Sister Slaves

Chapter 2: Master’s House

The carriage bounced along the cobblestone path, making its way through the crowded streets of Canterlot too its destination. Sitting in the cage compartment of the carriage, Octavia looked around at her surroundings to the best of her abilities; given how small the windows on the carriage were. From what she gathered, they passed by some upscale part of town. The marble trimming on the buildings looking like masterful works of art, the tall regal stature they possessed was one indication she received as she gazed at her surroundings. Getting bored of looking at the expensive homes, Octavia looked down at her sister’s sleeping form. She gently begun stroking her sister’s back as she hummed a melody too her.

Looking back at the sisters, the grey stallion, gave a dull smirk.

“Your singing voice slave is it any good?”

Without looking at the grey stallion, Octavia smiled. “Yes, yes it is, why do you want to know?” She replied.

“Well slave, my wife likes music and since you sing, she’ll enjoy that.” The stallion replied; turning his gaze towards the road.

Smirking at his response, Octavia resumed her melody as they continued on their path.

Coming to a stop out in front of a small house, which sat in the foothills overlooking downtown Canterlot, the grey stallion stepped down from the passenger seat of the carriage. His hooves made contact with the ground making dull thuds.

“Do you need help sir?” The driver asked looking at the stallion.

“No, I got this covered.” The grey stallion replied.

The stallion made his way up to the back of the carriage to bring his newly bought slaves into his abode. Standing off to the side of the door he released the latch with his magic, the door gave a low groan before slamming into the ground with a loud thud. Startled both looked up to find the source of the noise only to cover their eyes from the light flooding into their eyes. Cool spring air rushed into the back of the carriage, hitting the sisters’ bare fur causing them too huddle up closer to each other.

The stallion smirked at the sisters’ display of affection as he stepped into the back of the carriage. Walking up to them he pulled two magic locking collars from his rain coat’s pocket and put them round their necks with his magic. Both sisters looked as the felt a new item touching their necks, seeing that they now wore collars both sisters took the time to ponder over their new accessories. Octavia stared at hers with mild annoyance; the color was white and stuck out like a sore thumb. Pinkie on the other hand tilted her head to the side at her light blue collar.

The stallion gave a smirk at Pinkie’s reaction to her collar. Her actions were adorable too him, stopping in his tracks, he slightly shook his head of that thought. Getting back on task, he pulled out two leashes and attached them to the sisters’ collars. Once done he begun tugging on their leashes, motioning them too follow. Getting up from the cold wooden floor boards of the carriage, both sisters made their way out and into the open air. The warmth of the sun was inviting to the sister’s bodies, warming their blood before the rays of sun became consumed by the clouds that had begun to accumulate over the city.

Looking up at the house, Octavia took a good look at the house her and her sister would be calling home for a long time. The home itself was nothing special; it was an average upscale maple-wood and plaster house, which appeared too house three bedrooms, two baths. The outside walls were painted white, with dark red shingle roofing, decorated with several single pain-windows and dark oak framing and border work.

Nearing the heavy oak door, the grey stallion opened it and walked inside with the sisters in tow. Stepping into the home both sisters noses where assaulted with the smells of mahogany musk, cigar smoke and a surgery sent from a pot of flowers that sat by the door on a metal stand. With their eyes adjusted to the lighting within the home, both sisters could see a simple brick fire place off to their left, with a mantle over the fire place with sepia photos of what appeared to be the stallion’s family. Sitting in front of the fire place, was a small dining table for five, with three red candles sitting in the middle. Off too their right was the hallway leading to the bedrooms and restrooms of the home, while the kitchen was directly in front of them.

Walking into the kitchen, the group passed by the island in the middle of the kitchen and up to, two heavy oak doors. Unlocking the door on the left with a key, the grey stallion led them into a rickety old room. Too Octavia it looked like a crude add-on to the home from a previous owner who tried adding on a work room or shed with little success. The roof which was held up by four oak beams and was sagging slightly on the far right corner, while one of the walls too Octavia’s left tilted to the right slightly. Seeing two worn mattresses, blankets and a bucket within the room, Octavia realized that this was their new living quarters.

“So slaves this is your new home. This is where you’ll be living for the remainder of your life. Now there are some rules that I expect the two of you too follow.” The grey stallion spoke up. Looking up at the stallion both sisters gave him a solemn look of acknowledgment. Nodding his head, the grey stallion began.

“The name you’ll call me by is ‘Master’, and that’s the only name you’ll use. Now let’s hear you say it.” He spoke looking for the sisters’ cooperation.

Looking at the grey stallion, both sisters replied. “Yes Master.”

Nodding his head, he continued. “You’ll use this bucket for reliving yourself, when it’s full, take it out back… oh and don’t think about escaping, the fence is too tall to jump over and it’s lined with wire too keep vandals out of my field.” Master spoke, eyeing them for any objection or hope of escape. Sighing, he continued his list of rules.

“To clean yourselves, there is an empty wooden barrel out back that you can use.” Looking at his watch for a second, he nodded his head as he tugged on the leash motioning to the sisters too move along with him. Heading back into the house the trio made their way into the dining room. Walking up to the table, Master looked at the sisters. “Your tasks throughout the day are too clean up the place and make it look spotless and at the end of the day during supper you’ll serve our food with the other slave my son owns. The other slave will cook the food and you’ll bring the food out too us.” Looking at the sisters he gave a small smirk, waiting for a reply.

Pinkie slowly nodded her head at her master, speaking a soft yes; Octavia on the other hand gave an uncharismatic sigh of understanding. She was glad the work wasn’t grueling or demoralizing but she would find it very repetitive.

“What was that slave?” Master asked looking at Octavia.

Giving her master a confused look Octavia asked. “What did I do Ma…” *!Smack!*

“I wasn’t asking for a reply, slave.” Master replied, smacking Octavia across her face.

Looking at her Master, Octavia wondered why he had a sudden burst of hostility towards her. Pinkie looked at the scene with fear creeping into her mind. To keep the fear way, Pinkie inched closer to her older sister’s form. Octavia felt her sister’s action and draped a hoof over her shoulder.

Master looked down at the sister’s actions. Smirking at Pinkie, he lazily gazed at Octavia.

“Your sister replied properly to my statement, next time I hear another uncharismatic sigh, this will happen.” Master swung his hoof at Pinkie’s face.

Crying out in agony, Pinkie grasped the top of her head at the sudden rush of pain that came too her skull. Octavia’s eye twitched as she saw the pain Master caused her sister. Looking up at him, she gave an angry scowl inching closer to her master. Chuckling at her actions, he swung again at the pink filly. Another wail of pain came from Pinkie as Master’s hoof made contact with her head once again.

“P-P-Please stop, M-Master!” Pinkie wailed.

“It’s not me little one it’s your sister.” Master replied looking at Octavia, a smug look plastered on his face.

Pinkie looked at her sister and then back too Master, tears blocking her vision, her mind full of confusion. Master gave a smirk at Pinkie’s confusion. Adorable he thought.

“So, do we understand, slave?” Master asked with a hum, giving Octavia a chuckle.

Looking at her sister, a tear rolled down Octavia’s face at seeing the pain Pinkie was in. Taking a deep breath, Octavia looked at her Master responding with a hiss.

“Y-Yes Master.”

“Good.” Leaning his head too her hear. “You think you’re so smart. You may have your wits and your sister but be warned, now she’ll be a tool I can use against you… If you ever think of backstabbing me you better think twice!” He whispered.

Octavia hung her head low, not wanting to look her master in the eye. Pinkie, seeing her sister's depressed mood made her upset; she never liked it when her family was sad. Stepping closer to her sister she wrapped her front hooves around her sister’s right foreleg. Feeling her sister's hug, Octavia looked down at her sister and gave her a small smile. Facing away from the sisters, Master began rummaging through some papers on the dining table, mumbling too himself. After a minute passed he glanced back at the sisters.

“So in three months’ time I have very important investors coming to inspect my railroad company. So too get a better chance at funding, I’m going to have them over for diner that month on the 16th day, so I hope to have the both of you ready as proper service slaves by the end of month.” Walking up to the sister he looked them in eye. “This meeting must be perfect, if any mishaps occur then your lives here are going to become miserable ones.” Master told the sisters as he lit a cigar he brought out of his coat pocket.

The sisters nodded their heads in response to his statement, letting him know, that they understood. Liking their answers he tugged on their leash and brought them back to their room. Unlatching the leash from the sisters, he walked back through the door. Before locking the door he spoke up.

“I’ll have my wife bring you some white gowns too wear when she gets home so you’re presentable during supper tonight.” Master told the sisters as he shut the door, locking it.

Once the door was locked, Octavia looked around for the wooden tub master mentioned beforehand. Heading to the back door of the shed she opened it; its hinges giving a soft squeak as they moved. Light stung her eyes as the sun was now directly overhead. With her eyes adjusted, she looked for her object of her desire. On the other side of the shed was the barrel lay against the outer walls of the shed. Weeds grew around the haul of barrel, dirt caking the underside of its belly. Grabbing the edge of the barrel with her mouth, Octavia began dragging it back into her new living quarters.

Hearing grunting, Octavia looked up to see a large red stallion earth pony, with a blonde color mane working the small patch of land that surrounded the house; the land’s boarders lined with a fourteen foot tall pine fences. Looking at the stallion, Octavia looked at his features; he was a toned stallion, probably in his late teens early twenties, he wore a worn white shirt the loosely hugged his form. Seeing him move his gaze in her direction and seeing his blush she realized that she was still nude. Blushing herself, she continued her tasked as she brought the makeshift tub into hers and her sister’s living quarters.

“What’s that sis?” Pinkie called out, her tears finally drying out.

“You’re gonna get a bath so you’re nice and clean tonight.” Octavia replied too her sister’s question, looking for a faucet.

“What about you?” Pinkie asked, with a child’s innocence keeping her gaze locked on the barrel.

“We'll bathe together, like when you were little.” Octavia replied setting the tub near a worn out faucet, rust coating its outer skin.

As the water poured loudly from the faucet, Octavia picked up her sister it a tight embrace as she helped her into the tub. Surprisingly the wooden barrel held the water decently, with only a few minor leaks that drained slowly.

“Sis, it’s c-cold!” Pinkie called out, withdrawing her limbs closer to her body from the water’s cold aura. Laughing at her sister, Octavia made the best of their situation.

“It’s cold sis? Are you sure? It’s pretty warm.” Octavia playfully asked, telling her sister a little fib. The water was cold, too cold but her and her sister hadn’t bathed in so long that bathing would do them some good.

‘At least Master given us this luxury.’ Octavia thought as she dipped her body further into the water.

Smiling at her older sister, her fear lessening, Pinkie dunked her whole body into the water. Octavia smiled at her sister, Pinkie was truly her shadow always following her every hoof-step. Finally sitting in the makeshift tub, Octavia began to scrub the dirt out of her fur the best she could as she watched Pinkie play in the tub which made her smile.

Oh how she wished to have her sister’s innocence of the world once again. She looked down at her distorted reflection in the tub. She had grown up fast during the first part of the war. Octavia was slightly more mature for her age, all thanks to the never ending chaos surrounding her at all times. There was no time to be a child anymore, for her at least, she made it her mission to keep Pinkie from having to grow up. She deserved her child hood. The bruises on Octavia’s body proven that, Octavia always took the fall for her sister. Smiling at her sister she couldn’t deny, there were still days where her childish side came out to play, those moments when she was able to afford to play with her sister; sisters being sisters, were ones she cherished the most.

Running her hooves through her dark grey mane, Octavia thought about what their new life would in tale. Cleaning up a house and maintaining it didn't seem all that bad too her. It would be boring and repetitive and it seemed like they were going to be treated better than most slaves. She knew they weren’t going to be treated as equal but their situation did beat being sold into less savory jobs some slaves were forced to do. She heard tales from other slaves when she was in the POW camps, that some slave owners would physical abuse or play mental games with the slaves they owned. Octavia’s master seemed nice too her but she wouldn’t fully trust him, Octavia feared that if he was willing to use her sister against her, something bad could happen if he got too angry. Maybe his wife was nicer or his son.

Looking at her soaking wet sister, Octavia let out a snicker as she moved closer too Pinkie, dragging her closer to her stomach. Pinkie giggled at her sister’s touch as Octavia washed out her sister’s pink fur and straight magenta mane. Octavia hummed a melody as she washed up her sister, making sure to get Pinkie as clean as possible.

After an hour past and Octavia and Pinkie were finished washing up. Master’s wife as stated earlier brought them simple white night gowns that they would be wearing, plus three extras pairs too replace their dirty ones. Octavia watched as Master’s wife stepped up to her. Her presence was calming, she seemed kind too Octavia, even Pinkie started to feel safe around her. After handing the stack of clothes to the sisters, Master’s wife gave a slight nod, before closing the door. Quickly getting dressed, both sisters spent the time laying on one of the mattresses, playing ‘I spy’ and little guessing games to pass the time by. Two hours later, Master came to bring them into the kitchen so they could prepare themselves for their first time serving supper. Entering the kitchen both sisters saw a red stallion making some salad on the island counter. Both Octavia and the red stallion met each other’s gaze and blushed, remembering their earlier encounter. When Master left the sisters with the stallion an awkward silence hung over the three ponies. Not liking the uncomfortable feeling the red stallion spoke up.

“Yer the new slaves Master bought?” The red stallion asked, looking at the two fillies.

Looking at the stallion, Octavia gave him a nod. Smirking at the filly the stallion spoke up.

“Is that yer sister?”

Again Octavia nodded. Shaking his head he returned to his task as he spoke.

“Not much of a talker.”

“No, I’m just um…” Octavia mumbled, looking away from the red stallion.

“Nervous, don’t you ah worry none. Master is yer kind as long as things go his way, his son is around and if his temper doesn't boil over when his drunk.” The stallion replied, slicing up some carrots into a pot.

Nodding her head, Octavia and Pinkie moved to the other side of the island.

“Need help with anything mister?” Pinkie asked looking at the tall red stallion.

Shaking his head at Pinkie’s politeness, something that made him smile, the stallion replied to the pink filly. “Sure thing little filly, are yer good with a knife?”

Octavia was going to protest but her little sis always liked to help other ponies and always jumped to the chance to do so.

“Yes sir, mister, um… what’s your name?” Pinkie asked giving the stallion a confused look.

Looking at the pink filly, the stallions replied. “Mac’s the name.”

Octavia looked out through the archway separating the kitchen from the dining room. Octavia glanced at the dining table and watched the four unicorns eating their meal. Octavia took the time to match each name she heard too each unicorn she watched. At the head of the table sat her master, whose wife called him by Diamond. Diamond sat at the table slowly eating his food. Having some time to look at her master, Octavia guest he was 38 years of age form his mane and beard showing some small amounts of light grey seeping through. The way he acted at the table seemed one of pure dullness; he seemed stock in nature, not the charmer she saw at the market.

Moving her gaze to the next occupant at the table, Octavia glanced at an older mare; her name was Holly Star, a blue unicorn mare with light grey-yellow mane. She was Diamond’s wife no doubt, and she held a strong demeanor as she sat by her taller husband. She was a writer for the local newspaper writing short stories in one of the funny columns each and every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. She mostly left home to meander around the town gathering inspiration for her stories. Octavia smiled too herself, she liked Holly, she couldn’t pinpoint it but something about Holly made Octavia feel comfortable. Maybe it was the fact that Holly took interest in her and her sister during supper. She had asked Diamond what propelled him to perchance them. He shrugged and stated he merely bought her and her sister for help around the house. Octavia had to admit she couldn’t help but laugh along with Holly at Diamond’s statement.

Lastly she moved her gaze upon the last two occupants of the table. Sitting at the table next too Holly sat their teenaged daughter named Star Light a light grey teenaged filly with a dark navy blue mane. She seemed shy to Octavia, not really taking interest in her and her sister. From what Octavia gathered she was and artist to be, when she was telling her mother that she wanted to get accepted into Canterlot’s Art Academy. Octavia guessed that Star Light was the same age as her, due to her voice at that awkward stage of maturing. Lastly Diamond’s son sat next to him on his right. His name was Star Dust, a black teenaged colt, with a bluish-brown mane. He was tall for his age of 18, Octavia assumed because he wore a military recruit styled outfit. He seemed like the arrogant type one who would do anything to get recognition or to get what he wanted.

Octavia kept her gaze a little longer on the family at the table. Satisfied that she got their names down, she was about to return to her task when she caught a glimpse of Star Dust staring at her. They both locked eyes at one another. Star Dust raised a brow at Octavia; putting his hoof up to his chin he gave a sudden wink and a kiss towards her. Octavia seeing his gesture blushed; quickly she darted back into the kitchen. Octavia shook the blush away from her face.

“One more hour…” She mumbled.

An hour passed by an Octavia and Pinkie were finishing the dishes before heading back to their beds. On the island sat a bowl Mac made for them consisting of a simple grain meal conspiring of fruits and vegetables. It was a meal Mac was allowed to make form himself and now since the sisters were now a part of the scene, Mac made it for them as well. When Pinkie finished drying the last dish both sisters placed them back in their assigned cupboards. With the task done Octavia and Pinkie turned around to pick up their bowls before Diamond took them to their room.

As her gaze turned to the island, Octavia froze when her eyes landed on the form of Star Dust. Star Dust saw Octavia’s reaction and a sly smirk went across his face.

“Father wanted me to guide you back to your room.” He spoke walking up to the sisters.

Octavia stood in place.

“Well aren’t you gonna pick up your bowl?” Star Dust asked tilting his head slightly.

Octavia moved her gaze at her bowl and back to Star Dust. With a slow nod she picked up her bowl with her mouth and along with Pinkie began their small trip to their room. Walking up to the door Star Dust unlocked the latch and opened it for the sisters. Pinkie skipped into the room. Her spirits were high after spending some time with her sister and Mac. She and her sister had turned the evening chore into a fun one to keep them in high spirits. Pinkie was glade she made Mac smile. Plopping on one of the mattress, she sat her bowl next to her and gazed up at her sister waiting for her to join. Octavia smiled at her sister actions and took a step into the room. A soft smack was felt on her rump. Tripping but not losing her whole balance she sharply glared and the source. Star Dust stood in the doorway with a smirk on his face. Embarrassment filled Octavia as she backed up from the older colt. Her actions made Star Dust laugh.

“You’re cute when you become embarrassed. I’ll see you around slave you’re gonna be a source of internment for sure.” Star Dust commented before shutting the door.

Octavia kept her gaze on the door, her embarrassment not fully gone. Pinkie tilted her head; fear gripped her mind as she wondered what was wrong with her sister.

“Octy?” Pinkie asked.

Octavia broke from her trance; turning her attention to her sister she spoke up.

“Yes sis?”

“Are you ok? What was that about? Does he really find you cute…”

Octavia put a hoof up too Pinkie’s lips.

“That was nothing sis… Let’s eat; we’ve got a big day head of us for tomorrow.” Octavia cooed too her sister, taking a seat next to her.

“Ok, I’m starving!” Pinkie cheered.

Octavia lay on the mattress along with her sister. The meal was filling to say none the least. It was tick thanks to the grains and the flavor was… amazing. How Mac was able to turn cheap dull ingredients into deliciousness was something else. The only thing that soured the meal was her bad breath, she did her best washing out her mouth with water but with several weeks of not brushing, left Octavia wishing she could brush her teeth once again, oh what a feeling that would be.

Stroking her sleeping sister’s head, Octavia stared at the roof of the shed, looking through a small hole in one of the wooden planks of the roof; the stars twinkling in the night sky, Octavia thought about her day.

‘Today went by ok.’ Octavia thought as she hugged her sleeping sister closer to her body.

Except for them being naked in public and having Master throw a fit and taking his anger out on her sister, everything seemed to be going well. She just hoped that one day they would taste freedom or at least living at Diamond’s home would be pleasant until things changed, like the war ending or Diamond had a change of heart and let them free.

‘I guess Mac could be right, as long as Master’s temper is at a minimum he’s ok.’ Octavia thought as she moved her gaze too her sleeping sister.

Smiling, she nuzzled her sister while getting into a comfortable position.

‘Just don’t challenge Master, Octavia, if you don’t he won’t hurt you and your sister and maybe, just maybe, life here will be tolerable.’ Octavia thought before falling into her dreams of days before the war and hoping her future hopes went according to plan.