<strong><em>Training grounds - Maschor and Variani</em></strong><br/><br/>Maschor is delighted with the slave assigned to him. She is easily the most exotic piece of flesh he has worked with since Adonia’s absurd ‘cost cutting’ exercises. Very much like one of the slaves he would have bought for his own stable. Naturally, he does not allow any of this to show on his face. That becomes difficult when he hears her snap:<br/><br/><strong>"The name is Variani, you stupid little lapdog. Not Varani."</strong><br/><br/>He bites the inside of his cheek so as not to laugh. Spirited. Not a challenge, but –<em>definitely</em>more fun to deal with.<br/><br/>He watches her distantly, then goes to get himself a bowl of tea. He aims to return only when the others have started work. Let her realize that she is unimportant.<br/><br/>When he does return, he does not speak to her. Conversation – even threats - are a privilege which must be earned. Slaves must not think they have any rights. They exist to serve the whims of their masters. Occasionally – if they are very lucky – they might receive some kindness. The trick is to convince the slave that these ‘rewards’ are not ‘earned’ – like the favour of the Gods, they are bestowed almost randomly. All the slave can be sure of is punishment for infractions.<br/><br/>Maschor is a large man with wide shoulders, and he knows how to use his build to loom over a slave. He also knows how to handle them physically. Handsome, blonde haired, with a trim beard and the same dark eyes as the rest of his family. Those eyes show nothing except indifference.<br/><br/>He yawns, and takes the girl in a secure grip. Without speaking, he leads her towards his own personal alcove.<br/>