Laaous gazed down at the sleeping girl, smiling sadly. When he saw her on the slave block, he was transported back 40 years in his memories. He had seen another white female, and so transfixed by her beauty, he paid all his money to get her. He never regretted his decision, as they had fallen in love. Sadly she contracted a disease and died 5 years later. This girl reminder him so much of his old love he had to buy her, if only to keep from a cruel master. Bringing himself back to the present, he ordered Iztel to care for her, and quickly left. Katla, vaguely hearing voices, woke for her slumber. Seeing the rooms other occupant, a girl about her own age, she shrank away from the girl, not sure what to expect now.
Iztel spoke to her gently.
"My name is Iztel, and I know your language. Please do not be frightened, for this is a good house. I am to help you prepare to meet the master."
She took Katla by the elbow and gently pulled her toward the steaming pool. Katla understood, and pulled her tunic off before sinking into the herb-scented water with a grateful sigh. Iztel opened compartment in the floor and brought out a cloth, soap, hair cleanser, and a comb. To Katla's surprise, she pulled off her garments, another tunic (but one that came to her ankles) and a loincloth. She sank into the water beside Katla, and picked up the hair cleanser. Pouring a most of the bottle into Katla's hair, she began to massage it in, making sure to get all of it soapy. She then moved up to her scalp and slowly began to massage it in. Katla tipped her head back, never having felt anything so good. Eventually the massage came to an end, and Iztel washed Katla's hair out, happy to see it's beautiful golden color shining through the grime. Katla was extremely surprised to note that the debris in the water swirled around for a few minutes, then slowly disappeared, leaving the water sparkling once more. Grabbing the soap and cloth, Iztel handed them to Katla.
"Here, I will comb out your hair while you wash, then you must get dressed and meet the master."