As the gates of Seukine opened to the large entourage, a small girl couldn't keep the excitement from her eyes. Her head pivoted back and forth in astonishment. Seukine was said to rival the Holy Palace of Vahnain.

Firynei believed the rumors. Since she was a child, she had never seen such a magnificent place. Asila, her Master's home estate was beautiful in it own right, but couldn't even compare to the splendor of Seukine.

Unlike Asila, Seukine even had outer gates. A testament to the enormous size of Seukine. They had not even entered the second gate and already they were surrounded by rows of cherry blossom trees scoring the path to the second gate. The roadway was a distinctive white stone that was clear of blemishes. Unusual pink crystals also lined the edge of the path.

Firynei could feel a chill through her threadbare shoes as she dutifully followed at the back of the attendants line.

"Danu Fi must you linger on as an idiot?" a fairly large guard asked her. Guard Gi was the protector of the last attendants in the line. He was to keep them safe as they were the furthest from the Master's personal guards.

Guard Gi frowned at her and she lowered her head. She would bring shame if she were to be in awe at every second. Apologizing sincerely she continued with her eyes toward the ground.

If she were to make an excuse, this was her first time outside of Asila since she arrived there at five years old. It was hard for the young girl to not feel amazed at the elegance around her.

"Guard Ro Gi, where is Danu Fi? Master has called for her several times already." Ae Guard Ji Eriseni called out annoyed. The fifth guard of the third rank was nearly stomping as he came over. A huge hulking man like Guard Gi he incited fear in most. He glanced over to Firynei and placed his full attention was on her.

"Danu Ro Firynei is here," she said stepping forward quickly. The guard was already soured by having to travel so far back for a slave. He grabbed her arm painfully. She dare not speak out and could only accept the pain silently. Being two heads taller than her, she was nearly running to keep up with his long strides. With even a brief slow down she feared she would risk being dragged.

"Master 'dea has called your rank and name several times already and yet you boldly do not answer."

"I am not allowed to travel near master closer than eighty paces and as we are travelling with an attendant line I am not allow to be in front of anyone. I truly could not hear the call of Master," Firynei voice quivered as she explained.

"I need not hear your excuses," Ji Eriseni said still pulling the young girl harshly by her wrist.

Once they had gotten closer to the leading carriage, Ji Eriseni slowed down and soon the second gate became visible to everyone in the front of the entourage.

Firynei had never seen the Holy Palace Gates of Vahnain but seeing the gates of Seukine made her feel like she was seeing a glimpse of those gates. She would have felt amazement looking at the white and black gates if it weren't for the foreboding feelings growing in the pit of her stomach.

Master calling her to the front was strange. She should be the last to enter the gates. She would earn the contempt of the other attendants for the slight.

Estate Master Ghain 'dea Lashir stepped down out of the carriage. His black hair pulled up in a tight knot at the base of his neck. Every hair was in place even after the long journey. Lashir was a handsome man of 27 years. Firynei had never seen a man as stunning as he. With a strong jaw and straight nose he was quite the portrait of masculinity. Even so his eyes were one his most valued asset. A deep dark forest green that would draw in onlookers and leave them wanting to peer deeper in to the cloudy depths.

He looked down at the small girl that was almost folded in half. Ghain 'dea smirked at the display before calling her, "Danu Ro."

With only saying her rank and status, Ghain 'dea earned a tense reaction from the girl. She was obedient to him. Taught well over the twelve years in his family's care.

"Master," she answered quietly.

"As we enter Seukine you are to remain at my side. The steps you know in the law will be disregarded for the duration of this stay."

"M-master?" Firynei was stunned by the Master's words. As a Danu Ro, Firynei was not ignorant of her rank. She was of the lowest status being a slave and then the lowest of ranks as a slave. Then she was the unclean Danu because of her duties to clean up the latrine and take care of the animals. Being near the master was a crime and yet she was told to stay close.

"You must remember my order Danu." Ghain 'dea said turning back to the carriage to aid his Estate Mune down.

Firynei quickly move back the appropriate space to avoid insulting Mune Lashir. Ghain 'dea put down the tiny woman after lifting her down. They both wore matching black and green robes. The dominate color being black brought out Mune Lashir fair skin. The woman was the perfect match for Ghain 'dea. She was as beautiful as he was handsome. Her doe eyes a deep brown that made her look like a doll.

She glanced to Firynei and then looked up to her husband, "Ai'dea?" she spoke using a term of endearment reserve only for a Mune.

"Ai'han, bear with her. No insult will fall upon you as long as I am by your side." Ghain 'dea's sweet honey words smooth over Mune Lashir's concern faster than lightning.

The small woman inclined her head to her husband, and he took her hand gently to guide her forward to the opening gates.

Firynei was unsure of how she was to proceed. There would undoubtedly be many servants inside and Asila servants. How was she not to bring insult upon anyone? It was impossible. She didn't understand why her master had done something like this. Yet, she had no choice but to obey lest she brought disgrace on her master in front of the Seukine people.