Zizah

Zizah felt bewildered by the cacophony of the bustling city bazaar. Around her were cages with various creatures. Some were wild animals, such as snarling dogs and hissing cats, while others held domesticated pets, like fluffy rabbits and curious hamsters. But among the cages were others like her own that held people. The message was clear. She was being sold just like another 'animal.' She saw the placard stating her price. The number meant nothing to her; she couldn't even read it. But judging the reactions of passing customers, she guessed it must be quite high. For a moment, she hoped no one would buy her this time around either. She might be a virgin, but she was not naïve enough not to understand some of the hungry gazes of onlookers. The thought of being sold to one of those fat, stinking old men as a toy made her shiver inside. But she remembered the words of the slaver as they left the last market, just before he beat her: 'I've paid pretty coin for you girl, and you hiss at customers? If you're not sold soon, I have no choice but to hand you off to a brothel, they'll straighten you out in no time.' She caught the eye of a visitor further away. One that seemed not to care about the slave cages at all. 'Please,' she thought. If a person like that bought her, she wouldn't mind... The person looked intrigued and approached, then the eyebrows shot up as the price registered. She saw a strange wry smile, but no hesitation. "Please, can you not buy me?" She asked in a small voice, hating herself for sounding so desperate.