The Taming Of Alura.....

[alura]

Alura huddled in her cage as they approached, trying to make herself invisible.

Their colorful, rich clothing, a contrast to their bleak surroundings, did not impress her much; because she knew what they were...and why they were there.

She heard a soft sob from the cage next to hers and turned her head, staring at the tiny blonde huddled there, under the covers. The only thing showing was her long blonde hair and a large pair of frightened eyes.

Her gaze suddenly met Alura's as an age old understanding passed between them. No words were spoken; for they were forbidden. But they both understood what was about to happen and clung to each other visually, trying to draw strength one from the other.

The sound of footsteps approaching broke their concentration and Alura turned, pulling the blankets over her head in an attempt to block out what was to come.

'Please god --- don't pick me.' She prayed fervently, but she knew that it was hopeless. In the village, her beauty had been a boon; making her quite desirable as a potential mate, but now, at this point in time, it was the greatest of curses. In that moment she found herself wishing that she had been born ugly, for at least, perhaps, unchosen, she would have been returned to her village or if not, been purchased as a servant rather than what she was surely intended for.

The footsteps stopped and Alura shuddered as she heard the creak of the cage door opening. A large hand grasped her arm through the blanket and hauled her to her feet. She backed up, pressing herself against the bars of the cage, shivering with reaction.

The man standing before her was young and beautiful, but his eyes were cold.

'She and the one in the cage next to her are the best of the lot, Master. We sent messengers to you first because we knew that you would be interested in these two.'

The man stepped into the cage, stalking Alura as she pushed backwards against the metal prison, wishing that somehow she had the ability to squeeze herself through the bars and escape.

"Bring her." He said abruptly, after inspecting Alura throughly. "But first, remove her clothing."

He stepped out again and went to the next cage. Alura knew that he would choose her new little friend as well, and this one thing brought her some measure of happiness, despite their circumstances. At least she wouldn't be alone.

The men grabbed her in a brutal grip, dragging her out of the cage even as she kicked and screamed wildly, attempting to elude them. Suddenly, she broke free and ran swiftly. She almost made it to the edge of the camp when suddenly, a powerful force hit her in the back and she fell forward, face in the dirt. A heavy weight pressed her into the ground cruelly.

"You will not do such things once you are in my service, little one. This I can promise you."

His voice was even, firm, and soft ---deadly soft. His knees left her back and she lay there, exhausted, unable to move.

"Remove her clothing now." He said softly

Alura tried to get to her feet again but his foot pressed her back into the ground and she couldn't move. Then hands were grabbing her and she was pulled to her feet.

They didn't even try to hold her down this time. They just ripped the shift from her body and left her, naked and trembling, trying to cover herself with her hair.

"A vain attempt, that." He said, standing in front of her with his arms crossed over his chest. "And a very foolish one as well. You will learn soon enough not to hide yourself from me."

Then he turned, motioning to the men to bind her. Alura didn't even fight them when they came. She no longer had the strength.

They tied her wrists behind her back and hobbled her legs so that she could no longer run from them. Then she was lifted and carried to her new home --- a bright gilded cage, which she knew was just her transport to a prison from which she would never escape.

She was locked in, with her new friend, and they pressed themselves against each other as the caravan began to move.

The coldness in his eyes haunted Alura until at last she found a way to escape from them in the comfort of sleep.