The Arrival of Slave Day
The day starts like any other at Arcanum Isle, with Harry making his way to breakfast in the Great Hall. But there is something different about the atmosphere—students and faculty are speaking in hushed tones, and there's an undercurrent of anticipation in the air. It doesn't take long for Harry to learn that today is Slave Day, a traditional event in Morgana's Seat where slaves are bought and sold. The idea of such a day leaves Harry feeling uneasy. Though he has come to terms with the existence of slavery in this world, the thought of participating in it feels fundamentally wrong. Unsure of what to expect, he decides to observe rather than engage.
Later that day, Harry finds himself in the central courtyard where the Slave Day market has been set up. Rows of slaves stand on display, each with their own story etched into their faces. Some look resigned to their fate, others are visibly anxious or defiant. The courtyard is filled with prospective buyers—students, faculty, and other inhabitants of Morgana's Seat, all moving between the rows, assessing the slaves as if they were livestock. As Harry moves through the crowd, trying to maintain his distance from the proceedings, his eyes are drawn to one particular slave standing quietly at the end of one of the rows. This slave has striking silver hair that catches the light, and their blue-purple eyes hold a depth of emotion that draws Harry in. The slave's build is petite yet strong, a perfect blend of grace and resilience. Despite the circumstances, there's an air of fierce loyalty about him, coupled with a sense of quiet stubbornness.
Harry is captivated, feeling an inexplicable connection to this person. For the first time, he considers what it would mean to take on a slave himself. As he approaches, the overseer notices his interest. "This one's name is Talon," the overseer says, his voice rough but professional. "Strong, fiercely loyal, sometimes stubborn, but responds well to structure. He's been trained to listen to his master or mistress, and he thrives under clear guidance. He'd make a fine addition to any household." Harry listens, feeling an odd mix of emotions. There's something about Talon that feels right, as though their paths were meant to cross.
After a moment of hesitation, Harry makes a decision. He will purchase Talon. It's a choice that comes with a heavy weight, but he feels a deep responsibility toward this person—not in a possessive way, but in a protective one. Harry wants to ensure that Talon is treated with the respect and care that he deserves, even within the confines of this system. The decision made, Talon is brought to the ritual room where the process of binding him to Morgana's Crater will take place. The room is filled with symbols of ancient power—runes, hieroglyphs, and arcane markings that glow with a soft, ethereal light. Harry stands by as the ritual is performed, a solemn ceremony that inscribes the symbol of Morgana's Crater onto Talon's wrist. The symbol, a combination of a large star, a crescent moon, and a magical glyph, binds Talon to Harry and to Morgana's Crater, marking him as part of Harry's household. Throughout the ritual, Talon remains calm and composed, his loyalty evident in the way he holds himself. When the ritual is complete, he looks at Harry with those captivating eyes, silently acknowledging the bond that has just been formed.
Later that day, Harry feels a mixture of responsibility and uncertainty about his new role as a master. He wants to ensure that he treats Talon fairly and with respect, but he's unsure of the specifics of how to fulfill his role within this society's context. With this in mind, he decides to seek advice from Selene, who has grown up in this world and understands its customs far better than he does. He finds her in the library, surrounded by books as usual. After a brief conversation, he asks her for guidance. "Selene, I've just... I've just bought a slave—his name is Talon. But I don't really know what I'm doing. I want to make sure I'm doing this right, treating him well. Is there something I should know? A book, or advice on what it means to be a master here?"
Selene listens patiently, her expression thoughtful. "There's more to being a master than just giving orders, Harry," she replies. "It's about understanding the bond you've created and the responsibilities that come with it. There are books, yes, but the most important thing is your own intuition and respect for Talon as a person, even within the boundaries of this system. If you're serious about this, I can lend you a book my family has used for generations—it outlines the duties of a master and the structure that's expected. But remember, Harry, how you choose to apply that knowledge is up to you."
She hands Harry an old, leather-bound book titled The Bond of Master and Slave: A Guide to Responsibility and Structure. The book is filled with detailed instructions and expectations, but Selene's words remind Harry that the relationship he forms with Talon will ultimately depend on the choices he makes and the respect he offers.
That evening, Harry sits in his room with the book Selene gave him, feeling the weight of the day's events. Talon waits quietly nearby, his presence a reminder of the responsibility Harry has taken on. As he opens the book and begins to read, he glances at Talon, who meets his gaze with those intense blue-purple eyes. There's a silent understanding between them, a recognition that while their roles may be defined by the world they live in, the bond they create will be shaped by mutual respect and trust. Harry resolves to approach this new chapter with care and thoughtfulness. He may be in a position of power, but he is determined to ensure that Talon's loyalty is met with the respect and structure that will allow him to thrive. It's a complicated path, but one that Harry feels ready to navigate, with Talon by his side.