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How the hell did they get into this situation in the first place? Oh yes, her master's own stupidity and arrogance had upset the wrong person this time. A 'glorified band of successful thieves' as he so lovingly referred to them when she halfheartedly inquired what had gotten him so riled up.

She frankly couldn't give two shits who they were, what she was more interested in was the reasoning behind why her master was putting himself (and in turn her as well) in such danger by trying to strike up a deal with them. What was his goal to achieve from associating with those he spoke so poorly about? Perhaps to try and profit off of them? Perhaps just to boost his image? She couldn't quite say. Well, no matter whatever it was she suspected it didn't involve the member of the warband he singled out becoming extremely offended and challenging him to a duel.

A duel that no doubt she would have to fight in his stead. Whether it was to the death or just for honor it didn't really matter her owner expectations still the same: Win or die.

Despite the growing chance she would be tossed once more into the fighting ring she was oddly disjointed from the whole affair. Why she always kept a ear out for the tell-tale command for her to come, the rest of her focus was being spent boredly tracing out pictures with an extended claw into the hard ground.

The new voice booming over the two squabbling had actually managed to catch her attention. Though her head didn't move her eyes did pan up to peer owlishly out from under her thick bangs at Tethys.

So, this fight had caught the attention of one of these 'thieves' leaders? Huh, that was surprising. What was even more surprising was the fact that he was being merciful today, granting her owner the chance to cut his losses and leave before things turned even uglier.

But of course, no one had ever said that her owner was particularly bright, nor did it seem that he had a grain of common sense knocking about in that head of his. Proven once more when instead of bolting as soon as he could, he actually elected to argue with the viking.

"I decline. This woman is property under my household, thus should be able to act as my proxy as she's an extension of myself and my possession. Nor will I leave! You and your warband are camped currently on one of the most gold rich spots this side of the mountain range. A spot mind you that I have planned for months to begin mining from only to be told that I'm not allowed passage from your.....crew. However perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement." The male cleared his throat before he peered back over his shoulder. "Mtumwa!" He roar before turning back his attention to Tethys and his Reaver.

As if her body was on autopilot the moment her rank was called out she was up and making her way over to her owner. Her pink eyes quickly made a quick pass over their forms as she lowered herself back onto her rump.

"Now you fellows are Stormborn, yes? And Stormborn if I recall have a certain fondness for slaves, just as my family does as well. So here is my offer, I'll trade nine slaves from my family's stock with this one -" Lifting a paw he set it on top of her head, giving it a small pat. "Included to round it to ten. She can also act as collateral for my part of the deal. In return I get the right to come and mine whatever ore is at your campsite without further issue."

'She's ours now, not yours.'

Her head imminently perked up from it's previous bow of respect. She...she wasn't owned by this selfish t**t anymore? Her eyes fluttered wildly back and forth between Tethys and his Reaver, looking for any signs of humor from them. Honestly she expected at any moment that they were going to start busting out laughing and finally get to the punchline. Any moment now...

....They weren't joking, were they? Holy mother of god! Well they didn't have to tell her twice!

Scrambling to her feet she bounded forward quickly before her previous owner had even a chance to blink - let alone try to stop her - to meet the Reaver half-way. Without any protest she calmly followed behind and took up her new post at Tethys' side.

And just in time to watch the coward's face go pale as it finally dawned on him just how out-numbered he truly was. The image of this sadistic b*****d finally being brought down to his rightful level? Beautiful, glorious, and priceless. Absolutely priceless. Truly it was something that she would never forget as long as she would live.

Unsurprisingly you visibly see all of the previous gusto and confidence he oozed before drain now that he was left without his guard and the very real possibility that he would have to put forth effort to defend himself he did what was expected of him: He fled with his tail between his legs.

There was yet another pause, none of the remaining lions making any moves to be the first to break the awkward silence.

Finally she cleared her throat, pulling attention down to herself for the first time. "I apologize if I'm out of line freely speaking." Pausing once more her head subconsciously lowered as she resumed her trained stance of submissiveness. "However he won't leave things as they are. He's a child in a man's body, and you have just taken away not only his favorite toy but his prize, he'll be throwing a temper tantrum and soon returning with more to back up his claims." Not that one spoiled noble and his posse would prove to be much of a match against this particular group.

Her light eyes slowly trailed nervously skyward to try and get a gauge on his reaction so far before she continued. He didn't seem upset at least? Perhaps this would stupidly earn her ill-favor with her new owner but this kind of opportunity was just something she couldn't help but take up. She had waited too long for a chance like this. "Permission to eliminate the fool before he causes more hassle for you, sir?"

Oh she realized that he had saved her from death all too well. Even if she had in theory won the battle against the Reaver she would quickly lose the war once her former master realized that she had a serious injury.

Death was the likely scenario either way that it went. It was almost insulting to think that she had forgotten what a boon she owed him all too quickly. No, she would be back as promised, even if he had already given her permission to leave technically.

But first she had some messy business to take care of.

By the time she would be finished there would be little left of the coward who previously owned her besides a bloody pile of mush. She would make sure there would be nothing left that his allies and family could use to confirm or deny his body. He would disappear from history today, and in turn so shall she. One missing slave wouldn't be worth making a huge fuss over.

....Even so, if one of the hounds did come sniffing around they would meet a similar fate to the one they were searching for. They could all discuss it over a nice drink in hell for all she cared for.

When she did return to the Stormborn's camp she still hadn't bothered to clean herself up. With her head held high and proud she entered the camp with a vastly improved sense of confidence around her. Having taken care of the final tie to her old life had lightened a great weight on her shoulders.

Figuratively, at the very least. She literally did it once she found herself in front of Tethys once more. With a swipe of a paw she tossed the remaining skin down at his feet. "You and your men requested his hide to take back to your wives, and now you have it." She calmly explained. Why they would want the hide of a man-child in the first place she didn't understand, but hey, she had no place to judge.

Plunking herself down she (finally) began to bathe herself, starting with her paws. "So, you have a army here, you clearly have a cause, so please fill me in on the mission objective."

Most would have thought her insane for her actions for a number of reasons. The most obvious being her lack of motivation to go hog wild as most would after finally being freed from slavery. Secondly, most would questions her sanity when she willingly strode herself back into the war camp and presented her offering to the Captain lounging before her.

Luckily she was not most people.

Anyone who was willing enough to grant her mercy when she was in no position to argue was not someone she was going to turn her nose and run from. Like it or not, they had earned her loyalty that day. What they did with it was going to be another matter entirely.

She gave a few bemused blinks at his question. Why? Had she not made her self clear by keeping her promise? She certainly didn't come back to revel in the festivities. "Is it not prudent for someone to ask what they are going to be fighting for?" She replied bluntly with an raised eyebrow.

With a soft sigh she lowered her paw back to the ground. She should probably explain herself better since it was clear that he still was unsure of her reasoning being here. "You have given me permission to do what I wish to do. The first task I had on my personal agenda was to dispose of the garbage," Gesturing to the dark pelt in front of her before continuing. "But now that's done I'm here to offer assistance to whatever you have going on here. I think it's only right to do so considering I do owe you my life, no?"

A cocked eyebrow and deadpan stare was the only response he got from his dismissal. If he truly felt that she didn't owe him anything than that was is provocative, she on the other hand very much held the belief that there was a debt still left after today's events that needed to be fulfilled. Now what exactly would make them even she would just have to play it by ear. She suspected that when that ah-ha moment came it would just kind of click that everything was settled between them.

But till that day came here she would stay, for better or for worse.

Her pale eyes slowly followed his trail over to the Reavers all grouped around the coat. "I think that sounds like a plan." Giving her own shake of her head to get off a better portion of the blood from her face she rose to her feet. "Time will be the ultimate test for any trust that might be built. A kingdom isn't built in a day, and nor are relationships."

Licking the underside of her paw she gave a half-hearted effort to slick her messy tumble of hair into a semi-tamed look before continuing, "Still, even if you disagree with me...thank you, Tethys. I suppose we'll be seeing each other around some time." With that she brushed past him, making her way over to the other Reavers who she would soon be taking up arms with.

The rest of the day would be an eventful one for her for sure! Once she moved past her rather awkward introduction of herself it had been decided that there would be a spar for the coat that a fair few desired after all.

She decided to enter mostly just to prove her metal to the Vikings, and yet surprisingly she came out the victor! Her battle-fought prize was crafted into a rather stunning cloak - who knew such garbage could make such a fine coat? - that she soon would learn to dearly love and wear with pride. It served as a constant reminder of her origins and that she was now in control of her life.


Her name use to mean slave in her native tongue. A title to be summoned by instead of something lovingly given by her mother.


She would be a slave to no one ever again. She was free. She was Azadi.