Thread: Heir to the plantation. (Wreckles & AmyBeth)

Mellina rose from her bow and walked towards the two men head held high. She stood before them but hesitated a moment before dropping back into a curtsy and hesitated yet again before bowing her head to her Master and his son. But unlike most slaves she did not down cast her eyes as she was expected to. She looked up at the stranger even if for just a moment. She sized him up. He was clearly athletic from his time spent at war, and his military and highborn background had him holding himself tall. He thought he was better than her, better than all the slaves. She didnt like the way his large hand rested on the whip, as if ready and very willing to use it at any minute. She listened to him speak. Before she was a slave she would have spoken back to the man who seemed to thoroughly enjoy commanding. This mans father was no soft owner, he was not weak or ruled his plantation with an iron fist not afraid to punish when needed. But he had been reasonable, he made sure that his slaves got decent standard of care, keeping healthy slaves meant high output of wine. She had the sense that the man before her would not only not mind raising a hand to her but would most likely enjoy it. She did not speak as she had not been told to, and knew if she opened her mouth she would most likely get herself into trouble. Instead she bobbed another curtsey and nodded her head clearly understanding her orders. She heard his orders to make sure she was bathed and her heart palpitated. Why on earth would he care if she was dirty? She was just a field slave and though he wished to speak with her tonight, there was no real reason to be close enough to her to notice whether the rich clay of the vineyard was on her skin or not. She continued her work, thinking as she removed grapes from the vine placing them in baskets that were then carried away and replaced with an empty one. She had set up a program where jobs were rotated around slaves, so they didnt burn out picking in the sun all day, which increased production as slaves were entering the field more fresh and rested as well as increasing moods of the field slaves. Today was her short end of the stick, as she toiled for what seemed like an eternity. But at the end of the work day instead of joining the rest of the field hands for a plain supper she was guided away to the baths. She wasnt even allowed to bath herself as two older slaves took over scrubbing every inch, every single inch of her body. She took over when the women had begun to annoy her and exited the bath on her own. She was also given a new uniform free of dirt wrinkles and sweat from the sun. Once dressed the slave women ripped through her hair roughly removing the knots and mess, and pulled the sides from her face allowing her long dark curled hair to hang free at the side. Mellina still did not enjoy that she was being made to looks so presentable for a meeting with a man that should care little what she looks like, it seemed something dangerous. Once she was put together the women shooed her out and told her to hurry to the estates, better to be early then late. She stood waiting to be showed into the office in which she was told young Master Duflot was to be found. Her stomach was tight with pain and hunger. She had not been fed nor given water since mid-day. Her body was fatigued as the work and sun drained away the energy from her body leaving her drained and also irritable which always had a way of getting her into trouble. She was kept waiting for what seemed like an hour. She knew he was just trying to show his dominance. Mellina knew better then to get mad but it was hard not to. All she could do was remind her self of her sister. If Mellina got herself in trouble she would be getting Airia in trouble as well. Just as she thought of her sister she heard a sweet high voice whisper behind her. Mel? She turned slightly and smiled at her sister they saw each other in passing once every day or so and only had time to talk once or twice a month. What are you doing in the main house? If my lady sees Mellina placed her finger to her lip to hush the girl. I am too meet with young Master Duflot. Be safe my dove. She said to her sister just as she was told to enter. Airia always admired her sisters strong beauty and stronger will. She watched in awe as she walked in the study back straight her body smooth and strong. If Airia was in her shoes, told to meet with either of the Masters in person she would have been shaking in fear. But not her big sister. No Mellina walked in head straight, she seemed to be in control of herself, if she was fearful of what this meeting entailed she did not make the sentiment public. Mellina stepped to the middle of the room in front of Milien and curtsied deep and held the position it was costmary to do so until she was told she could rise or release. She bowed her head but again peeked her eyes forward to look at the strong young man before her. He sipped upon wine that her sweat, body and work had created enjoying the spoils of her labor. You wished private audience with me Master Duflot? She said in a warm rich voice, rounder then her younger sisters airy sing song voice. She was educated better than most slaves, because she had not been born a slave, she knew better than most the appropriate greets and sayings she was expected to say.