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 Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 1:49 pm
Brandon watched in silence as she ordered him to leave, yet he remained where he was. He had been told over and over that a good slave did as he was told without question. But that wasn't right. A good slave did that. An excellent slave did what was best for their master, or mistress, no matter what order they were given. For that reason, he didn't plan on going anywhere.
He was aware of the way her voice cracked when she told him to leave. He wanted so much to be able to comfort her more than he could. However, when she spoke, his hand jerked back as if her words had literally stung him. His eyes widened momentarily before narrowing in confusion. He would go home soon? Back to his family? But... He didn't even know if his parents were still alive. He didn't know if the house he had grown up in was even still standing. Of course, those were just excuses and he knew it. The fact was, he didn't know if he could even remember how to be free. He'd been a slave for so long, what if he couldn't think on his own anymore? How would be survive? At least as a slave, he was given food and a roof over his head. As a free man, he could very well end up living on the street, begging for enough money to buy his next meal.
And then there were the little ones. He didn't know where they were, if they were alive. As a slave, if he came across them as slaves as well, he could try to get Violetta to convince her father to buy them. But, as a free man, what chance did he have? If he did come across them, would he have enough to buy them? Would he even be able to take care of them?
When she all but screamed at him to go, he jumped to his feet and backed away before taking off in a run. Not back towards the house but into the fields, disappearing from sight within a matter of seconds.
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Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 2:00 pm
Tell me, what is a human worth without a heart?Violetta curled up into a ball. She felt horrible. She was never good at dealing with sadness or any other emotion for that matter. Having a short temper.. her first love betrayed her.. her mother dying.. it did things to you. It left scars. When he ran off.. she barely raised her head to see him running off into the fields. Biting her lip, she wiped the tears from her eyes even though they kept on coming.
She didn't know how long she sat there, drowning in her misery but it was only when she stood up did she realize that Brandon had run off.. Her eyes widened as she felt a chill run down her spine. He had actually left. Her heart felt like it was going to burst. In a matter of moments she went to the barn and got a saddled horse. Getting on, she went on after him, following his trail.. or at least she thought it was his.
She was so stupid for yelling at him in the first place! The sun was already high in the sky and she didn't know how far he had traveled. She doubted he could get too far but she didn't want him to be killed. Who knew what happened out in these fields. He had only been trying to help her.. and she had pushed him away so harshly. Shaking her head, she felt the tears returning.. She could only hope that he was alright.
"Brandon!" she yelled out, slowing the horse down from the full speed gallop he had been going at. Patting the gray horse's neck, she looked around frantically, starting to panic by now. Riding on, she yelled out his name again. For mine seems to have been destroyed.
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5Bulletproof-Marshmellows
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Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 2:26 pm
Brandon just kept running. His muscles were screaming at him and his lungs felt ready to burst but he just kept running. The thought of going home, back to his parents, was amazing but scary at the same time. He knew that they hadn't wanted him to leave but what if, when he went back to them, he wasn't what they had expected and they rejected him? Or what if they'd grown so accustomed to not having him in their life that they didn't want him back? His heart ached at the very thought. He knew he wouldn't be able to handle that if it did happen.
As he ran, he passed by other slaves who paused in their work to watch his pass before continuing what they were doing. He hardly gave them a second glance. He hardly gave them a first glance. And then there was Marie and Myles. He couldn't give up the chance to meet them. He'd only ever seen the two of them once, just after they were both born. He didn't know them but he wanted to so much. If that was too much to ask for, then he would be content with just knowing they were happy, healthy and safe wherever they were.
Coming to a halt beside one of the large trees that, over a hundred years ago, had been randomly planted in the field, he rested his hand against the trunk and stopped to catch his breath. He couldn't keep this up. He'd been a fool to push his body so hard after being bed-ridden for so long. But he hadn't been able to stand being around Violetta, knowing that she was just going to send him away.
In the distance, he could hear the sound of hoof beats and hear Violetta calling his name. Casting a quick glance over his shoulder, he looked up at the tree, trying to judge whether he would be able to climb it or not. Satisfied that he could, he pushed himself up and grabbed hold of the lowest branch, hauling himself into its limbs and disappearing into the green foliage.
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Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 2:42 pm
Tell me, what is a human worth without a heart?"Brandon, I'm sorry!" she yelled but it didn't seem like he was there. Shaking her head, she then continued but at a slower pace. She always managed to hurt the people around her somehow. Shivering a bit more, she didn't know where to look anymore but she knew she wasn't going back home without him. The other slaves glanced at her but they didn't say anything as she walked on.
Did he not want to go home? But why? How long had he been gone? She didn't know the answer to any of those question but she could guess. She remembered the scars on his back.. some of them looked pretty old and that meant he had been a slave for a while. Rubbing her arm, she sighed softly before yelling out his name once more.
She went right past the tree he was in, passing it by twenty feet or so before she took off in a gallop again. How far had he gone? Of course she was worried but it was her fault in the first place that this had all happened. The tailor had probably come and gone and she wouldn't be surprised if her father was starting to wonder where she was.
"Brandon.." she said in a low voice though he most definitely wouldn't hear her then. Getting off the horse to give him a rest, she decided to let him go. "Go home." patting his neck and turning him around, he then ran off. She had trained him to do that back when she had been little. Now.. turning towards the wide open field she sighed and then continued to go on foot. For mine seems to have been destroyed.
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5Bulletproof-Marshmellows
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Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:35 pm
Brandon found a strong branch high up in the trees, covered in thick, green leaves. He stretched himself out along the branch, looking out across the field. Below him, he could see Violetta pass by, not twenty feet from the tree in which he hid. As he laid there, he could hear her calling his name still. His instinct told him to show himself but he just couldn't bring himself to do it knowing that she planned on sending him away. Yes, he wanted his freedom, but he knew he wouldn't survive on his own. He'd been a slave too long.
As she passed by and continued calling his name, he couldn't take it anymore. Slowly, so as not to draw attention to himself, he made his way back down the tree trunk. His muscles were aching, their own private revenge on him. When he finally hit the ground, he groaned. He was going to be very sore tomorrow. Brushing a leaf off his shoulder, he started walking in the direction that Violetta had gone. Not a minute later, her horse ran past him. He watched the beast race past, back towards the house. His eyes widened and he looked back ahead before taking off in a quicker pace. He could no longer run. His body simply wouldn't let him. But he had to find Violetta, and quick. It wasn't that he didn't trust the other slaves. Most of them were trustworthy. It was those select few that he didn't want finding Violetta alone, in a field, without her horse.
He followed the path he was sure she had taken, trying to go as quickly as his legs would let him. He could hear slaves working, not far away but hidden from sight nonetheless. That was what he was worried about. He was following Violetta blindly. What about those that knew those fields? Those that were also following the mistress but with darker intent?
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Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 6:47 pm
Tell me, what is a human worth without a heart?How far could he have possibly gone on foot? Her expression showed that she was worried. Considering the fact that it was rather warm out, she rolled up her sleeves so they wouldn't bother her as much. She was going to have to find him.. she knew that much. He wouldn't call out to her if he was in trouble.. and if he was hiding she could only hope that he would stay in that spot or come out into the open. What if he had already gone home?
Sighing, she yelled out again and there was no response as usual. Violetta continued to walk through the grass, knowing that there was a small creek up ahead where she could get a drink of water since her lips were parched. She had been so foolish to tell him to leave.. but then again he had seemed shocked when she had told him she would send him hope.. and not in a good way either. Did he want to stay? She didn't know. He wouldn't tell her after all.
Stepping into the cool grass that was under a tree, she then knelt down by the water and cupped her hands to bring it up to her lips. She doubted that he would go across the creek.. so perhaps he was further back. Frowning, she finished her small drink and then stood back up, turning around to see if he was anywhere in this field where she could see him. For mine seems to have been destroyed. ((I would be interesting if Neil showed up xD Just a thought ))
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5Bulletproof-Marshmellows
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Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 9:34 pm
((Great minds think alike XD ))
As Brandon went after Violetta, he could hear her calling his name. He wanted to call back, he really did, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Even if he did have the willpower, he didn't know if he physically could. He hadn't spoken a single word since his first mistress had-. Forcing the thought from his mind, he raced on. Quickly, the field turned from crops to grass. Ahead, he could hear the gurgling of a creek. Slowing his pace, he hoped that he'd been right and Violetta was still ahead of him. However, as he drew nearer, he realized he was not the only one who had noticed her.
Peering out from the cover, he watched as a man stepped out of the brush. It didn't even take a moment for him to recognize the fiery hair of Neil. As per usual, he had a faraway look in his eyes. Brandon was sure that the other man had some sort of mental problem, either from birth or by brain damage from an injury.
"Mistress," Neil said. "what are you doing so far from the house? It's not safe out here you know, all alone with no one within hearing range. Bad things happen to those who distance themselves from others."
Unable to allow himself to hide anymore, he stepped out of the brush, intentionally stepping on a twig. He watched as Neil spun around, obviously startled by the sound and sudden appearance. Neil looked at him for a moment before glaring daggers at him. Though, Brandon noticed that he made sure that Violetta wouldn't be able to see the look.
"Ah, Brandon," Neil said. "So good of you to show up. There's been reports of robbers around the area and a group of three is much less likely to be attacked than one or two."
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Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 9:47 pm
Tell me, what is a human worth without a heart?Her lips parted when she saw Neil, why wasn't he working? She didn't like being alone with him.. there was something about him that scared her though she still hadn't figured out what it was. "Well.. there are people in the fields." she said in a low voice before biting her lip. Bad things.. bad things.. she didn't want bad things to happen. Seeing Brandon, she looked over at him and sighed with relief.. but then she realized that she had really gotten herself into a mess. Being alone out in a field with two men who were probably stronger than her was not a good idea. She did trust Brandon... but still the thought had entered her mind.
"Robbers?" she hadn't heard anything about robbers but then again she didn't really read about the daily events. "Um.. I'm glad to see you're alright Brandon." she smiled softly before slowly moving away from Neil, planning on walking home now. "We should be heading back." she meant her and Brandon and hopefully Neil would understand that. "Have a nice day.." she gave Neil a small wave.
Rubbing her neck she bit her lip, still moving though not quickly. Her gut was telling her that something bad was going to happen but she didn't want to think about it.. she really didn't. Shivering, she looked over at Brandon.. she had more than a few things to tell him and it seemed like she was going to break her promise from before that had been made to herself. For mine seems to have been destroyed. ((Indeed ^^ ))
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5Bulletproof-Marshmellows
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Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:20 pm
Brandon watched as Violetta visibly relaxed when he revealed his presence to the two of them. He didn't give any sign that he had noticed though, not wanting to antagonize Neil further. Noticing something so subtle of the woman Neil was convinced he was in love with would surely push him over the edge and a crazed Neil, even more so than usual, was not something Brandon wanted to deal with at the moment.
When Neil mentioned robbers, it was all he could do not to scoff aloud. There were always reports of robbers but not any more than the usual. Neil was just making excuses. Brandon knew exactly what would have happened if he hadn't stepped in. The thought of Violetta being put through that made him feel sick to his stomach.
When Violetta spoke to him, he raised an eyebrow. Did she not expect him to be alright? He may not have been free but he was a grown man nonetheless. He could take care of himself, in a confrontation anyway. As she started to back away from Neil and towards him, he noticed the other stiffen ever so slightly. Most probably would have missed it. Brandon probably would have missed it had he not been watching the other so closely.
"Of course, Mistress." Neil bowed before backing away.
Brandon watched as the man all but disappeared into thin air. He knew Neil had just moved into the shadows but it was unnerving to see a man blend in so well that he seemed to vanish into nothing. Forcing back a shiver, he waited until Violetta was by his side before turning and walking with her back into the field. He wanted to put as much distance between himself, and Violetta, and Neil as possible.
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Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:50 pm
Tell me, what is a human worth without a heart?She caught the look that Brandon gave her when she said she was glad that he was alright. What? She just didn't know what to think when he ran off like that except that she was a complete idiot. When Neil finally disappeared into the shadows, a chill ran down her spine, making goosebumps appear on her skin. Biting her lip as she and Brandon walked, she lowered her head. "Forgive me if you can.. I thought.. that you would want to go home.. " she didn't look up at him, her eyes focused on the ground.
"I shouldn't have yelled at you either.. or run off like that. I guess.. I just.." she sighed before shaking her head and looking up at the sky for a moment. "I didn't know what to do anymore." rubbing her arm, she didn't know what she was saying anymore. "I won't make you do anything you don't want to.. as long as you at least let me know.. somehow." her eyes closed for a few seconds. "Brandon.." she paused for a moment and then shook her head again, picking up her pace.
It was driving her crazy. Why had she fallen for him? Why? She knew perfectly well that it would never work even if he did feel something for her. Her father would never let her have a relationship with him. Ever. Running her fingers through her hair, she then slowed down and turned to face him. "Please.. don't interrupt me... I.." biting her lip she then took in a deep breath. "I know you could possibly hate me.. want to kill me.. or maybe you just think I'm a stuck up girl with lots of money.. maybe you think I'm nice or something else.. but.." her voice got quieter as she continued. "I don't know how it happened.. or why.. well perhaps I do.. but.. " she wrapped her arms around her waist. "I.. love.." she looked up at him. "You." she swallowed and then turned back around as she lowered her head and then continued to walk. She was shivering now. "I won't obligate you to anything.. you can do as you wish.. I've always told you that and I'm not about to change that." her voice was shaking slightly. She hadn't felt this vulnerable in a long time.. For mine seems to have been destroyed.
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5Bulletproof-Marshmellows
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Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 10:03 pm
Brandon kept his eyes straight ahead as they walked back through the field towards the house. However, when she spoke, he glanced over at her out of the corner of his eye. He frowned at that. She shouldn't have been apologizing. If she'd asked any of the other slaves, he was sure they would take up the offer in a heartbeat, if even that. But he wasn't like them. He didn't know why but he was just... different. They knew it, he knew it. The only person that didn't seem to realize it was Violetta herself.
When she continued speaking, he kept his eyes trained ahead but focused on her words. But, when she said that she didn't know what to do anymore, he looked at her fully, confused. Did know what to do about what? Her father was wealthy. She had no burdens. What could there possibly be to worry her? Unless some man had proposed to her but he highly doubted that. He would have known. He'd hardly left her side since coming there.
He watched her intently as she went on, saying she wouldn't make him do anything he didn't want to, so long as he let her know. About what? She wasn't making any sense, forcing a confused frown to form at his mouth. When she picked up her pace, he did the same, though kept his stride the same. There was an advantage to being taller.
Brandon watched, wondering if she would leave him in perpetual confusion, as she ran her fingers through her hair then slowed her pace and turned to him. He slowed as well, not wanting to get ahead of her. When she spoke, he raised an eyebrow. Interrupt her? Really? His expression said everything. But, when she continued on, the expression fell away. This was serious, whatever it was. And it was obviously hard for her to talk about. As she spoke, he frowned again. He didn't hate her and he certainly didn't want to kill her, nor did he think she was some stuck with girl with lots of money. Her voice grew quieter and he leaned in slightly to catch her words.
He watched as she wrapped her arms around her waist before his eyes darted back to her face. When she finally got out what she had been trying to say, his whole body went tense, every muscle tight, as if ready to fight or flee. This couldn't be happening. He hardly noticed her turn her back to him and continue to walk on. He didn't even hear her words. He stood where he was for several seconds, trying not to panic. She may very well love him but, eventually, she would become unsatisfied and would have needs to be met and he just couldn't do it. Not again.
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Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 4:48 pm
Tell me, what is a human worth without a heart?Her lips parted as she continued to walk, tears in her eyes. "I'll get married after the ball.. it's my decision since I know what is expected of me. I'll have my father hire you as a butler.. or perhaps you could help with the horses.. whatever you decide." she took in a deep breath. Lowering her head, she knew she should have kept her mouth shut. Why in the world had she told him? A single tear fell down her cheek as she closed her eyes, stopping in the middle of the field. She would leave him alone.. he could stay in his room.. do as he wished.. who was she to him anyway? Just another person that could possibly use him.. but she wouldn't do that.
Taking in another painful breath as she wiped the tear away, she didn't say anything else. She knew that he hadn't taken a single step. Perhaps he thought the worst of her.. "The only thing I ask of you.. is to not run off." she said in a low voice.. if he was still there then he would hear her. Violetta would return to her emotionless self once she was able to close all her emotions off from the world.. it had been a couple of weeks since then. Her tears stopped and she let her arms fall back to her side. There was no point in crying.. it never made anything better and she knew that from experience. Looking over her shoulder, she looked more calm, though on the inside she was shaking and wanting to just crawl back into her room and stay there for a while.
"Are you coming?" she asked, her eyes on his face for a moment before she focused them on the grass that was to her side, turning her head only slightly. She had known that she should have never opened up to him. It would only end in a disaster and that was what this was. Swallowing, she turned back forward and bit her lip as her eyes closed, trying to keep her calm demeanor. If she could hold it until she reached her room she would be fine. She shivered once more before lowering her head, simply waiting. Again she had made a stupid mistake. This was a terrible day and the sun that was shining up above was mocking her with a bright smile.
If she had lived through what had happened before.. she could live through this as long as she knew he had a good life.. perhaps even had a family or made some friends. She simply had to move on and that was what she was planning on doing. He wouldn't want to be around her.. she had seen the look on his face when she had told him. Violetta would go to her father in a few hours.. since she was planning on going to her room and Brandon would be busy with the tailor.. after that she would talk to her father and tell him that she wanted to get married.. everything else could be discussed between the two of them but she most definitely wouldn't tell him about Brandon. For mine seems to have been destroyed.
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5Bulletproof-Marshmellows
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Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:49 pm
Brandon heard absolutely nothing Violetta had said. In fact, the first thing he heard was 'Are you coming?' He blinked suddenly, focusing his eyes on her. How did she get all the way over there? he wondered vaguely before focusing back on the topic at hand. She loved him. She couldn't. It would only bring heartache for her and pain for him, and that was if her father didn't find out.
Forcing his feet to move forward, he walked after her, keeping his pace quick so that he caught up to her in a matter of seconds. He reached up and grabbed one of her upper arms, spinning her around to face him where he grabbed hold of her other upper arm. He held her close, barely a couple inches between them. His eyes were intense as he stared down at her. He watched her for a few seconds before leaning down to her ear. "You say you love me." His voice was deep but not too deep. It was the kind of voice that would leave girls squealing and women swooning. It was sensual, but not because he was trying to be. His voice was simply like that. "Don't." His words weren't harsh, but gentle, regretful, as if he wished he could love her back.
He remained that way, leaning down to her ear, her soft hair caressing his cheek, his hands gripping her arms, but not too tightly, for a few seconds before he leaned back up, released her arms and stepped back. Silence fell over him once more. That was the first time he'd spoken in years. It amazed him that his voice still worked, and that it sounded that way. The last time he'd spoken, his voice had been breaking so he'd sounded sort of like a dying cat.
In all honesty, he really did wish he could love her back. It would be complicated and dangerous. If anyone found out they'd be torn away from each other, but it would be worth it. But, the fact was, he didn't think he was capable of romantic love anymore. Sure, he loved his parents, and he loved the children he'd only ever seen once, but he couldn't bring himself to feel anything for Violetta besides the loyalty and friendship that companion slaves were supposed to feel for their master or mistress. He couldn't bring himself to even imagine feeling for her the way his parents had felt for each other, or even the way he had imagined he could one day feel for that one special girl that he would some day marry. He hadn't felt or imagined that since his first mistress.
Without speaking or making a sound, he took the step back towards Violetta. Much more gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face back towards the house. One hand returned to his side while the other pressed against the middle of her back to get her walking. They really should get back to the house before anyone realized they were missing. He already had Neil convinced that he was pining after Violetta. He didn't need that rumor spreading around among the other slaves.
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