The Beast In All Of Us (With |WW|)

[Little Dream]

 

Name: Echo Asrai

Race: Avian- Swan

Station: Slave

Age: 18

Personality: Echo is a kind and caring boy. His emotions are very easy to desipher through his eyes. He puts others before himself and he will not hesitant to try and protect someone if they are being hurt. He startles easily and is terrified of thunderstorms and of the dark. Having been a slave for almost all of his life it is all he knows and so he is very good at following orders and is very obedient.

 

Human form:

 

Eyes: Crystal Blue

Hair: White-Lavender with a green tint to his bangs

Height: 4'11”

Weight: Around 100lbs

Bodily markings: Scars on his back, sides and chest from previous Masters. He also has a birthmark under his left eye.

 

Demi form:

 

Hair: Pure White

Eyes: Sapphire

Height: 5’0”

Weight: Remains the same.

Bodily Markings: He grows wings. They basically rip through the skin on his back so it is painful when they come out. The feathers on his wings are much like that of a duck’s in that water rolls right off them. The wing span of his wings is around 10 feet. His bones also become filled with air so as his wings can hold his body weight. When this happens they are very easy to break .

 

Avian Form:

 

 

Changes into a swan. The change is very painful. His eyes remain the same color as in his demi form but they take on a golden tint as well. His weight changes as well, to around 33 lbs.

 

 

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The sound of crying and sobbing awoke Echo and the boy blinked his eyes open, the familiar scenery that was the slave ring building coming into focus as the whitette blinked sleep from his eyes. At first he couldn't understand why some of the girls were crying but then it hit him: Auction Day. The small boy felt his heart drop into his stomach as the dread and fear coursed through him. This was the day he had been dreading, the day he spent his life being prepared for: the day he was going to be bought like a piece of cattle, sold to either a Feline or Serpentine. He didn't know which possibility scared him more: being sold to a heartless, unfeeling being or being sold to a scary, frightening being who would probably take great pleasure in his pain.

 

The boy curled up in a corner of his cage in his human form, the collar around his neck preventing him from shifting into his demi-form or animal form. He didn't know how much time had past but soon, much too soon for the boy's taste, the guards and slavers were grabbing Avian's out of cages and cleaning them up before shoving them out onto the stage were Feline's and Serpentine's would bid on the slave. Echo felt arms grab him and yank him from his cage roughly, the mute boy crying out softly in his throat, the only sounds he was able to produce seeing as his vocal cords were not properly formed when he was born.

 

He was shoved into a room where he was forced to endure the harsh scrubbing courtesy of the slavers own personal slaves. He was then dressed in white pants and he winced as his hair was brushed roughly. His grooming finished, a guard appeared and grabbed his arm and marched him to the stage where he was then practically tossed to the sharks. Echo stood there shivering at all those eyes looked at him like a juicy piece of meat being dangled in front of them.

 

He dimly heard the auctioneer start the bidding and he could only stare down at the stage, trembling as he awaited his fate.

[|WW|]

 

Genre: Fantasy

 

Name: Aijha Whilde

Race: Feline- Panther

Station: Prince of the Feline Race.

Age: 24

 

Personality:

Quiet and calculating. His emotions are hard to judge due to his innate ability

to hold a very neutral expression for most situations. When angered he naturally takes his

demi-form, which is a sign to leave the Royal alone. He's rarely seen in his complete

cat form unless one should happen upon him sleeping.

 

Human form:

 

Eyes: Sky Blue

Hair: White with gray undertones.

Height: 6'0''

Weight: 168lbs

Bodily markings: A claw mark from between the shoulder blades down to the small of

his back; the result of his Father's discipline when he was young.

 

Demi form:

 

Hair: White with gray undertones.

Eyes: Sky Blue

Height: 6'0''

Weight: Remains the same.

Bodily Markings:

Skin turns obsidian from feet to lower abdomen and fingers to elbow. Nails sharpen on fingers.

Two black clan seals with a faded appearance appear on his chest. A large tail develops-

it's length nearly 3/4's his height and quite powerful adding additional balance to his already

agile being. His skin also becomes softer and water resistant.

 

 

Feline Form:

 

Changes completely into a black jaguar- or better known as a Panther which is

used to describe any black-coated species. Despite the change being natural;

it is still painful to perform. A demi-change is easier on the body. His eyes remain blue

though darker, as that is the markings of a Royal Alpha Male. His weight can change subtly

depending on the season, but remains within the 170lb range.

 

 

 

The quiet male leaned stiffly against a large street-pole that held both posters plastered over it's surface and a very large lantern that teetered softly in the wind upon it's very top. At night those lanterns would be lit and the market would continue without the aid of the suns blessing. Buying and selling goods never stopped in the city that was rich with visitors from other lands. His kind adored every luxury and as time went by so did the once recluse Serpentines who owned the adjoined lands. It had been years since they'd come together as friends. Well, no friends was a foolish word. They mingled with the cover of friendship since the last War; but they were still silently weary of one another.

 

A slow building yawn widened the male's mouth until sharp yet subtle incisors were revealed before the lips concealed them away. Brilliant eyes the color of clear skies reached the Auction squares sun-dial, checking the time. A large sleek but powerful tail swished in annoyance near his feet, sending dirt puffing out small clouds with each thump. So far nothing had caught his attention, and the crying of all brought out had slowly grated his nerves. He'd owned countless slaves through his life, and couldn't remember a single one not throwing up a fuss about something or other. Didn't they have any pride left as a species?

 

"I beg your pardon, Sir." His leather-bound guard standing in a vendor's tent shadows stepped forward. He was an impossibly hairy and muscle-clad male with wild golden mane-like hair and matching beard. The leather he wore screamed against the hard body it attempted to cover. Aijha frowned in his direction. The man bowed slightly, tipping his head towards the stage where a new Avian was being towed out for display. "That is the one I had mentioned yesterday, if it interests you."

 

With another thump of his tail, the male pushed away from the pole and began treading towards the stage. Oddly when he reached the crowd a low but powerful growl sent the various bidders shifting aside to allow his passage. His retainer following closely behind and offering his opinion as usual. "He was silent, and quite calm. Seems quite docile also. Though I cannot ascertain that by merely having looked into his cage. It's only a guess, Sir."

 

The nearly pristine white attire he wore was much like a toga; thick wool draped about a lean structure, tossed over a shoulder and belted in such a fashion that just seemed down right confusing. His feet were bare and completely black, matching the likewise black hands and forearms that peeked out from the material. Matching obsidian hair hung loose and teased postured shoulders. And the tail swung low, occasionally just brushing the bystanders ankles as he passed. "Master. I'll have a moment of this ones time," Aijha called out, interrupting the Master auctioneer.

 

[Little Dream]

The auctioneer paused mid-sentence in the calling out bids. He frowned, annoyance washing through him at the interruption. He glanced over, fully intending to admonish whoever it was that had spoken. However, upon seeing that it was Prince Aijha he quickly re-thought that course of action. He bowed low over the podium he was stationed at, sweat breaking out across his brow. He hoped the royal Feline had not seen his frown. “Of course my Prince. You may come up onto the stage and assess as much as you want. Take your time.” He said in a respectful tone though he was still irritated at having been interrupted. He had other slaves to present and this man was wasting time. He kept this to himself though. He knew how the Prince’s temper was and he would rather not be at the receiving end of it.

 

Echo jerked from his daze upon hearing that deep voice. He cautiously raised his eyes and peeked out at who it was that spoke. A shiver ran down his spine at who he saw. He knew who that was, the auctioneer clearing up any doubts when he bowed. What could the Prince want with me? Would he really have use for me, a mute slave? The tiny bird thought to himself. The thought of the Feline being so close to him made him quiver in fear and he looked back down at the stage, hands fisting the rough material of his pants as he waited for the man to ascend the stage.

[|WW|]

“Of course my Prince. You may come up onto the stage and assess as much as you want. Take your time.”

Oh he'd noticed the frown with no difficulty at all. In fact he'd been wearing a frown himself for the past two hours while watching the auction beneath the blazing sun. His obvious half-shifted state proved just how annoyed he'd been. Never mind the Auctioneer's feelings; they were of little concern. Heat and flesh sometimes made for a damned bad mood in itself. "Arthur," Aijha called, motioning to the Avian in question. "The normal check will do. I'd like to leave after this."

 

Not using the stairs he leapt up onto the stage, landing in a knelt stance with a single hand splayed against the wood just before the slave's feet. He cocked his head up at the male, lips drawn into a thin line. He didn't say a word as his tail curled around his own waist, resting it seemed. His guard used the steps, sighing slightly at his Master's nature. Always taking the high road.

 

Reaching the slave the large burly man fisted the male's chin, lifting and turning the head side to side. His thumb passed over the lips and forced passed them, checking the teeth and giving the tongue a nice squeeze until spit gathered and nearly spilled over. Aijha watched quietly, little interest showing over his eerily blank but handsome face. His thoughts however racing.

Doesn't seem to make much noise like the others, he thought first. "Master," he called to the auctioneer, "is this one trained in bed? And is there a reason he isn't making much noise? Damaged perhaps?" Arthur turned the male and slid a hand up his back, tracing the scars. "Damaged here at least," he commented to his Prince.

[Little Dream]

Predator.

 

That would be the word Echo would use to describe the Prince. The way he had leaped onto the stage gracefully, landing without a sound then crouched there motionlessly all but screamed the word. Echo had had to resist the urge to take a step back as those sky blue eyes stared brightly up at him. He saw the tail curl around the males’ waist and tried to guess what kind of cat he was. Difficult to decide though, just basing it on the eyes and the tail. Judging by the state of his arms and legs it was a black cat. He remembered the slavers talking about the prince and while he was listening he had heard them mention the word jaguar. That must be what he was.

 

Echo was broken from his inner ponderings by the other male that had followed the Prince up onto the stage. This time Echo did take a step back, feeling intimidated by the large form. However it didn't deter this man and soon Echo felt his chin being grasped in a large hand. He stayed obediently still all through the examination, knowing that by struggling it would just make the process more difficult and probably painful as well. He had been through this enough times to know that it was easier to go along with it and it will be over quickly.

 

The auctioneer had been quietly standing at his podium, internally wishing they would hurry up. At the Prince’s question he broke from his slight daze. ”His innocence has remained intact and he has not received any training on the subject. And he is damaged in a sense, he was born mute. Or at least he never started talking when he got old enough to.” The man replied.

[|WW|]

”His innocence has remained intact and he has not received any training on the subject. And he is damaged in a sense, he was born mute. Or at least he never started talking when he got old enough to.”

 

Listening to the explanation had his interest slowly rising a notch. Pale blues slowly traced the male's body from the tip of his lovely head to the soles of his tired feet. When they reached the feet they riveted towards the Auctioneer; his expression still relaying the same blank offering.

 

Arthur sucked in a breath as the Master spoke of the slave being mute. He already knew the answer before Aijha could relay it. He was reaching for a pouch at his leather-bound waist when the Prince slowly rose from his crouch, a feral noise close to what might have been a purr reverberated for the first time as a single sharp-nailed digit tickled beneath the avian's chin. His tail slowly uncurled itself and swished once before claming itself at his feet. "Sold," he announced.

 

The guard did not reach inside the pouch, but removed it from his belt entirely. Stepping aside he went to the Auctioneer and tossed the heavy purse on the podium. The tie having been loose; gold coins spilled over the surface and some even tumbled onto the floor. A few rolling off towards the crowd. "That should suffice for both slave and your annoyance, Master," Arthur commented with a twice to his own lips. Aijha sent the man a look that even without the suggestion of frown or smile gave heed to quit the internal bitching. The man was more than compensated. "You would do well to school your face when looking upon Royalty."

With nothing left to say and his business finished the agile man hopped off stage; nearly stepping on someone's hand who'd been reaching for one of the wayward coins. Arthur sighed once more and went to the slave, doing something somewhat unthinkable. He hoisted the small male onto his back and departed the stage by means of the steps once more. "Hold on, but mind the hair," he spoke to the avian on his wide back. Unlike his Prince, he was a considerably patient man. His patience was perhaps immeasurable and that is the sole reason he was at Aijha's side. No one else could have possibly lasted like the burly Lion.

 

Leaving the Auction behind they wandered down the main road of the city towards the large golden gates that rose nearly fifty feet in height, the walls connected to them just as tall though made of stone which had been painted white. The Prince was known for wandering the city to relieve his boredom but it wasn't every day he returned home with a prize from his outing. Or an amusement rather. He looked forward to playing with the new toy.

 

 

[Little Dream]

Echo shivered slightly as the eyes racked over his whole body, the boy’s eyes fixed on the stage as the large man finished his inspection. He heard the man called Arthur ‘s breath hitch in his throat at the mention of Echo’s muteness and he briefly wondered if the Feline before him was going to re-think his possible buying of the Avian. It wouldn’t be the first time it had happened; many lost interest when they found out he was unable to speak, something about it “being no fun when I can’t hear then beg for mercy.” as one man put it. Frankly Echo was glad that man didn’t want him if he enjoyed listening to his slaves pleading for mercy. Echo gazed at the stage, waiting for the Prince to leave the stage. He was therefore very surprised when he heard something akin to a cat’s purr sounding out before him and he jerked in surprise as a sharp claw tickled under his chin.

 

His eyes shot up to the Prince’s face, surprise written all over his face as the man declared Echo sold. He was flabbergasted to say the least. Never before had a Master willingly buy him if they knew he was mute before purchase. Normally the Auctioneer never mentioned he was mute during the auction, hoping that if he was bought the owner wouldn’t bring him back when they found out he was mute but it failed every time; no one a mute slave it seems. So why was the Prince different? Didn’t he want a slave who could talk? He heard a jingle of coins and he glanced over, seeing that Arthur had tossed a pouch of coins onto the podium. Echo almost smiled at the look of fear on the man’s face at having been found out of his irritation. Almost. Echo watched as the Prince leaped from the stage and Arthur came over to him.

 

A gasp of surprise escaped him as the burly man lifted him onto his back, the Avian instinctively gripping his shoulders with his small hands and wrapping his legs around the man’s waist. His eyes widened at being so high off the ground and he gripped Arthur’s shoulders tighter, hoping he wouldn’t be dropped. Echo watched the buildings pass by as they began the journey back to the castle, the small Avian slowly relaxing his tight hold as his fear of falling decreasing.

[|WW|]

Mute. Aijha considered this a blessing. As mentioned before the noise of the Auction had irritated him. His ears were sensitive to different degree's of noise; and the sobbing and screams of certain slaves were no exception. As much as he enjoyed the occasional wail, he enjoyed the look in their eyes even more. You didn't need vocal cords to display emotions. And be it a weird quirk of the Prince's; things that were damaged fascinated him.

 

He'd come across an Avian once when he'd been but a young cub. The beautiful sparrow had somehow injured a wing and lay crippled on the forest floor. The Prince had played with the poor helpless creature for hours, only allowing his entertainment to cease when his Father, The King, put it out of it's misery. The young feline been highly disappointed the fun was taken away.

 

Reaching the Palace they entered through a smaller door near the main gates; the guard positioned there allowing them entrance having seen them long before they reached the walls. The courtyard was colorful and lush with greenery. Large bushes lined the outer walls, spilling over with flowers that smelled both gentle and sweet. Ivy crawled along the inner-castle walls, leaving mere slips of white between the extensive green plant that made itself home best in these conditions. The ground was thick moss that felt soft beneath the feet and made an ideal matt to nap upon when the sun had warmed it first.

 

"Arthur," the Prince paused in the main entry, turning his head so commanding blues caught the stare of his guard, "I must report to Father. Take him to my chambers." Aijha's tail swayed lazily at his feet, the tip curling ever so slightly with each side to side motion. "I'll be in for the evening."

 

Arthur adjusted the bundle on his back and slowly knelt his large form down so the Avian slid off onto the soft mossy yard below. "Yes, Sir." He responded, standing once he'd been relieved of the slave. With that the Prince disappeared, leaving his retainer to do as told. The massive man pivoted gracefully for one his size and laid a hand on the male's shoulder, propelling him past the main entrance and further into the courtyard. "All servants use the rear entrance," he commented, as if wanting to explain the rules starting then and there.

 

They passed more greenery, flowers, bushes and even a single weeping willow that spilled it's many branches down over the outer wall, providing a large spot of shade. A marble fountain guarded the rear courtyard; a Lion with it's mouth widened in a roar spewed water from it's mighty muzzle. A crown of gold sat perched between it's ears. Arthur continued speaking during this walk. "You must never wander the courtyard alone unless given permission beforehand. Since you cannot speak, you also cannot explain yourself. In a place where felines roam that is not an advantage for yourself. The Prince will have his own set of rules for you, but for now you will at least understand the servant etiquette."

 

The interior of the castle was spacious and smooth marble as well. Pillars rose in every room, depicting elaborate carvings of felines at their tops were they met a very high ceiling. Glass was fitted in each rooms ceiling also, as though the sun were welcome during the day. Extremely large furnishings were scattered about, their size suggesting that both a human form and feline could easily be accommodated. Using a servants staircase they went to the third floor, following a long hallway that dead ended into beautiful copper inlaid doors.

 

"Servants are allowed to use the back stairs, the kitchen, common sleeping quarters, lower bathing chamber and the common room. We passed them before reaching the stairs." Arthur pushed the doors open and gestured for the slave to enter.