Dark memories

The world comes into focus, and everything feels strange. There’s a floating sensation, a feeling of disconnect, and Kael realizes that the eyes he’s looking through are not his own. He’s merely a passenger, and this must be Evie’s past. Evie is young here, still just a child. She’s staring at the floor, at her own bare feet. The stone is cold, and she shivers in the plain dress she’s wearing. A stern voice speaks, commanding obedience.

“A **** does what she’s told. A **** only speaks when allowed to. You will obey without complaint. Are we clear, elf?”

Past Evie nods. The voice continues. “Now, clean this room.”

A filthy rag and bucket of water are set on the floor. Past Evie hesitates. “But…it’s cold…”

There’s a snarl. “What did I just say?”

There’s a smack, and pain. Past Evie was just slapped across her cheek. Kael bristles, but there’s nothing he can do here. He can feel the tears on past Evie’s cheeks as she hurriedly grabs the rag. On her hands and knees, she scrubs the stone floor, shivering and scared.

The world fades out, and back in again. Past Evie is in a classroom of some kind. She is older here, barely a teenager. Kael can feel her sadness, her loneliness, and he aches to comfort her. There are other elves in the room, but none dare speak to each other. The instructors prowl the room, ensuring that their ****-students stay on task. Mistakes are punished, either with verbal ****, or with a slap for more serious offenses. Always there’s an undercurrent of obedience and subservience.

Another fade. Evie is older again, though still a teenager. Another classroom, different classmates, same atmosphere. There’s something different here, though. The elves here are all female, and the instructors male. Kael can feel Evie’s discomfort and nervousness. The instructor is speaking of the expectations of slavery. Sexual expectations.

“A **** will always submit to her master. That is your purpose. They will use you as they see fit.”

The instructor looks across the class, and points to an older elven girl, looking to be a recent graduate. “Talia here will demonstrate. Strip.”

The elf bows. “Yes, master.”

Without hesitation, she undresses, though she blushes red as she does so. Past Evie looks away, embarrassed, as do several others. The instructor shakes his head.

“This is important. Observe, or face punishment.”

Past Evie forces herself to look at the naked elven woman, and Kael can feel the mixture of emotions she’s feeling. Embarrassment, fear, and even a tiny amount of arousal, leaving the young elf shaking in her seat. The instructor walks over to the naked elf, and roughly gropes her breasts. The elf blushes, looking away, clearly uncomfortable, but doesn’t react otherwise.

“Very good, Talia. You see? She allows me to do as I will. Now, if she were truly special, she would act eager, but this is good enough.”

He releases her breasts, and nods. “You may go, Talia.”

The elf bows. “Yes, master. Thank you, master.”

The instructor looks around the class. “You elves don’t know how good you have it. Elves are considered high class slaves, so you can remain…unspoiled until you get a master. The lower races, kobolds, goblins, and the like, they receive much more hands on training. So be thankful.”

Kael seethes as he listens. He always knew these places were awful, but seeing it through Evie’s eyes…it’s a wonder she didn’t break completely. The vision fades out again, and fades back in, and Kael senses that Evie is now an adult, and listening as a document is read.

“…as a gift to one of his champions. You are to serve him in any capacity that he sees fit. This is a binding contract, and an order from Lord Greyheart.”

Evie is looking at the ground again. Kael can see she’s wearing the clothes she was wearing on the night she arrived at his doorstep. A hand grabs her arm and pulls her to her feet.

“You hear that, elf? You’ve been given to one of the lord’s champions. One of his prized knights. You’ll serve him well. Or else.”

Evie simply nods. Kael can hear the conflicting thoughts in her head.

A knight? Is he a good person? The lord’s champions are supposed to be incredibly dangerous. Will he hurt me? Will he…use me?

There’s a thrill in her mind at that thought, both fear and excitement. An odd mix. There’s a definite desire to escape the bleak world of the **** school, but also great fear of the unknown. Even as she’s working through her feelings, though, she’s pushed from her spare living quarters, and marched down the hall, towards the exit.

One of the escorts chuckles. “She’s a pretty one. Champion Kael will have fun with her.”

The other snorts. “Bah, I doubt she lasts a day. There’s got to be a reason he lives alone. Bet he’s a monster in private.”

They chatter back and forth as they walk Evie through the evening streets, and only quiet when they arrive at Kael’s house. As she listens, her fears grow, drowning out any hopes she had. When Kael’s door opens, he sees himself through her eyes. Huge, bloodstained, and seemingly gruff and angry. After a short exchange, she’s shoved forward, and caught in Kael’s arms.

It’s a shock, a gentle touch, unexpected. Evie looks up, and sees that hard expression soften, just for a moment. In that moment, a spark ignites, the beginning of a flame that would only be fanned by his kindness once the doors closed. All the stories, everything she was taught, told her that she should be prepared to be an object, a tool. And yet…this man, scary as he is, he treats her kindly. There’s a sadness in his eyes. She can feel pain, tightly controlled, within him.

Kael gasps soundlessly, feeling the beginnings of what would be their love. All Evie ever needed, all she ever wanted, was somewhere safe, someone kind. And Kael was her knight in shining armor, wether he knew it or not.

The vision fades, and Kael opens his own eyes, finding himself looking at Evie. His Evie, now in his home. No, that’s not right. It’s their home. Evie may be considered a **** by others, but not to him. She calls him master, but he hears the truth behind those words. The true meaning. She gives herself to him, not because she’s compelled to, but because she wants to.

They share a smile, her hands still on his head. Kael leans forward, and softly kisses her. “I’m sorry for what you went through, Evie. I promise, that is the past. I love you, and I will always protect you.”

Evie kisses him again. “I know, master. I love you too. And tonight, it’s time to fully embrace it. Come to bed with me? Please?”