The mage slowly lifted her right hand and tilted his chin to look into his water pooled eyes, "It is just us. The door is closed. I told you there will be times just like now. I will not laugh or humiliate you. Do not worry, the Snead's will understand. That is why we are here. You are not the first slave from the House of Lyons to shop here. Papa brought other slaves here. He would barter traders or take captured slave bring then home or to the mages, teach them how to read, write, use money, learn choices, and learn a trade, then when they were ready, he set them free. Some slaves chose to work in town, on his ship, and others have remained as paid servants back home or for other families. He would have wanted me to bring you to the Snead's store. Your my only and first slave-gift. Papa would never allow me to get this close to anyone but my friends and family. You and I will have to learn from each other. I cannot promise this will not happen to you again. I can promise, if it does happen,I will rush you to a secluded, quiet place. You may hold my hand or hug me anytime you want or need to."<br/><br/>Kate opened her satchel that she placed next to the chair, he sat in, "Blow your nose, dry your eyes. You need items to keep you warm and dry. Do you want me to choose for you?"