Old Monaghan Court

[KieranSoares]

(Closed for MadameNyx)

In the large Irish town of Monaghan, there were few so well-known as those called the 'Georgia Brothers', three Irish werewolves who'd been to the American state of Georgia and learned the ways of southern plantations. They'd returned recently after a good four years away, and begun plantations of their own. One grew potatoes, one grew allium plants such as onions and leeks, and the last grew hardy wheat.

All three pooled their families' meager wealth before they began planting, and to make more money, they elected that one among them join in the slave trade, and he made a fortune in doing so. When they had their money, they built new grand homes in the style of Irish keeps, and they planted massive fields of crops.

It was after two years of this that one of the Irish wolves, the potato-grower Kelly MacAmbridge, grew tired of his weak old slaves and he sold them off. With his remaining fortune and what he'd gotten from the sale, he sent a letter to a slave mill in Belfast, asking for twoscore of the best working male slaves and one score of strong women. And then he made a special request for three of the prettiest young women they had, to be housekeepers alongside five able housekeeping men.

It was only a few days after his letter arrived that three score and eight of the strongest or prettiest human slaves were rounded up, clothed in either white dress shirts and dark trousers for the men, or dark clay-red dresses for the women. All were given brand new iron collars around their necks to replace the shoddy canvas collars they'd been forced to wear before, the metal engraved with 'KMA' for their new master's name.

They were all told by their supervisors that they were going to serve Kelly MacAmbridge, a fine upstanding young man of Monaghan. They were told that if he sent any back, they'd be put to work in the flour mills where the slaves worked the rest of their lives straining to move a grindstone to grind the flour. It often killed many before their time with accidents or exhaustion.

They were all chained in shackles and taken onboard a train in boxcars, and the supervisors made sure to keep them looking clean and healthy. They were treated better on that journey than they ever had been before in their lives. When they arrived at Monaghan, a group of MacAmbridge's overseers, all brawny centaur men, came to fetch them with werecreature partners to help. The werecreatures were of all types; wolf, big cat, drake, and so on. And coming to oversee the whole thing was a dragon as large as a small house. The humans had seen dragons before, the great beasts being eloquent, wise, and powerful leaders, but never up close.

"Keep in line now," the dragon reminded almost gently. "Two lines, please, backs straight. You will be presented to your new master shortly and you must make a good impression if you wish to be treated well. Will those specially brought to be housekeepers please come forward? Right at the front, if you wouldn't mind." His emerald scales rippled in the sunlight as he motioned with a great clawed hand to the front of the line. His soft blue eyes looked over those who stepped forward, and he seemed interested in the three women. The supervisors at Belfast had good taste, but one looked like she still had a fire in her.

 

[MadameNyx]

The constant 'swish' sound of the brush passing through hair seemed to drown the loud noise of the train moving through it's tracks at a rapid speed. Her small, dark hands held the blond strands gently but firmly, making sure there were no tangles in the younger girl's hair and that it shone as if just washed. They had been told it was their duty to stay clean and look presentable for their new master. It had only been a couple of days before that they had started their journey, testament of how fast... and expensive this train must've been.

Vyrikah had been surprised when she had been summoned. Her parents had done what they could, to the best of their abilities, to give her some semblance of a normal life. They had hidden their only child from their master as much as they could, sending her to do silly errands like get flowers for the manor's vases while they worked away. Even at dinnertime, they had given their daughter part of their meager rations if she asked for seconds. Because of this, the young woman looked healthier than other slaves her age. In truth, she had never had to take any harsh orders, or do any hard work.

Indeed, she looked a bit different than the other women around her. Whereas most women around her had lighter skin, some even blessed with blond hair, she was all dark contrasts. Her skin was a deep olive, her eyes a lighter brown that framed fine features and full lips. Her body was certainly curvy and hinted at that elusive hourglass shape she would have if she had been fed properly. Her long, dark curls were being held at the nape of her neck by a leather wrap, the resulting ponytail brushing her lower back with her movements. Her family had been slaves for decades if not more, but where there was segregation in the working classes in these lands, there was no such things for the slaves. Hence, she looked vaguely hindu, perhaps with some Asian-like grace in her eyes.

Feeling the train stop, the raven-haired girl put the brush away and stood, waiting for her turn to disembark. What she saw once she got off the train amazed her.

Wares. Centaurs. Dragons.

This was the stuff of dreams and legends whispered by other slaves. Yes, they knew they existed but, being a slave, your job is to be efficient and invisible. There really was no time to look about. Even while following the line, she discreetly took in the people around her, her curiousness rising. And then she heard the deep rumble as the dragon spoke.

Her brown orbs tried to take all of him (Her?) in. He was magnificent. His voice denoted some deep kindness that made her blush and look away. There was a being that demanded respect just by his presence. Finally registering what had been said, she carefully shuffled to the front of the line, standing next to the blond girl that had allowed her to brush her hair. Linking their fingers lightly together, she could feel her own anxiousness and worry mirrored in the other girl yet, somehow, this allowed them to not feel so alone.

 

[KieranSoares]

The great emerald dragon stood before them proudly with his head high and straight. "I am Brom, and I am the groundskeeper of Lord MacAmbridge's estate as well as the keeper of the area around his home. This," he motioned toward a calloused and tough chestnut centaur, "is Mr. Julian Kaiser. He is the head overseer of the farmland. Most of you will be trained by his men. And lastly," Brom motioned to a much more serene-looking white female werewolf who was clearly blind and had a gentle look about her. "This is Miss Arian Blake. She is the head housekeeper. You would do well to remember us and our faces."

They were led on in a procession toward their new owner's home and they came face-to-face with an ancient Irish castle, restored for their time, surrounded by beautiful green land and a ring of forest, beyond which were vast expanses of fields with slave houses lined up in rows alongside. It was the best home any of them would ever have. It was all new, but the land was ancient like the castle, dotted with odd and massive boulders, many inscribed with three-thousand year old runes of Celtic origin.

A small group of horses came riding out from the ring of trees, all the riders being werecreatures except for one dark-skinned human who was dressed incredibly well for a slave. Leading them was a mahogany colored werewolf clad in a black riding suit. His fur was immaculate, and his blue-spotted amber eyes were intense and focused. They all knew immediately that he was Kelly MacAmbridge just by how he held himself and looked upon them like a king upon subjects coming to seek his counsel.

The horses came to a halt and all but Lord Kelly and his dark slave dismounted. The others left without a word, being friends from elsewhere and their horses were led away by some werecreatures in Kelly's employ.

"Welcome to Monaghan Court Castle!" Kelly suddenly called in a clear, strong voice. "I am Kelly MacAmbridge, the owner of this estate. And you all, as of today, are family to one another in your professions. The fieldworkers are family to one another, the groundskeepers are family, and the housekeepers are family. Housekeepers will tend the castle and the courtyard and stables! Groundskeepers keep the land within the forest ring and will move about as necessary! Fieldworkers care for the potato crop and livestock! Are there any questions? Do not be afraid to ask!"

The mass of slaves shifted uncomfortably in the silence, some not daring to even think of speaking. Never had they been allowed to ask questions about anything except to their own kind, unless it was about their work.

 

[MadameNyx]

Feeling the deep voice resonate inside her body, the young woman allowed her eyes to take in the three creatures. Even though she was awed by the dragon, Brom, and curious about the centaur, she was glad the female ware would be the one overlooking the housekeepers. Though she looked kind and was obviously blind, Vyrikah hoped Miss Blake would have patience with her. She would do her best to learn what she had to to stay here. The flour mills would certainly kill someone like her.

Moving on with the rest of the line, she allowed herself to examine the castle, almost unable to comprehend how someone could use so much space by themselves. Hearing exclamations from the others in line, she followed their gazes to, what she supposed, were the slave houses. They were beautiful. She could feel a small pang of sadness in her chest, wishing her parents were here with her to share one of those big (by their standards) houses. The hoofbeats getting louder interrupted her thoughts and called to her attention, making her turn once more.

Their new master was definitely something. The girl studied his fur, the way the seemingly dark brown revealed itself as reddish under the sunlight, the sure way he held his reins and looked at the with his curious eyes. Finding herself staring, she blushed and looked away, not daring to say a word. She had to behave if she was to stay.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kelly looked over them all in the silence and he walked his horse up in front of the eight housekeepers the slave merchant had chosen for him. His eyes studied each of them, but paused on Vyrikah with some level of curiosity. Most slaves this far north in the world were pale and brunette, some even blonde. She was more like what Kelly had once seen in a journey to India as a boy. But he continued through them to the last, which was the youngest man among the entire group. He was hardly a man, being fourteen, but he was mature and diligent, that was why he was chosen.

"You." Kelly halted his horse in front of the boy. The teen looked up in surprise at being spoken to, but quickly bowed his head.

"Yes sir...?" He answered with a shake in his voice from nerves.

"I can see in your eyes that you have a question. Ask it." The boy swallowed hard and obeyed despite his better judgement.

"... I was just wondering where the housekeepers sleep, sir..."

"The men and women will be split, but each group has their own quarters opposite the cellar in the basement," Kelly answered, and continued on his horse. Raising his voice to the rest of them, he spoke; "Questions are no sin here. If an answer will help you to do your work, then ask it." His horse halted beside Brom and he looked over them, "I reward those who seek to better their efficiency. Now, none of you shall work today. Instead, you will go to your living quarters and acquaint yourselves with my estate."

Brom took over at his cue. "Fieldworkers, please follow Mr. Kaiser. Groundskeepers and housekeepers will accompany Miss Blake and myself."

When the mass of fieldworkers left, there were only eighteen or so left that followed the dragon and the white she-wolf. They split again when the groundskeepers and Brom stopped outside, and one more time when Miss Blake handed over her five males to a male werewolf house worker. Miss Blake brought the three women down to their room which they would share with her. There were four beds there. Beds. Something most among their original group had never even seen.

Miss Blake, despite her blindness, made her way around easily thanks to her incredible hearing and memory of the place, but as she came to sit on the edge of her bed, she motioned for them all to join her, one sitting next to her and two across. Vyrikah ended up next to her. The she-wolf smiled softly and reached over to her nightstand, opening up a drawer and shuffling around for something. She drew out a large box that'd been pushed to the back.

"Here we are..." she muttered to herself, and drew out three rather dainty-looking silver wristbands. "These will mark you as housekeepers." She gave one to each of them. "Now... I have a few things to tell you all that you need to keep at the forefront of your minds. Your most common job is serving the meals and attending Lord MacAmbridge and his guests. The men typically do the maintenance and cleaning."

With a soft sigh, she continued, "There are plenty of rules, the most important of which is for you to remember your manners at all times and to do as you're told. Also... this is my own rule for you, and it's for your safety. Lord MacAmbridge's equipment supplier, Mr. Eric Weber, is a rather... distasteful man. The only reason Lord Kelly works with him is because he's the only man in the area with the tools we need. Mr. Weber visits at least once a month and he has a nasty habit of thinking he owns everyone, human or not, around here. Don't let him get you alone. If you are doing anything by his request, catch either myself or one of the men around here, even Lord MacAmbridge himself if you have to. Mr. Weber is not to be taken lightly."

She shook her head, "I'm sorry if that frightened you, but I don't want anything to happen to any of you. You'll find that I take care of my girls, I always have. Now... is there anything you need to ask? Anything to talk about?"

 

[MadameNyx]

Vyrikah's heart skipped a beat the moment she felt her skin tingle in a particular way, the way it tingled when someone watched her. Biting her lower lip, she kept her back straight and fought the instinct to look up into his eyes. She would remain invisible, if she could, and not cause any trouble.

Hearing their new master call to one of the slaves, the young woman jumped, afraid of what would happen next. She was both relieved and perplexed at how nice he was being. It hadn't been unusual to see one or two slaves every night with a new cut on their face or with their back bowed as if they had been caned for something in their other home. That, combined with her hardheadedness to find ways of doing things more efficiently and not keep it to herself, was why her parents had kept her as far away from their previous master as possible.

Hearing Brom's voice, she quietly followed the rest of the slaves, her mind still whirling. It wasn't long before the three girls were alone with Miss Blake. Sitting carefully beside the she-wolf, the young girl admired the way the new cuff stood out against her dark skin. It was the first piece of jewelry she had ever owned, and it was beautiful. Miss Blake's warning made her shiver, hoping she wouldn't have to deal with this Mr. Weber on her own. Hearing her ask if there were any more questions, the girl bit her lip before taking a breath.

"Miss Blake? I... I haven't got a lot of experience doing much but fetching things." she said before her face burned, ashamed to be around the others who had clearly worked for most of their life. She wondered if she would be sent home just for saying that. Continuing in a softer voice, she said "But I would like to learn. This place is much nicer than where I grew up. And Lord Kelly seems very kind."

 

[KieranSoares]

"That's just fine dear," the white she-wolf smiled. "I'm here to teach you. And Lord MacAmbridge is a gentleman, yes, but he does have a temper. I'd be careful of him if I were you. He doesn't hold much stock in anything but his work. He's a rather... introverted man. He may not be shy at outward appearances, but he doesn't talk much about anything personal, nor does he keep many friends. But, he's still young, he may change yet."

"Now..." Miss Blake rose. "I ought to give you all a thorough tour. You'll need to memorize this place, and you'll all need to know the town too, but I'll save that for Friday. Us housekeepers, all of us, are responsible for keeping the kitchens and cellars stocked and supplying anything else to the house that it needs."

The castle was three floors of impressive decor, but also simplicity. Tapestries were a common decoration, as well as suits of incredibly old armour in cases. The furniture was mostly dark-stained oak, and any upholstery was a cool color in blues and purples and darker shades. There was a total of ten bedrooms counting Kelly's. Two belonged to Kelly's younger sister who was, at the time, gone to see a doctor, and the other belonged to Kelly's right-hand man who was gone with Kelly's sister. The other seven were small guest rooms on the second floor. There were three parlors, two large dens, a library, Kelly's study in the round small bastion tower, and several washrooms.

When they came to the door that led up the tower to the study, Miss Blake paused. "Lord MacAmbridge spends most of his free time up in the tower. He tends to have one servant at his call while he's there. Most likely, he will pick one of you after giving you each a chance."

 

[MadameNyx]

Feeling relief at the she-wolf's words, Vyrikah felt herself relax a bit. Even while she listened to Miss Blake describe Lord Kelly, she found herself hoping she would learn enough to the be kept here. Who knows? Perhaps she would prove valuable enough that Lord Kelly would consider bringing her parents here as well. They deserved a better life. Though she doubted she would have the courage to mention anything to anyone about it.

While touring the castle, the young woman could feel her awe grow with each door. The home was a simple affair, yet most certainly grand. She could see why Lord Kelly would need so many hands to help with the land as well. Privately, she was also excited about going into town. She had only know her previous owner's estate and nothing more, as slaves tended to try to escape sometimes.

Looking at the door that led to the study, the raven haired lass frowned lightly. She wondered what it would be like to spend time with Lord Kelly. Would he be kind? Or would he be like her old owner, the one her parents had made so much effort to keep her away from?

 

[KieranSoares]

That evening, Miss Blake set them to the task of helping the kitchen staff cooking. Only werecreatures cooked, as no slave owner trusted their slaves not to poison them or the rest of the staff. Mostly it was a matter of fetching things for the cooks, setting the table, cleaning up, and serving the food. It required no real interaction beyond taking orders from the stiff cooks who were just their to earn their paycheck and cared little about much else. However, the head cook was an oddball. He was the first werelion Vyrikah and most of the slaves would ever see, as his kind were more common in the warmer regions of the world. He was a huge man in stature with broad shoulders and thick, strong arms but he also had a slight belly and a smile that made him look like a jolly sort of fellow. His mane and face were greyed slightly, so he was probably in his fifties or beyond and he wore a double-breasted dark maroon chef's coat and black trousers. A tiny glint of silver at his ear turned out to be a lovely cuff ring with an odd tribal design.

But most lovely about this lion with the booming, warm voice was that he had a heart that was immediately noticeable. He treated the slaves like they were people, not possessions. He, like Miss Blake, was kind and said please and thank you and whatnot. He was very easy to warm up to, especially when he barked a warning at a cook who was a little too snappy to one of the slave girls. He took particular interest in Vyrikah when she first came to his call.

"What a pretty young lass," he commented softly. "Do me a favor, love, take those rolls out to the table, just in the middle if you will." He motioned to a basket of freshly-baked rolls and gave her a smile. "Thank you, dearest." He certainly liked words of endearment. They added to his fatherly sort of charm.

 

[MadameNyx]

Having been taken to the kitchens by Miss Blake, the young woman found herself falling into a rhythm. Grab this, clean that. It didn't bother her at all. It felt good to be useful, though she steered away from getting too close to the cooks. Their attitude was different that the slaves' and she was hesitant to get too close to any of them. That, however, did not apply to the had cook.

The werelion just made her feel at ease. His warm voice and courteousness just made her smile. He seemed to radiate warmth, reminding her of her own father and the tenderness he had shown her throughout her life. His words of endearment would've made her uncomfortable had it been anybody else, but coming from him, they just made a light blush appear on her dark cheeks while she wrapped her arms around the basket of rolls and made her way cautiously to the table.

Unsure on whether there would be someone already sitting there or not, she carefully placed the rolls in the middle of the table and made sure the tablecloth was straight and smooth, trying her best not to look around while she did her task.

 

[KieranSoares]

"You there, girl," a sudden voice spoke to her from the dining room's window. It was a light tan werecat, a mountain lion from what she could see. He was smartly dressed, similar in style to Kelly. "Would you let Lord MacAmbridge know I'm here? Henry D'Atre, vineyard keeper from Normandy, he'll know my name."

Miss Blake had just stepped in as the French werecat spoke. "It's good to have you back, sir. Vyrikah, Lord Kelly is up in his study, go on and tell him that Mr. D'Atre is here, and that dinner is just about ready. Oh, and tell him that I would like to talk to him before dinner."

 

[MadameNyx]

The poor girl nearly jumped out of her skin when a voice suddenly rang, having not really seen or heard anybody close by. Even while Ms. Blake spoke to the new ware, Vyrikah examined him quickly and discreetly, noticing the smart clothing and the way he held himself. At Miss Blake's command, she nodded without looking up and quickly made her way to the stairs that she had been shown before. Finally reaching the door at the top of the stairs she paused, hesitating. Lord Kelly had seemed like a gentle man, but that had been in front of a crowd. Would he act differently now? Taking a deep breath, the girl knocked lightly before she opened the door and slid inside, closing it behind her.

"Please excuse me, Lord Kelly. Mr. Henry D'Atre from Normandy has arrived. And Miss Blake has asked for a word before dinner, which should be ready soon." she said in a clear voice, though her eyes were lowered, unsure of whether she was allowed to look around such a private place or not.

 

[KieranSoares]

The wolf-lord turned in his seat, a wooden pipe in hand and between his teeth. He lowered it to his desk, his stony blue-spotted amber eyes fixing her with an unreadable gaze. He studied her slowly in silence, rising to face her fully. He regarded her in such a way that seemed almost like a predator sizing up his prey.

"And you are?" He finally spoke softly, his voice not so hard as his gaze, and his stare softened to mimic it.

He strode forward to pause in front of her, reaching out to lift her chin with a finger and thus bringing her to meet his eyes. Never before had she seen such eyes.

 

[MadameNyx]

The young girl bit her lower lip lightly, feeling his intense gaze fix on her. Feeling her cheeks grow hotter, she followed his approach toward her by the sound of his clothing brushing along his body, his steps barely making a sound even as he got closer. Feeling him lift her chin, she allowed her eyes to examine his, taking in the unusual coloring but, more so, the gaze that seemed to pierce right through her.

"Vyrikah, sir. One of your new housekeepers." she whispered softly while lowering her eyes once more, a little uncomfortable at the attention she was getting from her new master.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Vyrikah..." He repeated quietly. "What an exotic name." He let his hand drop and turned to his desk to pick up a paper. "Take this down to Mr. D'Atre, please... and let Miss Blake know I will be down soon enough."

But before she could go, Kelly spoke up again. "After dinner... and of course after I'm done with a drink or two with Mr. D'Atre, would you accompany me back up here? I will be working late and require someone to keep up the fire and whatnot."

 

[MadameNyx]

"T-thank you, sir..." the young girl whispered, a blush covering her cheeks while she felt her breath return now that he wasn't piercing her with his eyes. Taking the offered paper, she nodded quietly at his instructions and turned, her hand at the door when she heard his voice once more.

"After dinner... and of course after I'm done with a drink or two with Mr. D'Atre, would you accompany me back up here? I will be working late and require someone to keep up the fire and whatnot."

"As you wish, Lord Kelly." she responded in a soft voice before slipping out of the door, closing it quietly behind her. Biting her lower lip, Vyrikah ran her hands through her long dark hair, nervous. She remembered Miss Blake saying that Lord Kelly would call on each of the housekeepers to his study then pick one that would be at his call at all times. She also remembered her mentioning the man had a temper. Sighing quietly, she finally returned to the dinning hall, finding Miss Blake still there with their guest.

Waiting to be noticed and for the conversation to pause, she handed the paper to Mr. D'Arte and relegated the message that he would join him for dinner soon. Giving a short bow, she quickly slipped back into the kitchen and busied herself with helping the cooks there while she waited for Miss Blake to return. She ought to let her know where she would be after dinner.

 

[KieranSoares]

Soon Miss Blake entered with a look on her face between annoyed and saddened, but she took up her role once more, directing her girls. Everything needed to be just so for the picky Mr. D'Arte. Kelly didn't much like him, but suffering his company was necessary.

While Kelly and his fellows ate, the slaves were expected to wait aside until the dishes were cleared and the dining room was cleaned. Once Kelly and his posse left it, all but Vyrikah had their own dinner. Hers was set aside for her, but she was expected to wait on the group who'd moved to the front parlor for wine and cigars. Miss Blake gave her a tray with several cigars and matches and ashtrays, and then sent Vyrikah out to wait on her Lord and his company.

When she entered, she heard D'Arte talking about how well his vineyards were producing, and how the royal family of England was buying from him now. As he boasted, Kelly secretly rolled his eyes and pretended to listen. The vintner was full of himself. Vyrikah's entry was a relief for Kelly, who could politely shut D'Arte up and stand to take a cigar.

"Thank you," he nodded to Vyrikah. The other men didn't say a word to her as they took and lit their cigars. Kelly took what he wanted and nodded to her, "You may go about your business now. We'll call someone else if we need anything. I'll be heading up to my study in... about a half-hour." He sent her on back to Miss Blake, who praised her and put away the tray and matches and let her eat her dinner finally.

When Kelly finally got rid of D'Arte, he headed upstairs with his tobacco pipe, having abandoned the cigar after a few puffs and finding he hated it. He settled at his desk with the pipe and lit it before picking up his pen and continuing his work.