1794 (A Frazel AU)

Tristian's Funeral (Part one)

"Seems like the new guy has a thing for you", Piper whispered to Hazel as they walked to the slave huts that night. Hazel whimpered.

"Those white men need to rape someone their own color", Hazel muttered.

Piper hushed her. "Don't let Micah hear you. He'll tell Master."

Hazel rolled her eyes. "Then he'll actually tell the truth for once."

Micah was known for his lying. He was one of the slave drivers that overviewed the plantation. He would often lie and get slaves whipped to stay on Master's good side. However, even though he lied to stay in the green with Master, he tries to save you from most of your punishment. So he was a good douchebag.

"Well speak of the devil", Piper whispered as said negro came up to them, flaunting himself on a mangy, broken down horse.

"Hello ladies", Micah said, hopping off the horse.

"Good night Micah", Piper responded. "Any slaves punished today?"

"Very funny." He looked at Hazel. "Aren't you supposed to be somewhere", he asked with a frown.

"Unfortunately", Hazel said with a frown.

Piper looked between the two of them. "Am I missing something?"

"Hazel here has to carry a child", Micah announced solemnly.

Piper looked at Hazel with empathy. She already had three kids, each one of them sold for ten dollars. Hazel remembers the tears her friend cried that night. Broken, heartfelt sobs that affected everyone on the plantation. Piper looked down at her feet. "Good luck."

"Thanks", Hazel wanted to tell Piper about her escape tonight, and maybe take her along, but now she couldn't thanks to Micah. The little snitch would tell on her for sure. "I'll try."

"Piper", Zia, another slave girl, came up to her and whispered in her ear. Piper's face crumbled and she fell to her knees.

"Pipes!", Hazel said, kneeling down beside her. "What's wrong?"

"My dad...", she trailed off. "My dad's dead."

Hazel froze. She just saw him this morning, alive and well. "He died in the hut."

Hazel remembered Tristan, Piper's father, greatest wish: I wish to die free with my daughter, that's all I ask.

That's it, she's leaving tonight, with Piper and her mother. And no one can do a thing about it.

"Hey Hazel?", a voice called out to her as Piper was taken away.

"Um?", Hazel grunted. It was Johnny. "What is it?"

"Is it okay if we....not slept together tonight?", he asked shyly.

"That would be disobeying Master's orders", Hazel pointed out, even thought Micah was long gone.

"Yes but, you think I want this more than you?"

The boy made a valid point so she said, "Alright then. Tomorrow night?"

~That night~

Hazel laid in bed, not able to sleep from excitement. She couldn't wait to be free, and she was so close. However, right before she decided it's time to go, her mother shook her gently.

"'Azel", Marie whispered.

"Uhm", Hazel responded.

"Time to go."

"Where?", there was no way Marie knew about her escape.

"Tristan's funeral."

Now Hazel remembered. Marie talked about it during dinner. She was so wrapped up with her escape she forgot. "Didn't Master say we can't."