CHAPTER TWO
Torture and Bribes

Natashia Ventrue:

*I hear the shuffle of feet move before me*

"Now would be a good time to put that damn mouth of yours to use," the mocker said. With his fingernail, he slit the wrist of the child, and forced the bleeding arm into my face.

With what motion I had left in my body, I glanced at the kid and said, "Please forgive me." I hungrily began to drink.

*My eyes rolled to the back of my head, thinking* Oh sweet merciful God, how the warm, ruby liquid melted on my tongue. It seemed to swirl down my throat, teasing the depths of my soul, with the life that is in this crimson shimmer. I got just a few good licks of the blessed flow, then the gift was torn from my yearning lips, only to leave me begging for more. I was only given just enough to keep me alive to bear their unmerciful brutality.

Each time I popped off at the mouth, I was beaten. In addition to the beatings, the merciless Brujah had installed a slit in the wall with a sliding steel bar, about the width of a man's thumb. Each day around noon, when the room would feel it's hottest from the sun, they would slide the bar open, allowing the sun to burn the flesh of the back of my neck. This abuse rendered my head to constantly be in a bowed state, which apparently, made The Smiler feel more superior.

Every other day, or so, they brought the child for me to feed. The kid's arm began to taste a bit more lifeless, bitter, like lead. His skin became frail and scabbed. My vision was getting more clear, but the amount of food that I was getting, didn't fill me enough to heal, nor strengthen me enough for my own escape. I was determined not to be broken, though.

*As I was chained to my throne of sadism, I contemplated.* I needed a messenger. I wondered if I could befriend the Nosferato. Just the thought of standing next to the sewer rat made my mouth taste dry and sticky. There is nothing wrong with the loyalty of a Nos, but the stench alone would make onions cry. I just have to put my thoughts and feelings aside to get out of this hell hole...somehow.

*pondering* How does one bargain with a Nos? I mean, is there something that It lives for...other than a bath? What could I possibly promise to gains Its fidelity?

*Feeling so lost on what to do, I start to hum.* I hum a song of yellow stars, moonlight nights, and of dragon flights. The dragon scale, on the necklace around my neck, began to pulsate with a tiny silver shimmer.

*fading into a state of reflection* The song had more meaning in the past than it does now. At the Abyss, many visitors from many different times and dimensions came and went. Some left their souls, other left their hearts. (On a good night, they left great tips.)

Suddenly, I was aware of a small puff of dust rising from under the door. A faint mimic hum was heard. I stopped and paused for a second, waiting. Another puff of dust was seen, but a slight sigh followed.

*grins to herself* I started to sing,"Look at the stars, look how they shine for you. In all the things you do, they are all yellow." Oh, how I wished I could see the look on the Nos's face. Not that there would be much of an expression, but any sign of happiness would have lifted my spirits.

*A careful clunk of the door lock was heard*

The Nos's had opened the door wide enough for a cat to tip toe through. I saw the green glow of Its eye, as It peeked in at me.

I lifted my head, slightly, and smiled. "You like my song? A Dragon happened to sing it to me one night, then gave me one of his scale. They both hold a meaningful power. You know?...these can be yours, if you wish," I whispered.

"Both of them? Be mine?" the Nos's slobbered out.

"Yes, you may have them. Don't be afraid. Come closer. I won't hurt you. Don't know how I could, restrained, as I am. All I ask for is your help in return," I replied.

The Nos slowly opened the door, slinked in, and walked with slow, measured steps. The Nos got within two feet of me and began to sway with confusion. It seemed as if the Nos was being torn apart in his own mind about trusting me. It would reach for the scale...then draw Its hand back, as if I were going to bite him. I hummed the song again to calm the troubled Nos' mind. The Nos paused in awe, to watch the shimmering dragon's scale suspended around my neck.

"I will never be that beautiful." The Nos sighed painfully.

"Well, maybe if you put it on, you will feel as beautiful as the scale. Dragon powers do work in mysterious ways. I beg you, take my offer. You can trust me. You know the honor of a Ventrue.

You know?...you could be free. You could leave this place and go back to the sewer or cemetery and be able to live like a respectable Nosferato. You need not answer to that Brujah. Be free...take the scale from my neck and learn the powers that are locked within.

I'm not trying to make you empty promises. You should know the Ventrue are better than that. But... if you feel that your life is best lived with the Brujah, then so be it. " I stated.

"What are you wanting in return for such a treasure?" The Nos asked.

"A message sent, nothing more, nothing less." I replied. "Just cut a lock of my hair, a handful of the earth from this room, and leave it at the bar in town, called the Abyss."

"But, that was burned down," he exclaimed.

"I know, but the message WILL find its way," I responded. "Give me your answer...slavery with the Brujah?...or freedom, with the Dragon's scale?"


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