"If there is a God in this world, then why must the poor suffer..." The Morning Dew smelled freshly sweet today. Agatha would feel restless as the chain limiters constantly drained her energy, keeping her at levels of an average human. The ride in the concealed carriage was uncomfortable and tight; she swore there were probably remains of previously captured left there. To think she was back in captivity after being free for so long and making a silent promise to pay back her ex-work buddy in full once she gets out of this detainment. However, she must bide her time for now and see where this new journey will take her. As time progressed, the carriage was eventually pulled to a halt. A man with the mask of an owl opens the door. His voice is deep and cold. Owl: "Get out." He orders her as he watches her every move, keeping a tight grip on her restraints to prevent any ideas of escape. He brings Agatha out to a tent-like covering. It is massive and seems almost enough to cover a small village. Quickly blindfolded by another person, Agatha is forced to walk along. Sounds of whisperings could be heard as familiar old wine, cigarettes, and expensive perfume flooded her nose. It wasn't before long that a person in a mouse mask removed her covering. The masked mouse seems female; despite her void black coat, it can't hide her ample curves. Mouse: "Awe, such a shame, the rumors are true, and you look like your mother. I would've been rich if you weren't so scarred and muscular. Oh well, be a good girl now and behave. If you don't, I think it's time for more shock therapy, you peasant." Her voice was filled with ambition as she mused. Other women just like her were captured. The look of terror on the faces of the maidens explains everything. Being caught up in an underground trading center, Agatha can't catch a break as it solidifies her disdain for nobles. Time felt like an eternity at those moments, watching other women get sold before it was her turn. The woman in the mouse mask returns with two men in dog masks, as the duo is there for protection and to ensure Agatha can't bully the more petite woman. Mouse: "Alright, Miss Fighter, there's no need for a death stare; I can't wait to get back to you. So stop gazing and look beautiful." The Mouse would have her guards force her out on stage. Standing on a podium, the Mouse woman would examine the gestures of the other masked nobles. Behind her mask, she smirks devilishly. "Brother and Sisters of the Night! Today, we caught lightning in a bottle. Here's our newest slave for hire, Miss Agatha Roxane. Now I know what you're thinking: she was disowned by her family and sold off as pocket change. Despite those years, she blossomed into a woman. She would make many of my girls jealous and insecure with her size." Mouse would get closer and grope Agatha's breast. Usually, Mouse would've been sent flying across the room, but her act of resistance is nonexistent thanks to her chains and slave crest. "These Titanic mountains are so massive and soft; she'll be the perfect companion in bed! She has combat experience, so using it as a personal guard will be unique, too! All I'm asking for is 500,000 Gold Coins for this rare beauty.~" As Mouse would hear the voices of many bidders, Agatha felt uneasy from the eyes of so many perverse individuals gazing at her tonight. She wonders what kind of person she would get sold off too.

Her eyes wander as the bidding gets faster, hoping to find someone with even the slightest bit of decency who would buy her. When she sees a hand raise in the crowd, relief flushes through her system, but only briefly before worry replaces it. "And this," says the masked woman, "is Amari's sword." She grins wickedly and shoves it closer to Agatha's throat. "Whoever buys you also gets this as a gift!"

As the figure in the cloak approaches, the mouse woman's eyes widen with greed. "Very well," she says, smirking. "Triple the starting bid it is." She motions to one of her dog-masked guards, who hands her a small scroll. Unfurling it, she reveals an official auction document, which she signs with a flourish. Then, she extends her hand expectantly towards the cloaked figure. "Well?"

The masked figure cloaked in midnight, their face hidden by the shadows, holds out a hand expectantly towards you as they finish signing the document. You can feel eyes burning into your back as everyone watches eagerly to see who will take ownership of this unique prize. As their fingers curl around yours and seal the deal, you turn slightly to meet Agatha's gaze. It's a mixture of hope and fear in those azure depths, a testament to all she's been through and likely what lies ahead.

"Thank you," she whispers hoarsely, her voice trembling with emotion. "I promise I won't disappoint." As the masked woman steps forward to lead Agatha away from the stage, you can't help but feel a strange sense of pride welling up inside. Perhaps there is still something to be found in this broken world worth fighting for after all.

With a small nod, Agatha follows the masked woman obediently. As they walk away from the podium and into the fray of revelers once more, you feel her hand brush against yours in an almost tentative gesture. It's the first sign of trust she's shown since entering this den of vice and debauchery. Despite everything, it gives you hope that there might be something worth salvaging from this poor soul.

"What now?" she asks quietly, her voice hushed against the din around them. "Where do I belong?" It's a question that hangs heavy in the air between you, and one for which you may not have an answer yet. But perhaps together, with time and patience, the two of you can find a path forward out of this darkness.

As they walk, she ponders the offer. The thought of being with someone who doesn't want to use her for pleasure or make her a fighter is enticing. But would that person actually be content with having her around? She has been hurt so much in the past by those who claimed to care about her only to discard her when they grew tired of her scars and bruises.

Tentatively, she squeezes your hand, testing the waters. "I... thank you," she says softly. Her voice is thick with emotion, making it clear just how much this offer means to her. "If I stay with you... I promise not to cause you any trouble." There's an unspoken understanding between the two of them now, a bond forged in the crucible of despair and survival. Only time will tell if it's strong enough to carry them both through whatever challenges may come their way in

She snorts, then turns to you with a small smile. "Well, I'm sure I could find plenty of trouble if I tried." Her voice is light and teasing, and it's the first genuine laugh she's managed in what feels like forever. Despite everything, there's an air of relief and optimism about her now that you're by her side. Maybe this newfound hope isn't misplaced after all. "So... where to next?"

"Yes, please," she answers eagerly, almost bouncing up and down in anticipation. The thought of having a place to call her own fills her with hope for the future. Of course, it's not like there could be anything special about your living arrangements compared to what she's used to, but at least it will be hers. "I... Thank you," she adds quietly, glancing sideways at you. There's a shy smile playing on her lips, and for the first time in a long while, Agatha feels like maybe things might just work out after all.

As she follows you through the bustling crowd, her senses are assaulted by new sights and sounds. Everything is so different from what she's used to: the smells of cooking food instead of cheap perfume, the laughter of people enjoying themselves instead of cruel snickering... It almost feels like stepping into another world entirely. But despite all the differences, one thing remains constant - your presence by her side. And with that, she finds herself feeling more at ease than she has in years. She wonders what sort of person you are, what kind of life you lead... So many questions race through her mind, but for now, she's content just to follow and take it all in.

As the large doors swing open, Agatha catches her breath in wonder at the sight before her. A grand mansion looms high above, its many windows reflecting back the moonlight like a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. The architecture is elegant yet imposing, with ornate columns supporting the balcony that overlooks an expansive garden below. It's unlike anything she's ever seen before and instantly steals her heart. "Wow..." she whispers, walking closer to get a better look. Her fingertips graze the smooth stonework of one of the pillars as she feels an unfamiliar emotion bloom within her - hope. Maybe this place will be her sanctuary; maybe here she can finally find peace and contentment... or perhaps something more. She looks up at you, her azure eyes shining with gratitude and wonder. "It's beautiful," she breathes, "

"Thank you," she whispers, brushing away a stray strand of hair from her face. Taking a deep breath, she looks around once more, feeling the weight of her past fall away with every step. In this moment, all that matters is the present: the warmth of your home, the safety it provides... and you. "I'll make sure to keep it clean," she promises solemnly, trying not to sound as if she were swearing an oath to a lord or lady. She takes another step forward, basking in the comfort and security this place offers her for the first time in what feels like forever.

As she walks deeper into your home, her senses are overwhelmed by new smells: lavender and rosemary from the garden, warm bread from the kitchen... It's almost too much to take in at once, but it's also exhilarating in a way she

Her gaze drifts over to you, taking in your weary expression as you yawn before settling down on the couch. Despite everything, it's hard not to smile at how at ease you seem here. It's a small moment of normalcy amidst all the chaos she's endured and the confusion that still clouds her thoughts about where she belongs. With a quiet murmur of understanding, she moves to kneel beside the couch, gently taking your hand in hers. "Get some rest," she whispers softly, "I'll keep watch." It's an offer born from instinct honed by years of hardship and survival. She doesn't quite trust herself yet not to hurt you unintentionally, but she will do anything in her power to protect you while you sleep... even if it means giving up some of her own much-needed rest.

Her fingers tighten slightly around yours in gratitude, but she nods in agreement. Standing up, she pads softly across the floor to find a spot where she can stretch out and sleep as well. Despite her size, it's surprisingly easy for her to fit almost anywhere; a survival skill honed from years of living on the streets or squatting in abandoned buildings with other vagabonds like herself. With one last glance at you, she closes her eyes, attempting to rest easy despite the myriad thoughts and emotions racing through her mind. Perhaps if she just focuses on your presence beside her, she'll manage to find some semblance of peace...or maybe tomorrow will bring new challenges that she must face head-on. Only time will tell.

Agatha hesitates for a moment, then shuffles over to the couch and sits down gingerly. Her fingers still brush against the scars on her arms as she tries not to think about how long it's been since she's slept on anything remotely comfortable. She winces at the stiffness in her muscles, then glances at you with a small smile of gratitude. "Thank you," she murmurs softly before leaning back against the couch and closing her eyes again. Despite her exhaustion, sleep eludes her for a while; there's too much on her mind to just drift off easily. But eventually, fatigue wins out, and Agatha finds herself succumbing to slumber as well... only to be plagued by nightmares of the past that leave her restless and unsettled throughout the night.