Snow Covered Prints [Naelona / Permission]

[Kristopher Roberts]

He did not intend to stay out past dark, in fact he never intended to stay out long in the first place. He had left the Palace at around three in the afternoon, dressed in layers and venturing out into the thick snow fall. Sin wanted him to find herbs that grew this time of the year, unfortunately, they grew out in the Crimson woods. It was too either face the cold and ice or a very unhappy boogie that could harm him or worse. The snow seemed like the best option at that time.

Now it had been five hours ago since he had left the Palace. The blond was currently trying to backtrack his way home but the snow that had started to fall four hours ago had covered all his tracks. His green eyes looked towards the ground, his cold nose covered by a patchy scarf. Had he turned right or left by this large tree? Was this even the right tree he had passed earlier, in fact, how far was he even in the woods?

He didn’t know, all he knew was that he had to find a herb and was unable to locate it, thus he journeyed further into the woods to try and find it. Of course that did nothing for him but made him even more lost. His booted feet crunched the snow, leaving tracks that would soon be covered within minutes.

“Where am I?” he asked to himself as he shivered in his many layers that where now damp from tracking in the snow that had melted about him. His green eyes rose towards the dark sky and he frowned, was he going to make it back home? Or would the wolves get to him, the ones he had heard howling only moments ago.
He had to keep his mind busy and try not to think about dying out here. Which it was possible, highly possible for him to die. His body could never handle the cold well.

He pushed himself forward, only to see trees, trees and more trees. He jumped across a frozen river bank, crossed over fallen tree trunks and lost a mitten somewhere in the snow. God, he needed to find shelter. The wind was picking up as well as the snow. It was even getting colder by the minute. There had to be somewhere to go! And there, off in the distance he saw something, it looked very much like an old wooden building. Without a thought, he rushed to it, not caring if he tripped or ripped his clothing.

In the end, he was limping towards the building after having tripped over a could of hidden logs in the snow. What he found was indeed an old building, a shack actually. A very old one that looked like it was condemned. But it was shelter and so he pushed open the old wooden door. “Hello?” He called out, but no one answered him. In fact no one was even around.

The building was a bit warmer then outside and it blocked out the wind. He carefully stomp the snow off his boots and legs and surveyed the room. Off to one corner was an old single bed with a falling apart blanket. To the left of the room was a small table, two wooden chairs that must have been hand crafted and a fire place. The shack, was a single room.

Kris went towards the fire place in hopes there would be tender and perhaps some flint in which to light a fire. But his hopes where dashed, there was nothing. “Great. Now I will freeze to death. What a way to go.” He sighed disheartened and wrapped his scarf about his cold hand.

“Wonder if anyone noticed I’m not around.” He then moved towards the old bed and slumped down on it. He was surprised it even held his weight. “It’s cold..” He muttered and used the old moth ridden blanket to cover himself as he laid down upon the musky smell bed. Trying to keep warm.

Bad enough, his ankle was now starting to pain him.

[Naelona Ezel]

Such a day had began pleasant enough, despite the chill weather and freshly fallen snow. The crisp air it afforded woke the senses and revitalized the blood. It was an enjoyable season, even if it proved to often be a much deadlier one. Naelona had left her quarters for a walk shortly after her dinner, wanting a bit of time to stretch the legs and ease her mind. Wrapped warmly against the chill she kept covered under a thick brown coat which was buttoned up snugly over an even darker blue dress. The sort of blue that appeared black save for a hint of color that spoke otherwise. But they were woolen and while no-one else was around to see her, the boogie didn't mind as much as she otherwise would.

Even passing by the blood shaded river it was easy to lose herself within her thoughts, until a northern gust of wind picked up and spoke otherwise. Turning she decided to go back towards the palace by another route, when an object in the snow caught her attention instead. Taking it with a mittened hand and turning it over, Naelona found it to be a another mitten. Call it strange but she recalled it. She'd taken a certain slave to the market for warmer clothing after all, she'd be a fool not to remember what she had bought.

As the wind gusted and blew snow into her face to bite at her skin the boogie frowned, glancing about the immediate vicinity before continuing walking. It'd been snowing steadily all day, and she knew the mitten belonged to Kristopher. What bothered her was that it was becoming late, and the mitten wasn't even entirely covered - so it hadn't been resting there that long. But Kristopher wasn't a careless slave.. he was mindful to take good care of his belongings and derive the most use possible of them. A value she felt she'd accomplished in instilling in him.

It occurred, at the same time, that Sin could be watching - just messing with her. Yet Sin would be equally foolish to send Kris out into such a place as well. But what if something else had driven him here? In this weather? It was cold and the boy wasn't fond of it in the least. Either way it left Naelona puzzled, and wanting some answer.

She wandered for the next hour or so, calling now and again though with the plummeting temperature she soon had to bury her face behind a thick scarf or risk freezing her throat. It was then she realized this wasn't the wisest of choices she'd ever made. A slave was a slave. There was no use nor point in exposing her neck for a slave, let alone one that wasn't even hers. With a long-overdue shiver Naelona tucked the mitten into her pocket, folded her arms and began her way back for the palace. Boogies, by nature, were a bit hardier than the slaves they commanded. That's not to say being able to switch between the slave's world and Wonderland didn't play some role in that. A last resort, but it worked in a pinch.

It seemed a pinch would be what she'd need. Not ten minutes later the approaching storm started to gust and block out her vision by the flying snow. Naelona cursed, this wouldn't do at all, but she knew the general direction and so kept walking until she couldn't see. "Very smart, Sin.." She grumbled which a shiver, shutting her eyes as they weren't much use open. But it was then she noted something. A peculiar thing only boogies could acquire. Their feelings, their emotions. Boogies were drawn to them like a moth to flame. There was a slave somewhere here.

If nothing else it'd afford a warming snack. Thud. Naelona groaned, patting infront of her for what she'd ran into. It hadn't sounded like a tree, didn't feel like one either. Felt like.. boards. Within a moment it dawned on her where she was. There existed an old deserted building within the Crimson Woods.

Following the siding eagerly until she found the door the boogie fumbled with the handle with numb hands when it suddenly opened for her and she stumbled inside, slamming the door shut behind her with a sigh. Snow resting upon her coat and covering her hood, drifting off onto the floor like a light dusting. Glancing about, it was as simple as the last she'd known the place to be, but different. That presence still originated from here, and she found the source curled up upon the bed. Pushing away from the door Naelona shuffled forward quietly yet well kept her distance. Something rang familiarity in her ears. "..Kristopher?" She ventured quietly, carefully. She couldn't be too cautious, not in weather like this.

[Kristopher Roberts]

Kristopher pulled the old blanket up to his eyes and brought his legs up to his chest. He listened to the sounds of the wind rushing past the old shack, generating a strong whistling sound as the wind moved through cracks and rattled the single glass window. He wondered if the storm would ever end, he wanted to go home. He wanted to go back to his dorm room where Augusta was, lay with him and snuggle against him to get warm. He closed his green eyes, trying to picture the room being warm, a hot drink, Augusta beside him, holding him.

But the mind couldn’t cut through the cold and pain he was feeling. The blond opened his eyes again to stare at the unused fireplace, wishing there was something to start a fire. He would love that. But of course, there was nothing and his clothing was chilling him rather then warming. Damn snow. Why did it have to melt and get into his clothing? But shading the clothing wouldn’t help him if there was nothing warm to change into.

“Ugh.” This was frustrating! Damn Sin for sending him out! The damn boogie probably thought this was funny as hell. He enjoyed torturing Kristopher, and this was sure to get a giggle out of him. Naelona would never send him out, ever. She actually liked his company, or at least Kristopher liked to think she did. But that wasn’t going to help him, thinking about past matters and how much he hated his master, Sin. He needed to find a way to survive during the storm and not get ill. God. That was a scary thought all in itself! Being alone and getting ill in this shack, where no one would find him!

The sound of a door being knocked on made him suddenly jump and his heart pound. What was that? He snuggled down in his blanket even more wondering if a wild animal had followed him here and was now going to feast on what little meat was on his bones! Frightened, he closed his eyes as the door came open and then it shut. He was going to die now, something was going to eat him! But wait, since when could animals close doors?

"..Kristopher?"

That wasn’t an animal, animal’s couldn’t speak and they did not know his name. Slowly he opened his eyes slowly to see who said his name. A woman stood there, pale as snow and with raven and white hair. He knew her very well and suddenly excited he sat up in the bed and stared at her. “Madam Naelona?” He said in shock, “What are you doing out here?” He blinked feeling thrilled she was here and then worry soon followed.

Why would she be out in the snow? And why come to the shack? Surely, she couldn’t be looking for him. . . Even though it was nice to think she would care enough to come and find him. Take him home. But the way the wind was howling, he doubted that was the case. He moved the blanket off his legs and put his legs over the edge of the bed. “You must be cold, here you can have the blanket. It isn’t much though.” He said with a small boyish smile as always.

He then stood, only to fall back down on the bed with a look of pain across his features. He looked down at his leg from which the pain came from. That wasn’t good.

[Naelona Ezel]

Animals, too, had briefly been on her mind. But even in weather like this, there were many who were wise enough to hole up. Only phantoms stayed out in nights like this. The boogie almost startled at Kristopher's sudden reaction. Watching him some of the emotions that seeped from him were refreshing in their own way. The worry wasn't exactly a taste she desired, but it was more than none. "What are you doing out here?" Naelona didn't answer, instead scrutinizing the boy from head to toe.

"You must be cold, here you can have the blanket. It isn't much though." Observing the fireplace and lack of tinder, or wood for that matter, the building was deserted indeed. With a sharp look she caught sight of the boy rising to his feet, only to fall back again. With her measured pace she crossed the room, testing his clothing, forehead, hands and cheeks. She shook her head at his offer. A slave til the end, even when he was cold and damp, and probably otherwise dead without her there. "No, you require it more than I do. Stay in bed." She ordered, before resnugging her coat and wraps and stepping back outside, shutting the door firmly behind her and leaving Kristopher all alone once again.

Several minutes passed, and only the sound of howling wind and snow beating upon the rattling glass panes offered any clue as to what was going on outdoors. Naelona, meanwhile, was searching about outside as only one in a newly formed storm could. Some more minutes passed, was she even coming back in? Or had something indeed gotten her that'd followed the injured slave? Some ten minutes later there was another loud thump upon the door, more fighting with the doornob but as it swung open Naelona staggered in her arms were full, dropping what she carried to the floor with a loud clatter before turning and going back out as cold air gusted in, returning back in not even a minute later with another armload of wood. Her face pink from the cold, and the tips of her ears and nose pale she kicked the door shut behind her, dropping the wood to the floor along with a bundle of sticks held together by her scarf.

"Get your coat off. Put this on." Her tone left for no argument, as she was sure he was well aware. Unbuttoning her own she held out the brown coat to Kris to put on. A lot of clothing boogies owned was different from slaves' clothing. For one, they were made relatively waterproof. Not perfectly - but more resistant than what he had. It was still warm and dry on the inside from her wearing it. She wouldn't offer him her scarf, it was snow laden enough it'd become damp to the touch.

Smacking a handful of twigs against the wall to knock off the snow, Naelona started forming a small pile near the fireplace, deriving the would-be firewood of snow as much as possible. There had existed a wood pile outside, thankfully it was still there. A rustle of cloth and she procured her pipe, and all the fixings for it that she was so fond of. Pipes were only made to smoulder, but if she could light one (which she always could) she could light a fire too. The distinct smell of the blue tinted smoke wafted back from the fireplace and across the small frozen room, her pipe was placed to her lips and within a few moments a visible flame could be seen flickering amidst the twigs.

With logs stacked up appropriately within the fireplace, and coaxed by the weakly burning twigs the flames grew slowly and stubbornly, but gradually and a heat began to seep from the fireplace across the hearth and into the frozen room. Sitting back on her heels once she was finally content it would survive on its own for at least a short while, Naelona glanced over her shoulder to the hurting boy. The boogie rose to her feet, offering her arm to him. "Come, lets sit you by the fire and get your damn clothings off."

[Kristopher Roberts]

"No, you require it more than I do. Stay in bed."

Kristopher looked at her oddly for a mere moment as his offer was rejected and then she turned and left. The blond laid in bed then, not moving an inch but he looked confused. He waited a moment and lowered the blanket over the bed. Moments past and then minutes. Was Naelona leaving him? Was she going home, or did something get her? The mere idea of such an event(s) made the boy shudder and feel disheartened.

Naelona wouldn’t leave him to die would she? Or would she? He wasn’t her slave anymore. She had Kyle, his brother, a much more fit male. One that could do anything she needed without complaint. While Kristopher could not do many things. He felt a bit of hatred forming then, but the sounds of the door being forced open send that hatred flying in the area as if it was never formed.

In came Naelona and then out, then back again. He watched as the wood was sat and dropped on the floor. The cold air in the room numbed him but then again, he was already numb. He couldn’t feel his fingers let alone his feet. The only reason he knew his feet where still on his body was due to the pain he felt when he moved his foot.


"Get your coat off. Put this on."


He looked up then and without a word, he listened to her and did as she commanded. He slowly undid the buttons of his coat. He tossed his scarf to the side on the floor were it then bleed out water. His coat soon followed until he was in nothing but his boots, pants, and many long sleeved shirts. He reached out and took her jacket and wrapped it about his body. He clang to the warmth, loving it. “Thank you.” He muttered, moving a lock of hair behind his ear.

He then watched her work on the fire, at first he wondered if the wood would even light from being outside and gaining moisture. But in the end they lite and the small shack was starting to warm up. He looked at his Madam then as she turned to him once again.

"Come, lets sit you by the fire and get your damn clothings off."

The idea made him blush, as usual. “O--off?” He stuttered as he normally would. But he took his offered arm and stood. Instantly pain flew through his body and he hissed, wincing in pain. His grip on her arm grew tight as he limped across the room, unknowingly, leaving streaks of blood on the wooden floor as he moved, blood splattering here and there.

[Naelona Ezel]

"O--off?" Not doubts it was her slave Kristopher. Blushing as usual and unnecessary times. "Off, unless you prefer to freeze in them." Her tone was as cold as she felt, patting her hands unabashedly across his body for what clothing what damp and needed to be discarded to dry and what was still alright to be worn. Fetching a handkerchief from a pocket discretely hidden in her dress the boogie wiped off any droplets she found upon his skin and hair as she went.

Working down along his legs to his feet a frown creased her features. There was a scent of blood. "What did you do?" She stated more than asked, examining the side of his boot where a small rivule of blood ran from it. The blood drops across the floor became apparent to her attention as well. A bit of ire rose in her chest, this would have to be taken care of first. "Don't move." Brushing her fingertips across the side of the boot the soft material was interrupted by a piece of broken wood. A thick sliver of sorts, shoved into his ankle.

"Relax. On the third count." Kristopher fancied himself a doctor enough the boogie didn't feel the need to explain her intentions. She expected him to understand them already.With that intonation she hid her hand from sight with the sleeve of her dress. "One.." she started, and pulled it out without warning, slipping off his shoe and worn sock with minimal effort. It probably hurt like hell for him, feeling half froze as he probably was and Naelona was no expert nor promoted herself as one, but it got the job done. Leaving it in would just invite infection.

Sitting on one leg, holding his leg with the injured ankle across her knee it hardly seemed to bleed, probably from being so cold. Ah well, it gave her time to get a closer look at it. "Your Master can trade you back to me for this." The words were bitter and harsh, but possessed a purpose. The boy wouldn't have been walking back to the palace on his own, she was sure. Even if he hadn't become injured. Damp clothing on a night like this was inviting death enough, even with the meager shelter he'd found.

"Set what logs you can reach near the fire to dry." Lifting his leg gently she examined the wound, if not out of a bit of fascination. Some bits of flesh seemed a bit tore, and would take considerable time to heal. Plucking off a mostly frozen, loose piece she studied it a moment before tossing it into her mouth and consuming it. Making a face as she did so. "He isn't feeding you well either." Slaves should possess better taste than that.

Suddenly she moved and pinned his other numb leg with her own, holding his injured one in a strong grip for her relative size. Bringing his ankle to her lips she nibbled away the loose flesh. The flesh that was frozen and would only fall away once it thawed anyway, then placing her mouth upon the wound to warm it with her tongue and suck at the puncture to draw forth the blood. It was almost.. too easily that she did so. Not a moments hesitation in what she was doing, or how she went about doing so. Perhaps she'd done this before?

He was in an abandoned building alone, secluded, with a boogie. His former Mistress who now held no ties to him. Madam Naelona who was just as much a boogie as the rest of them. Hopefully he had not forgotten this? Some minutes of comparing what she could see to what she could taste, a faint smirk crossed her lips, which she licked to clean them, allowing the wound the bleed freely for several moments before wrapping it up firmly in said handkerchief.

"Now, as far as those clothes.." The damp ones would dry quicker without him in them, turning her gray eyes upon the probably now mortified slave. Rising to her feet she fetched the old blanket, setting it beside him. "Which of those can we be rid of?" Words spoken as nonchalantly as ever. Such was the life of a boogie in Wonderland.

[Kristopher Roberts]

"Off, unless you prefer to freeze in them."

He blinked then and sighed, he did not want to freeze. That was not part of his list of things to do. After being guided, he sat down on the floor and used his numb fingers to undo the buttons of his shirt as Naelona took her handkerchief out and started to wipe the droplets from his form.

He slid off the first shirt and let it fall to the ground and then on the second, he had only two layers on and both were partly wet. He finished shrugged off the second when she spoke to him again.

"What did you do?"

Once again he blinked and then pressed his lips together as he looked down at his bleeding foot. "I don't know," he replied. "I haven't even really notice I hurt myself." Which was true, he had been so cold and such a hurry that he never realized what he had done and looking down at the boot covered foot, he frowned. He wasn't sure what was in his foot but apparently something was, he as now starting to feel it the more he got warmed up.

"Relax. On the third count."

Wait, what? She was going to pull it out here? Was that a good idea? Then again he didn't have much of a choice and so he looked up at the ceiling as he felt her hands grasped around his foot. "One.." He took a deep breath and then suddenly she moved and the pain he felt was intense. He let out a strangled cry as he tried to hold it back. His leg jerked then and he looked at her annoyed, "Whatever happened to two and three?" He asked in shock.

He clenched his teeth and took a few deep breaths. He couldn't be mad at her. "Your Master can trade you back to me for this. Set what logs you can reach near the fire to dry."

He looked at her for a moment and did as he was told, but he barely moved his leg as he did the task given to him, pain or not. But he had to wonder for a moment. Was she going to take him back, seriously? The mere idea of it made him giggly or maybe that was just the pain talking.

"He isn't feeding you well either."

He turned to look at her, "I eat the same---" Whatever he was going to say was caught in his throat as he saw the boogie looking at the frozen piece of meat (that came from him) and then pop it into her mouth. He was frozen to the spot then. He knew what boogies eat and liked to eat, but never had a boogie of any kind...actually...eat a piece from him.

Kristopher watched in horror as she pinned his legs and eat off his leg. He didn't feel anything, his leg was still numb and his ankle was as well. He merely watched with a sick interest. He never saw a boogie ever...do this...it was...well he wasn't sure what it was but he was horrified and could help but wonder if she was going to eat him whole right then and there.

But she sat his leg down and pulled away from his now free flowing ankle. He didn't hear her words from then on as he just stared at her wide eyed. He had already lost his shirts and his pants where yet as well. But he did not move, he just stared.

[Naelona Ezel]

"Whatever happened to two and three?" Kudos for the boy keeping in most of his cry. "Perhaps I should have given you no warning?" Anticipation killed slaves in places like these. They grew tense and overreacted. It was best to hit them with things they didn't see coming - or did - just sooner than they anticipated. "I eat the same---" The boy's abrupt silence was understandable but hardly notice worthy. Slaves became shocked and startled at things everyday and given that Naelona was a bit.. busy at that moment tending the injury in her own strange way she couldn't respond at that moment, nor did she care to.

But boogies did eat humans, there were slaves consumed somewhere by someone everyday. It was nothing new, nothing Naelona hadn't already done several thousands of times before - or however many meals she'd had. There was a certain taste, texture human flesh was supposed to have both raw and cooked. Though the bits of flesh she was nibbling were already frozen or otherwise damaged, the flavor a bit diluted and lost but she still knew a poor taste when she found one.

"Kristopher.." She started again at length, after the boy failed to respond to her earlier clothing inquiry. Waving her hand in front of his face she snapped her fingers. "Here, Kristopher." She snapped, not wanting nor needing the boy to be blanking out on her. There was too much potentially wrong with him to allow for that. "Just hold still." She muted, undoing and taking his pants off of him - they were just as damp if not more than some of his shirts. Removing her coat from him she wrapped him warmly in the thin blanket, draping the coat back over his shoulders again.

'That should do for a bit..' Naelona muttered to herself in an old tongue, one she didn't expect him to understand. It wasn't taught to slaves, must less boogies anymore. Getting to her feet she gathered up his wet clothing and draped them over the wooden chairs. It was a pity, she wasn't sure if they were even strong enough to be sat upon anymore nor had the desire to find out. The cold magnified aches readily enough, she didn't desired to tempt some.

Standing Naelona stepped aside and shook out her skirts, clumps of snow falling from them before she undid the buttons with cold fingers and draped the dark blue dress over a second chair near the one with his clothes. The boogie shivered in the fresh chill and sat besides the slave, pipe back in hand again (she'd set it out of the way for a short time) opening his blanket long enough to snuggle in beside him and re-wrap it about them both. Kristopher was fortunate - any other slave would have been left to shiver - or be eaten.

A sudden strong gust of wind shook the small building, and the windows gave an audible racket for it. Cold leaks of air told where every crack and gap that existed was. In some distant corner - not at a second look, some snow had drifted in through some crack. This really wasn't an ideal place to be. Wrapping an arm about the boy, and resting a leg across his Naelona knew she was warmer than he felt. Plus she still had all her undergarments, which often doubled for nightgowns and the like - there really wasn't a huge difference between them. But still the garment was loose and billowy and afforded - perhaps - some additional warmth otherwise given by sheets.

"Why were you out here so far?" Naelona asked after some minutes, resting her head against the boy while watching the fire. She wasn't one to ask if he wanted it or not, she was the boogie, she did as she pleased. "Did Sin send you or did you run?" she asked with a hard look. There would be dire things for either response, he could be sure.

[Kristopher Roberts]

"Here, Kristopher."

Wherever his mind had wondered off to, it came back to its rightful place when Naelona snapped her fingers in front of his face. The blond looked startled for a moment and then realized where he was and what had happened. His face turned red slightly as he lowered his gaze. "Forgive me Madam, I seemed to have lost my mind for a moment."

The blond moved slightly then and realized what she was doing as she neared his pants. His heart froze, it stopped for moment and he wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because he was used to Sin's touch and his touch was never pleasant, never had good intentions. His eyes watched her as she undid his pants and then removed them. His body stiffened both from the cold and in reaction. But he had to remember this was not Sin, this was Naelona.

She wouldn't take advantage of him nor hurt him without just cause. It simple wasn't like her otherwise. Feeling a bit ashamed of his reaction to her motions and touch he looked away, averting his eyes from her. When he felt the blanket, he clang to it like a child.

He said nothing to her nor did he watch her undress, he made room for her as she joined him in the blanket. Flinching slight from the skin on skin (and clothing) contact. She was warm though, much warmer then anything else in this shack and so he leaned into her, slowly and carefully like a wild animal being offered food from a strangers hand.


"Why were you out here so far?"


He did not answer, instead he closed his green eyes as his ankle began to feel like someone had just taken a hammer to it in an attempt to crush it. He slowly chewed on his lip and moved a piece of hair out of his face.

"Did Sin send you or did you run?"

Sin. The name sent shiver down his spine in a most unpleasent way. "I--I did not run, even though it had crossed my mind." He said slowly with a shaky voice. "My...so called Master, sent me out into the woods to find a herb he wanted that grew this time of the year. It was a simple errand but then it started to snow, Madam. I got lost, the snow had covered my prints and I did not know where I was or which direction to go. It is my fault for getting lost. I am sorry if I caused any problems for you or the other Boogies."

He paused then, hands clenching under the blanket. He had the most powerful urge to beg Naelona to take him back. To take him away from Sin and never let that boogie near him again.

But he remained silent, like the good slave he was raised to be.

[Naelona Ezel]

His tensing and frozen motions didn't go unnoticed, and only elicited a sigh from his former Mistress if anything. He'd always been a shy boy from the start, but even the old learned trust he once held in her and her actions seemed now shaken and uncertain. It disappointed her, angered, something almost protective.. or territorial. Even Naelona still wanted to refuse the results of that bet, save she had accepted before the bones had been cast upon the table.

Shifting slightly to draw one leg close so she didn't have to lean upon her arm for balance, Naelona rubbed the skin of his back softly. Feeling the scars pass beneath her fingertips, recalling the tattoos that covered them. Naelona's hand stopped when the boy shivered at Sin's mention. "I--I did not run, even though it had crossed my mind." The boogie nodded mutely, he held onto his old lessons well.

"My...so called Master, sent me out into the woods to find a herb he wanted that grew this time of the year. It was a simple errand but then it started to snow, Madam. I got lost, the snow had covered my prints and I did not know where I was or which direction to go. It is my fault for getting lost. I am sorry if I caused any problems for you or the other Boogies." The boogie stared at Kristopher as he explained his situation. "Idiot." She grumbled, setting her head back upon his shoulder, though the name wasn't to Kris. "He ought to know better. He probably does - he isn't a complete moron.. just.." she groaned. "Nothing grows this time of year save for frost, ice, and death." Naelona didn't know her herbs, she wasn't one to study them. But what possibly grew at this time of year? It was absurd.

"You should have returned when it started snowing. You could have stayed with the other slaves until a later time so not to return so quickly." Or payed her a visit, that would've been permissible as well. Naelona tightened her grip upon his side. "You caused me nothing." There was the fact she'd searched for him on account of his mitten, which was still within the pocket of the coat he now wore. "I'd come out for a walk after dinner. I lost track of time." The boogie added softly, listening to the crackling of the fire.

"What do you want, Kristopher?" Naelona asked suddenly, turning to face him looking the blond square in the eye. "What is it you want out of this?"

[Kristopher Roberts]

The blond looked down at the floor as she rubbed his back, it felt good. He missed having his back rubbed in a way that wasn't meant to...well he shoved that thought out of his mind rather quickly.

Either way, he missed his Madams touch.


"Idiot. He ought to know better. He probably does - he isn't a complete moron.. just..Nothing grows this time of year save for frost, ice, and death.You should have returned when it started snowing. You could have stayed with the other slaves until a later time so not to return so quickly."

The blonds hands fidgeted under the blanket and coat as he listened to what she was saying. It was true it would of been easier just to turn back and go to the other slaves and stay with them, but there was a small problem there.

"He would know I didn't go out. He knows almost everything I do, his double follows me at random, spying. It's either I do what he tells me or he gets. . . moody. It is easier, just to do what he says...in the end." The blond said softly. Kristopher did everything in his power to stay on the male boogies good side and not on his others, for being on the other sides often resulted in things Kristopher could live without, or rather be doing with Augusta.

Slowly, he started to chew on his lower lip. "So to lie, would do no good for me. Neither would faking a chore."

"You caused me nothing. I'd come out for a walk after dinner. I lost track of time."

The blond nodded slowly, feeling slightly better by knowing he did not cause Naelona any trouble.


"What do you want, Kristopher?"

The boy blinked in pure shock and turned his head to look at her fully. What did he want? What did she mean by that? He stared in her eyes, looking confused. He never was used to getting options, or opinions being asked.

"What is it you want out of this?"

What did he want? He looked away then, looking towards the fire.

"I want you to take me back." He said simply with his ever soft voice. "I don't want to be his slave or anyone else for that matter. I--I don't want to be treated as a plaything. I just want to be yours again."

A pause.

"I want you to take me back. Please. I don't want to go back to him. I don't want to be put in dark places anymore, or tied to things, or---or...I just don't want to go back. . ."

[Naelona Ezel]

It was a tad surprising, that the boy didn't find it a bit odd about Naelona's excuse of loosing track of time. With as meticulous as she was, she often had her days planned down to the hour and adhered to it religiously. Though it wasn't a detail she was going to hone in on specifically. Be this a trick of Sin or not, she sure it wasn't having tasted his flesh, but Naelona wasn't one to be caring for the moment, and if she did - his double would be murdered on the spot once she realized otherwise.

"I want you to take me back. I don't want to be his slave or anyone else for that matter. I--I don't want to be treated as a plaything. I just want to be yours again." Naelona watched the boy, frowning softly at his wish. "I want you to take me back. Please. I don't want to go back to him. I don't want to be put in dark places anymore, or tied to things, or---or...I just don't want to go back. . ." the boogie looked somber and quiet for several moments.

"And I don't put you into dark places? I don't bind you? I don't force you to things of which you do not appreciate?" Honestly, if he ever thought he'd be escaping unpleasant things by seeking her ownership he was sorely incorrect. "I don't treat you as I ought a slave? I don't, too, toy with your life like the plaything it was meant to be? I am not the monster to you I ought to be..?" Shuffling from her hands and knees she sat back upon her heels, feeling the heat of the fire to her back as the boogie studied the slave's face.

"I am not a kind soul, Kristopher. I never have been and never shall be. I shall always be cruel to you, hardhearted and willfully ignorant to your feelings. There are kinder boogies than I, who you might seek out to take sympathy upon your mournful case, but I am no better than Sin Dre'vis, Kristopher. I am no better than he who possesses you now. From one pan to another, there is no fate you would be escaping by switching between us." Nothing save for one difference, a history. Resting, Naelona studied her fingertips that rested harmlessly upon her lap. It was still a slave she'd raised since he had been a while. "Perhaps it is true.." she murmured, gray eyes rising to observe him. "..slaves will always go for the familiar."

With a soft sigh, the boogie moved close again, shivering in the still chill air. "If you still desire it, I'll arrange what is possible. You'll be sought to foot part of the costs, whatever they may be, however, you understand this? I'm not taking you for sheer gratitude, child." Reaching up Naelona undid some locks of hair, holding some pins within her hand before shaking the hair loose. A few hardened clumps of snow fell to the floor and telltale wet hair told where they'd been. "Tell me one thing, Roberts, something of a word I do not understand." She seemed hesitant a moment, before setting the pins aside and resettling close against his side. "What are you fond of?"

[Kristopher Roberts]

"And I don't put you into dark places? I don't bind you? I don't force you to things of which you do not appreciate? I don't treat you as I ought a slave? I don't, too, toy with your life like the plaything it was meant to be? I am not the monster to you I ought to be..?"

Kristopher looked down at the floor, confused and hurt. Had he spoke the wrong words, or phrased something wrong? It was true that Naelona was a boogie still and always would be. But she never really harmed him unless it was calle for, normally by his mistakes. He learned from them and then he would be punished for anything. "I didn't mean to disrespect you." He said in a low voice like that of a troubled child.

"I am not a kind soul, Kristopher. I never have been and never shall be. I shall always be cruel to you, hardhearted and willfully ignorant to your feelings. There are kinder boogies than I, who you might seek out to take sympathy upon your mournful case, but I am no better than Sin Dre'vis, Kristopher. I am no better than he who possesses you now. From one pan to another, there is no fate you would be escaping by switching between us."

The blond flinched at her words, "I know. But you never harmed me unless it was needed. I got hurt because of my own stupidy of back talking, or doing something you did not like. My scars where my fault and those of other Boogie Masters and Madam's. You are better then most boogies. I could go to Master Tristan--but he only takes in females. There is Master Jouhnin as well, but--" He stopped himself, Augusta would never let him go to Jouhnin to request to be his slave.

His voice trailed off then, sighing in discomfort. He looked down, feeling uncertain upon his sudden actions. He bit at his lip and put his hand to the side of his face as if trying to hide something. "But," He said carefully, choosing his words carefully. "If you did not care what happened to me in any form, then why--" He lowered that hand then, his hand going into the pocket and pulling out his lost mitten.

He knew it was there, he could feel the cold through the coat of a wet and chilly mitten. "--did you come this way?" He tossed the mitten down with a splat. "You never go this far into the woods and you have an agenda you follow. You tended my foot, even though I am not yours to take care of..."

He stopped then. Feeling as he had stepped over an invisible line.

"If you still desire it, I'll arrange what is possible. You'll be sought to foot part of the costs, whatever they may be, however, you understand this? I'm not taking you for sheer gratitude, child."

His green eyes slowly moved to glance at his old Madam. If he went through with this, he would have to pay. How like Naelona, always wanting to make a profit or get something else in return.

"I will." He said slowly.

"Tell me one thing, Roberts, something of a word I do not understand. What are you fond of?"

He paused then, taken off guard. He once again looked away, this time into the fire. "What am I fond of?" he echoed her question. "I don't know, there is a lot of things I am fond of Madam. Like, I am fond of my family, what little I have. I am fond of Augusta. I am fond of rasberries. I am fond of children. But what do you mean, by "fond" ?"

[Naelona Ezel]

Naelona's eyes flickered to the side at Tristan's mention, and grew somber at Jouhnin's. "He would merely utilize you more than even I do." It was said with weak humor, and sounded unnatural coming from her lips. And it was probably true what Kris said about Tristan, he seemed no more inclined to accept males as slaves than Nae would females.

"But, If you did not care what happened to me in any form, then why--" Some strange hand grasped hold of her chest, a presence nor human nor boogie nor any other being she otherwise knew existed. "--did you come this way?" There it was, the mitten upon the floor, a small puddle oozing from it as she lifted it from the rough hewn boards, dripping as it was hung upon the back rung of one of the chairs. "You never go this far into the woods and you have an agenda you follow. You tended my foot, even though I am not yours to take care of..."

"Be quiet." Naelona pressed her lips against themselves into a thin line. Her jaw shook faintly until she clenched it still, a hardened look within her eye when it at last turned back upon the boy. "I found your mitten before it became fully buried. I had to come look, to see what'd become of you. There is no reason I should have found it out here, you careless boy." She snapped, and a log within the first broken and fell apart in half. "I was worried, that is all." she uttered in a much more subdued tone, looking somewhat defeated in her state. Sin didn't understand Kristopher's value. She couldn't leave the child be, she tended to him because she wanted to win him back from his possessor, she wanted her trophy child returned, she wanted.. he was.. the thoughts drifted to a still, conflicted silence.

"What am I fond of? I don't know, there is a lot of things I am fond of Madam. Like, I am fond of my family, what little I have. I am fond of Augusta. I am fond of rasberries. I am fond of children. But what do you mean, by "fond" ?" Rather defeated Naelona rested heavily upon his chest, watching the fire solemnly and taking a moment to stir from her thoughts to answer him. "Fond.. as in... fond. I'm not quite sure." What was fond? It wasn't something she could understand. It was one of those strange illnesses that stretched beyond logic and reason and made for strange behavior with oft examples being found in children.

"Are you fond of me?" Truth be told Naelona wasn't sure what she was asking, but perhaps by asking it she would come to understand what it was the words held in meaning.

[Kristopher Roberts]

"Be quiet."

The sickly boy flinched and kept his gaze on the fire. Not uttering another word for the time being. He had found the line and crossed it, or so it seemed to him and he knew better then to try that again. That is, if he wanted to keep his head on his shoulders.

"I found your mitten before it became fully buried. I had to come look, to see what'd become of you. There is no reason I should have found it out here, you careless boy."

His emerald eyes slid off to the side as he hunched his shoulders, feeling rather small for the time being. It is true, he lost his mitten, he had been careless, just as careless as he was getting lost in the woods. He wondered if it would of effected her if he had died and she found him. Would she take him back, bury him? Or would she leave him in the snow for the animals, or even worse, chop him up and have a feast? The thought made him sick to his stomach as he recalled her snacking on his ankle.

"I was worried, that is all."

This took the blond by surprise, Naelona was worried about him? That was a bit Un-Boogie like. He turned his head and stared at her, surprised and confused. But also, he felt a bit...well he wasn't sure what the feeling was or what to call it. Maybe self worth? Who knew but he felt glad that she cared enough to worry about him.

It meant something didn't?

He let her do as she wished and he let out a small sigh, moving his legs slowly to try and get some cramps out of his legs. But all it did was pain him and he let off a small groan.

"Are you fond of me?"

This night was getting intersting.

"If you mean liking you or enjoying your company," He paused and closed his eyes. "Then yes. Yes, I am fond of you Naelona. It is one of the reasons I want to be your slave again and to stay that way." He replied slow and soft as he always did when speaking, but much softer then normal. As if he was trying to explain something to a child.

In truth, he was very fond of her. She basically raised him, took care of him, taught him everything that he knew. He was in debt to her for taking him out of that abusive home he had came from and in some weird ass light, she was almost...dear he think it...like a mother to him if not more? (A very stern and dangerous mother...)

But still, she was someone on that level and he appericated her, even fond.