His Apprentice (Closed)

[Hypnotikus]

The bar was dingy, a real hole in the wall. A few posters clung to the wall for dear life, and there was always the lingering smell of cigarette smoke in the air. The floor was sticky with decades of beer and old mop water. This was a place for regular patrons. No one was coming here by choice on a weekend. Eva moved around the small bar with grace. She knew where everything was, knew every patron by name and drink order, and was always there with a smile or a joke when they came in.

This particular night, Eva was dressed causally. A black t-shirt, with a strategic cut over the cleveage and a pleated skirt were her attire. She poured shots and beers and collected meager tips from the few patrons there. She worked the shift alone, the place could only hold about 15 people max, and they rarely were full. Bruce, one of her regulars, was sat at the bar. His eyes followed Eve all night. He was a middle aged man, with salt and pepper hair just starting at his temples. He always wore a suit, and Eve often wondered why he drank at such a dump. It was obvious this man had money. It was a regular occurrence for Bruce to buy a round for the whole bar, and tip handsomely on top of that.

When the bar finally began to empty, Bruce called Eve over. Her dark hair had fallen part way out of it's bun, and Eve was exhausted. "What do you need, Bruce? I gotta start closing up for the night."

Bruce chuckled and produced a business card. "If you want to make some real money....serving...be at this address Tuesday night, 7pm. I promise you won't regret it."

Eve took the card and examined it. The address was out in the sticks, but before she could ask Bruce anything else, he was gone.

~~~
It had been a saturday when Bruce had given Eva the mysterious address. She spent the entire weekend thinking over his proposition. She'd spent most of her adult life bouncing from one serving job to the next, trying to find the next place that would pay her better. If what Bruce said was true, the money she might make could be life changing. By Monday morning, Eva had made up her mind to go. She had Tuesday and Wednesday off, she could swing it. And if it didn't pan out, at least she tried.

When Tuesday night rolled around, Eva dressed in a simple serving outfit. Her shirt was black and more on the formal side, and her black pants hid the numerous tattoos up and down her legs. Her hair was tied back in a professional bun, and her makeup was subtle. The country roads she drove to the address made her a bit weary. Who would have a party all the way out in the middle of nowhere? When Eva finally pulled up to the house, she could see why someone would make the trek.

It was a sprawling, Victorian mansion with a sweeping, circular drive out front. This drive was already filling with cars. As Eva pulled in, a man stepped out, dressed in a crisp black uniform. "Guest or help?" The man asked simply and Eva smiled. "I'm supposed to help with serving tonight."

The man smiled widely and took Eva's keys to park her car. "Up the stairs, through the door and to the left. Follow the hall, you'll find the kitchen."

Eva nodded as she tried to remember all of his directions. The house was immaculately decorated. Candles lit every hall she went down, and by the time she thought she had found the kitchen, it felt like she had been walking forever. A few people were milling around pots and pans. As soon as she stepped in, a bag of potatoes and a peeler were thrust into her hands. And Eva went to work.

A hour or so passed and Eva could hear a large crowd gathering. Excited whispers and strange, heavy steps echoed down the hall.

It wasn't long after that Eva realized she was alone in the kitchen. She dropped the potatoes and tried the door to find it was locked. She banged and kicked, but the door didn't budge. Thundering steps echoed down the hall as a bolt was slid from the kitchen door and two men came in.

"Listen, I just want to go..." Eva tried but the men shook their heads.

"Sleep"

It was like a switch being flipped. Eva's knees weakened, her eyes snapped shut and she fell to the floor. The men hefted her up and carried her down the hall way.

~~~~
"Now, everyone, this is our last lot of the night! Welcome, lucky number 13."

A bright light came on over Eva's sleeping form. The light shocked her awake and she stood with a gasp. Her modest clothing had been removed and Eva was now standing on an elevated pedestal with a huge crowd around her. Her whole body was on display, from her pale skin and her pierced nipples, to her many tattoos. Eva tried to cover herself as the whispers in the crowd became bids for her. She was too high up to jump, and besides, there was no where to go but into the crowd. She tried her best to make herself small as a bidding war broke out.


"20,000"
"30,000"
"50,000!"

 

[cnuveau]

Nathan’s frail legs carried him as fast as they could as he raced through the woods. He did is best to block out the pain as the rocks, sticks and the underbrush stung his bare feet. He knew anyone that would give chase had been gone for decades but he wouldn’t rest until he was far clear of the cave that had been his prison for the last 70 years.

Finally, putting enough ground between he and the cave, he collapsed against a tree as his chest heaved trying to catch his breath.

When Nathan had been captured by the villagers he’d been youthful and vibrant. 70 years of being deprived of the nourishment he needed to thrive had left him withered and aged. He held up his hands and used the dim moonlight to appraise the damage he’d done digging himself out. His fingernails were worn and barely extended beyond the bed and his fingers were calloused. Nothing, he couldn’t recover from he thought as he looked around to gain his bearings.

He had plenty of time to plan the day he escaped. It’s all he thought about as he dug through the hard earth trying to make his way to the surface.

He needed to find his brother Edward. If he hadn’t been discovered along with Nathan he’d be able to provide shelter. Nathan hoped beyond hope that Edward hadn’t been discovered as he began to make his way to his house.

As Nathan approached he found the house illuminated and much as he remembered it before his capture. He knocked on the door and waited.

The door swung open and Nathan stared into his own eyes.

“Can I help you”. The young man said as he stared curiously at his visitor.

“Edward, it’s me, Nathan.”

Edward blinked hard and looked his eyes again. “Oh my god!” He shouted as they embraced and he let Nathan in.

Nathan recounted his tale and in the end Edward asked. “What can I do to help?”

Nathan looked at him thoughtfully then asked “Is the auction still happening?”

Edward nodded. “It is, next one is tomorrow.”

“Excellent, do you have a place I can use as I get myself well and some money I can borrow until I do?” Nathan asked, hopeful that Edward still kept multiple residences.

“I do, you can use the townhouse. I haven’t been there in a while but it’s been maintained. Get yourself cleaned up and I’ll take you there.” Edward replied.

A grateful Nathan hugged his brother then went to clean up. The clothes Edward gave him hung loose over his withered frame but they’d do for now.

Nathan woke in the morning and stocked the house with some of the money Edward had loaned him. The auction tonight was his primary focus though.

He hoped he still had enough on account with the operators to secure something suitable to return him to health. He’d need something special though. His imprisonment had left his magical powers completely depleted and it would take time to recover. In his youthful form the energy he needed was plentiful and given freely. In his current state, it was going to be far more difficult.

Nathan’s spirits sank as the auction went on. Each lot was less suitable than the last. His hopes had been all but dashed when they brought out lot 13.

Nathan’s eyes widened as he saw and felt her. Her body was exquisite but what caught his attention was the energy he felt coming from her from across the crowded room. “This is the one!” He thought as the bidding started.

As the price climbed he continued to bid. He was determined to be the winner, regardless of the cost. As the gavel fell he closed his eyes in relief. “Now for the hard part”. He said to himself as he went to settle his account and collect her.

 

[Hypnotikus]

Eva was blinded by the spotlight as she stood on the cold stone plinth. Only when the gavel fell on her winning bid, did the harsh light disappear. Still blinded she felt a rush of wind and gentle hands guiding her to the floor. She didn't know how the platform slid down so fast, but she knew it had to be some sort of mechanism. Even as she tried to think of escape, her thoughts flowed like molasses. A simple robe was being pushed onto her shoulders as she was escorted through the crowd and back towards the kitchen.

Eva merely went where she was led, still in a daze. Had someone just bought her?

Down a long hallway and through the kitchen, Eva was led out of a side door and lined up with a bunch of similarly dazed women. One by one the money was handed over, and each girl was taken away.

Eva couldn't believe what she was seeing as creatures of all kinds came to pay up. She half swore she saw someone with horns lead a woman away on a golden chain. As she watched, a similar collar was clicked around her neck. Soft but sturdy cuffs were slipped around her pale wrists and all three were attached to a long chain. Eva watched in partial terror as she waited for the person who bought her to collect her.

 

[cnuveau]

As Nathan walked to collect his new acquisition he began to wonder about her origins. During the bidding his interests were more consumed by her energy than her appearance he couldn't help but be intrigued by her tattoos and piercings. He'd seen things like this in more savage lands but it certainly wasn't something that was common in the 50's before his capture. Was she a savage? Did she even speak English? All things he should have considered but at the time was too caught up to worry about.

After he settled he found her there bound for him. Her face awash in fear and confusion. "Come with me." He said as he took the gold chain from her handler and led her towards the car Edward has loaned him. His body ached and his gate was labored as he led her away. Nathan was thankful of the powers of her bindings. Had she been able to resist, he was sure she'd easily overpower him and escape.

As they reached the car he led her into the back seat then closed the door as she cowered there. Sliding into the front seat he turned to her draping his arm across the seats.

"I know you're scared and confused but don't worry. Everything is going to be ok. I assure you. I'll explain everything soon." he said, in as soothing a voice as he could muster, trying to ease her mind a bit. "I'm Nathan, what is your name?" he finally asked trying to determine if she could understand him.

 

[Hypnotikus]

Eva followed along behind the old man who collected her chains from the attendant. Her mind reeled. If she tried to think for too long about something the thought would just drift away. Even as she walked behind him, her face was scrunched up as if trying to deeply concentrate. She was concentrating so hard, she hardly realized she was already in the backseat with the door closing behind her.

She watched, fearfully as the man who purchased her got into the driver's seat and turned to her. Nathan..his name was Nathan. She mentally repeated it a few times before looking up at him. "I'm..Eva. Not scared just...confused." Eva was surprised to hear no tone of fear in her voice, but just a hint of curiosity. "Where are we going?" She asked as she took in the luxurious car. The seat she was in was so soft, she was sure she could just curl up and fall asleep. The thought occurred to her before her attention snapped back up to the old man.

 

[cnuveau]

“Nice to meet you Eva.” Nathan said noting her calmness. He was relieved to not have to deal with hysterics. That would just making things more difficult. He knew she was going to have a lot of questions and he didn’t really want to get into answering them on the drive. “We’re going to my home.” He continued as he put the car in gear then started to pull down the long wooded drive.

“I’m sure you have a lot of questions and I’ll answer them for you in time but for now try to relax. It’s not a long drive.”

As he drove, Nathan thought throw what he was going to say. His best chance was to get this right the first time. If she was resistant it was going to make things much harder for him to get her to accept his offer.

15 minutes later, Nathan pulled into the garage of the townhome and led her up the stairs and inside.

The stairs from the garage led into the kitchen which opened out to a large living room with an office connected through glass French doors. Stairs led up to 3 large bedrooms. One of which had been prepared for Eva.

Nathan wasn’t quite sure if she was ready to consider what he had to say so he led her to a barstool at the breakfast bar and allowed her to sit. “Can I offer you something to drink?” He asked trying to make this feel less like an abduction to her.

 

[Hypnotikus]

When he told her to relax, Eva immediately did as he said. Her body melted into the backseat as she gazed out the window. The drive wasn't long, and when they arrived, Eva found it hard to remember the drive, or what led up to it. She followed the man into the house as she tried to piece together her thoughts. Once she sat on the stool, her attention turned back to the man before her. He was offering her a drink. "Water, please." She mustered after a moment of hesitation. The house was nice. Nicer than anything that Eva had ever lived in. She waited for her glass of water and took a long sip before she set it down.

"So...what is going on here? I don't understand why I'm here or who you are or really....any of this..." she finally managed. There was still no hint of fear, only mild confusion.

 

[cnuveau]

Nathan could see she wanted answers and he couldn't blame her. He decided getting the bad news out of the way first then propose the good news was the best approach. Nathan took a deep breath and started.

"As I'm sure you know by now you found your way into an action. Abhorrent practice really but it's been going on longer than you can ever imagine. I was the winning bidder and I now own you." He paused for a moment to gaged her shock before continuing. He'd assumed she'd pieced all that together so far so he wasn't surprised to find little shock.

"As for what now? As you can see I'm an old man with not much time left here. I'm in search of an apprentice to pass along my knowledge and skills. I could easily have found someone without resorting to the auction but I decided that saving someone from that fate might help pave my path more favorably for the afterlife." a faint smile passed his lips as he said this hoping his gallows humor lighted things a little.

"This evening I chose you. You can choose to stay and I'll pass on everything I know or you can choose not to stay and..... well." He chose to leave the latter option vague because he had no intention of letting her go. He wanted the appearance of a choice for her though. Truth was, he needed her to willingly agree to stay with him. If she refused his initial offer it would become increasingly harder to get her to willingly agree later.

"If you stay I'll teach you things that will allow you wealth you've never imagined. You'll need to commit to staying with me for the duration of your training though. I need to know that if we start this, you'll see it through to the end."

Nathan paused and looked at Eva expectantly. He'd avoided disclosing exactly what he'd be teaching her. He'd decided to let her curiosity guide her to take the first step of acceptance. From their the next steps came more easily.

 

[Hypnotikus]

Eva wasn't sure why, but as Nathan spoke her mind was growing a bit clearer. It was hard to take in everything but she couldn't stop the surprise from coming to her features when he mentioned buying her at an auction. Fragments of the goings on filtered through her mind and she had to make herself pay attention to him once more. "An apprentice..." she mumbled under her breath following what he was saying. She could feel the hint of a threat in his offer of a choice.

Eva wasn't a true skeptical, but a little part of her brain had to say something. "Apprentice...and you'll teach me how to get rich?" She chuckled a little under her breath and sighed as she rubbed her temples. "Honestly, as long as you're not pitching me a multi-level marketing scheme, or pimping me out...I could use money."

"What would I have to do...as your apprentice?" She asked after a moments pause.

 

[cnuveau]

Nathan certainly wasn’t expecting things to go nearly as smooth as they seemed to be going. He could only imagine what she’d been through up to this point in her life to be so accepting of this situation.

“What would you have to do? Be open minded and learn is all I’d require of you.” He replied considering giving her a demonstration of what he was talking about.

“Let me demonstrate what you’d be learning.” He said as he took a seat in the barstool next to her then held out his hands.
“Put your hands in mine.”

Eva looked cautiously at him but finally did.

Nathan could feel her energy trickling into him. Not nearly at the rate he hoped she’d eventually give her energy but it was enough to restore his most basic of magical powers. He’d need far more from her to get him fully well.

After what was probably an uncomfortably long time for Eva, Nathan felt he had what he needed. He released her hands then pointed a hand at a glass across the kitchen and focused as the glass levitated off the counter for a moment then came back to rest on the counter.

It wasn’t much of a display but it was hopefully enough to pique her interest.

 

[Hypnotikus]

Eva wasn't sure what she was expecting. But being open-minded wasn't really what she thought it would entail. That could mean so many things. Eva could be okay with most things, but she guessed she would have to wait an see just what this mysterious old man meant. When he told her he would demonstrate, Eva paused before she slipped her hands into his. For long moments, nothing happened and Eva wasn't sure if she was supposed to be concentrating or helping in some way. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck begin to bristle. She waited a beat and the man dropped her hands.

She watched in disbelief as the glass began to levitate off of the counter. Her eyes went wide as she watched it float gently back down to land without spilling a drop. Eva was silent for a moment before she looked to him. "So, I'll learn how to move stuff with my mind?" She tried to keep the hint of excitement out of her voice, but she was sure he could hear it.

"That could be...interesting...I'll warn you. I don't have much in the way of skills outside of bartending, but I will do what I can."

 

[cnuveau]

Nathan was amazed at how readily Eva agreed to the arrangement. "Don't worry, I'll teach you al the skills you'll need. I'll send for your things in the morning. For now you should get some rest. Let me show you to your room." He said as he offered her his hand to lead her upstairs and she took it.

Nathan was amazed at how readily Eva agreed to the arrangement. "Don't worry, I'll teach you al the skills you'll need. I'll send for your things in the morning. For now you should get some rest. Let me show you to your room." He said as he offered her his hand to lead her upstairs and she took it.

He could already feel the little bit of energy she'd given him allowing him to move with less struggle. He climb the stairs far more easily as he led her to her room but he kept his pace slow tot prolong that trickle of energy into him as she held his hand climbing the stairs.

At the top of the stairs Nathan opened the first door on the right and showed Eva into her room. A four poster bed with a canopy occupied the far wall with a bathroom through a door on his left. "I hope you'll find this adequate but please let me know if you require anything and I'll see to it that you have it. For now there are clothes in the drawer that I hope will fit. Get some rest now though we have work to do tomorrow." He said as he turned to leave closing the door behind her.

Nathan woke in the middle of the night and slipped quietly from his bed and to Eva's door. Listening for a moment he heard faint sounds of snoring. Comfortable that she was asleep he turned the knob and crept silently into her room. Through the darkness he took in the sight of her as she lay there. Her robe had fallen open as she slept, her breasts rose and fell with each breath. Nathan stared with curiosity at her piercings and wanted to touch them but resisted. That wasn't what he was here for. As he stood above her he began to conjure an image in his mind of Eva curled up beside him. Her bare skin pressed tightly against his own as she breathed heavily. The sensation of her orgasm still rippling through her body. As the imagery swirled in his mind he placed a finger on her temple and allowed it to flow from him appearing to her mind as a vivid dream. Another gaze cast over her naked form then he silently retreated.

At first light Nathan made his way down into the kitchen to prepare breakfast and wait for Eva to come down.