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Description
Aiko tried not to draw attention to herself. She walked down the street keeping her head down, her nervousness grow with each step she took. A street vender called out to her as she passed by his shop but she ignored him and quickened her pace. The town she was in was simply called The Market. It was a giant oases right in the center of the desert along a cliff side where people came from miles around to bargain and trade. It was the perfect place to buy or sell your merchandise if you didn't want to be tracked and that was exactly what she needed right now.

The large tents held all sorts of oddities from medicines, jewelry, weapons, furniture, cloths, rugs, antiques and more things than I could count. They said you could buy anything you could think of here...If you where prepared to pay the correct price for it that is. Someone bumped into me, making me stagger. As soon as I regained my balance I made sure to draw her tan cloak tighter to hide my identity. I made sure the hood was still in place before I checked mu satchel to make sure my money was still secure. I let out a relieved breath of air when I realized nothing had been stolen. You could never be to careful around someplace like this.

I quickly continued on my way, my eyes darting left and right. The tent I was looking for was probably further to the back than the rest of the shops meaning that it would most likely be in the worst part of the market. Stepping off the side of the main street I peeked around the corner to look down the small alley. I grimaced at the sight before me but took a deep breath and gathered my courage as I walked down the ominous alleyway. Everything completely changed from the bright welcoming atmosphere of the main streets to a more darker tone. I had expected this but I still felt a tingle go up my spine.

The cobblestone underneath of my feet where warn down, dirty, and chipped. I didn't want to know what the splotches of dirty water held that I saw here and their but I made sure to watch where I stepped less I tripped from the old broken cobblestones and fall into one of the puddles of discussing murky water. The tents where in no better condition I noticed. They where full of rips and tears, some of them having patches barley covering half of the holes if they where lucky. You could see the years of neglect from improper repairs. Their shady owners peered out at me as I passed by seeing if I had anything of value visible or if I was worth their time.

The streets where mostly empty except for some creepy looking people sitting in the shadows or an occasional dark figure that would walk by me, making me grab onto my short sword that I had concealed and hold my breath until they passed. Luckily I reached the vary last tent in the back of the marketplace and saw the sign that I was looking for. The tent was large, dark red and looked better off than the rest of the other tents. The large wooden sign hung by the tent flaps entrance in big bold letters showing of the shops name proudly, The Dungeons Well.

Before I had a chance to reach for the tent flap there was a sound of a whip cracking and a harpies shrill scream that followed. A shutter ran though me and I almost turned around right then and their but the reminder of what awaited me if I didn't enter stopped me in my tracks. If I had any other choice I would have taken it...but fate didn't tend to be so kind to someone like her. Before I could change my mind I quickly entered into the dark shop. The cool shade brought a bit of relief from the beating hot sun but what little comfort I had quickly dissipated when I saw what was around me.

All sorts of mythical creatures, over half of them intelligent beings, surrounded her in chains and cages. I hated places like these! They where cruel and horrid! No one should capture intelligent beings and make them a slave to another! Her mother had taught her that while growing up. Every life should be cherished and others should be treated as an equal despite what race or job you had. This place made me sick but I had no other choice if I wanted to accomplish my goal.

As I made my way further inside to find the shop owner, I noticed that the creatures barley glanced at me. Some of even cowered further away from her when her shadow passed over them. This place was filled with all kinds of creatures you could buy; from griffins to fairies, harpies, werwolf's, pegasus, and gargoyles, and on and on with all type of different creatures. I even saw a few elves! My eyes began to tear up and I couldn't help but look away from them. I tried to concentrate only at the path in front of me instead of the broken helpless looks they gave her. A loud male voice yelled out loudly making me snap my head up. He sounded like he was a couple rows over from where she was so she started making her way towards the man which she assumed to be the owner.

Before I got there something shot out and grabbed tightly onto my leg tightly. I let out a gasp of surprise as I fell forward and landed painfully on her side. I groaned knowing that I probably had another bruise somewhere. When I looked at what had grabbed onto me, I gasped in surprise when I saw a young boy with bright burning orange eyes and small fangs staring at me with a pleading look. He opened his mouth to say something only to scream in pain as a boot suddenly kicked the boys arm away. He quickly jerked his hand back inside the cage.

"What the blazes do ya think yer doing boy! Don't cha ever reach outside of those bars again or ya will end up as snake chow for tha other beats!" The male voice I had herd from the other isle yelled. The young boy quickly slithered to the furthest corner of his crate and it was then that I realized that he was a naga. His bright red scales where dominate more so than orange ones along his belly. He rap his tail around himself in a protective manner as he cradled his arm and whimpered in the corner.

A large hand latched onto my arm and I gasped in surprise as I was pulled me to my feet almost like I was weightless. As soon as I was released I looked up at the tall strong bulky looking man that stood in front of me. He had rough features about him making him look intimidating. He had scraggly brown hair that was pushed back, a small scruffy beard, and a few scars around his neck. He was wearing some dark lose red colored clothing that looked a little warn. When his dark brown eyes roamed over me like I was some type of good my anger flared. He smirked before bending down and placing one of his large fingers underneath of my chin, forcing me to tilt my head up so that I looked him in his eyes. "What's a pretty lady like ya doing in a place like dis?"

My eyes widened and fear shot though me when I realized that my hood had fallen down revealing my face. I had slightly pointed ears, long wavy white hair that was pink at the end, and rose colored eyes. My looks where easily recognizable to anyone who was looking for me and I quickly batted the mans hand away and pulled my hood back up to cover my face. Ignoring the mans question, I looked into his eyes with a serious expression. "Are you the shop owner?"

He stood up tall and puffed his chest out seemingly trying to impress me unsuccessfully. Unfortunately for him I already disliked the guy not only because of his rudeness but also because he's making a profit of selling people. "Dat ah am! Sloven's the name, what can ah do for ya?"

Straining my cloak, I said in an unimpressed tone "I've come to buy a giant." Getting strait to the point.

Sloven's eyebrows shot up and his eyes flickered with surprise before he broke into a hardy laugh. When I looked at him unamused he finally realized I wasn't joking. "Yer serious?" he questioned. I didn't answer and he smile a large toothy grin. "Well then, ya just follow me ta tha back and we'll talk business den." He said seeming intrigued.

Sloven glanced once more at the naga boy before giving a swift kick to the cage. It rattle nosily causing the young boy to cower further back in the small enclosure. Sloven walked away with a hardy laugh making me hate him further. As I passed by my heart broke for the naga boy as he looked at me with fear and desperation. I couldn't help but feel guilty as I ignored him and followed Sloven to the back. Quietly I whispered an apology for not being able to help set him free. I couldn't lose sight of my goal. I would have to harden my resolve if I wanted to accomplish what I set out to do. I couldn't help every being in here and even if I did somehow convince Sloven to let me buy everyone and set them free, he would just bring in more slaves or recapture them afterwords.

We exited though the tents rear flap back out into the desert and my eyes widened. I inhaled in surprise at the sight before me. The tent was set up along the canyon wall along with a walkway built slightly over the cliff edge. As I walked out onto the platform I couldn't help but look on in amazement at the humongous posts hammered into the ground with the giants chained up to them. They where set up along the long walkway so that a buyer could view the giant of there choice without much hassle. "Da be a impressive sight, doncha think?" Slovens sudden voice made me jump. As much as I hatted it I could only nod in reply. We began to walk along the walkway and I couldn't help but be in awe. Indeed they where impressive. I hadn't seen a giant before but I had herd stories about them all thoughout my life.

My heart sunk in sorrow though when I saw the way that they where kept day in and day out. Shackles and chains where locked tightly around their torsos, hands, and feet. The chains where pulled tight so that the giants could barely move an inch and where held in an x shape. You could tell the newly acquired giants from the others who had been here longer. The newer ones had hope in there eyes and pulled slightly on there chains uselessly. The other giants who had been here longer hung there head in despair and their skin that was exposed was burt from being out in the sun to long. All the giants had on a collar that was required in this country. I scowled in dismay but I knew it was the only thing that would keep us safe if one of them got lose and decided to attack.

"So what do ya think? Do ya see one ya like yet?" Sloven asked. "Not yet." She replied in dismay as she continued walking. She was nearing the end of the platform and she was quickly running out of choices. Any of these giants would do she supposed, except for the sickly one she just passed by...but something told her that the ones she had seen where not the right choice and that she should not trust them. Her mother always taught her to listen to her instincts, thus getting her out of trouble more times than she could count.

Suddenly I saw the last giant and my body froze in place when my eyes landed on him. He was much larger than the other giants and towered overtop of the polls that held him at bay. Because of how huge he was he was forced to sit back on his legs as his shackles around his legs held him tightly down. His arms where stretched out wide as the two extra poles helped to hold him in place along with extra chains that where wrapped around his waist and chest. His hair was midnight black and framed his face, not exactly long but not to short either. He wore long lose gray pants, a pair of simple sandals that tied at the ankle, a dark blue sleeveless tunic, a black sleeveless vest that was unbuttoned, and a short dark blue cloak with a hood that only came down to his elbows. I saw a strange tattoos that ran along his arms and I couldn't help but wonder what they meant. He watched her intently, his bright blue eyes almost seeming to glow, as she walked up to the railing looking up at him in awe. He looked down at her with a defiance as if he was challenging her to try hold his gaze. Entranced she leaned forward further.

Sloven grabbed my shoulder and quickly pulled me back. "Careful lass, ya wouldn't want ta get any closer ta that one." He said. I looked up at him with wide questioning eyes. "Why not?"
He grimaced and glanced at the giant before he answered "He's ah beast of ah man ah tell yeah that much. He's already killed his previous owner an den three of my workers. When tha authorities sent us out to recapture em ah thought ah was a goner. Luckily ah was quick enough to bring tha monster down. Now we are just try'n to decide what ta do with em since its not safe ta sell him...Probably will be facing ah death sentence after what he's done."

I couldn't help but glance at the giants enormous hands as a shutter ran though me after hearing what he had done. The giant let out a loud low threatening growl and his mussels bulged as he jerked towards us against his restraints causing Sloven and I jump back in fear. He looked furious as he opens his mouth to speak but the words where choked out of him before he could say anything as the collar around his neck tightened. Apparently they didn't want him saying anything for some reason. He chains made a loud clashing sound as they drew taunt but held firm. After a few tense seconds he finally gave up and settled back down after struggling. Sloven gave a nerve chuckle. "Well, glad ta see that those chains ah got where tha real deal." He muttered.

The giant continued to stare at me as he regain his breath. For some unknown reason I felt like I could trust him against my better judgment. "Why don't ah show ya one of tha others. I'm sure yea would be much more intreseknd in dem." Sloven said as he tried to pull me away. I jerked my arm back and looked closely up at the giants eyes trying to see what it was that drew me to him. "Why is he so much bigger than the other three giants?" I finally asked aloud once I found my nerves again.

Sloven looked puzzled before realization lit his eyes. "Dis monster ain't no giant miss. He is what we call a titan! They are far larger than their relatives over there and more brutal too. You don't see many of his kind any more, truth be told he's probably one of da last few dat exist."

My eyes widened in surprise and curiosity. Occasionally I remembered hearing the word titan here and their as a child but I just thought that they where a myth! If I remembered correctly they where a race of giants that use to be part of the royal guard that protected the king and queen before the fall of giant kind long ago. It was amazing to find out that they actually existed!

"Ya best off chasing one one tha others lassie. We wouldn't want ya ending up like his last master now would we. Dat would just be such ah waste." Sloven chuckled as he stepped aside and rapped his large arm around my shoulders. Chills tingled up my spine as I was held annoyingly close to the man. He gestured the way we had come and I bit my lip as I turned to leave. Something in my heart told me to turn back and I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder one more time at the titan pushed along. He looked like he could care less but his eyes didn't leave mine and he seemed like he was able to stare strait into my soul. My heart beat franticly in my chest like I was about to make a dreadful mistake if I left now. Ducking under Slovens arm I rushed back to the railing. Sloven gave a shout of protest but I ignored him.

Gripping the railing tightly I stared up into his eyes and searched for something anything that would let me know I wasn't about to make a mistake. His expression hardened causing me to flinch but I held my ground...His eyes held all kinds of shades of blue and looked like the night sky making me appreciate their beauty no matter how hard his gaze became. Emotions swirled around in them making it hard for me to tell what he was feeling but just around the edges of them, I could see a caring quality in him...If my feelings where telling me correctly....He was the one that I could trust.

I made my decision right then and there that might be my last. "....I'll take him."

Description
Aiko tried not to draw attention to herself. She walked down the street keeping her head down, her nervousness grow with each step she took. A street vender called out to her as she passed by his shop but she ignored him and quickened her pace. The town she was in was simply called The Market. It was a giant oases right in the center of the desert along a cliff side where people came from miles around to bargain and trade. It was the perfect place to buy or sell your merchandise if you didn't want to be tracked and that was exactly what she needed right now.

The large tents held all sorts of oddities from medicines, jewelry, weapons, furniture, cloths, rugs, antiques and more things than I could count. They said you could buy anything you could think of here...If you where prepared to pay the correct price for it that is. Someone bumped into me, making me stagger. As soon as I regained my balance I made sure to draw her tan cloak tighter to hide my identity. I made sure the hood was still in place before I checked mu satchel to make sure my money was still secure. I let out a relieved breath of air when I realized nothing had been stolen. You could never be to careful around someplace like this.

I quickly continued on my way, my eyes darting left and right. The tent I was looking for was probably further to the back than the rest of the shops meaning that it would most likely be in the worst part of the market. Stepping off the side of the main street I peeked around the corner to look down the small alley. I grimaced at the sight before me but took a deep breath and gathered my courage as I walked down the ominous alleyway. Everything completely changed from the bright welcoming atmosphere of the main streets to a more darker tone. I had expected this but I still felt a tingle go up my spine.

The cobblestone underneath of my feet where warn down, dirty, and chipped. I didn't want to know what the splotches of dirty water held that I saw here and their but I made sure to watch where I stepped less I tripped from the old broken cobblestones and fall into one of the puddles of discussing murky water. The tents where in no better condition I noticed. They where full of rips and tears, some of them having patches barley covering half of the holes if they where lucky. You could see the years of neglect from improper repairs. Their shady owners peered out at me as I passed by seeing if I had anything of value visible or if I was worth their time.

The streets where mostly empty except for some creepy looking people sitting in the shadows or an occasional dark figure that would walk by me, making me grab onto my short sword that I had concealed and hold my breath until they passed. Luckily I reached the vary last tent in the back of the marketplace and saw the sign that I was looking for. The tent was large, dark red and looked better off than the rest of the other tents. The large wooden sign hung by the tent flaps entrance in big bold letters showing of the shops name proudly, The Dungeons Well.

Before I had a chance to reach for the tent flap there was a sound of a whip cracking and a harpies shrill scream that followed. A shutter ran though me and I almost turned around right then and their but the reminder of what awaited me if I didn't enter stopped me in my tracks. If I had any other choice I would have taken it...but fate didn't tend to be so kind to someone like her. Before I could change my mind I quickly entered into the dark shop. The cool shade brought a bit of relief from the beating hot sun but what little comfort I had quickly dissipated when I saw what was around me.

All sorts of mythical creatures, over half of them intelligent beings, surrounded her in chains and cages. I hated places like these! They where cruel and horrid! No one should capture intelligent beings and make them a slave to another! Her mother had taught her that while growing up. Every life should be cherished and others should be treated as an equal despite what race or job you had. This place made me sick but I had no other choice if I wanted to accomplish my goal.

As I made my way further inside to find the shop owner, I noticed that the creatures barley glanced at me. Some of even cowered further away from her when her shadow passed over them. This place was filled with all kinds of creatures you could buy; from griffins to fairies, harpies, werwolf's, pegasus, and gargoyles, and on and on with all type of different creatures. I even saw a few elves! My eyes began to tear up and I couldn't help but look away from them. I tried to concentrate only at the path in front of me instead of the broken helpless looks they gave her. A loud male voice yelled out loudly making me snap my head up. He sounded like he was a couple rows over from where she was so she started making her way towards the man which she assumed to be the owner.

Before I got there something shot out and grabbed tightly onto my leg tightly. I let out a gasp of surprise as I fell forward and landed painfully on her side. I groaned knowing that I probably had another bruise somewhere. When I looked at what had grabbed onto me, I gasped in surprise when I saw a young boy with bright burning orange eyes and small fangs staring at me with a pleading look. He opened his mouth to say something only to scream in pain as a boot suddenly kicked the boys arm away. He quickly jerked his hand back inside the cage.

"What the blazes do ya think yer doing boy! Don't cha ever reach outside of those bars again or ya will end up as snake chow for tha other beats!" The male voice I had herd from the other isle yelled. The young boy quickly slithered to the furthest corner of his crate and it was then that I realized that he was a naga. His bright red scales where dominate more so than orange ones along his belly. He rap his tail around himself in a protective manner as he cradled his arm and whimpered in the corner.

A large hand latched onto my arm and I gasped in surprise as I was pulled me to my feet almost like I was weightless. As soon as I was released I looked up at the tall strong bulky looking man that stood in front of me. He had rough features about him making him look intimidating. He had scraggly brown hair that was pushed back, a small scruffy beard, and a few scars around his neck. He was wearing some dark lose red colored clothing that looked a little warn. When his dark brown eyes roamed over me like I was some type of good my anger flared. He smirked before bending down and placing one of his large fingers underneath of my chin, forcing me to tilt my head up so that I looked him in his eyes. "What's a pretty lady like ya doing in a place like dis?"

My eyes widened and fear shot though me when I realized that my hood had fallen down revealing my face. I had slightly pointed ears, long wavy white hair that was pink at the end, and rose colored eyes. My looks where easily recognizable to anyone who was looking for me and I quickly batted the mans hand away and pulled my hood back up to cover my face. Ignoring the mans question, I looked into his eyes with a serious expression. "Are you the shop owner?"

He stood up tall and puffed his chest out seemingly trying to impress me unsuccessfully. Unfortunately for him I already disliked the guy not only because of his rudeness but also because he's making a profit of selling people. "Dat ah am! Sloven's the name, what can ah do for ya?"

Straining my cloak, I said in an unimpressed tone "I've come to buy a giant." Getting strait to the point.

Sloven's eyebrows shot up and his eyes flickered with surprise before he broke into a hardy laugh. When I looked at him unamused he finally realized I wasn't joking. "Yer serious?" he questioned. I didn't answer and he smile a large toothy grin. "Well then, ya just follow me ta tha back and we'll talk business den." He said seeming intrigued.

Sloven glanced once more at the naga boy before giving a swift kick to the cage. It rattle nosily causing the young boy to cower further back in the small enclosure. Sloven walked away with a hardy laugh making me hate him further. As I passed by my heart broke for the naga boy as he looked at me with fear and desperation. I couldn't help but feel guilty as I ignored him and followed Sloven to the back. Quietly I whispered an apology for not being able to help set him free. I couldn't lose sight of my goal. I would have to harden my resolve if I wanted to accomplish what I set out to do. I couldn't help every being in here and even if I did somehow convince Sloven to let me buy everyone and set them free, he would just bring in more slaves or recapture them afterwords.

We exited though the tents rear flap back out into the desert and my eyes widened. I inhaled in surprise at the sight before me. The tent was set up along the canyon wall along with a walkway built slightly over the cliff edge. As I walked out onto the platform I couldn't help but look on in amazement at the humongous posts hammered into the ground with the giants chained up to them. They where set up along the long walkway so that a buyer could view the giant of there choice without much hassle. "Da be a impressive sight, doncha think?" Slovens sudden voice made me jump. As much as I hatted it I could only nod in reply. We began to walk along the walkway and I couldn't help but be in awe. Indeed they where impressive. I hadn't seen a giant before but I had herd stories about them all thoughout my life.

My heart sunk in sorrow though when I saw the way that they where kept day in and day out. Shackles and chains where locked tightly around their torsos, hands, and feet. The chains where pulled tight so that the giants could barely move an inch and where held in an x shape. You could tell the newly acquired giants from the others who had been here longer. The newer ones had hope in there eyes and pulled slightly on there chains uselessly. The other giants who had been here longer hung there head in despair and their skin that was exposed was burt from being out in the sun to long. All the giants had on a collar that was required in this country. I scowled in dismay but I knew it was the only thing that would keep us safe if one of them got lose and decided to attack.

"So what do ya think? Do ya see one ya like yet?" Sloven asked. "Not yet." She replied in dismay as she continued walking. She was nearing the end of the platform and she was quickly running out of choices. Any of these giants would do she supposed, except for the sickly one she just passed by...but something told her that the ones she had seen where not the right choice and that she should not trust them. Her mother always taught her to listen to her instincts, thus getting her out of trouble more times than she could count.

Suddenly I saw the last giant and my body froze in place when my eyes landed on him. He was much larger than the other giants and towered overtop of the polls that held him at bay. Because of how huge he was he was forced to sit back on his legs as his shackles around his legs held him tightly down. His arms where stretched out wide as the two extra poles helped to hold him in place along with extra chains that where wrapped around his waist and chest. His hair was midnight black and framed his face, not exactly long but not to short either. He wore long lose gray pants, a pair of simple sandals that tied at the ankle, a dark blue sleeveless tunic, a black sleeveless vest that was unbuttoned, and a short dark blue cloak with a hood that only came down to his elbows. I saw a strange tattoos that ran along his arms and I couldn't help but wonder what they meant. He watched her intently, his bright blue eyes almost seeming to glow, as she walked up to the railing looking up at him in awe. He looked down at her with a defiance as if he was challenging her to try hold his gaze. Entranced she leaned forward further.

Sloven grabbed my shoulder and quickly pulled me back. "Careful lass, ya wouldn't want ta get any closer ta that one." He said. I looked up at him with wide questioning eyes. "Why not?"
He grimaced and glanced at the giant before he answered "He's ah beast of ah man ah tell yeah that much. He's already killed his previous owner an den three of my workers. When tha authorities sent us out to recapture em ah thought ah was a goner. Luckily ah was quick enough to bring tha monster down. Now we are just try'n to decide what ta do with em since its not safe ta sell him...Probably will be facing ah death sentence after what he's done."

I couldn't help but glance at the giants enormous hands as a shutter ran though me after hearing what he had done. The giant let out a loud low threatening growl and his mussels bulged as he jerked towards us against his restraints causing Sloven and I jump back in fear. He looked furious as he opens his mouth to speak but the words where choked out of him before he could say anything as the collar around his neck tightened. Apparently they didn't want him saying anything for some reason. He chains made a loud clashing sound as they drew taunt but held firm. After a few tense seconds he finally gave up and settled back down after struggling. Sloven gave a nerve chuckle. "Well, glad ta see that those chains ah got where tha real deal." He muttered.

The giant continued to stare at me as he regain his breath. For some unknown reason I felt like I could trust him against my better judgment. "Why don't ah show ya one of tha others. I'm sure yea would be much more intreseknd in dem." Sloven said as he tried to pull me away. I jerked my arm back and looked closely up at the giants eyes trying to see what it was that drew me to him. "Why is he so much bigger than the other three giants?" I finally asked aloud once I found my nerves again.

Sloven looked puzzled before realization lit his eyes. "Dis monster ain't no giant miss. He is what we call a titan! They are far larger than their relatives over there and more brutal too. You don't see many of his kind any more, truth be told he's probably one of da last few dat exist."

My eyes widened in surprise and curiosity. Occasionally I remembered hearing the word titan here and their as a child but I just thought that they where a myth! If I remembered correctly they where a race of giants that use to be part of the royal guard that protected the king and queen before the fall of giant kind long ago. It was amazing to find out that they actually existed!

"Ya best off chasing one one tha others lassie. We wouldn't want ya ending up like his last master now would we. Dat would just be such ah waste." Sloven chuckled as he stepped aside and rapped his large arm around my shoulders. Chills tingled up my spine as I was held annoyingly close to the man. He gestured the way we had come and I bit my lip as I turned to leave. Something in my heart told me to turn back and I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder one more time at the titan pushed along. He looked like he could care less but his eyes didn't leave mine and he seemed like he was able to stare strait into my soul. My heart beat franticly in my chest like I was about to make a dreadful mistake if I left now. Ducking under Slovens arm I rushed back to the railing. Sloven gave a shout of protest but I ignored him.

Gripping the railing tightly I stared up into his eyes and searched for something anything that would let me know I wasn't about to make a mistake. His expression hardened causing me to flinch but I held my ground...His eyes held all kinds of shades of blue and looked like the night sky making me appreciate their beauty no matter how hard his gaze became. Emotions swirled around in them making it hard for me to tell what he was feeling but just around the edges of them, I could see a caring quality in him...If my feelings where telling me correctly....He was the one that I could trust.

I made my decision right then and there that might be my last. "....I'll take him."