Mirrored Realms: Amethyst & Tennessee

The evening sun was obscured by massive monsoon clouds that rolled over the Island. A heavy wind ripped tapestries away from the walls they clung too. Cold drops plummeted onto the earth, their pops subtly darkened the road. The open shutters slammed shut as the crowds of people began to disperse into their homes. Trees clung tight to their place as the wind bullied them.

Above, Seabirds flew inland with only faint remnants of their squawks heard over the wind's tantrum. Baskets were thrown past the group as they traveled. Amethyst looked back to the west seeing the choppy sea tossing ships as its anger swelled. She couldn't see where the water ended and the sky took hold. Great bolts of lightning zigzagged through the sky, revealing the storm's raging face.

As the group stumbled up to the great palace, the rain's might clashed against them. Amethyst took in the splendor of the manor before her. The doors were adorned with silver and iron in the shapes of leaves and horses. The wood was a shiny red with each bolt and rivet having been molded into depictions of many different animals. The very knocker itself looked to be brass. It was shaped into a snake, the head devouring its own tail.

The storm pressed its advantage, following the group as they took refuge beyond the great doors. As they passed through the portal, they felt transported. A luxurious courtyard was painted in front of them. There were well maintained gardens which stood in contrast to the mosaic tile. At its center the yard boasted a towering fountain. Even with the aggressing sky, the fountain radiated a white aura. Along the walls of the yard were intricate murals, their depictions were a mystery but the work was masterful. The wall was carved in places, adding a greater depth to its tale. The story was guarded from the advancing water and debris by grand overhangs. Thick vines weaved together overhead offering protection from the rain.

The group remained tightly quartered as they kept pressed under the overhangs. They slowly navigated along the wall towards the main door.

Nuru was running her hand along the vines that held back the incoming tide. Her steps were uneven, staggered slightly as she slowly faltered forward. Her creamy chocolate skin was glossy from the mixture of oil and water.

Wa Chini held himself tightly, his shivering form still had bits of green entangled about his matted hide. The mud and moss dampened what should have been colors akin to the savannah. But now he looked and smelled like a swamp.

Amethyst felt a heavy weight pressing down on her-- a stinging pit was where her stomach should be. Her legs were seizing up with every step as cramps wracked throughout her body. She had a pounding migraine and she could hardly hold her tail up as it bounced off the floor.

Tennessee's hair had flattened to her, trying to hide every bit of her it could. Her fair skin had ripened red throughout the day. There was something primordial about her. Even drenched as she was, there was still a fire that blazed in her and there was no amount of rain to quell that rising flame. Amethyst glanced often towards her. For some reason she could feel an unbridled heat traveling through her core. Even with the cold pressing around her, she feared getting any closer would burn her up.

Although it was just as described, Amethyst was still struck with the wealth even just the outside of his home boasted. But of all that she could see, it didn't compare to the large doors which were the entrance to the main abode. She had always thought it was just an exaggeration, yet there she saw the golden doors. They were carved and ordained with strange ethereal designs. Runic carvings that were said to ward off evil spirits. Amethyst knew those claims were ridiculous, otherwise Katili could not even enter his own home.

They were halted at the threshold of the golden doors. In the center was a small lever. Amethyst looked to Tennessee, who didn't hesitate to pull it. There were many small clicks, each followed in turn by a loud DING. The awful noise radiated through Amethyst's being and the toll lingered in her ears. She didn't have time to recoil as the door smoothly slid open.

Amethyst felt her heart leap at the sight she beheld. She wasn't interested in the wealth that abounded within, there could have been piles of gems and jewels but for her what she saw was far greater. In the doorway stood a plumper and more colorful Busara. His wavy hair stood tall, seemingly thicker, if not grayer. His eyes went wide, that familiar umber pigment dancing about her.

Busara's jaw fell open, for a moment he seemed to see a ghost. In the months they had been apart, she *was* likely more of a ghost than not now. When he had finally gathered himself, he closed the gap between them. "What are you doing here?" His hushed tone filled with a mixture of emotions that refused to cooperate. "This is Katili's home, you must go, now!"

Amethyst could hear the concern in his voice, along with surprise and no small amount of anger, but a small smile formed as she spoke. "We must enter, we seek one named Ebba. Katili is the only one left to check." Amethyst felt faint.

"There is no one here by that name." Any trace of surprise or joy was gone, only haste. "Before you are noticed more-- you must go. I am sorry, my friend!" He started to close the door, but was abruptly stopped.

Tennessee had stepped into the doorway, blocking Busara's attempt. Her eyes were tight and her hand was pressed against the doorway. "I'm not leaving until I have my baby!" Her stern voice echoed along the hall. She hadn't yelled, but her voice carried in all the same.

"This is her mom, Sven's mom." Amethyst's chest was heaving, Her sight was growing dark around the edges and her head throbbed harder.

Busara's words were quick. "There was one called Ebba. She was sold, sent north to Western Ashara, where the pyramids are. All I know is that Master threw a feast when she was sold. He made much money." His voice cracked as he looked back and forth. "Please you mu--!"

Like the long rumble of thunder, a voice cracked through Busara's final words. "Whom has come to the door, Busara?" The golden door swung wide revealing Master Katili. His eyes were black holes, his iris and pupils were indistinguishable, and his sclera shone in bright white contrast. He was like a giant that dwarfed all those present. He wore a fine black robe, with a golden broach that clipped the two halves together. His onyx flesh held no blemishes. He was cleanly shaven except for a small patch on his chin trimmed short. His hair was short also and curled tightly about. His stare was blank. It was as though he were born, but no soul came with.

"Oh Master," Busara cried, "it was a mistake. They had become lost in the storm and simply asked directions. They are just off--"

There was no inflection. It was as though he read from a script. "Now what kind of host would I be to let guests wander back out into the wet?" His face remained stone. His gaze felt unblinking.

Busara looked on with concern towards the group as Amethyst translated Katili's hollow words. Katili placed a hand on Busara's shoulder, his grip tightening as Amethyst explained.

Tennessee didn't consider for even a moment before declining his invitation. Amethyst felt the anxiety ramp as she relayed, "We are rather late for another engagement. We must be going and apologize for the burden" Amethyst had not even finished speaking as Tennessee turned and walked away.

Katili's grip squeezed like a vice as Busara's face subtly twisted. Amethyst looked on for a moment. Her heart cried for him. The two locked eyes briefly before she bowed deeply. She turned and ushered Nuru and Wa Chini along, stopping briefly to steady herself as she stumbled into the wall.

The rain came and went as they followed behind Tennessee, the last remnants of the light disappearing as they arrived at a tavern. The three slaves stood shivering behind their master. "One room, four people." Tennessee dropped her hand revealing a clutch of coins.

"One room, one person." A smile twisted the innkeeper's face. "Slaves stay in the barn," she hissed in a raspy voice. Tennessee went to grab some of the coins back, but the innkeeper's hand pressed on top of hers. "Or... on the street?" Tennessee's body tightened as she considered the offer. "Rate will double soon."

"We are more than happy with the barn!" Amethyst's voice was hoarse, she hadn't spoken so much in a long time, and her body was on the verge of collapse, streets or barn didn't matter to her, a hay covered floor was just as good as a real bed, so long as she could sleep.

Tennessee lifted her hand and in a blink, the coins were gone. The innkeeper shouted at a filthy boy who sprang towards the group. He pointed out the side door and gestured to follow. Tennessee looked to Amethyst who nodded, so she nodded in return. The three slaves followed the boy to the barn.

It was dark and the floor was slightly damp. There was a slight smell of ammonia and a few piles of something laying about. They were not alone. There were a few other slaves in here along with several beasts of burden. The three slaves kept to themselves, and the other guests followed suit.

The boy pointed into a small stall. "Here." He was off. Like a fox, he slipped through a small door likely meant for chickens.

The three squeezed into the stall. The space was cramped and grew uncomfortably warm. The acrid smells they exuded were like roses compared to The Sewers. Each gave thanks for the lack of water below them and a collective sigh at the final gift: no clouds of ravenous mosquitos. In the quiet night, they pressed together, and in mere moments they were asleep.

---

The morning glow had long passed when the three woke. There were no screams, nor were there any arguments or laughter. There were no cries, no beatings, and no humiliations. There were no bars, no water, no mosquitos. No Sewer. Each of them was able to wake at their own pace. Amethyst was first to wake. She stretched her aching back, her arms raised high. A little squeak snuck its way out as her back arched.

Set by the stall door, there was an iron pot. It wasn't there last night and she would have woken if someone had been in here, right? She crawled hesitantly towards the mystery. Slowly she lifted the lid. A juicy aroma immediately filled her senses, making her salivate. Inside was a vegetable stew in a creamy bone broth. The others quickly rose from their slumber as the delectable scent wafted over them.

Behind the pot were ceramic cups, with a corked gourd that had Tennessee's hair ribbon wrapped around its throat. The vessel held a refreshing vinegar wine. They feasted on their breakfast, careful to leave enough for their master. The food seemed to abound, filling them to the brim. Each rested against the wall, hands clasped over their first full belly in recent memory.

For Amethyst she had not had such a bounty in nearly a decade. Her heart swelled, and the overflow streamed from her soul and down her cheeks. Nuru was first to notice. She had a small smile while placing a hand onto Amethyst. Tears fell from Nuru soon after as the two held each other. Wa Chini looked on with a large smile and a rumbling purr.

The sun hadn't risen far when Tennessee wandered into the barn. She looked tired, more tired than the day before. The bags under her eyes were deep and her eyes were only half open. She stumbled slightly catching herself on the stall gate. She stared at them for a moment. She seemed almost confused as she looked on at the filthy creatures in front of her. The moment stretched as her eyes drooped.

"My lady?"

Tennessee bolted up, her eyes were wild but soon settled onto Amethyst. "Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

Tennessee's gaze remained on Amethyst, losing focus intermittently. She started rubbing her right arm. The wear on the silk scarf told Amethyst this was a frequent habit.

"Yeah, um... we need to... uh, get supplies for our journey north." Tennessee spoke slowly, each syllable lingered on her tongue for too long.

"Did you sleep?" Amethyst stood, her legs shook as she groped at the wall for support. Tennessee simply shook her head. "Maybe you should rest up a bit?" She walked towards Tennessee, her hand outstretched.

Tennessee stepped away. "No, we need to go, let's get supplies and passage to the mainland." She spoke confidently. Whatever sleepy spell had plagued her was now replaced with a burst of energy. "I'll wait outside for you to collect yourselves." She turned, executing a hasty exit.

Nuru and Wa Chini had looks of concern, they too had seen the clear shift. Amethyst imagined they were thinking the same as her, no words needed to be exchanged. They pulled themselves out into the blinding light. They followed quietly through the streets as Tennessee would tell Amethyst what to say and she would obey.

Tennessee purchased traveling equipment with enough preserved food to cover a fair distance. The group took to the docks. They inquired about passage, yet each captain they spoke to had a reason as to why they just couldn't take them. They were going the wrong way, they can't guarantee a woman's safety, most simply said no with a short gesture to heave ho away. Pacing the docks, they were running out of options.

"I can take you to the mainland, just north of here." The man was skinny with a scraggly beard and his leathery hide looked roasted. "We leave in two days. and passage is--'' A boy had run up, tugging on the torn coat. The whispered exchange left the man's eyes wide. "Err, sorry to say but we're all filled up, best be off witcha." He didn't wait for a reply. After retreating to the ship, he removed the wooden board acting as the ship's gateway.

"What the hell?!" Tennessee screamed after the man. "Hey fuck you!" She started towards the boat as Amethyst and Nuru ended her march. The sun's blazing rays poured over them as they searched for a quiet place to regroup.

"It's Katili." Amethyst's head hung low. "He won't let us leave now that he has seen you."

Tennessee's voice was dripping with sarcasm. "So I have to go see him, stroke his ego, is that it?"

Amethyst nodded her head. It wasn't Tennessee's fault, she was new here and had not known Katili. If things had been a bit different they would be off to find Ebba. She watched Tennessee's head drop into her hands. There was a deep inhale, followed by a slow exhale.

"Okay, let's go." Tennessee was almost running as the three tired slaves struggled to keep up. She had little consideration for those behind her, and even less for those in front. She knocked into people, pushing them out of her way as she carved a path to Katili's palace.

Amethyst had tried to slow down this determined woman. She simply plowed forward, not paying any mind to Amethyst's attempts. She could understand that Tennessee was in such a hurry, her child was in danger. What good is this haste if she is simply going to crash into Katili and be crushed. The pace slowed as the palace came into view. They were strolling at a leisurely pace as they passed that serpent which was devouring itself.

Just beyond the ghost white fountain, resting under the vine tangled pergola, Katili could be seen watching a trio of dancing girls. To his side Busara was kneeling, holding a tray of assorted refreshments. He sat reclined, other wealthy individuals sat adjacent to him, watching and chatting amongst themselves. Katili sat up when he saw their arrival. With a clap, the courtyard emptied leaving only Busara at his side.

"Sit, please." Katili's monotonous voice echoed throughout the yard. There was no mistaking his word was a command-- please was a simple formality. "Translator will stay. The other two will stand over there. Where I do not see them." By his word did they comply. An inky void reflected Tennessee's face.

"I felt just awful having to leave so abruptly." She had a small polite smile, similar to the one she held with the master of The Sewers. "Please forgive me."

"There was no slight in the slightest." Amethyst's ears ached as Katili spoke. "I was hoping that you would return. Fate seems kind to me this day." His face remained unreadable and his voice had no feeling behind it as he droned on for a while about some metaphor to do with the birds and men being slaves to their instincts just as a woman is.

"May I return tonight?" Tennessee's voice was soft and inquiring. Amethyst's heart thumped heavy in her chest. The words were sensual, but there was still some bite behind them.

Katili didn't smile, nor did he nod or make any gesture of any kind. Even so, Tennessee stood giving a bow and turned on her heel. Busara's head never once lifted. He was a statue, a simple fixture of the home. His arms were shaking, sweat and tears fell to the floor below, forming a small puddle.

Leaving Katili was a relief to Amethyst, but was overshadowed in the pain she felt for Busara. Nuru and Wa Chini were lined in toe behind Amethyst, whose mind was wandering into the fate Busara would face. She wondered about what horrible things Tennessee would have to endure to simply leave the island. Amethyst felt helpless as they returned to the bar.

"I'll be back to fetch you when I am ready to go to Katili. Eat and sleep now. I want you rested for later." The order pushed the group into the barn where they strictly obeyed.

They sat in their stall and partook in a second meal, this one brought by the boy from yesterday. The conversation between Amethyst and Nuru was heavy, concerning thoughts about life and the cruel Katili. Wa Chini slept near them, their hands carelessly stroked his shoulders.

It was just after the midnight bell when Tennessee came for them. They had slept some and eaten more than their fill. Their bodies continued to ache and they felt weak as they prepared to accompany her.

Tennessee looked like she had slept a little, but she still seemed dead on her feet. Amethyst analyzed her as the others finished their preparations. Her hair was well braided and tied so that only a few strands fell to her face. Her silk scarf was tied tightly to her arm, and she had-- Amethyst rubbed the tiredness from her eyes and looked again. There was no mistaking the blood dried to her boots and the bits of splatter on her pants before she turned to leave the barn.

The night was cool and the full moon parted the clouds. Amethyst couldn't stop thinking about the blood on Tennessee. She knew it wasn't there before they got to the barn. Had she just missed it? If so, where did it come from? She watched Tennessee's form as they walked. There was blood on the back side of her clothes as well. She wanted to ask, or see if anyone else noticed. Amethyst's mind raced as the possibilities stacked up.

The golden doors lay right before them. The alarm was less jarring to Amethyst, her head didn't hurt as much now. Dim light leaked out under the door just before it slid open. Busara's face was shadowed as he silently led them through the home. He stopped at a door, slipping into the dark beyond. He returned almost immediately, as Tennessee switched places with him.

"I wish you could have escaped before he saw you." Busara whispered.

"I agree." Amethyst said solemnly.

The pair sat in silence for several minutes before Tennessee pressed through the door. Amethyst stood looking her over. Busara went to open the door but Tennessee's hand grasped his wrist. She shook her head. Amethyst saw splatters of blood caked into her hair and some drops on her shirt as well.

"I must attend to my master..." His face was hollow as he tried again to move past her. She stood in front of him, looking into his eyes. They widened in comprehension and his jaw dropped as he tried to push past her again, but she was unrelenting.

"Let's go." Tennessee said, stepping away.

"What about Busara?" Amethyst asked.

"Whatever he wants."

"Busara, come with us." Amethyst had grabbed one of his hands and put her other hand on his face. He shook his head. "Please, friend." She pulled him along, he resisted at first but quickly gave in.

Busara hobbled along behind the group as they snuck through the halls. Before long they had come out unnoticed. Nearly an hour later they were standing before a rowboat. "This is the plan?!" Busara scolded.

Tennessee started to loosen the boat. Nuru and Wa Chini followed suit. Busara looked on in horror. Amethyst knew his thoughts, his master was dead in bed and the slave was gone. It was a simple leap that he killed his master. They would kill him for that, but only if they could find him. Amethyst stood in the boat hand outstretched. Busara's hand moved on reflex as they coupled, and she pulled him into the boat.

There were no warnings, or bells. No one called after their escape. They had been accomplices to their master in murder and stole away Busara who was now to be the scapegoat. They floated off into the dark of the night. The clouds obscured them as they paddled.

The smallest hints of dawn had begun to creep onto the horizon as the boat slid into the sand of the beach. Far in the distance, the lights of Stonetown were as a star whose light fades away as the western sky blooms bright.