To Tame a Slave

I know, I know, it's literally been well over a year since I last updated this. I found the end almost impossible to write, and that's what took me so long. I will make you this promise though: no matter how long it takes me between chapters, I will never drop this story. The google doc for it pretty much sat open in one of my tabs literally this entire time, just in case I got inspiration. So yeah. I won't give up on you, so don't give up on me, kay?

Also, please feel free to comment or message or email me and demand a new chapter. I respond well to guilt trips.

I really hope you guys like this chapter, because I really enjoyed writing it, sporadic though I was. So enjoy!

*****

"I knew I'd see you again," said a voice from behind me. I spun in surprise, hand pressed to my chest. He looked so hard with that serious expression on his face. It made my heart flutter and a tight knot of anxiety form. After a moment though, I recognized him.

I gasped, exclaiming, "It's you!" The hardness faded away as a grin stretched his lips and lit up the most beautiful blue eyes I'd ever seen. Of all the places I'd thought I'd run into him again, the royal library was not one.

"I'm happy to hear that you recognize me. I was worried for a moment." Those enchanting eyes traced down my body and back up, stopping at the flush that had formed in my cheeks. "I presume you haven't been in any trouble since I last saw you, as I haven't heard you call out to me."

I frowned at him. "I don't require the help of a stranger. Besides, even if I had, how would you have heard me?" He didn't answer, merely stared at me for a long moment. That grin had slipped away, replaced by something I didn't have a word for.

"I swear, you're just as beautiful when you're frowning as when you're smiling," he murmured, making my cheeks flush redder. I finally recognized what I saw in his face. Desire. I didn't know how to react. Nobody had ever looked at me so intensely.

"And when you look at me like that I can't contain the need to-" He cut his words off suddenly, taking a step back and a deep breath. "That was too far. I apologize my lady." He turned as if to leave. Without thinking my hand shot out, grabbing hold of his sleeve.

"Wait, please," I said, voice shaky and uncertain. For some reason I couldn't decipher, I didn't want him to go. At the very least I didn't want him to go without knowing that I'd be able to see him again.

His smile was soft as he turned back towards me. My hand fell away from his sleeve as he stepped close. Almost too close, and I felt my heart flutter in my chest. His hand came up to cup my cheek, and the feel of his touch sent shockwaves through my body. Our eyes met, and I saw the same indescribable feeling reflected in his.

"I'm going to kiss you now," he murmured. Though his voice was soft, it was firm. I knew only a solid no would stop him, and even that I wasn't entirely sure about. Not that it mattered, as my voice didn't seem capable of working at the moment, so I merely stared up at him, trembling.

His face dipped down and my eyes slipped shut. As his lips brushed against mine I gasped. The feel of his hand was nothing compared to the desire his kiss evoked. I'd never felt anything like it. It was intoxicating. He was intoxicating.

After a moment he pulled back, looking as affected as I was. He cleared his throat and took a step back, hand falling away. I missed the touch immediately.

"I will find you again," he murmured before turning and slipping away. I stared after him for a long while after he'd disappeared. Slowly my vision faded, black overtaking me.

When my eyes blinked back open, I encountered not the sight of rows of books, but instead trees and horses and in the distance what appeared to be a large manor. A body moved behind me as I slowly woke up and came back to the present.

"Why do you move so much when you're sleeping sometimes?" The body behind me asked. It took a moment for me to realize it was Drell. Before I could snap something sarcastic, he continued. "Was it another dream?"

I frowned, remembering the feel of Anthony's lips on mine. It felt both similar and different than his real kisses, and it made me shiver. My body was aching with my need for him and I hated it.

"Yeah, it was," I finally said, leaning back into his warmth. The arm around my waist tightened. "Thank you for putting me to sleep. Dream aside, I feel calm again."

I heard him chuckle behind me, inspiring both a frown and a blush. "I think that may be the first time you've ever thanked me for anything." My frown became a scowl.

"Yeah, well don't get used to it," I snapped. "Asshole." He laughed again. Stupid night elf.

"We're almost there," he said before another fight could start. My back stiffened, eyes fixed on the manor in the distance. Was that it? I hoped so. The wait was killing me. I needed answers, and I got the feeling I would find them there. And if this Madam Alcina was all they said she was, perhaps a few other changelings had been drawn there. I could only hope.

The next few minutes were silent and tense, as we inched our way towards what could only have been the infamous pleasure house.

"I'm a little nervous," I admitted quietly. His arm tightened comfortingly around my waist, and despite myself it helped.

"If I'm being honest," he said, "I am too. It's no secret Alcina's loathing of slavers. It's something I've dabbled in in the past, as you know. That combined with the fact that I'm the one who turned you into a slave." He hesitated for a moment before continuing with, "I don't think I could ever do it again."

I twisted my head to look up at him, startled by his admission. Was it because of me? Had I affected him so much? He'd said before that he'd never actually had a conversation with a human before me, so had I made my species more real in his eyes? If so, I was a little proud that I'd made such an effect.

Before I could respond, we were arriving, and a man had appeared on the front steps. "Greetings," he said with a warm smile. "Welcome to Alcina's pleasure house. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you two before. I'm Delire."

"Drell," he responded, sliding off of the horse before helping me down. "And this is Alanna. We've come to speak with Alcina, if she'll have us. We have a letter from Anthony Goldwell." The butler's eyes widened, making me wonder how well known he was. It was odd hearing his last name. I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me that he had one.

"Of course," Delire said, his smile growing. "Any friend of Anthony's is welcome here gladly. He's done so much to help us over the years. Come come. You can tie your horse to the fence there, and I'll send someone out to stable it right away."

Drell did as asked before following the butler into the manner. I trailed close behind, twisting my hands nervously. What would Alcina be like? How would she react to the whole slave business?

"Luckily, I believe Alcina is free at the moment, so she should be able to see you right away," Delire was saying. "Faux!" A redheaded boy appeared. He couldn't have been more than twelve, and I had to wonder what he was doing in a place like this. "There's a horse outside. Please go and take it to the stable. Drell, if you wouldn't mind handing over that letter, I'll deliver it right away to Madam Alcina." As the boy hustled off to do as told, Drell handed over the letter and the butler disappeared quickly up an elegant flight of stairs.

Neither of us said anything, waiting long minutes in tense silence for the famous Alcina to appear. I passed the time by looking around the foyer, admiring the beautiful art on the walls. I don't know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it.

A woman finally appeared, descending the stairs with a slightly tense but still warm smile. I could only assume she was Madam Alcina. She wasn't what I expected either. I'd expected someone maybe a little rebellious looking, in daring clothing with a mischievous appearance. And probably stunning. Instead, I found the woman rather pretty, and almost a little conservative. Her black hair was up in a bun, and her clothing was fairly demure, a long, loosely fitted grey dress with a modest neckline.

"Welcome to my home," she said warmly as she approached us, reaching out to clasp my hand. Drell she regarded cooly, though she did reach out to shake his hand as well. "I've read your letter, and you are most welcome to stay here until things begin to calm down again, or Anthony comes to retrieve you. Please, join me in my study so we can talk in private." She turned and made her way back up the stairs. Drell and I exchanged a nervous look before following her.

The study we entered was lined with bookshelves and had a few comfortable chairs, as well as a slightly cluttered desk, but other than that it was rather plain. I took the seat closer to Drell, seeking solace in what I knew.

"So," she said, the warm smile slipping slightly. "I'd like to express my thoughts on what that letter contained." She turned a cool gaze on Drell, and I couldn't help but feel intimidated by this rather unassuming woman. "I do not normally allow slavers in my home, though I do allow for slave owners. I disapprove of the act, but many of them have bought willing slaves who are under contracts." Willing slaves? The very idea seemed contradictory to me.

Even Drell seemed a little nervous as he responded. "I assure you, since getting to know Alanna, I've decided to give up the practice." The woman nodded, seemingly reassured for the moment.

"I'm also highly disappointed in Anthony for buying his first slave, and a human no less. Rest assured, I will be having words with him once he arrives to collect you." Her gaze turned on me and became warm once more. "I understand you are a changeling, but also another human. We have two changelings currently in residence here. They're the first two to stumble into our world, so I'm sure they have plenty of advice for you. Once you're settled here, I'll arrange for you to meet them."

I perked up, my heart beating faster in my chest. My hopes were rewarded. Maybe these changelings would know the way home, or at the very least have some sort of clue. And maybe they could help me make sense of these dreams. I couldn't help but wonder if all of the changelings were connected to others in a similar way as me.

"I would absolutely love that," I told her, relief in my voice.

She smiled. "I thought you would. Now, Drell, I believe that's all for the moment. I'd like to speak to Alanna alone for a bit if you wouldn't mind. I'll have Delire set you up in a room." She stood and poked her head out the doorway, saying something before being followed back in by the butler.

"If you'd follow me sir," he said, bowing slightly. Drell gave me a worried look before standing and following him out. The moment the door was closed, Alcina was dropping into the chair closest to me, clasping my hands again, a mournful look on her face.

"I'm so sorry about your circumstances my dear. As all of the other changelings have been nonhuman species, you're the first I've heard of being forced into slavery." She squeezed my hands, looking near tears. "If it were anyone else, I would rescue you and allow you sanctuary. There aren't many people who would dare to challenge me. Unfortunately, Anthony is one of those people, and he's powerful enough to take you back by force if needed. And from the tone of his letter, I do not doubt he would take any measure to get you back." I couldn't help but to be startled by that knowledge. It was astonishing to hear that he was as possessive as all that. "I'm so sorry I can't do more for you."

I sighed, pulling my hands away to rub my forehead. "It's alright," I reassured her. "To be honest, it's really not that bad. It could certainly be worse. I was stuck in a slave pen for a week, and you wouldn't believe some of the people who tried to buy me." The memory of that night elf struck me, and a shiver of fear ran down my spine. She smiled sadly at me, and I could tell she wasn't reassured.

"Well, shall I have someone show you to your room?" She asked, obviously eager to move on from such a sad topic. "And then perhaps a tour of my home before dinner? You'll find there are many diversions to be found." I nodded and she reached out to grasp my hand one more time before leading me from the room. As we stepped into the hallway, a man happened to be walking past. He was almost human looking, with his tanned skin and very light brown hair. The two were almost the same color, and as I glimpsed his eyes, I realized they were as well. Was he a siren? If so, he was the plainest one I'd seen so far.

"Ah, Neera," she greeted him with a grin. "Perfect. This is Alanna. If you aren't busy, would you mind setting her up in a room? Alanna, this is Neera, one of our resident singers." Yet another surprise, to learn there were people here who weren't prostitutes.

"Of course!" He reached out to shake my hand with a warm smile. It was relieving that everybody here so far had been so welcoming. "It's a pleasure to meet you!" He offered his arm, and I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. "I'll see you later Alcina," he said. She waved before disappearing back into her study.

"So what brings you to our home?" He asked, peering down at me.

"Ah, hiding from the trouble that might be brewing in the castle. Since I'm a human. And I don't know if being a changeling helps either," I admitted.

He nodded understandingly. "I heard that they found out the heir to the throne is a human as well. It's rather exciting to say the least. And an absolute pleasure to meet another changeling. Tina and Crim are a delight, though odd."

"Are they the other changelings here?" I asked.

"Yes! And the first to stumble into our world," he informed me, reiterating Alcina's news. I was nearly quivering with excitement. We were silent for a while, me lost in my thoughts. It was nice that he wasn't digging into my past. Before I realized it, we were stopping in front of another door. "Here we go, this room should suit you nicely. I'll come find you in about an hour or so to give you a tour. I figure you may need a rest after your long travel."

At the mention of a rest, I yawned widely, prompting a laugh from the man. "Maybe two hours." A flush spread across my cheeks, but before I could respond he was swinging the door open. The room was lovely, though not my usual style. It was all light wood and pastel colors, though they were relatively neutral, and the walls were covered in vivid, colorful paintings to break up the monotony. I couldn't help but to miss my room with Anthony.

"Have a good rest, and once again it is a pleasure to meet you," he said. We exchanged warm smiles before he turned and disappeared down the hallway, whistling quietly. I sighed, my brain shutting down for the moment. Quickly I flopped onto the bed, moaning at how comfortable it was, and was almost instantly out into a comfortable sleep.

--

"My lady, I'm home!"

My book fell from my lap as I leapt to my feet and raced out of the study. The sight of Anthony making his way down the hall made my heart soar, and before he could say a word I had launched myself at him. Laughing, he caught me around the waist and spun me around a few times.

"I'm going to guess that you missed me," he said, finally setting me back on the ground, his cheek pressed to my head. He never released his grip, arms wrapped tightly around my waist.

"I missed you a lot Sir," I mumbled into his chest, feeling my eyes begin to mist up.

He laughed again before finally pulling back. "I brought you a gift," he said, reaching into his pocket. "Close your eyes." I quivered with excitement as I closed them and waited. I didn't have to wait long before his warm fingers slid across my neck, followed by the cool feel of metal. "Okay, you can open them now."

I opened my eyes and looked down, to see a simple silver necklace, laced with the occasional pure white pearl. Hanging from it was a small pendant in the shape of a red lily. My fingers came up to brush against it, and I could feel my eyes beginning to tear up again.

"Oh, Anthony, it's so beautiful." I peered up at him with an awed and quivery smile.

"I thought you'd like it," he said, brushing his fingers across my cheek. I leaned into his hand with a soft sigh.

"But how did you know I liked lilies?" There was confusion and more awe in my voice. He laughed, and then smiled sheepishly down at me.

"I must confess, I may have cheated a little bit," he admitted. "I asked Nenet what kind of flowers you liked."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "So you went and pestered my closest friend for information. Why am I not surprised? I-" He cupped my jaw and turned my face up, pressing his lips to mine and making me forget whatever it was I had been about to say. When he finally pulled away, we were both breathless. His eyes were hooded and full of desire.

"I have so missed your scolding," he murmured, pressing another long kiss to my lips. "But I've missed the feel of you just as much. I need you. Now."

A giggle slipped out as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. "Then what are you waiting for Sir?" I asked, only to squeak as he wrapped his hands around my thighs and hoisted me up, pulling them around his waist and pushing me up against the wall, lips descending on mine again.

The dream slowly blurred, and I woke to the feeling of his lips. That memory had been so overwhelming that I'd forgotten it was just that: a memory. Normally I can tell when they begin, but this time...

I shook myself and took a deep breath, trying to force down the arousal and focus on other aspects of the memory. The necklace seemed familiar for some reason. But more than that, I now had a name. With a sigh, I stared up at the ceiling. However, a single name with no context would make it incredibly difficult to find information on. Maybe Alcina would be able to help? Or Anthony? I shook my head. No, I didn't want Anthony to know about these dreams. Not yet. I wasn't ready yet.

With a start, I remembered the book Knowledge had given me. It had been empty when I'd first received it, but that had been almost a week ago. Maybe something had been added since.

I rolled out of bed and picked my jacket up off the floor, reaching into the pocket and pulling out the small black book. I flipped through it quickly, not surprised to find that it was still blank. Frustrated, I flipped through it again. This time, however, my eyes caught on a passage of text.

Breathless with anticipation, I opened it, and then gasped in surprise.

At the top of the page was simply the word 'Nenet'. Was this what Knowledge had meant by the book giving me information as I needed it?

Quickly I read through the rest of it, and was nearly quivering when I finished.

'Nenet

Ravae. Part of the fifth generation of her kind as created by Ravenna, daughter of Death. A major part of The Great War. One of many who participated in the binding of Verone. Uncommonly strong for her species. Was first of her kind to reenter the living world as an emissary. Currently avoids the affairs of the living and resides in Death's realm.'

I had to read through the passage repeatedly, more and more questions piling up. Ravenna? Death? Ravae? Thankfully, I recognized The Great War, but had no idea still what it was about.

Since flipping through the pages multiple times had revealed new information, I decided to try it again. Almost immediately, a passage on another page appeared.

'Ravae

Raven Fae, created by Ravenna, the first of their kind and daughter of Death. Winged like all Fae, they are covered in black feathers and possess claws instead of nails. Some have a humanoid face, others may have a semblance of a beak. They have the ability to entrance people when they fly. Are the messengers of Death, though because of many issues in the living world they rarely perform this act any more and reside mostly in Death's realm, unless there is something special about the person in question. There is a strong prejudice against them, as some equate them with reapers, the bringers of death.'