Pounamu had gone shopping with Arunika. Somehow the girl had managed to convince the manor’s master to allow them out with guards, her argument that she was in need of a companion and wanting Pounamu to go with her somehow winning over her mother. It seemed that Arunika’s fondness for Pounamu had granted her some form of freedom when it came to venturing outside and for once she was thankful to an earthling. It was the first bit of true kindness that she had received since coming to Oba, her contract keeping her in the manor and enduring many things that Pounamu had never imagined possible before leaving Kahi. “I wish I could help you pay off everything.” Arunika murmured as they browsed though silks, her fingers sliding across vibrant materials as she sought out ideas of a new wardrobe. Despite being a b*****d child Arunika was still treasured, her beauty earning her favor with the family who valued appearances above everything else. She had the soft voice, the almond shaped eyes and the rich mocha tones of the Oban family with golden Matori eyes and dark hair that twisted in waves down her back. If not for that and the faint speckles then one could assume she was truly a pure blooded Oban, her only golden crystal being the one nestled on the corner of her eyes like a beauty mark of sorts. And so when she wanted Pounamu as her companion it was only a matter of time before her mother relented. A present of sorts as she prepared her daughter to be bartered off for a stronger family relationship with another powerful merchant family in Sulburi. They still had a couple of years before the marriage but the engagement ceremony would be soon, hence the reason that her daughter needed a new wardrobe for the party.

“At least I can breathe fresh air thanks to you.” Replied Pounamu quietly, enjoying the fact that her mind seemed clear today thanks to Arunika’s help. She knew better than to run, not when others still needed her help, but it was so tempting to just rush towards a merchant’s caravan and sneak in towards Jatine to find water and then the ocean. A soft sigh left her lips at the very thought of the ocean as she watched Arunika pick out more fabrics, her only confusion when Arunika pointed towards something for her. “Are you sure?”

“Mmhmm. I think that indigo will look great on you. We’ll take it too.” She beamed towards Pounamu who simply shook her head. “What? Hmm. I could challenge you to try to pick out something for yourself. Earthlings play games like truth or dare. Have you heard about it?”

“Is that so? I know we challenge each other back home, doing tasks to prove our courage. Is it similar?”

“Yeah. Either you tell me an honest answer to a question of my choice or you accept a dare from me. Then I’ll do the same in turn.”

Pounamu paused at the offer before letting out a soft laugh of disbelief. “I could never dare you to do anything. That’s not my place.” She was just the servant, after all. Arunika also did so much for her, how could she ask for more?

“Indulge me. I want to dare you to pick the loveliest outfit that you can here so that you can attend the next dance with me. If not then you’ll have to give me an honest answer about how you ended up here.” Her gaze was bright and determined, Arunika still not knowing the full truth to every business detail of what her family was involved in. Nor could Pounamu dare to reveal that, especially not with guards lingering around the corner to watch over them. The last thing she wanted to do was risk this small amount of freedom, not yet.

“A dress it is then.” She forced a small smile as she looked back towards the display. “You liked that indigo, right? I think it is pretty lovely. Maybe we can add some golden accessories to match.” It felt hollow, but it was the best attempt she could do even as each word twisted her gut in disgust. Maybe once she could have enjoyed such luxuries, but not in this situation where she was basically without any choice in the matter. Still, one day Pounamu would leave and return home. She just had to endure until the pieces came into place and she could leave to continue her search for Naia in this crazy new world of earthlings.

[771]