The Guardians Of Zion

CHAPTER 11 - OXFORD DINNER

***Galiera's Point of View***

She was just a year older than me. Married? I couldn't imagine myself being married to any of the lab scientist or directors. They didn't see me as worthy of anything. I was a failure to them. Even when they asked me to do things that I felt uneasy or disgusted by, but did them, they still said I wasn't good enough. I was always just a rat to them. But this girl...Shanora? Married one of those old men? Mr. Oxford could be her grandfather, or at least an older father. 

Even still, I suppose we will get to meet her personally very soon at dinner. I should probably get dressed, especially since Zack is taking quite the interest in me as of late.

 *a smirk comes on her face*

I must admit it does feel good to be noticed. The way he helped assist me with my bath was very...gentle. His hands were soft, his touch was careful, yet passionate. Something I've never experienced. The directors in the lab only touched me with such urgency and aggression. Something that felt very eager and too authoritative. I was an object, a piece of furniture to them. And honestly, I let them because I wanted to be wanted. I needed to be wanted to survive being there. I only wanted them to look at me and be proud.

I never thought they would do some of the things they did to me. Never dreamed or imagined, but I allowed it or at least I didn't deter from it because I felt a sense of need or desire in them. That part I did pleasure in. When their eyes were on me and their faces lit up when I was unclothed, it empowered me. It gave me a high to know that such powerful men who were able to do so much with their knowledge, minds, science, and technology could fall victim to the natural blossoming physique of a young teenage girl.

But Zack...Zack was different. His motives were pure. I entered into the room while he was there. He never made me feel like an object. He gave me his full attention. His eyes were full of blue and wonder. He truly gave me a taste of what it looked like to watch someone cherish the very essence of a moment. I wasn't prepared for his reaction. I only wanted his lust and desire. I feigned for it. I was use to somebody seeing me and falling victim to their own lust. I wasn't use to someone valuing my privacy while also being so careful and gentle with me. 

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Zack - "Galiera, Um, so i'm going to head on down to dinner. I guess i'll see you there?"

Galiera - "Yea. Sure."

Zack - "Ok. Oh and by the way. You look very nice."

Galiera - "Oh. Haha. Thanks."

I nervously laughed. Again. I wasn't use to those kinds of compliments. I know my face was flushed red. I had to take a look at myself again in the mirror. He thought I looked nice? I literally threw on a denim zip-up romper that covered up to my neck, a pair of black leather boots, and eyeliner. I wish there was something else I could do with my hair, but it was so course and matted, I just let it lay down. It never laid completely straight down. It had this unnatural curl to it that wouldn't go away. Well, this was it. The Oxfords. Here we go.

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As I was heading downstairs, I could hear voices getting louder as I got closer...

Mr. Oxford - "...and that's how Brenden and his team of disciples escaped the Melgoll. Those evil flying, biting fur-balls of hell. Haha! My goodness. Oh hey. Well look who has arrived. Welcome, dear. Have a seat."

Shanora - "Hey Galiera! It's so nice to see you in person! Come here. Sit by me."

I have to say, Shanora was gorgeous. She was tall and long. She had blindingly shiny blonde hair, a very fair complexion, a solid strong face, and a very mature figure. By the look on Zack's face I could tell he agreed with my assumption.

Galiera - "Hello, Shanora. Ok. And hello again, Mr. Oxford."

Mr. Oxford - "So, Galiera, how is your leg?"

Galiera - "Perfectly fine now, sir. Thank you. That Veravilant ointment really does do wonders."

Mr. Oxford - "Yes it does. We pay good merits to keep things like that in stock, too. I was telling White Owl here that he could take a few capsules with him. It's enough to hold you for at least 6 or 8 missions if somebody got hurt each time.

Shanora - "Galiera, dear, what would you like to eat?"

I had no clue. I wasn't use to being asked what I wanted. Just being told what I was going to get. The table was fascinating. So many colors of vibrant dishes laid out for us to choose from. They had grilled ember lizard tail on a stick, fried dirt dog thigh that looked so delicious, they had freshly baked orange weeds and star bread. How they made the dough blue I had no clue. I've only had brown star bread. They had other dishes I had never seen. Things I was never introduced to. Something that looked like a plate full of grilled wings of some creature. Either way I was unsure.

Galiera - "It doesn't matter. I'll have a little bit of everything, I suppose."

Shanora - "Uh oh, somebody has an appetite."

Everyone began to laugh. I was embarrassed. But I actually liked this feeling. I felt safe and secure. I felt like an individual. I didn't feel imprisoned. I wasn't so scared that I had to act brave. I didn't have to be naked to be visible to them. And I didn't have to do something perfect or get something right every time to find praise or to be complimented. It was really nice to just be me with them all.

Mr Oxford - "How was your shower? Were the accommodations to your liking?"

Zack - "Hmm hmm. Yes! Yes, they were. Thank you. The shower was great. The towels were nice and warm. The bed is lovely, thank you. Couldn't be any more perfect."

Everybody laughed hard, again.

Mr. Oxford - "Hahahahaha! So you REALLY enjoyed everything, huh, my boy?"

Mr. Oxford looked over to Zack and winked and then looked over to me. Wasn't exactly sure what that generalized gesture meant, but I take it they knew the code. I started to feel, somewhat, like the center of attention again.

Mr. Oxford - "Haha. Well, Zion. Oh Zion. You have once again provided for us. We say thank you as we bless this wonderful meal that has been made for us. We shall enjoy it and hope to be blessed with many more like it. Alright, everyone, eat up!"

The food was delicious. I had a plate full of everything I knew about and a few things I've never had before. Hot, sizzling juices rolled down my lips as fresh, minty aromas filled the room. The sensation that my nose was having was so pleasurable. I never ate for pleasure, only for survival. But this was so enjoyable. The wings came from the creature that Mr. Oxford was talking about earlier. Melgolls. They are bird-sized furry creatures, but they have webbed wings and sharp teeth. Apparently, they feed on other small creatures and human brains. Mr. Oxford said he takes pleasure in capturing and eating them. He said it was a delicious form of revenge for those who weren't so lucky.

*KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!*

Unknown voice - "HELP! HELP! MR. OXFORD! ARE YOU THERE? HELP!"

Somebody was banging at the door yelling for help. Everybody shot up out of there chairs looking in the direction of the hallway leading up to the back door we all came in at.

Mr. Oxford - "White Owl! Shanora! Go check out who that is for me please."

Derxus - "Yes, sir!"

Shanora - "Ok."

Mr. Oxford, Ryoll, Zack, and I stood there and waited to find out who could possibly be at the door...

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