`slaves' area—

@ahn jaehyo [ hiatus ] Hyorin held her breath as she watched the door open, wondering if it's company that she was expecting or not. Watching him walk through that door, her shoulders relaxed when she saw the familiar stature and face. "I'm afraid not, slaves do not have rooms. We sleep in different beds each night." She got up to her feet and went to the door to collect her strip of fabric along with the illuminating candle outside. Bringing it in to show that the room was occupied and telling others not to disturb.

"Have a seat." The fox spirit gestured to a seat across where she sat earlier. Setting down the candle on the table, she looked at the door wondering about the chances of someone else walking in because there was no predicting what drunk people would do. Biting her lower lip in thought, she went to the thief and sat sideways on his lap. Wrapping an arm around his shoulder, casting a wary glance at the shadows on the door. "I don't like beating around the bush so tell me what /information/ you want."

@kim hyojung (hyorin) Jaehyo finally sneaked into the slaves' area after much difficulty from hiding and sliding past the others within the castle. He skimmed through the area for any hints left by his informant. He caught sight of a strip of fabric near a door and decided to take a risk and head towards that room. Jaehyo was wondering why the female offered to help him as he was a poor, lowly thief who have nothing but stealing skills, but nevertheless, he accepted her help as he thought that slaves knew the secret passages within the castle, at least the lower part of it, but getting help is better than no help at all. Jaehyo entered the room silently and heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the female. "Fortunately, this is the right room." Jaehyo muttered before approaching the female. Lifting a smirk, Jaehyo greeted the female and looked around the room. "Is this your room?" Jaehyo asked, and pondered on how he could asked her for the information around the castle in a more indirect way.

@ahn jaehyo [ hiatus ] Slipping into one of the empty slaves room, Hyorin waited anxiously for the thief that she had arranged to meet. Tapping her finger nervously against the table, she hoped that he would see the small strip of fabric that hinted this room was it. Intending to exchange information for money, her plan was to accumulate enough to bribe the guards in letting her past the gates again to escape. With the failure of of her earlier attempt to runaway, the fox spirit hated how she found herself back in this wretched place and had to endure another month or so before she could try and make another run for it.

@moon jongup Jongjin paced inside of his room as he waited for the teen to finish washing up. Just as he was about to barge into the bathroom and demand to know what was taking the slave so long, Jongup came out, tendrils of steam wafting out into the room with him. Jongjin gave the boy a once over and realized that the dirty and soiled slave from before actually had a face worth looking at. He pursed his lips at the slave, "Dont flatter yourself, the only reason I gave you new clothes is because I cant stand any type of filth inside of the castle walls, especially so near." he said as he pulled on the chains to bring the boy into another room still attached to his chambers. He told the slave to sit down in one of the chairs and moved to sit across from him. Crossing one leg over the other he began questioning the male, "Why were you in the slave's quarters?" he asked bluntly, "What did you do?"

@moon jongup The Prince turned around in the middle of his room and looked at Jongup with a stoic expression, "Why?" he said as he yanked on the chain to bring Jongup a few steps closer, "I want someone to humor me thats why," he said emotionlessly. Another reason why he wanted his own slave was because he didnt like a whole bunch of maids and or servants coming into his chambers all the time. Jongjin headed over to his wardrobe and pulled out some clothes with barely a glance at what he chose before he tossed them to Jongup. "Take a bath. And after you're done get rid of your old clothes, I dont want them soiling my bedroom," he said in disgust as he took in what the younger was wearing. Jongjin pointed at his washroom door and raised a brow, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up." he had no plans of releasing the cuffs off the boy just yet, atleast not until he was absolutely sure the slave wouldnt run away. Not that he could ever get past Jongjin that is.

@moon jongup Jongjin ignored the boy and tugged on the chains harder as he led the boy inside the castle, heading for the grand staircase that leads up to the chambers on the other floors. It never used to be easy for Jongjin to kill people, he used to be a trusting, loving, and frightened little boy before he got adopted by the late King of Kurokage and his Queen. It was then, in this very kingdom, that he realized the cruel reality of the world and lost his trust and love for people, he threw out all his emotions and mastered the best pokerface ever seen, becoming the demon of Kurokage. He would never tell that to anyone though, would never give the reason behind his coldness, which was why he completely shrugged off all of Jongup's questions. As he led the boy upstairs and down a corridor maids, servants, and slaves all paused what they were doing and bowed deeply as he passed them by. They discreetly eyed the chained newcomer following behind the prince, shocked and curious as to why the icy prince brought back a prisoner. He never had before. And he especially never led said prisoners to his chambers as he was doing now with Jongup.

@moon jongup Jongjin headed outside and walked over to his stallion, waiting for the guard to attach one end of the chain to a specially placed hook on his saddle before he climbed onto the horse's back and took the reins. He heard the guard talking to the slave in a hushed tone, telling Jongup that he was lucky, that usually the prince left no one standing, that maybe Jongup could change the prince and get him to be nicer. Jongjin growled lowly, not liking what the stupid guard had to say. In a lightning fast move Jongjin whipped his blade out of its scabbard and sliced cleanly through the guard's neck, the leathal weapon stopping an inch short of Jongup's neck. "A pity he couldn't stop talking, dont you think?" he asked Jongup with a deadly calm voice, watching as the guard's body swayed on its legs next to the young teen before crumpling at the slave's feet. With a flick of his wrist he effectively got rid of the blood coating his sword before he slid it back into its place. "Lets get going, shall we?" wihout a word from Jongjin the horse began moving, knowing its owner was ready to go.

@moon jongup Jongjin narrowed his eyes as he realized the slave was looking directly into them. He would have killed any other in a heartbeat for the audacity and yet he still hesitated with this boy. Without glancing over his shoulder he called for the guard who was standing shakily in the corner of the room. As the guard came forward, trying to step over the dead bodies, Jongjin told him to put chains around this boy's wrists and tie him to his horse's saddle. As the guard practically ran out of the room to get the slave chains Jongjin retracted his blade from the younger's neck and sheathed it back into its scabbard. "You're in," he said with a sarcastic smirk, "You dont get to die today." Oh, Jongjin still would kill the boy if he felt like it, but at the moment he felt oddly amused by the young teen. As the guard came running back in with the chains, Jongjin stood back and watched as the stout man clasped the thick heavy steel chains around Jongup's slender wrists and tugged on them, indicating that the teen had better start following him. "Congratulations Moon Jongup," Jongjin grinned devilishly at the boy, "You are now my personal slave."

@moon jongup Looking down the blade of the obsidian sword, Jongjin kept his cold flecks of black eyes trained on the cowering boy. "I dont care what is considered fair and what isnt. Your life means nothing to me. And apparently it also meant nothing to your parents if they sold you off like trash they didnt want," he said with a steely voice. He pressed the blade up closer to the boy's neck, drawing a thin line of blood, "What is your name?" he asked with another threatening press of his sword which bit into the younger's neck a little more. Jongjin didnt knkw why he was hesitating to just slide his sharp blade through the boy's neck. Maybe it was because the boy was an innocent? Or maybe it was because Jongjin could relate to the teen, having his own younger life being similar to that of this boy's.

@moon jongup Jongjin stared down at the boy emotionlessly, bringing up his sword once more he prepared the angle he wanted to kill the boy cleanly with in his head and as he brought the sword down the pleas of the younger reached his ears. Stupid boy. Why would you plea for your life if you knew it was futile? Jongjin had heard the gasp and seen the look of recognition the boy had held as he realized just who Jongjin really was. The boy must know of his reputation, so why is he crying and pleading for mercy right before him? Is he not a criminal? Was he not brought here for a reason? With a sudden halt of his wrist he brought the sword to a stop barely a milimeter away from the boy's neck. "Who are you?" he asked with plain frustration and anger in his voice, "Why do you plea for mercy? What makes you think you I'll let you live?"

@moon jongup Jongjin crossed his arms over his chest and began walking down the line of slaves, eyeing them all, already mentally eliminating a dozen or so that would be of no use to the kingdom anymore. It seemed as though the only healthy looking slave in here was the boy that he still hasnt taken his eyes off of. The boy doesnt belong here, that he could tell, but then why else would he be here if he didnt break a law? Jongjin flicked his eyes away from the boy, deciding he wasnt worth a headache so early in the morning. It didnt matter to him anyway, they were all just a bunch of slaves. With a burst of agitation aimed towards the king for making him do his dirty work he unsheathed his sword faster than the speed of light and beheaded the first of the unable slaves on his mental list. Watching as the body crumpled to the ground he waited for the thump of the head rolling to the floor before he moved quickly and eliminated another slave. He felt his demonic sword hum in pleasure in his hands as body after body each fell to the floor leaving only one sole survivor in the midst of all the gore. The boy.

@moon jongup Prince Jongjin woke up that morning feeling agitated as usual. Today though, it seemed to be a lot worse. Maybe it was because he was woken by a maid and told to go see the king immediately. He ignored the request of course which caused him to be hunted down by the knights so he could be given the order to "clean up" the place where the slaves were kept. He knew what they meant by 'cleaning up' he knew he had to kill off the slaves that he deemed were unable to work anymore. He knew why he was chosen to do the task in the first place. He wasnt known as the ruthless cold-hearted prince in all the kingdoms for nothing. He practically a devil and anyone who heard his name knew just how much of a devil he really is. Jongjin made his way over to the slaves quarters on his black stallion, his demon sword Agares strapped firmly to his back, ready to be used. As the sight of the slaves area came into view he got off his horse and tied it to a post, heading inside the one large room where the slaves were kept, the one other guard with him following close behind. With the bellow of the stout guard next to him he gained the attention of the slaves immediately, "Line up, now!" Jongjin watched as the slaves started lining up even though they were confused as to what was going on. And as he watched them, a teenage boy caught his attention. The boy didnt seem like the rest of the slaves and yet he seemed to blend in as if he was. Whatever it was about this particular boy caused Jongjin to stare at him through narrowed eyes.

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] Holding his hand tightly, Jia nodded and let his hand linger around her waist. She smiled gently and let him lead her to his room. He was lucky to have a room, since she lived with the other female slaves who were gentle with her.

@meng jia [ hiatus ] he stood there holding her for several moments. "do you think you might want to sleep in my room this evening? since we slept in yours last night." he kissed her forehead softly.

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] Jia was entoxicated it seemed by his lips. They were so soft and gentle on hers. She leaned in his chest and held onto him tightly, remembering her guardians last words to her. 'Love someone as I have loved you...' and she did. She loved Taecyeon. Purely, utterly, and very, she loved him passionatly and with innocence. She was just too scared to admit it.

@meng jia [ hiatus ] "Maybe, possibly." He smiled at her and bent to kiss her again. He held her waist against his body with one arm while the other came up and cupped her neck. "Definitely maybe." he whispered and kissed her cheek.

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] His lips. The only thing Jia felt, were his lips. Those two soft and heated lips met hers in a prefect timing. She closed her eyes and kissed him back, and frowned a bit when he pulled away. Yet when he lifted her and spun her, she smiled. For the first time since years, actually smiled. Beautifully and sweetly. She held his shoulders and fearfully asked, "Do you love me?"

@meng jia [ hiatus ] He reached up and wiped her tear. "You don't have to suffer any more." He tilted his head towards hers and kissed her softly. He pulled back slightly and held her body. His hands stayed on her waist as to not make her uncomfortable. he moved his arm to under her knees and lifted her into the air. She spun around a few times before setting her down. He laughed and hugged her tightly.

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] Jia was suprised at his care. She felt herself grow closer to him little by little. "Oppa..." She said, unsure of his age, but remembered that most men loved to be called that. "Thank you for caring about me..." She said. She felt a tear trickle down her face slowly. For all her life, all she knew was pain and suffering. Nobody ever offered her a meal or to take care of her. Her life had been hell, but somehow she had felt comfortable and loed with him. "You have no idea how much I've suffered... And how valuable you make me feel.."

@meng jia [ hiatus ] He smiled as he walked with her. He kissed the top of her head and held her close. He walked to a bench and sat down pulling her into his lap. he cupped her cheek softly and smiled at her.

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] Blushing madly and shyly leaning on his shoulder, Jia smiled softly. Barely noticable, but enough to make her eyes glisten. "Yes..." She said. She followed him to the garden and held onto him scaredly, since she was first in that garden.

@meng jia [ hiatus ] He smiled but pulled his hand from hers. He instead wrapped his arm around her and rest his hand on her waist. "What about this instead?"

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] Finishing her meal and bit of wine in no time, she politely wiped and looked up at him. "The garden? Okay..." She said, standing up and shyly grabbing his hand. "Is... Is this okay? I get /really/ scared this time of night."

@meng jia [ hiatus ] "You're most welcome." he sat and watched her eat. He sipped his wine and cleared the dishes as she finished. "what would you like to do next? Would you like to walk in the garden?"

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] Jia watched, very interested, on how her poured the red wine. The deep reds gave her a sort of calming affect on her, as if they were trying to make her feel safe. She thanked him again, although spoke a bit more clearly this time, and less scared. "Thank you... Taecyeon."

@meng jia [ hiatus ] He picked up the chopsticks and placed a piece of kimchi on top of her rice. He got up again and brought her a glass with some red wine. He knew they weren't supposed to be into it but he found an open bottle and poured them both a small glass

@ok taecyeon [ hiatus ] Jia stared at the spoon for a split second. "Thank you.." She mumbled to him. She took the spoon in her hands and sat quietly in her spot. As the soup was placed in front of her, she tilted her head to the side a bit before taking a small sip of soup.

@meng jia [ hiatus ] He sat at the table across from her. He grabbed the spoon and got some soup in the spoon and held it up for her. "Here." He said smiled softly at her.

@lee minhyuk [ hiatus ] "Right, I mean..it's not hard for us to recognize each other's presence that others have a hard time recognizing but it's still such a surprise. To think that many of us prefer the surface as appose to our homeland" he nodded, still surprised at the male's sudden remark.

"I don't like to dwell upon it nor do I have the intention to brag about it either" he couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the fact that someone had actually asked him about his rank though it wasn't something he had gotten in depth about..not that he wanted to anyways. He didn't want to imagine what their reaction would be.

Hakyeon understood the significance of food in each person. Food was essential and whatever it may be, it had to happen and even though this particular incubus had preferred humans, the ones Hakyeon is living amongst he didn't like the idea at all but he couldn't judge the male. "I hope you aren't mistreating them though.. Humans are fragile, unlike our kind and they require the most respect and affection."

@lee taemin Grace chuckled lightly and pressed her warm furry body against his side, rubbing her nose against his cheek. "It's fine. You don't need to make a decision but time will bring you that decision close. Do you have romantic feelings for that girl? Or someone else?", the little fox asked curiously and wrapped her tail carefully around his waist again, her eyes closing. She just wanted to have a normal conversation with someone nice and gentely for awhile and enjoyed this young man beside her.