Jasper's fingers itched to cover up. He was fully exposed, and before that hadn't been a problem as slaves were seen only as possessions. He had grown use to being looked over by a critical eye, looking for imperfections and injuries following battles. This was different, under Kate's gaze Jasper had to focus hard on not squirming but remaining still. The fact that she had a brother did nothing to settle him. He ears lay flat as Jasper kept his head down. It wasn't until curiosity got the best of him and he dared to look up.<br/><br/>What he saw surprised him. Where once scars and marks had crisscrossed across his skin leaving so many memories and causing many to gasp when they saw them, the skin was near perfect again. He tracked with his eyes where old lines had been, dividing him up. It took him a few moments to believe this was real and not just some trick. Caught up in this, Jasper felt his face go red when he remembered Kate standing behind him. He met her gaze briefly before looking to the floor, shifting his weight from one foot to the other while he hands covered himself as much as possible.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Matt had regained consciousness not long after the guard left. Moving as little as possible he tested the cuffs, knowing full well they weren't going to budge. Moving his hands to his throat he felt the collar there and tensed before scolding himself.<br/><br/>"No, we are not going through this again." With some wriggling and a few annoyed noises, Matt got himself into a sitting position. From what he could see he had been left alone, mistake number one. Matt scanned the area, looking for the best escape route. Struggling to his feet, he once more checked for guards and made a run for it to a small path between two shops. Within three steps of the alley Matt's head was snapped back by a hand on his collar. Slamming to the ground once again, Matt growled.<br/><br/>"Where do you think you're going?" The guard asked, peering down at the slave.<br/><br/>"I don't think you're smart enough for me to tell, don't think it'd get through that thick skull of yours." Matt said as calmly as he could. The man's hand was still on the collar, making it impossibly tight. He fought back a whimper as memories of the last time he had been collared resurfaced. He felt the fist impact with his skull and couldn't help the cry that fell from his lips.<br/><br/>"Another one outta you and you'll wish you were unconscious." The guard muttered angrily as he pulled Matt up. "Should of used this on you the first time." Matt felt one of the guard's hands force his jaw open before putting a strip of cloth in his mouth. He nipped the man's fingers, earning a slap before the cloth was pulled tight and tied at the back of his head. A second strip was placed over top of the first, covering the majority of Matt's lower face.<br/><br/>"That should shut you up for the time being." The guard laughed, hooking a chain to the collar and dragging the boy back when he refused to stand. Matt seethed under the makeshift gag, wincing every time the guard's fist or boot connected with his thin frame. He knew he'd be a mess of bruises and scrapes but couldn't give in to the man's satisfaction of cooperation. Fighting against the chain, Matt was literally dragged back to the supply pile and tied to one of the carriage wheels. He wracked his brain trying to think of how to get out of this, silently hoping that someone would notice he was gone and come looking for him.