Back Story: A Purchased Marque

[Zhen nó La Valette]

I wasn't sure why my house mates seem to distance themselves from me, especially after Arabelle had viewed me nude in the tub. I would hear whispers among them, and one word kept coming up 'hermaphrodite'. At the age of 10, I didn't know what it meant, and no one seemed willing to explain it to me.

I was told that someone had come to pay my marque and I immediately felt my heart beat a little faster. Balm House was all that I knew, but it didn't seem as if any of my house mates accepted me anymore. So perhaps it was for the best that I go to someone else.

When Zephyr came in, I looked up his long legs and then up even further to see his face. I wondered what he wanted with me. I wondered if he knew of my secret, of how I was different from everyone else. I listened to him talk to the Dowayne and then silently watched him sign the contract. When he held his hand out to me, I took it gladly, and followed him to my new life.

[Zephyr de La Valette]

The Night Court, the last place I wanted to be, especially since my wounds were so fresh, but this matter was too delicate to be handled by one of my servants. I had left Camellia House with nothing, in the space of months, I had built an empire. Granted, it was a small empire, but all empires began as small settlements.

I was ushered into her presence without ceremony, no doubt due to the fact that I ignored most of the prattling of those around me, apart from the necessary pause to fill out the required paperwork.

I took a good long look at her, sizing her up, taking in her Ch'in features, the paleness of her skin, exotic...alluring...snares to capture prey. I knew of her "deformity" of course, a little surprise for the unsuspecting, a thrill for those who reveled in the unusual. Perhaps she would not be the jewel in my crown, but a fascinating piece, nonetheless.

"Come, girl," I said to her, holding out my hand and feeling her grasp it before we both left Balm behind. "Tell me your name, child."

[Zhen nó La Valette]

I took one last glance back at Balm house before I left it with my hand in Zephyr's hand, "I am called Zhen." I found it interesting that we both had Z's in our names. I wondered what would be expected of me. Would he be cruel..? Would he be accepting of me as others had not been? I felt my stomach tighten up a little in expectation as I walked with him out of Balm house. I wondered if we would be leaving on horse back, on foot, or on those lovely carriages that I had seen adepts ride in with their patrons. I had always wanted to see what it would be like to sit inside one.

[Zephyr de La Valette]

"Zhen," I repeated as I signaled for my man to bring the carriage that would take us the short way to Night's Doorstep. "Well, Zhen, now you are going to live with me. I am Zephyr."

I lifted her up into the carriage and slid in across from her. "I have a house with many rooms, a library with many books, servants to satisfy your every whim, you will be well-cared for in my house, Zhen." In anticipation of my purchase, I had taken the initiative and had a room prepared for her. I would have to arrange for tutors to school her in Naamah's arts--at least those things I could not teach her myself. The girl was an investment, and I was going to make sure that I made good on that investment.

[Zhen nó La Valette]

My eyes widened with excitement when I saw the carriage come into view. I let out a soft gasp as he lifted me up and placed me into the carriage, but it seemed appropriate since I would have had a hard time getting up the stairs by myself.

I settled in the bench, letting my short feet swing over the side of the seat. I listened as he spoke of his house and what he would have available for me. I was used to having servants, but not all of them were willing to help me out. Most of them seem to cater to the adults. In Balm House all of the children had chores to do on a daily basis. The more he described, the more excited that I became.

"Will I have my own room?" I asked softly. I had shared a room with three other girls in Balm House. Were I accepted to become a adept, I would have eventually had my own, but I wondered if there were more like me at Zephyr's house.

[Zephyr de La Valette]

"You shall have your own room," I affirmed, leaning forward to examine her more closely. "You were fostered in Balm, did you enjoy your lessons?" If her skills lay elsewhere, I would need to take them into account when hiring tutors, but my contacts had assured me that she had taken to her studies with much enthusiasm.

[Zhen nó La Valette]

I nodded to him, "Yes, I am told that my parents wanted me to be a healer. I am eager to practice massages and I want to know all about using medicine and first aid. If...if I may?" I looked up at him beneath the fringe of my lashes. I was unsure of how our relationship would develop, but I hoped that I wouldn't anger him.

"Do....do you know about my secret?" I asked softly.

[Zephyr de La Valette]

I did not have to ask which secret she meant, I knew.
"Yes, Zhen..." I said. "I know your secret," and 'tis going to make me a lot of coin someday...

So, she wanted to continue learning those skills she would have learned at Balm, that could easily be arranged. Unlike my other whores, who came to me after their dedications, Zhen's would have to be arranged, for propriety's sake if little else.

[Zhen nó La Valette]

I clasped my fingers together when he mentioned that he knew. Even at the young age of 10, I could put the pieces together. My lips curved into a easy smile. He knew...and he still wanted me!

I lifted up my gown and moved to sit on my knees, so that I could see out the window. One hand held myself firmly up against the side of the carriage. The sun shown on my face as I watched the streets of Elua pass my view, excited about what would come next.