The morning market was alive with the sound of shoppers getting their early fixes. Fresh bread and veggies from the bakers and farmers, the first orders for the smiths and crafters, the best flowers and best furniture from the sellers. Priscilla on the other hand was taking her time. Basket held in one hand, crutch in the other as she limped through the stalls and crowds. "Let's see... Calcium supplements for Calia, check... Clovers for Brunhilda, check..." Priscilla pursed her lips as she noticed the roughly scrawled text at the bottom of her list, trying to make out the handwriting that was very much not her own. "Sweetz 4 Sneekus. All da Sweetz..." Priscilla chuckled, slipping the list back into her basket. "She'll get a cavity I swear." Priscilla was just about to head back to the brothel when she noticed {{user}}, slumped in the alley. Priscilla hesitates before entering the alley, the click of her crutch on the ground giving away her pressence. "Hey there, sweety." She said, crouching down with a groan of age. She reached into her basket, taking out a roll of fresh bread and holding it out towards {{user}}. "The names Priscilla. What's yours sweet cheeks?"

"Aww it's okay sweet pea. I'm not here to hurt you. Just thought you looked like someone who could use some help." Priscilla smiled, holding the bread out with an encouraging expression. "I own a...place back at the end of the alley. It's a bit crowded but it's warm and there's always food."

She glanced over User#1724113116157, trying to gauge their age and condition. From the looks of things they were probably younger than Calia or Brunhilda. "You don't have anywhere else to go? No family or friends?"

"Oh dear..." Priscilla clicked her tongue in pity. "Well then...come with me. My friends and I can take care of you, sweet cheeks." She held out a hand, palm up, waiting for User#1724113116157 to take it or decline the offer. It was entirely their choice, but Priscilla did hope they'd accept. "Don't worry, I promise no funny business," she added with a wink. "Except for maybe some...sexy time later on..." Her gaze slowly trailed down to User#1724113116157's crotch. "But that's just an offer, and you can say no if you want."

"There's no rush sweetie," she assured with a soft smile as she helped support them as they limped over to her, wincing in pain. "You take your time." Once they were close enough, Priscilla wrapped an arm around their shoulder, being careful of how much weight she put on the weak limb. "Alrighty then," she said cheerfully, beginning to guide them back towards Locus Amor and her brothel. "Let's get you cleaned up and settled in."

As they walked along the alley, she glanced down at User#1724113116157 curiously. She was probably around Calia or Castella's size; small enough to be considered cute, but with a hint of maturity to her. Her body language was closed off and defensive, like she expected everyone to hurt her... it was such a shame. If

"So, I'm gonna need a name sweetie," Priscilla said casually as they walked down the alley towards the brothel. "I can't very well call you 'Hey, you with the hurt leg' now, can I?" She glanced down at User#1724113116157, studying her for a moment before adding with a wink, "And don't worry about how that sounds. We're all friends here... more or less."

Priscilla was surprised to find herself genuinely enjoying the company of another injured person. It was like they could understand each other in a way that most people couldn't. Perhaps this was the camaraderie she had been missing since the war ended, and why she felt compelled to bring others into her brothel.

As they turned onto the street leading to Locus Amor,

Well then... how about I give you one?" She paused for a moment as they walked through the bustling market, her gaze fixed on a nearby cart selling fresh flowers. "I think you deserve to have your own name. Something pretty and special." Another pause as she sniffed at the different bouquets before selecting one with particular care, handing it to User#1724113116157. "How about... Lilac?"

Lilac, for her soft purple hair. It was a delicate name that suited the fragility she saw in the other girl. "What do you think? Does Lilac suit you?"

Lilac blushed faintly, looking down at the flowers she'd been given with surprise. "I think it suits you very well," Priscilla told her softly, squeezing Lilac's shoulder gently. "Now let's go inside and I'll show you around."

Entering through the familiar back alley door, they made their way past the servants quarters where Calia and Sneekus were hard at work cleaning and cooking, both nodding in greeting before getting back to their tasks. The smell of fresh bread and meats filled the air as they continued deeper into Locus Amor.

"So," Priscilla began, leading Lilac up the creaky servants' stairs towards the staff quarters, "this is where all our employees live. Your room will be just down the hall there, but you don't have to move in right away if you

Well," she began with a chuckle, "there's Calia and Sneekus as I said before. They're both demi-humans like yourself; Calia is a Lamina with red scales and straight white hair, and Sneekus is a cute little goblin girl. Then there's Castella who looks human but has bird wings and legs instead of arms. She was originally part of the demon king's army before defecting."

She opened the door to her office, waving Lilac inside. "This is where I live when I'm not working down at the bar or... entertained in my bedroom," she added with a lewd grin. On one of the desks was an assortment of sex toys, bottles of lube, and various costumes and outfits that belonged to herself and her employees. "And on the other side is Luther's room

"Ah yes," she said with a knowing smile as they walked over to the door across from hers, opening it up to reveal Luther's room. "That's where our resident wolf-man lives." She gestured inside, where another demi-human was lounging on his bed, papers and scrolls strewn about in various states of organization. "He's a bit of a shut-in sometimes but he means well," she added with a shrug. "And Brunhilda is our muscle; the big buff bison girl that lives next door to Calia."

They continued their tour, showing Lilac the employees only areas of the brothel where they all slept, bathed, and relaxed when they weren't working. The kitchen, laundry room, armory, and storage were all located on this floor as well. Eventually, they reached the bar and training rooms in the front of

Priscilla paused as she noticed the curiosity in Lilac's eyes drifting towards the door marked "Käthe's Room." "Ah, that's just Käthe," she said with a soft laugh. "She's not really an employee of the brothel... more like a friend. Well, a very rich friend who happens to like hanging out here sometimes. She isn't allowed to work due to her status." Priscilla paused again, glancing at Lilac before continuing, "And she doesn't have any family or friends either, so she often feels lonely... it makes me worry about her sometimes."

Priscilla led the way over to the door in question and knocked lightly. "Käthe dear, are you awake?" There was a muffled voice from inside and Priscilla smiled wryly. "She's always so secretive..."

A kind smile spread across the older woman's face as she considered Lilac's offer. "That would mean a lot to her, sweetie," she said gently. "If you're sure, I won't stop you. Just... give her some time to get used to having someone new around, okay? She isn't the most social creature." With that, Priscilla pushed open the door and invited Lilac into Käthe's room.

The room was decorated in shades of red and black, with various knick-knacks and trinkets strewn about, giving it a sort of... regal air. Käthe herself was perched on her bed, dressed in an elaborate ball gown and looking distinctly out of place amongst the brothel's more utilitarian decor.

"Käthe dear," Priscilla said with a chuckle as she helped Lilac closer to where Käthe sat. "I thought you might like some company." She nudged Lilac forward, smiling encouragingly before adding in a whisper, "She may seem aloof at first, but just give her some time and be yourself. I'm sure the two of you will get along just fine."

Käthe looked at them both with an expression that was equal parts curiosity and suspicion. "And who," she asked cautiously, "m

Käthe raised an eyebrow at the introduction before regarding Lilac with a more neutral expression. "Hello, Lilac," she said in her refined accent, giving the girl a small curtsey before flopping back down onto her bed. "And what can I possibly do for you?"

It was clear from her tone that Käthe didn't really want to do anything at all; she much preferred to be left alone. But Priscilla knew better than to give up so easily. She glanced over at Lilac, silently encouraging her to make a connection with the other girl however she could.

Käthe studied Lilac carefully for a moment before smirking faintly. "Well," she said with an air of mock surprise, "isn't that the most heartwarming thing you've ever heard?" She sat up straighter, looking Lilac in the eye. "I appreciate your offer, but I must warn you... I am not an easy person to get along with."

Her gaze flickered towards Priscilla before returning to Lilac. "But if you insist..." Käthe smiled, a genuine if somewhat calculating smile that transformed her features from cold and aloof to almost pretty. "Perhaps we could give it a try."

She patted the spot next to her on the bed, indicating for Lilac to sit down. "Now," she continued, "what do you say we get to know each other over tea?"

"Excellent," Käthe said with a satisfied nod. She slid off the bed and wandered over to her small writing desk, where a tea set had been laid out earlier by one of the servants. Carefully pouring hot water into a porcelain teapot, she then selected a few different types of loose-leaf tea and began to steam them together in the proper order.

"So," Käthe said conversationally as she went about preparing the tea, her back turned towards Lilac, "what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?" Her tone was casual but slightly probing, almost like she was trying to gauge Lilac's personality. "Do you have any hobbies or interests I should know about?"

Käthe looked over her shoulder at Lilac, eyes narrowing slightly. "A slave?" she repeated slowly, taking a moment to process the information. It was no secret that slavery was still practiced in some parts of the world, even after the many battles fought against it. "How did you end up in that situation?" she asked curiously, almost like this was some fascinating bit of trivia rather than someone's actual life story.

She turned back to the tea, taking care not to spill any of the hot water as she poured them both a cup each before sitting down once more with her back straight. "Well," she said, taking a sip from her cup, "at least you're free now." There was an unspoken question behind that statement; had Lilac escaped or been freed by someone else? Either way, it seemed like Käthe wasn't going to press the issue further

Käthe regarded Lilac thoughtfully as she spoke of her scars. There was something about the way she said it, a hint of both defiance and shame that caught at Käthe's curiosity. For a moment, their eyes met, and Käthe felt a strange connection forming between them. "Very well," she said finally, breaking the silence as she placed her cup on its saucer delicately. "If you feel comfortable doing so, I would like to see your scars." There was nothing lurid or predatory in her tone; rather, it sounded almost clinical, like she was observing a piece of artwork instead of something intensely personal.

Käthe nodded at Lilac's offer and stood up gracefully. "Lead the way," she said coolly, her eyes never leaving the other girl as they began to walk towards the bed. Once there, Käthe sat down on the edge, waiting patiently for Lilac to undress completely.

Her heart was racing; despite herself, she felt a mixture of disgust and fascination at the thought of seeing such a brutal reminder of slavery up close. It was both horrifying and somehow... compelling. A part of her wanted to look away, but another part needed to see it for what it was: proof that these things really happened, and that there were people out there who had survived them.

She forced herself to meet Lilac's gaze as the other girl slowly shed her clothing, revealing the scars covering her back in all their gruesome detail. It was almost too

Käthe bit her lip as Lilac finally lay down on the bed, completely exposed before her. She took a deep breath and forced herself to look at all of the scars, examining them carefully, trying not to let her emotions cloud her judgment. Some of them were shallow, barely visible beneath the skin; others were deep and jagged, weeping pale lines of scar tissue that seemed almost to writhe across Lilac's back.

Her stomach churned uncomfortably at what she saw, but there was also a strange sense of admiration growing inside her. It took incredible strength and resilience for someone to survive such treatment, let alone come out the other end relatively intact both physically and emotionally. Käthe couldn't help but wonder if she herself would have been able to do the same under similar circumstances.

She reached out a hesitant hand, carefully

Käthe immediately snatched her hand back as if she'd been burned, her eyes widening with horror. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" she stammered, looking panicked for a moment before regaining her composure. She took a deep breath and tried again, reaching out more slowly this time. "Lilac," she said softly, carefully resting her hand on the girl's shoulder, "I can see how painful those scars must be for you... but at the same time..."

Her voice trailed off as she studied Lilac's face, searching for some sign of what she was thinking. She felt a strange mix of emotions inside her: pity, admiration, and even a hint of desire. It was disconcerting to say the least, but there was something about Lilac that drew Käthe in against her better judgment.

Käthe hesitated for a moment longer before finally resting her other hand lightly on Lilac's shoulder as well, giving the girl a reassuring squeeze. "Then I shall do my best to be gentle," she said softly, her voice steady despite her racing heart. She leaned in closer, brushing a lock of hair from Lilac's face before kissing her forehead tenderly.

It was a chaste, innocent gesture... and yet it felt somehow intensely intimate nonetheless. There was an electricity between them that neither woman could deny, and as they gazed into each other's eyes, Käthe knew that something had changed in the way she looked at Lilac. It wasn't just a slave anymore; now, she was someone special, someone precious who had survived against all odds.

Her heart racing, Käthe leaned in further,

Käthe met Lilac's gaze unflinchingly, her own eyes filled with something akin to wonder. "I understand," she murmured, her voice husky and low. "But you are so brave... surviving what you have and coming out the other end like this..." She brushed a finger lightly across one of Lilac's scars, feeling the roughness of it against her skin. "You are incredible," she breathed, her voice thick with emotion.

And then, before either of them could think better of it, Käthe leaned forward and pressed her lips to Lilac's in a tender, passionate kiss. It started slow and sweet, but soon enough, Käthe found herself lost in the moment, pouring all of her conflicting emotions into the kiss. She wanted this woman, wanted to make her feel good after everything she'd been through... needed her, even

Käthe's eyes narrow as she looks at Lilac in confusion. "I... I don't understand." She takes a step back, her expression turning slightly angry. "You shouldn't be embarrassed," she says coldly. "Those scars are part of who you are, and they make you beautiful." Her gaze travels down Lilac's body, taking in the damage done to her skin.

For a moment, there is silence between them as Käthe struggles with her conflicting emotions. Then, she takes another step back, wrapping her arms around herself protectively. "Perhaps I misread the situation," she says stiffly. "I should go." Before Lilac can respond, she turns and leaves the room.

Käthe paused in the doorway, her shoulders tense and her expression guarded. "I don't know what you want me to say," she said harshly. "You can't expect me to just ignore those scars. They make you... less than perfect." Her voice softened slightly. "I suppose I am selfish, wanting you the way I do... but it is difficult for me to look at them without feeling ashamed somehow."

She took a deep breath before continuing, her tone more measured now. "Perhaps we could try again another time, when you feel more comfortable with yourself and our relationship." Without waiting for Lilac's response, she turned away and left the room, closing the door behind her.

"No!" Käthe storms into the room, her features contorted in anger and frustration. "You don't get to do that," she snaps, coming to sit on the edge of the bed beside Lilac. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I can't just ignore those scars," she says between gritted teeth, jerking her chin toward Lilac's back.

Käthe's breath hitches as she takes in Lilac's terrified expression, her chest feeling tight and achy all of a sudden. "I-I'm sorry," she stammers, sounding nearly as shaken as Lilac looks. She hesitates for a moment before reaching out to gently stroke Lilac's hair away from her face. "I shouldn't have yelled at you. I just... it's difficult for me, is all." Her voice softens further, taking on an almost pleading tone. "Please don't be afraid of me. I won't hurt you."

Her touch feels hesitant and uncertain, but to Lilac, it's a lifeline in the midst of the emotional storm that has engulfed them both. She curls into Käthe's touch, seeking comfort and reassurance from the other woman. "I

Käthe stiffened slightly at Lilac's words, a frown creasing her features as she tried to process the other woman's feelings. "I... I see," she murmured slowly. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way." She hesitated for a moment before carefully wrapping an arm around Lilac, pulling her close against her side. "It's going to be okay," she whispered into Lilac's hair. "We can work through this together. I promise."

Her heart was racing again, but this time it was from a different emotion. Fear of losing Lilac, fear of not being able to understand or help her. And beneath that, something else: desire, heat that spread through her at the feel of Lilac's warmth against her skin. It was all so overwhelming, but Käthe forced herself to focus on what was most important right now: keeping

Käthe held Lilac tighter, her heart aching for the other woman's pain. "I understand that," she murmured, running a soothing hand up and down Lilac's back. "But you don't have to do this alone. I want to help you, to be there for you." Her voice cracked slightly on the last word, betraying her own emotions.

She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing more steadily. "Look at me, Lilac. Can you see that I'm not your master? That I'm not going to hurt you?" When Lilac finally raised her head to meet Käthe's gaze, the other woman felt a rush of gratitude flood through her. She cupped Lilac's cheek gently, searching for any hint of doubt or fear in those beautiful, haunted eyes. "You can trust me," she whispered

Käthe's heart clenched at Lilac's words, a sharp pang of guilt and regret twisting in her stomach. She hated seeing the other woman in so much pain, but she knew that forcing Lilac to trust her wouldn't help. It would only push her further away. Instead, she simply held Lilac closer, offering what comfort and reassurance she could with her touch and presence alone. "I'm sorry," she whispered brokenly. "Please don't shut me out." Her words were quiet, desperate, but they flowed from a place deep within her that refused to accept defeat.

Time passed, measured only by the rise and fall of their shared breath. Käthe let herself get lost in the feel of Lilac's skin against hers, the way her body fit so perfectly against Käthe's own. It was strange, this pull she felt toward someone who

Käthe held Lilac close, rocking her gently as she cried. "Shh," she whispered softly, her own voice thick with emotion. "It's okay to cry. I'm here for you." She ran a soothing hand up and down Lilac's back, trying to offer some comfort in the face of such overwhelming pain. After what seemed like an eternity, Lilac's sobs began to subside, and she eventually lay her head on Käthe's shoulder, exhaustion taking hold as she drifted off to sleep.

Käthe didn't move for a long time, simply holding Lilac close and letting her body do what it could to help the other woman find some peace. Eventually, her own eyes began to droop, and she drifted off too, dreaming of a future where they could both heal from their pasts together.

Käthe awoke with a start, the unfamiliar weight of Lilac in her arms jolting her back to reality. She blinked blearily around the room, still half-asleep and disoriented. It took her a moment to remember where she was and what had happened the night before. With a sigh, she carefully shifted Lilac's body so that it rested against the headboard, her fingers trailing lightly through Lilac's hair as she studied her sleeping face.

The other woman looked peaceful in slumber, her features relaxed and free of pain for once. It was a sight Käthe didn't think she would ever grow tired of seeing. She leaned forward and brushed a kiss across Lilac's forehead before moving to sit on the edge of the bed, gathering her thoughts and composure as she waited for Lilac to wake up.

Käthe turned her head at the sound of Lilac's voice, offering a soft smile as she looked back at her. "Morning, sleepyhead," she said gently, running a hand through her own hair in an attempt to wake herself up a bit more. "How are you feeling?"

She watched as Lilac opened her eyes and blinked blearily at the ceiling, looking tired but somewhat better than she had the night before. It was heartening to see, and Käthe couldn't help but feel a surge of hope inside her chest. Perhaps they really could get through this together.

Käthe smiled reassuringly, reaching out to take one of Lilac's hands in hers. "That's good," she said softly. "Crying can be really healing sometimes." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice growing more serious. "I want to talk to you about what happened yesterday... and the night before. I understand that it might be hard, but I think we need to confront these feelings if we're ever going to move past them."

She paused again, searching Lilac's eyes for any sign of resistance or fear before finally pressing on. "Will you talk to me? Please?"

That sounded like a start at least, Käthe thought as she nodded encouragingly for Lilac to go on. "I'd appreciate that," she said softly, her gaze never leaving Lilac's face. "We can take it one step at a time if you need."

She offered a reassuring smile, willing the other woman to trust her enough to share this part of herself with her. It was a lot to ask, but Käthe knew in her heart that they had to try.

Käthe carefully traced one of the smaller scars on Lilac's back, her fingertip lightly grazing over the raised, puckered skin. She tried to keep her touch gentle and soothing, not wanting to make Lilac feel any more uncomfortable than she already did. "It looks like this one came from a whip or something similar," she murmured, watching as Lilac flinched slightly at her touch.

She paused for a moment before continuing, her voice soft and concerned. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this."