Breakfast, the most awkward meal of the day.

[Alyson Gregory]

"How do they own you? I thought that Sara won you, and Victoria had a prior claim, because of her mother."

[Onyx]

"They own my contract," Onyx says, "But I still am the property of the slavers."

[Alyson Gregory]

Alyson blinked in confusion "That doesn't even make sense."

[Onyx]

"It is to prevent slaves from being freed," Onyx says, "Clients simply take control of a contract. If they free me or default on their responsibilities, I return to being the property of the slave pens until a new contract can be made."

[Alyson Gregory]

"Is it possible to buy the actual contract?" Alyson asked "And what happens if your 'owner' frees you, and you simply don't go back."

[Onyx]

"It can be negotiated," Onyx says, "They send out hunters."

[Alyson Gregory]

"Well, you don't have to worry about hunters here." Alyson said firmly, mentally resolving to speak to Onyx's 'Mistresses' about getting the girl really freed.

[Onyx]

"I will take your word for it," Onyx says.

[Alyson Gregory]

"Good." Alyson said, smiling at Onyx. She might have said more, but the pancakes arrived "Wow, these really are delicious." she said around her first mouthful.

[Onyx]

Onyx nods as she eats, smiling softly as she licks a bit of berry off her fork.

"They really do make the best pancakes."

[Alyson Gregory]

"And the tea is good too." Alyson went on, trying not to think about what Onyx licking her fork made her think about.

[Onyx]

"It is," Onyx agrees happily, "Thanks for taking me here."

[Alyson Gregory]

"Thank you for suggesting it."

[Onyx]

Onyx blushes, "It is no big deal."

"So, where else do you want to go today?"

[Alyson Gregory]

"I need to go clothes shopping." Alyson said "Do you know a good place to get formal wear?"

[Onyx]

"Yes, ma'am," Onyx says.

[Alyson Gregory]

Alyson stiffened a little at the 'ma'am', but decided to just let it go. This time "Um, good, excellent. If you don't have other plans, maybe we can go there after breakfast."

[Onyx]

"Absolutely," Onyx says, "I need to find a dress for the wedding anyway."

[Alyson Gregory]

"Cool." Alyson said "We can kill two birds with one stone."

[Onyx]

"After that, do you care if we make a personal stop?" Onyx asks.

[Alyson Gregory]

"Not at all." Alyson replied "Wher do you want to go?"

[Onyx]

"It's a surprise," Onyx says with a sly smile.

[Alyson Gregory]

"Ok." Alyson said, wondering what Onyx was plotting.

[Onyx]

Onyx finishes up her breakfast, looking very happy.