In the Hall

The training hall is immaculate with smooth white limestone walls, and a rougher stone floor. The occasional green fern or ivy breaks the otherwise light earth toned halls. There are many windows, obscured by waving white sheets, but with a strong gust of wind you can see that the windows are barred. Down the hall Cyprian consults with a tall woman with raven hair that reaches her hips.

"You will call me Mistress Acantha, or simply Mistress." she begins speaking as she walks crisply towards you. "You are under the service of House Cornelius now... I don't care what notions of agency you may bring to this hall, off-worlder, but from now on, you will obey..." As she grows closer you can see her better. She's a mature woman, with the dangerous beauty of experience and authority. Her eyes are thin and lined with sharp black mascara, her nose and cheek bones are similarly sharp, though not beakish or unattractive. Her body is not thin, but rather reflected a light Renaissance beauty, being both soft and defined. Perhaps her most enrapturing attribute is her voice. Listening to her voice is like walking the edge of a blade. It's piercing, yet delicate. It's beautiful, but you fear that if you say the wrong thing you will get cut.

"You will be asked to do many things..." She prowls around you, and you realize she's inspecting you like livestock.
"Some things you may enjoy..." She turns your head with the delicate touch of her fingers as she inspects your profile.
"And many things you will not, but even these things we can teach you to take pleasure from... if you are willing."

She turns away, and dismisses Cyperian with the wave of her hand.

"You may imagine yourself to still be a free man now. Your head filled with silly thoughts of agency, and choice. It would be well to dismiss those thoughts now... It will ease your inevitable transition." She snaps her fingers.

"Lavinia, Silva." To women step foreword, one blond, the other brunette. "You will be in charge of training our newest ****... I have decided that he is to be..."