Womanish Lady

Chapter 1: Part 1:

The captives were made to walk halfway nonstop, then sleep, then the next morning, they arrived in the land of their invaders. By then, the captives were low in spirits and mournful, but they were quiet, and taking in the new environment.

While the leader dispersed, a horseman informed them of their lifestyle from now on. It was nothing new for them, except they would specialize in one particular duty and have an Overseer to satisfy. They were then assured that if they stayed quiet, and fulfilled their duties well, they would have an easy life here.

Then, the males were told to look to their right, and introduced to their new Superiors. Likewise with the females, looking to their left. Then dispersed. The older generation of villagers went a different way from the youths.

Their Teacher took one last look at his female students, and looked at Fuyaiyah, and smiled despite everything.

Fuyaiyah carefully took in the new area for a different reason she didn't know of yet. She was so busy taking in her surroundings that she was surprised when Junnie tapped her on the shoulder, and when she turned around, saw that all her female classmates were nearby. Fuyaiyah was relieved to see them all alive, and smiled.

At least you guys are still alive."

The females were brought in front of a gate with the sign "Maiden's Village" on it. They were put into lines, and the Superiors stood in front of them.

"This is where you will be staying. There are three parts to this village - Culinary, Embroidery, and the Civil part, but you will be put into the one that we determine best for you individually. The rest of this day will be your training. But starting tomorrow, you'll be working for the Royal Palace, and the wealthy, as well as former civilians - so I suggest you learn quickly."

Some of the Superiors stepped out of line to begin inspecting the girls and determining which part of the village they belong to based on appearance. Then one of them approached Junnie.

"You look like you know how to make a good meal - step out; you're going to be a Culinary maid."

"She looks like she only knows how to eat a good meal. No, place her in the Civil area. She will move around alot and lose all that extra weight." interjected another Superior.

And it was done. Fuyaiyah and Carleigh consoled Junnie before she went to her new line.

Fuyaiyah was randomly placed in the Civil area, and stepped out of line without letting it show that she was happy with their choice.

When they were finished, they were all newly lined up in front of their two Superiors, and one Overseer. They were taken into the village - a vast area, and departed with the other women.

First, they were shown where they would be staying. A series of neighboring shacks were present.

"There'll be one maid who's been here for a long time that two of you girls will be bunking with. So hurry and get changed - your new clothes are on your beds - and then learn all you need to from your maid. We will see each other again at dinner."

Then the Civil area's Superior departed, and the two leftover overseers randomly chose two of them to a shack. Fuyaiyah and Junnie were separated.

For the remainder of that day, Fuyaiyah, and everyone else were shown the areas of the village that they're to be familiar with and were told various important things regarding their new line of work. But Fuyaiyah was mostly looking around until she was called out.

"You there!" said one of the Overseers. "I'm not repeating myself, so I hope you heard all of what I said today!" then said to everyone.

"Remember, we're Civil Maidens. That means that we have to do work for not only the royal and the wealthy, but also around town. These people will find any little thing to complain about, so I advise you to stay focused on what you're doing. For my sake."

This was the conclusion of the Civil Maidens training. They went back to the shacks and immediately had dinner.

Fuyaiyah and Junnie sat next to each other, but Fuyaiyah was lost in thought.

Junnie slid herself with her tray closer to her. "It was hard for me to stay focused, but did you learn anything, Fuya?"

Fuyaiyah clicked back into reality, and gave her familiar friend a smile. "I learned a lot."

"Good. I had a hard time keeping up with some instructions. But now I have someone to help me."

"Yes." she felt the urge to rub Junnie's back. "I'll help you - don't worry."

Junnie relaxed, and Fuyaiyah went back to thinking.

The next morning, Fuyaiyah and her bunkmate were awoken unpleasantly by their Superior.