A stage, shackles, a hall full of people, masks, whispers… Vine’s gaze darted from corner to corner, she didn’t know what to do with herself. Her bones ached and tears were gathering in the corners of her eyes from the fact that she had spent a couple of days before in a cramped cage. She swayed slightly, constantly trying to find her footing. She was asked to twirl, kneel, say “please” and other things to test her submission. Vine is taken off stage, shoved into a hated cage and taken to an unknown location. A couple of hours in a cramped space later, she is left on the threshold of a rich mansion. A week has passed since Vine arrived at the mansion. She tries to be quiet and obedient, hoping for the best. She is in clean clothes, at the same table with Anon. Anon’s voice knocks her out of her thoughts. They give the order to approach them. Vine takes small steps to the other end of the table, looking down at Anon, not understanding. She follows the subtle movement of their hand and realizes that she should kneel down. She carefully kneels in front of them, batting her eyelashes. When no further instructions are given, Vine lowers her head slightly and rubs her cheek against their thigh. “Yes, master/mistress?” She said quietly, then pulled away, embarrassed.