came up with the compromise of Max releasing Alyisse and Tyrael dropping the charges. I was trying to save them both~".

"You failed, didn't you." His words were harsh, so harsh it enraged Amalia even more. Marister was clearly blinded by Alyisse's lies. He refused to listen to the truth.

As the debate continued, Amalia's thoughts kept going back to the same thing. Why would Alyisse do this? Why is she lying to Marister? Why is she setting me up? Why can't Marister realize that I'm telling him the truth and she's the one lying to him?

Despite her attempts to open his eyes to the truth, Marister continued to deny Amalia's words and treating her as if the entire situation was her fault. The more he denied it, the angrier she became, and the angrier she became, the more she believed that Alyisse deserves whatever fate she gets. If she'll betray someone who was genuinely trying to help her...I hope her next Master abuses her until she comes crawling for forgiveness.

[Tiki Time]

Before the Auction

Amalia sat silently upon the caravan, enjoying the alone time as she rode to Pyarados for work. Although such times alone are usually used for meditations, she was consumed with thoughts about the upcoming Auction. Her emotions were conflicted, her thoughts were scattered, she wasn't even sure if she wished to attend.

Before, she had wanted to be there to purchase Alyisse and ensure that she did not end up with a cruel master, but now...she wasn't so sure.I don't understand why she would do this to me. I was kind to her and when she claimed I was unkind, I tried to be kinder. I allowed her to speak to me as if we were equals and I was honest with her as she had asked me to be. Amalia frowned, once again thinking about to that night when Alyisse had begged to be sold.

As many times as her mind went over it, she still could not understand the reason why Alyisse had lied to her, and why Alyisse was turning her friends against her. I suppose I was cruel to her once, but she deserved it then and I'd thought we'd long since made up.

Amalia shifted in her seat upon the couch as the caravan hit a few unpleasant bumps. I truly wanted to help her, I wanted to protect her from the cruelty often shown to women...especially slave women. She was lucky that Max never forced himself upon her, but who knows about her future Master. I wanted to shield her from that, to keep that little dignity she had safe...but she has lied about me, she has convinced others that I was trying to get her "out of the way" of Max.

Amalia gripped the armrest of the couch as the caravan lurched to a halt. She could hear the caravan leader shouting about intruders. When usually she would quickly stand up to assist, this time Amalia simply stared on at the wall across the way. I could have beaten her daily, I could have asked Max to beat her daily, I could have done so many cruel things to her but instead I tried to help her. In all the times she was disrespectful to me, I only slapped her twice. She deserved to be slapped far more than she was, and she knew I only snapped because she'd truly crossed the line...but even still, my discipline was far kinder than any other would have given her. When she continued to refuse to listen, Max dragged her to the Palace by her hair. I could have done the same thing and he would not have been upset with me...but I didn't.

She sighed heavily, occasionally glancing towards the caravan door as she heard the sounds of battle continue on. She wasn't interested in fighting, she wasn't interested in helping anyone; not after her last attempt to help someone had blown up so largely in her face. Whenever I've shown kindness, I've received nothing but betrayal. Why? Why is it so easy for someone like Marister to be kind and make friends...but if I am kind, I am betrayed? She frowned deeply.

Her thoughts moved to Marister and she frowned even deeper. How has she tricked you so easily, Marister? How did she cause you to doubt me when I've never lied to you? If you were my friend, as you claim to be, why do you not ask me my side of it all before simply believing it? Is it because she is a slave? I suppose in your eyes, slaves are incapable of lies. In your eyes, I am a villain simply for being Mulan. I am a villain simply because...what? Because a slave claimed it to be so? Gods, Marister, I knew your kindness would get the better of you someday. I knew it would cause you to be naive and to believe the first pretty thing that came crying to your doorstep.

I wanted to believe better of you. I wanted to believe you were truly my friend. I wanted to believe that you would treat me with the same respect I treated you with...but you've betrayed me as well. You may not hold the dagger in your hands, but you have turned your gaze away as it was being stabbed into my back.

Finally the sounds outside of the caravan seemed to die down and she could feel the caravan begin once more. She was relieved that they were on their way again, she was eager to get to Pyarados so she could begin her work and get her mind off of all the nonsense.


I told you that I was not your enemy, Alyisse. I told you that I would help you, that I would try to protect you. Why did you have to treat me as your enemy?

As the caravan finally arrived at its destination, it seemed only a moment passed before a raven appeared with a letter. Amalia rolled her eyes, obviously not shocked at all that the ravens were "Stalking her" once more. On the outside of the letter was crawled the message, "Auction starting soon, come if interested".

She frowned, I don't know if I'm interested. She was truly conflicted with her feelings. She was angry, but she also pitied the elf. A part of her still wished to protect Alyisse, to try to keep her from being sold to someone cruel...but another part of her wished for Alyisse to end up with a terrible fate.

[Tiki Time]

After the Auction

When the auction ended and Alyisse had been officially transferred over to Brandon Baxter, Max approached Amalia. She smiled softly and spoke to him, "Shall we retire to a private place to chat?"

Max had nodded, the stress of it all quite obviously showing, she knew he would like to speak. He must have many questions...I can only hope he doesn't outright try to kill me for any of the heartache I may have caused him by Tyrael's needless confession.

She walked with him to his house and waited for him to open the door. Although she had a key, she felt odd using it until she was sure the two of them were on good terms. She entered the house with both curiosity and a little bit of hesitation. Max had proven to her several times that he was a man of action, not thoughts. He often acted out of impulse without thinking of the consequences, and she feared that his rage or sadness might cause him to strike out at her. She took a deep breath and crossed the threshold into the private quarters.

During the auciton, Amalia had tried to inform Max of some of the lies and secrets Alyisse had been keeping. Naturally, he seemed very distracted by the bidding on his slave and did not seem to take in very much of what she had said, so she tried to inform him once again.

"It wasn't Tyrael's idea to have her sold, Max. It was mine. After you took her name from her, she begged me to convince you to sell her. I thought that offering the deal would be the best way to keep you out of trouble but she never told you about it."

Max seemed a little taken aback, but unsure of her words, "What? She never told me that."

"There are many things she never told you, Max. She told me that you used her to assassinate your enemies, and that she could no longer risk her life for a Master she couldn't trust. She wanted to be sold, but she let you believe it was Tyrael because she wanted you to be more angry with him."

This seemed to jab Max, setting off that impulsive rage Amalia was so used to see, "IF I'd have known I'd have had her flogged!" He stomped towards the table.

Amalia took a deep breath and frowned. She knew Max and Tyrael were on thin ice long before Alyisse stuck her pesky little nose in it, but she wondered how deep Alyisse's lies had run. Did she start all of this herself? Is she the reason why Max attacked Tyrael that night? Was she feeding his hatred and making him more impulsive?

"Max...Please tell me why you hate him so much, I just don't understand it." She looked over at him, somewhat pleadingly.

He seemed to hesitate for a moment, perhaps trying to think of some lie to tell himself so that he didn't have to admit the truth, "Jealousy," he finally stated.

She took a deep breath and nodded. I knew jealousy was part of it...of course it was..., "That's it? Jealousy?"

Max did not respond this time. Perhaps ashamed of it, not wanting to shame himself further.

"Max, it is your jealousy that has pushed me away. You had nothing to be jealous of until you began acting so wildly. I care for both of you, Max and it pains me to see this rivalry between you. I don't want to have to choose but, honestly...There was once a time when if Tyrael asked me to choose between the two of you, I would have picked you. But now...I would have to pick Tyrael."

She knew that would hurt him to hear, but she also knew it needed to be said. She couldn't keep shielding him from the truth of her feelings, but she needed to explain,
"You've been aggressive and impulsive, and you've scared me. Even now, I am standing here in fear that you might strike out at me in a moment of anger."

It was true, she was worried that at any moment he might raise his hand to her. Part of her wanted to believe he'd never do such a thing, but she'd seem him act out over small offenses before.

This time Max had frowned, turning away from his table and heading over to sit at his desk. She could only imagine what he must be thinking, Does he understand that he did this to himself? That everything between all of us was just fine before he began acting crazy with jealousy? Does he understand that it's that very jealousy which pushed me further and further away from him?"

Despite her belief that Max brought this upon himself, it still pained her to see him so upset. She moved towards him and the desk and took his hand, "There was once a time when I dreamed that you, Alaric, and I all lived together in a manor. That the two of you would playfully fight over me but that there would never be any true jealousy...that we'd just live happily all together." She smiled weakly as she squeezed his hand.

"What do you dream of now?" He looked to her hopefully.

She looked down at him, her eyes filled with sadness. It took a moment but she finally said, "Now, I only have nightmares."

[Tiki Time]

Just a Consort

"Didn't I tell you this would happen? You two are just consorts of each other." Marister's words rang in her ears. She was lying in her bed in her home in Eltabbar, wringing her hands and staring at the ceiling as those words played over and over again in her head. Just a consort...I'm not just a consort...

She remembered when Marister first said it, and how angry the words made her. She was rather firm in her response that he was incorrect, that she was not a consort. Although in her mind she knew it wasn't true, the damage was already done, the words could not be taken back and Amalia's heart was drowning in them.

Just a consort...you're just a consort, nothing more. She groaned, turning on her side and throwing her pillow over her head. She wrapped her arm around the pillow and pressed it firmly against her ear, as if somehow it might be able to stop the words from entering her thoughts...but these words were in her mind, not the house, and no pillow could quiet them.

Soon it wasn't just Marister's voice...it was hers as well, "I don't want to be your courtesan you come to visit when you're bored!"

"You're not!" Tyrael's voice interjected. I'm not...I'm not she repeated to herself. Not a consort, I'm not a consort.... No matter how many times she seemed to think it, she couldn't shake the feeling. But what if I am? How would I know? How do I know I'm more than just a consort?

"Stop it" she spoke aloud, tossing the pillow across the room at her wall. Stop, just stop it. She crawled out of her bed and left the bedroom, wandering in to her meditation room. She took a deep breath and stared at the yellow carpet and let the sound of the fountain fill her ears.

She could feel herself calming down, but Marister's voice was still in her head. Pursing her lips, she approached the golden gong and rang it three times. Clang, clang, clang. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on that ringing of the gong, the clanging that filled the room and her head. Even after it faded, she tried to keep on hearing it, re-imagining that sound over and over again.

She opened her eyes briefly to move herself to the center of the room, and slowly lowered herself to the ground. Closing her eyes once more, she tried to focus on the three fountains that surrounded her and the sounds of the water rushing. She took several deep breaths, in...and out...and in....and out... until she felt as if her body was melting away from her and she was nothing but a spirit.

[Tiki Time]

Just a Consort - Continued

When Amalia opened her eyes, she was just a child again, sleeping in her tiny cot with a matted up blanket. She was being shaken awake, "Get up you miserable child! The day is nearly gone and you haven't done any of your chores!" She felt the sting of a slap across her face.

Grimacing, she nodded, "Y-yes father! I'm up! I'm up!" She practically sprung out of the bed and ran out of the room in nothing but her sleepwear. She fled outside of the house quickly, without bothering so stop to put her shoes on. The light from the sun nearly blinded her and the heat of the cobblestones burned her bare feet.

She took a glance to the farmhouse, and then another glance out towards the street. I could just keep running...he probably wouldn't notice I was gone for at least an hour and by then...maybe he couldn't find me. She stared longingly in the distance and then shook her head and fled to do her chores. Quickly, quickly~.

Before she knew it the daylight was nearly gone. She took a moment to glance up to the sky which was beautiful with its multiple colors. It was orange, blue, purple, and pink...that perfect time in the evening when the sun was in just~ the right spot to light up the sky in such a magnificent way. She paused and smiled, I could stare at you for hours...

"Are you done yet?!" Her thoughts were interrupted by a shout. She cringed a bit and finished up the last bit of her chores, "Yes! I'm done!"

She came running inside to see her father sitting at the dining table. His plate was empty and the servants were no where to be seen. She frowned a bit, knowing this meant everyone had already eaten.

"Fetch yourself some food, Amalia." His voice was firm and commanding, but not quite as angry as it had been previously. He was always kinder when his tummy was full. She nodded obediently and went to fetch herself a bowl of stew.

As she grabbed a stool and stood over the pot, she saw that it was nearly all gone. There was less than half an inch of liquid left, and only a handful of vegetables...no meat. Chewing at the bottom of her lip, she scooped what little was left into her bowl and went to sit by her father at the dining table. I can't wait until I'm out of here...until I'm grown up all big and strong. He treats me like a slave but I'm not one...I can still have a life after this. I just have to be good so he doesn't sell me, I just have to do what he says and -

"You're lucky, you know." His voice interrupted her thoughts.

Lucky...I don't feel lucky. But she simply smiled and nodded, keeping her head down as she gobbled up the last of the stew. It was thicker than it should be, and it tasted like it had been terribly burnt...but it was better than nothing at all.

"You're a very beautiful little girl, Amalia. You know what that means, don't you?"

She shook her head a bit, not sure where he was going with this, but she didn't want to say the wrong thing.

He gave her one of his disgusting smiles, "It means you have one of two fates before you, my dear girl. You will be married off to the wealthiest prospect, or you will be sold off to the highest bidder. You will be a free, married woman with a purpose...or a very famous and desired courtesan." He laughed loudly, his beer belly shaking as he did so.

He's been drinking again... She simply nodded again, "Yes father. I'll be good, I promise. You don't have to sell me."

The man scoffed a bit, "Be good, eh? Like you were this morning? Sleeping the daylight away?"

She simply looked down at the table, don't say anything to antagonize him, just nod and smile and say 'yes father', "Yes, father...I was bad, father..."

"You weren't bad, you were useless. What man would want you for a wife if you cannot even do your chores reliably? If you don't want me to sell you, you need to make yourself useful. It's your choice, Amalia. You will be useful or used."

"I will be useful, I promise." I don't want to be a courtesan...I won't be a courtesan. I'll be good and he won't sell me. He'll see how useful I am, I'll make him proud. Now...get up slowly...and go to bed.

Her knees were weak as she rose from the table. She knew he'd been drinking, and when he'd been drinking, anything could set him off. "G-good night, father...I won't sleep late again."

As she walked past him, she felt a heavy hand upon her back. It was so forceful that she stumbled forward onto her knees. Her large, stocky father stood up and loomed over her. "You will sleep outside tonight so the sun wakes you! Sleep in again and you'll be shipped off to the nearest whore-house!"

She closed her eyes tightly to hold back the tears, scrambled to her feet and fled outside. She curled up on the ground, shivering and crying. Her fathers words rang in her ears as she went to sleep, "You will be useful or used. ...You will make a famous and desirable courtesan...You'll be shipped off to the nearest whore-house".

When she finally awoke and opened her eyes, she was covered in sweat, sprawled out upon the floor of her meditation room.

[Tiki Time]

Sickness

Like so many nights before, Amalia woke from a nightmare in a cold sweat. However, something about this one was different, she wasn't just sweaty, she felt terrible. She reached her hand up to press her palm against her forehead as she groaned. She hadn't felt like this in years, not since she'd learn how to expel impurities from her body.

Ugh, my stress must be getting in the way of my meditations. I shouldn't feel like this. Amalia rolled over onto her side and felt as if her stomach was one big knotted up rope. She let out another groan, turning a bit to drop her feet to the ground and stand.

Although she was sure she'd slept for several hours, she felt exhausted. Her body did not want to obey her and she slumped as she walked. As she moved, she kept one hand upon her stomach, something about the minor pressure of her hand seemed to ease the nausea at least a little.

Despite how much her stomach seemed to bother her, she was starving. Did I not eat dinner last night? Is this why my body feels so weak? She began to head straight to her pantry. As she opened the door to her storage room she left out a soft sigh, Looks like Max is still here. There was a large table in the center of the room, as well as a shellback chair and a few containers...these all belonged to Max who was reluctantly staying with her despite her relationship with Tyrael.

She maneuvered slowly around his things and opened the cupboards of her pantry. Frowning deeply, her eyes scanned the various snacks she had stored away. No, no...no. No, no. Nothing seemed to strike her fancy for the moment. She pursed up her lips and glanced towards the keg of red wine Tyrael had bought for her before shaking her head, No wine for breakfast, Amalia.

She began to think back to her childhood, back to the foods she wished to eat when she was ill. She smiled softly as she thought back to the days when the servants would sneak her some stew and sometimes they would even bake an apple pie. As her stomach growled with hunger once more, she glanced down and nodded softly, You're right. I know exactly what I want.

She closed her pantry with a grin, Apple Stew.