Never ownED myself

light of hope

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"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." — Desmond Tutu

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In a silver cage, a man was paraded for miles through many cities. Burns covered his skin, testifying to every bump on the road that caused him to burn himself with the silver bars. Some more severe than others.

His labored breathing masked his silent complaints. Every passerby could only wonder if the man was dying with each breath, as each was more laborious than the one before, but no one dared to come to his aid. The uneasiness was palpable in some, while others rejoiced in his misery. Some used him as a target for ridicule, others as a toy to be aimed at with various projectiles, much to the king's delight.

Damon was paraded through the village, even making detours to let all creatures witness what was reserved for anyone willing to question the king's rules.  No title or rank would be spared if they had the audacity to confront the king.

For days the man slept, pissed and defecated in the same cage. New straw was added without removing the old, making the journey an ordeal for the prisoner.  Injected with wolfsbane, his wounds remained open, some became infected, calling for more insects to feast on his flesh.

Finally, they reached their destination.
A trumpet sound could be heard from miles away, announcing the king's arrival. As they approached, they could hear noises as loud as thunder without a cloud in the sky. It was the sound of shields and armor banging together to greet the king.

As they passed through the front gate, a wiping sound filled the air.  There was no need for super hearing, someone was being whipped. More likely a prisoner. Any reason was enough to have them processed and followed. Most of the time, a higher-up would make accusations about a rival just to get rid of his competition. The system was so flawed that one piece of evidence could seal the fate of an entire family. Times were hard, unpredictable, and unforgiving. The king loved every bit of it. For him, only the strongest, both physically and mentally, could survive in the end. It was a purge, and with it, the flourishing way of life they once had was tarnished and disregarded.

As the gate closed, they became temporary guests within the prison. Every wall was well guarded and armed. The place was well secured and the only purpose was to keep people inside, knowing that no one in their right mind would come to rescue the people inside.

As the king dismounted his horse and climbed the stairs, the guards changed formation to face him.

The king clapped his hands.
" Well done! So far!" He looked around with cautious eyes. "I thought we were missing some entertainment!"

A man ran forward from the side of the stairs, missing a few in his haste.
"Sir, we have prepared many options that we believe will be to your liking. Please tell us what you desire. Command and you shall have it."

"I need a show to lift my spirits. Bring me your selection. I need something new."
The man nodded. A signal was sent, followed by the sounds of cloth and metal restraints approaching. Not long after, the sounds of chains replaced them.

Women of all sizes and shapes paraded in beautiful fashion. Each dress was tailored to enhance each woman's beauty. For some it was the color of their eyes, for others it was their skin, and for some it was their curves.

Unlike any other time, the king moved to the edge of his seat. His nostrils flared to take in his surroundings, his eyes growing wary as he scanned each woman as she came into formation.

The woman danced to a joyful melody, though their bodies danced gracefully and in sync, their eyes kept looking at the floor below. Usually unperturbed, the king stayed for the performance, expecting to decipher whose scent had made his wolf forget his rank.