Tales Around Blue Blossom

The sun was bright, shining on the Xaltean shuttle and making it glint in the noonday light. It descended through a priority air corridor down towards the city of Belentine. The trip from Blue Blossom Estate was only about fifteen minutes by shuttle and it wasn't the first time Henry had been there. Every time he did go, he discovered something new. That wasn't a surprise since it was the capital of the planet Victory, which in turn was the capital of the Emerald Sector. It still hit Henry pretty hard sometimes that he was in command of it all. He still had no clue what High Baron Avernell was thinking by putting him in charge.

Lord Henry was not alone for this trip. Sitting across from him in the padded chair was Mistress Maevin Maer. She was wearing her new summer outfit. It was a flowing white robe that draped loosely over her figure, gathered and tied at the waist. It had wide, sweeping sleeves that hung open at the sides and the fabric fell to mid-thigh in the front while cascading further down at the sides and back. The whole design looked like a balancing act and if someone tugged on the knot, the entire thing would fall off. That was something Henry wasn't going to think about.

“Has curiosity gotten to you?” Maevin asked without looking up from her PADD. “Or are you just admiring the view?”

Henry blushed but didn't take the bait. Since the other three maids accompanying them were in the back eating a quick lunch, Maevin enjoyed poking at him. Ever since the tekiasetel, she had been much more warm towards him when no others were around.

“Well, you did drag me out here from that riveting grain shipment report for Khelen,” he responded sarcastically. Henry enjoyed her laugh at his comment. It was such a warm sound.

Maevin set the compu-pad down beside her on the empty chair and folded her hands in her lap. “Since you have been so patient, my master, we are going to dismiss once and for all your concerns about the eemodae of the estate.”

Eemodae. Maids. That word Henry knew. He had actually gotten a lot better at speaking the language and for the most part he was conversing with Maevin in her own tongue.

“What do you mean?”

“You were concerned about slaves, yes?”

“Well...yeah. I mean, the whole contracts, letters...you know...”

The woman nodded, her dark hair bouncing and glinting in the light from the sun outside. “We are going to the Maid Directorate to bring on new personnel and you will get to see and experience the process. They are not heshut but seeing it will make you understand better.”

So that was where they were going. That would explain the bundles he had seen the other maids loading before the flight. It was for the Tradition of Cloth, where the new hires would be given clothes from the estate as part of their accepting of the contract.

It was the floating feeling in Henry's gut that signaled the shuttle had begun its final approach towards the spaceport, and he instinctively gripped the armrests. Back home he had not flown much in shuttles so he had only learned recently that he did not like the feeling. The thump and jolt told him they had finally set down.

The trip to the Maid Directorate was pretty straightforward, probably because he was a high priority visitor, so the hover vehicle waiting for him took off once he was aboard and flew higher than most of the other vehicles around him. It was the half-circle, almost dome-like building approaching that made Henry realize that was where they were going.

A landing platform jutted out from the back of the smooth building, big enough for at least four craft like his to land, and there were already two there. Pushing up the hatch, Henry stepped out followed by Maevin and the two maids escorting them.

“Any specific rules I need to know?” Henry whispered to his mistress as they approached the large sliding doors with frosted glass.

She shook her head and smiled at him.

“Only remember you are Lord of the Estate,” she tapped his bracer. “And if anyone asks to verify, offer the bracer. Your ident code is in there.”

“Got it.” No he didn't.

When the doors swished open and the four strode in, cool air conditioned air scented with something floral hit him. The floors were carpeted with a thin red material and though people were talking, it was hushed and polite. Almost like a library.

A man approached them, long crimson hair falling on his shoulders and a white robe trimmed in gold with a silver sash around his waist. He folded his hands in front of him and bowed.

“Welcome,” he said, straightening. “You are?”

“Patton-Avernell,” Maevin answered casually but with no hesitation in her voice. Their greeter's eyes lit up as he turned to look at Henry.

“May I assume...”

“Henry,” he said with a nod. Like an idiot, he stretched his hand out for a handshake. To his credit, the man only hesitated a moment before shaking it.

“Welcome to the Maid Directorate, Lord Patton-Avernell. As requested by your mistress, we have picked out a selection of maids that would suit the positions you need. I am Lukana and I am the Director for the day.” He tapped one of the small glass computer pads he had in his hand and Henry felt his bracer vibrate slightly. “I have uploaded idents to your computers so that you may pull the data that you need. If there is anything you need, please let me know.”

Lukana bowed again and quickly retreated to whatever he had to do next. Henry glanced to Maevin who was already going through her own computer that she had been carrying with her.

“Sooooo?”

“Follow me.”

---

The foyer they had entered was large but not like the rest of the floors he had encountered. The entire room was large, much like a warehouse, but padded with the same soft carpet throughout. Light shone in from the large paned windows spaced around the entire structure and many computer screens were mounted on the walls, spaced to give everyone room to look without crowding the other screens. Most of the floor was open space but filled with a number of large kiosks with two or three people tending each. There were also quite a number of people dressed much like he was wandering between the groups.

“Shall we?” Maevin asked, though she gently nudged him in a direction. Standing up straighter and trying not to look as lost as he felt, Henry moved towards one of the aforementioned kiosks where a woman in a simple robe was busy typing. She looked up as they approached and a practiced smile crossed her face.

“Patton-Avernell?”

“Yes,” Maevin responded.

The attendant quickly scrolled on her screen before tapping a few buttons. She looked up and gave a polite nod.

“Following the guidelines, Mistress, we have gathered our selection at the west side. A representative is there waiting for you.”

“Thanks,” Henry said awkwardly as Maevin turned and led him across the massive floor. The young man had no clue where he was going, just a sea of Xaltean men and women speaking, examining computers, and focused on their goals. After a few minutes, it stood out that there were also quite a few men and women standing in the center of these groups or on daises lit up with holographic information, being polite and conversing.

“Those are the maids that are being interviewed,” Maevin said without looking back.

“So unbonded get to select and pick?” Henry asked.

“Bonded too. Even though one has been bonded for whatever time, they get opportunities to show their skills and receive offers from houses. Only those who have Arbitrator clauses attached to their bond will have their choices limited.”

“Ah.” That kind of made sense.

The section his Mistress had led him to was against the far wall and he could see a group of men and women dressed in simple robes or tvekel, the top and skirt he had seen commonly worn by his own people.

“If I may, master,” Maevin started, her voice low. “Please allow me to do most of the talking. Though the Lord coming is not unheard of, it is a rare thing and protocol has to be maintained.”

“I'll behave, I promise,” Henry said. He had no plans to mess with everything that was going on.

The group of maids saw their approach and immediately folded their hands one on top of the other and bowed low.

“We are honored to speak with you today,” a tall man said as he straightened.

“Thank you for your consideration. I am Mistress Maevin Maer of Blue Blossom Estate of House Patton-Avernell,” Maevin started in that official voice Henry had come to recognize as her command voice. She nodded her head to him respectfully. “This is my master, Lord of the Green Henry Patton-Avernell.”

The group bowed again, faster and deeper than before.

“We are honored, Lord!” the man said. Henry nodded but kept his mouth shut.

“We are looking to replace staff in the Estate and Reserve legions. They are 6th and 5th order billets with two 4th orders available.”

Maevin stopped speaking and for a moment Henry wondered what was next, when a shorter man with short buzzed hair and brown skin stepped out of the group and held out his wrist. The little device attached there by a band blinked for a second and a holographic panel appeared.

“Mistress, I am Garet Vaeku. I have received my emerald certificates for culinarian and have educational marks for my jade certificate. Your submission form had a listing in your ground legion for your kitchens.”

Henry watched as Maevin read the words scrolling down the holographic display. It was in Xaltean and moving just fast enough that the Terran was having trouble following.

“Your coin fee for bonding is lower than I would expect for someone of your experience,” Maevin said evenly.

“I am loyal but I enjoy seeing much of every house, so my fee is nominal to allow easier opportunities.”

“I see. Which Houses have you served?”

“Tereva, Neema, and Torbet. I had the honor of serving as 3rd order culinarian to Baroness of the Blue Shanxuv Torbet.”

Maevin nodded and Henry stepped back, giving her space. Looking around quickly, he saw the two maids that had come with him standing at a respectful distance. He motioned for them to approach and they only looked at each other and hesitated for a moment.

“Yes, master?” one said.

“Can you explain coin fee to me?”

“Oh!” the other said, whispering. “Even though bonding requires mandatory indenture, we all have two accounts. One is a credit account that is assigned by the estate and the other is our personal coin account that follows us through our times and estates. A coin fee is the cost to buy someone's contract.”

“Everyone has to pay the fee?”

“Only those who have voluntarily joined the system or have an arbitrator clause allowing it. Like...” The maid hesitated and looked over to her friend, who smiled and nodded. “...like the difference between myself and Vindy here. I am a voluntary bond so I have a credit account and a coin account, but Vindy is a half bond enforced by the arbitrator so she only has a credit account and a reserve account for when her time is up.”

“Half bond? You were forced into it?” Henry said, trying not to let the concern enter his voice.

“Yes, my master. If I may speak plainly, I had a problem with alcohol and I allowed it to control me. I attacked an enforcement officer while at an establishment and since it was not my first offense, the Arbiter bonded me.”

“Oh. I'm sorry.” That was awkward to say but what else could Henry say?

“No need to apologize, my master. My three years has made me sober and given me purpose. When my time is done, I shall return to civilian life a better person.”

Henry searched her face and saw a genuine smile. The worry that he was being lied to because of his rank always worried him when it came to his maids.

“Thank you for explaining.”

“Of course, master!”

Peering around at everything, Henry noted all the people and now, with seeing his mistress at work, began to recognize the conversations like the one she was having. It was something further away that caught his attention, in the corner. There was an area with sectional walls up and what appeared to be a guard. His curiosity was piqued.

“Maevin,” Henry started and everyone around her immediately fell silent. She turned and gave him a bow but he could see in her eyes she was curious.

“I would like to wander around and see everything. Will that make your job any more difficult?”

Of course, he couldn't ask her the way he wanted to. He was her boss after all, but phrasing it like that gave her an opportunity to suggest things. It gave both of them cover.

“Of course, my master. I am available on my comm any time you need me.”

Henry nodded and began to stride away, pretty surprised she had let him go so easily.

She's probably feeling a bit more comfortable that I can speak the language and there's so much security here.

Not wanting to look suspicious — why he was worried about that he had no clue — he stopped a few times to listen but soon found himself by the blocked off area. Inside he could see a sectional where a woman sat, her shoulders slumped. Henry recognized that slump. He had worn it quite a few times. That was the posture of defeat and acceptance all in one.

The Terran Lord approached but he noticed the guard shift just slightly.

“Apologies,” Henry said, raising his hands a bit to show he had no weapon. “I was just curious.”

The guard relaxed a bit but the young man could see the keen expression on his face. Henry's accent still stood out though it had softened over time with the amount of practice he was getting.

“This is for penal contracts, sir,” the guard said. Henry noticed the woman looked over towards him and there was something in her eyes that caused his heart to drop. The sheer despair was almost palpable.

Henry straightened himself up and held out his wrist where the device was attached.

“I'm Lord Henry Patton-Avernell. I would like to see this woman's contract.”

The guard hesitated only a moment, scanned the wrist computer, saw the reading, and his own countenance changed.

“Of course, my lord. I apologize that I did not recognize you.”

“You're fine,” Henry said, relieved that it had actually worked. The guard stepped away and the Terran Lord entered. The area was much cooler and darker thanks to the walls blocking it off. The woman stood to her feet though there was no hope in her movements. She stood there, her body limp and head hung down. Her hair was a rich burgundy with expressive eyes that matched.

“Your sig-com, Maid,” the guard warned and the girl responded by raising her arm. The holographic display flared in front of her.

“I am Maid Eshu, my lord,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It's nice to meet you,” Henry said before wondering if he was supposed to greet her like that. “May I ask why you are in here rather than on the floor?”

She looked up, that despair and agony in her eyes, and though she glanced towards the guard for a moment in hesitation, she spoke.

“I'm a half-bond contract, my lord, and I have used up all my allotted days for selection.”

“That means?”

Henry could hear the tremble in her voice. “As I was not selected and due to my bonding clauses, I will be sent to a penal colony to serve in the mines for my entire sentence.”

Something twisted in the young man's gut as she stood there like a wisp of the girl she once was.

“How long is that?”

“Fifteen years.”

Fifteen years. In the mines. Even as humane as Henry had seen the Xaltean, he knew of their vicious side and he could guess her odds of making it the whole time were slim. She barely looked like she had eaten enough.

“What did you do?”

Those burgundy eyes locked on him and he could feel the guilt even before she spoke. “I...allowed my rage and use of stimulants to control me. My pair that I was courting left me for my sister and in my fury, I killed her. The Arbiter found me guilty of manslaughter and sent me into the system as a half bond with a clause that if I was not selected within five rounds, I was to be sent to the mines.”

Manslaughter. The woman had blood on her hands. He could easily see her resignation to her situation, knowing her fate was sealed.

“I am sorry,” Henry said softly and though she looked surprised for a moment, she nodded.

Henry turned and made his way back out, his heart sinking into his gut at the woman's situation. His anger burned at the fact he couldn't do anything for her. He could see her acceptance and contrition for what she had done and the fact that she hadn't been selected. Standing outside, he looked at the guard who was watching him.

“I'm sorry for the dumb question, sir, but why hasn't she been picked up?”

“The Estates are noticeably uncomfortable with those who have taken lives, especially in a fit of anger,” he explained. “They are concerned that they could do it again and hurt one of their own.”

“Ah.”

Henry nodded and began to walk away, upset and furious that she wasn't being given a second chance. Wasn't he given a second chance at something by coming to Victory? He stopped, the idea coming to his head. Spinning on his heel, he returned to the guard, who had straightened up.

“If you will, sir,” Henry started, trying to be official. “Please get whoever is needed. I will buy her contract.”

The guard's eyes grew wide and at a glance Henry could see the absolute shock on the woman's face and the faintest glimmer of hope.

“My Lord,” the man started but Henry locked his eyes on him. “Are you going to correct me, soldier?”

The guard paled just slightly and then bowed. “I shall fetch a coordinator immediately.”

As the guard took off, Henry turned and saw Vindy looking curiously at him from a distance. She still had the bag with the clothes rolls in it. He motioned her over. When she arrived, her entire presence was brimming with curiosity.

“Yes, my master?”

“I am buying this woman's contract,” Henry said. “I believe there is a ritual requirement?”

“Uh...yes, master, but shouldn't you speak with the Mistress about—” she stopped seeing Henry's face and then bowed low. “I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me.”

“I do,” Henry said, smiling and patting her on the shoulder. “Give me the clothes I need.”

An older woman with graying hair in a braid approached with the guard, a glass compu-tablet in her hands.

“My lord Patton-Avernell,” she said. “I am told you wish to buy this maid's contract?”

“That is correct.”

“And you are aware that she is a criminal and—”

“I'm quite aware. Thank you.”

The abruptness was a mixture of trying to look authoritative and not allowing himself to be talked out of it.

“I have your accounts here,” she said, “and you have quite an ample amount to pay her transfer. Shall I use your coin account?”

“Yes,” Henry said, but he wished he had looked at Vindy sooner as he saw her trying to subtly shake her head. Well, it was too late now.

The coordinator tapped a few things and Henry signed.

“She is now free to be bonded to your house,” the coordinator said.

“Uh—”

Smoothly, Vindy stepped up beside him, in one movement removed his stylus from its pocket on his gauntlet, handed it to him, and turned to the newly bonded maid who was shaking. Out of fear or relief, Henry wasn't sure.

“Remove your clothes,” Vindy said, her voice harsh. Henry wanted to correct her but he sensed there was something to her reason. Henry kept his eyes on the woman though his face heated up as she stripped out of her clothes until she was standing there naked. Vindy handed over the new clothes. “You are now Patton-Avernell. Your master has given you a second chance. He has honored you by adding you to his personal retinue. If you embarrass your master, the mistress will flay you alive.”

“I seek only to serve, my new master,” Eshu said, taking the fresh clothes and clutching them to her chest. Tears were streaming down her face.

“Dress, please,” Henry said, trying not to let his voice break.

Quickly, Eshu slipped the skirt up onto her hips and covered her chest with the top, then folded her hands in front of her and bowed her head.

“Stay with me,” Henry said. “We'll finish everything when we get back to the estate.”

Eshu followed by Henry with Vindy behind her as he returned towards where his Mistress was. Every step of the way, the young man had a sinking feeling that he may have done something she was going to be very unhappy with. As they approached, he saw Maevin glance up, stop, and that one eyebrow raise in confusion and consternation.

Finally standing before her, Henry grinned awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Uh—”

“Who is this?” Maevin asked, and the question wasn't directed at him. Henry was pretty sure that wasn't a question.

“Eshu, my lady,” the new maid said, head bowed.

“It is Mistress,” Maevin said, her voice becoming ice.

“I beg your forgiveness, Mistress.”

“Your sig-com.”

The woman held out her hand, activating the device, and Maevin quickly skimmed it, her countenance growing darker.

“You...are a penal contract and you have failed all five of your rounds.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

Maevin Maer stood there. Henry could see the war in her face but she waved her hand, shutting the holograph off, and gestured dismissively.

“Join the others, Maid.”

As Eshu walked away, Maevin stepped forward, her gaze directly on Henry. Her eyes searched his face and all he could do was grin like an idiot. She finally relaxed.

“You are too softhearted, my master.”

She was not wrong.

“I just couldn't let her be sent to the mines and she looks genuinely remorseful.”

The mistress of Blue Blossom sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I understand but you added her to your personal retinue. Why did you decide that?”

“Uh...personal retinue?”

The dark haired woman looked at him with disbelief. “You didn't know that paying out of your personal credit account made her part of your retinue. She's your personal maid now.”

“Oh.” Oh.

Before he could say anything, Maevin turned back to the collection of maids that appeared to be recently bonded to Blue Blossom.

“Eshu.”

The new maid hurried over and bowed her head. To Henry's horror, Maevin stepped closer, grabbed the woman's hair, and pulled her head back roughly.

“If you harm or allow my master to come to harm due to your temper or negligence, I will torture you to the edge of your life and then I will slit your throat and let you bleed out slowly. Do you understand?”

Eshu swallowed, burgundy eyes wide in terror, and then nodded as best she could. Maevin let go and motioned her to leave.

“Jeez, Maevin,” Henry said, trying to catch his breath. “You didn't have to scare her like that.”

“I wasn't trying to,” she responded. “I was quite serious. I cannot fathom why you decided to do this, but she needed to understand what I will do if you come to harm.”

“I just wanted to save her,” Henry responded.

Maevin's eyebrow went up again and that mischievous grin came to her face. “Save her, my master? Is that all?”

Henry looked over to where Eshu was bending over to pick up some of the luggage, her short skirt shorter than he had expected.

“I believe I now know why you took her contract,” Maevin said smugly. “You do have a thing for backsides and she appears to have a rather nice one.”

“Maevin.” Henry started, his face burning.

“I shall make sure she is dressed so that you may enjoy the view whenever you please.”

“Maevin!”

“And here I was hoping my backside would be enough to satiate your lust.”

“Maevvviinn,” Henry whined, his face now redder than it probably had ever been.

This was going to be a long flight home.

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