Chapter 4
Daylight chipped away at the corners of my room, sending the great Leam Empire into another busy day of life and work. Whilst others in the household were just waking, I sat at the edge of the mat on my floor, lost in thought. I had struggled with nightmares all my life, they plagued my sleep. I would always wake before the rising sun to catch a glimpse of the dawn. I got off the floor and sat on my knees, bringing my hands to my chest and clasping them together tightly. The small markings on my face began to glow as the sun rose; it was time. I remembered one thing from growing up in (C/n), one little trick my parents taught me. It was one of their remaining gifts to me before our family was torn apart. Harnessing the power of the rising sun, the power of light. I softly whispered a few words in (C/l)(Country Language), causing my (H/c) hair to rise with the static and flow with the air.
A ball of light, no larger than a gold coin, appeared in front of me from the gathering of light energy. Slowly taking it into my palm, I squeezed it gently, causing it to break like a bubble. As it burst, small fragments of light showered down on me, reflecting thousands of colors and shapes. It was beautiful, like a dream. I gazed at each grain of energy as it fell onto the floor and watched as the last one faded in the air. Once they were gone, I stood. Running a hand through my hair, I sighed, calming my nerves. I watched the daylight spill into the city out my window, enchanted by the cool air and cooing of birds.
"I can do this," I whispered, "Even the longest day soon ends."
A sharp knock came from the door, snapping me out of my daze. A small woman appeared on the threshold. "I was told to come wake you, but it seems you've already done so." I stumbled quickly in my chains, putting my shoes onto my feet. She rolled her eyes. "Come with me, your chores start today." She gestured for me to follow her as she curtly walked away. I followed her into the kitchen, listening to her list off the various tasks I was to complete by the end of the day. She spoke quickly and did not leave room for questions. She listed instructions while preparing a tray, skillfully slicing fresh fruit and scooping it into a bowl.
"Do you understand?" She asked, jutting the tray into my arms, the tea sloshing inside the kettle. Nodding blankly, she pointed to my destination, and I trudged down the hallway to Cordelia's quarters, knocking on the door lightly. After hearing a muffled response, I opened it and walked in, setting the heavy platter down on the table in the corner of the room.
"Ah, (Y/n)! Wonderful morning, is it not?" Cordelia asked with a yawn. I opened the curtains, allowing a large stream of light to flood into the room. "Too bright!" She squealed.
'She's in a good mood, thank the gods.' I thought as I hooked the last curtain to its hold-back. I heard her climb out of bed, shuffling behind her dressing screen. I checked over my shoulder, confirming she was getting dressed, as I watched an undergarment fling over the top.
"(Y/n), be a dear and hand me the belt on top of my dresser!" She ordered, "And a cup of that tea with honey in a moment." Her voice was kind but stern. I quickly grabbed the neatly folded, silver sash and shyly handed it to her by the screen, hoping not to disturb her privacy.
Her hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, pulling me behind the screen. "Button this for me," She said, her back to me. I draped the sash over my arm and quickly worked to close the buttons on the back of her dress. Finishing, she turned and took the sash. I stood avoiding her gaze, unsure of whether or not to ask if she needed more help. "Well, what do you think?" Cordelia quizzed, placing her hands on her hips, "Belt go with the dress?"
I observed the deep green dress with silver embroidery and belt, complimenting her cascading blonde hair. "Yes, mistress." I agreed, keeping my real thoughts to myself.
Her bright eyes shot to the side as she raised her brows in question, "You have permission to speak freely."
"I think it looks beautiful, ma'am." I clasped my hands over each other, looking down, "It suits you."
She waved me away and faced her mirror, beginning to brush her hair. I made her tea to her request and gently placed it next to her, "Today," Cordelia started, not looking away, "You are to go back to the market after the rest of your chores and make a stop at the textile shop," Her wrists flicked as she fastened the ribbon in her hair, styling it in a common Leam style, "Don't be late upon returning, Eira will direct you with the list." I nodded, collecting the dirtied clothes hanging from the screen.
'That must've been that woman from earlier.'
As I shuffled closer to the door, Cordelia poked her head out, "(Y/n), thank you for the tea, now off with you." With that, I left and completed my many chores. From collecting water and sweeping to folding clean linens, I carefully did each of my jobs. A few hours later, I left for the marketplace.
The smells of fresh bread and spices floated through the crowd as I ran over my list. I had already bought the fish, herbs, cheese, and vegetables, all I had left now was to visit the textile shop. After scouting for many minutes, I gave up and shyly asked a stranger for help. The large man happily pointed me in the right direction, and I was able to find the stall at the end of the road. An old man sat on a small crate surrounded by tables of expensive threads. He looked up and smiled, "How can I help you today?" He asked. I dug through my basket, pulling the list out and placing it in his hand.
"I need the fabrics Lady Cordelia has requested, sir." He unfolded the paper and scanned it over, humming as he handed it back. He stood shakily, shuffling his feet over to a bundle of beautifully folded colored fabrics. The colors and patterns swirled hypnotically. I quickly snapped out of it and placed it into the basket, "Thank you, sir!"
I pulled out the bag of gold coins and began fishing within it for the requested price, but was stopped by the old man, "No need, young lady. You go on ahead," His raspy voice faltering, "But will you do me one favor?"
I nodded, "Yes."
"Tell the Lady Cordelia her grandfather misses her."
My heart broke a little. I smiled, "I will. You have a kind heart, sir." I felt pity for the man, he must be estranged.
I began to walk back to Lady Cordelia's villa, ducking into an alleyway away from the market. The roaring of bustling business quieted down. As I kept walking, an uneasy feeling washed over me, and I realized I was being followed. I glanced behind me, seeing a ragged man walking, his hands stuffed in his pockets. Feeling a sudden strike of fear shoot through my body, I shuffled my chained feet faster, unable to run. Two others crossed into the alley before me, closing in to prevent me from walking any further. What did they want?
"What's this? Another little rat with chains?" One of the men laughed, "It's a cute rat at least." At their comment, I backed up, feeling my back hit the building behind me.
"Please leave me a-alone . . . " I stuttered, my heart threatening to pop out of my throat. Another man ripped the basket from my hands, "What are you going to do about it, rat?" He asked, brandishing a short dagger. I squeezed my eyes shut, preparing for the worst.
"Hey, guys. What's going on here?"
A loud, authoritative voice jokingly spoke behind the bandit. Upon hearing a gasp, I opened my eyes, only to find that same very, very tall man from before. His bright blue hair swished with his head as he angrily towered over the men. In a flash, they bolted, dropping my basket. Frantically, I rushed to it and held the fabrics in relief; they had not fallen onto the street. The herbs and tomatoes were slightly abused, however, they were in good shape. I thanked him, dusting off the apron tied to my waist.
"Are you alright? Those men love to bother every other person they see on this street, you'd do well to avoid it." His gaze dropped down to my feet, "You're a slave, aren't you? I'm sorry."
I raised my hand, "Don't be, neither of us has any control in the matter." I gave a small bow, "Thank you for your help, I'd best be on my way." I turned to walk away, but the man persisted.
"Wait! Who are you?" He asked, "What's your name?"
Deciding to be courteous as he had saved me, I looked back at him, "I'm (Y/n)," I said, "Good night, sir." With that, I left, and the giant, kind man followed me no more. Returning to the house, I prepared dinner with Eira.
She was not as cranky as I had been led to believe this morning.
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Escaping Fate - Ja'far X Reader
Fanfiction(Y/n) (L/n) has been a slave her whole life. She is a citizen of (C/n), who are known to be extremely light and can run up to extremely high speeds. One day after her master beats her to the brink of death, she is sold to a man in the Leam Empire...
