Slaves from Gaul

[Ermengard]

*Ermengard was pushed ruffly onto the stage for display to the crowd and she stumbled on her dress...falling on her knees, her tightly tied hands made her cryout as she tried to steady herself*

Look one and all at this foreign beauty
*a fat slave merchant came up behind Ermengard and ruthlessly yanked her up by the hair to stand*
Found on the shores of Gaul with hair of ruby gold and skin of pale moonlight...she is willing and able to do anything her master pleases her to do
*Ermengard spat at the man's feet and backed away from him, fearful of his touch*

*the merchant made a face and pulled her ruffly back by the ropes to her tied hands which he held, begining to haggle for her price as Ermengard looked at the crowd of people, emerald eyes fearful like a cornered cats...*

[Portia Catones]

Portia walked along the market and shook her head. She found it disgusting the way that the masters treated the poor slaves. She glanced quickly at the slaves while she was walking past, but one girl caught her eye. Actually, her emerald eyes caught Portia's eye. Portia walked up to the young girl and looked at her master.

"I will give you as much as you want for that young lady." Portia said opening her pouch of gold. She hadn't planned on buying a new slave, but there was some thing about this girl...

[Ermengard]

Here! a buyer!...for 1200 drachmas I'll give this girl to you young lady

*as the slave merchant bartered with the roman woman, Ermengard was shaking slightly, hands clenched into fists as she watched the woman who could soon be her master, silent as a mouse...*

[Portia Catones]

Portia's face hardened. 1200 was alot of money and she wasn't sure if Brutus would agree. She loved her husband, but he could be picky. Portia looked at the young girls stone face and felt her own soften. She was prepared to barter.

"I shall give you 1000, and not any more." She said to the over-weight master. She looked kindly at the girl.

[Ermengard]

*the merchant huffed alittle angrily...but this roman lady could be a bit to important a person to fight with so he nodded in agreement* 1000...done

*he bowed and realeased the ropes tieing the slave girl, accepting the gold before he left to retrieve another slave for the stage*

*Ermengard squeaked in surprise as the merchant dropped her bounds and she stood before the woman who was now her master...hesitantly she looked in the woman's face, then bowed deeply*

[Portia Catones]

Portia nodded and handed him is gold. He was wise not to argue with him. She watched merchant took of the ropes and looked at the pretty girl.

"What is your name?" Portia said walking off the stage. "Oh, follow me please." She said plesently. Portia looked at her warmly.

[Ermengard]

*Ermengard paused before she followed the lady, keeping her head low..but her eyes still caught the warm smile from the Roman matron and she felt alittle calmer about her situation*

*in reply to her master's questions she cleared her throat and spoke in a heavily accented voice, speaking slowly in hopes of being understood* My...name is Ermengard,...mistress...I come from the Angleland ov the north...

[Portia Catones]

Portia smiled kindly at the Ermengard. "Ermengard?" She said. "Fine name. I'm Portia. But I didn't not buy you to serve me. I bought you to serve my husband." Portia said. She paused.

"Brutus is his name, he is your master. Any thing he asks of you, for your sake, do it. In return, you shall have a fine place to sleep and good food on the table. Does that sound fair?"

[Ermengard]

*Ermengard stared at Portia, almost stopping dead in mid step, but she bowd her head in compliance and nodded, continuing to follow Portia* Yes madame...I...understand

[Portia Catones]

Portia smiled warmly. "I know it seems like a lot to handle right now, after you've already been through so much..."

She looked at her. "I'm guessing it was your first time on the stage?"

A large, sweaty man walked by Portia pushing her over. She picked herself up and brushed her gown off and looked at Ermengard. "Good heavens, why are we standing here. Come, young one. Let me take you to my home. We shall have a cup of tea." She smiled kindly and started walking. "I must say, I am very interested to hear about where you come from."

[Ermengard]

*Ermengard was about to make a reply when the man buffeted into Portia and she nearly screamed in shock..*

*but as Portia calmed the situation Ermengard smiled and continued to follow Portia as she replied* Yes, it vos my first time on the market madame...and I will tell you all ov my land when ever you wish to know about it *she dipped her head in a slight bow*

[Portia Catones]

Portia smiled kindly and contiued walking. "Well, I hope that it will be your last on the market. Even fron the crowd it isn't I place I enjoy. I suppose I can assume you feel the same."

She nodded and turned in to a path that led to the country side. While many enjoyed riding on horses, Portia loved walking every where she went. "Alright." She said. "I cant wait."

[Ermengard]

*grinning happily, Ermengard followed Portia to her new home, finally feeling comfortable again...maybe this new life would not be to terrible after all...*