Kenzie had remained silent during the transition, having tried to stop the butler from bringing her things but realizing it was futile. She had taken a shower and was sitting and was staring out of the large window that faced a rear garden.

Artemis knocks on her door...

Hector leads her into the large family room off the kitchen...where Artemis is sitting...working on a needlepoint project...

Kenzie thanks Hector and steps into the family room. She takes a deep breath before saying softly "I think I am ready to tell you what you happened"

Artemis looks surprised...she lays aside her project...giving Kenzie her full attention..."Only if you want to..."

Kenzie swallowed hard and stepped further into the room "I need to... I am tired of carrying it on my own" she sighed and sat down in a chair across from Artemis.

"I am not giving up" she said "that was never what I wanted. its just that after everything....I dont know who to trust anymore"

Kenzie lets herself be held for a few moments before sitting back and wiping her eyes.

She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly "So what happens now?"

Artemis reaches over to the table next to her and grabs a few tissues...handing them to Kenzie..."Well...now you get to make a few choices.  You are valuable to the slavers...They saw how much someone was willing to pay for you...So that rules out going back home since they run the village now.  Most of the ones we rescue are given new identities...some cash...a new life in a new kingdom...We have contacts in Canterberry, Helios and Brimstone that help out the ones we send to them adjust to new lives...new cultures and new languages...The restriction obviously...is you cant come back...you would be in immediate danger if you did...The second option is you "join" our household staff...The slavers would see you working for us...and leave you alone...the downside obviously is you still appear to be a slave...until you are..."freed"...when your value would be of no interest to the slavers...and that unfortunately can take a very long time..."

Kenzie took the tissues and nodded "Ok, how long until you need an answer?"

Artemis gently reaches up...brushing Kenzie's hair away from her face and tucks it behind her ear..."No rush...take the time that you need.  This isnt an easy choice."

Kenzie nods "thank you" she says softly. She takes a deep breath "If you dont mind, would I be able to go to the kitchen and make something to eat?"

Artemis nods..."Hector should be in there getting things ready for lunch...he'll help you find whatever you need.  "

Hector is in the kitchen...starting lunch...He has a pot of freshly made tomato soups on the stove...and he was putting together cheese sandwiches to toast...

Kenzie gives a timid smile "hello Hector" she says softly, still mostly unsure of her place and how to act. She stands just to the left of the doorway

Hector gives her a warm and welcoming smile.  "Good afternoon little miss...What can I do for you?"

Kenzie was looking around the kitchen "I was wondering if I could get something to eat.... or maybe help you get things together?"

You are most welcome to help me finish setting up lunch.  It is only ourselves...and the Duchess today...

"thank you"  Kenzie says and walks over to help Hector finish with the sandwiches. Kenzie is silent as she helps, still many thoughts going through her mind.

Hector sets the sandwiches she finishes on a tray to bake in the oven…”What sort of activities do you like to do…Miss Kenzie?”

He smiles softly after she says that.  "You have survived...you are alive...back on the road to health...and landed among those who care about you."

Kenzie starts to turn away but stops and faces him "for now" she says softly "but surviving... that is a life long battle and it is not always visible" she says softly and with wisdom seeming beyond her years. She shakes her head and puts a smile back on her face "But, you are right. I have made it this far"

"No one knows what the future will hold. I have found it best to take it one day at a time" she says. Kenzie looks into the pot as she stirs the soup slowly

But dont be afraid to live...

You'll get there...it took me a while too...just take it day by day...

Kenzie nodded "I think the sandwiches are done, would you like me to serve the soup?"

"Bowls are to your left..."  He tells her...as he gathers up the silverware and cloth linens from their drawers...heading over to the circular breakfast room to set the table in there.  

Kenzie ladles out the soup and after a little searching finds a serving tray and she places the bowls on it, she turns and takes the sandwiches out of the oven and sets them on the counter to cool for a few moments while she takes the tray with the soup out to where Hector had gone. By the time she reached the room there was a fine tremor in her arms, she hated how weak she had become.

Artemis smiles warmly as she comes into the breakfast room...helping Kenzie unload the tray...Hector also returns...holding the hand of the little girl who has been bought with Kenzie.  With a broad smile...he lifts her into the chair with pillow on it to give her a bit more height.  He then holds out a chair for Kenzie...nodding to her...

Kenzie looked around warily and gave Hector a small smile as she sat down next down to the little girl.

Hector smiles back at her...before going over to the Duchess and pulling out her chair...after she sits down, he then sits next to Kenzie...starting to eat...while the little girl animatedly starts to tell Artemis about her adventures earlier that day swimming with Rommie.

"I am glad you had fun Emily.  Now this afternoon we are going to get together with the nice lady who makes outfits and get you some new things to wear so you will be ready for your trip."

"When am I leaving again?"

"Over the weekend...By next week, you will be on the farm I told you about with all the animals and the nice couple who cant wait to meet you."

Kenzie eats quietly as she listens to Emily and the others talking. Kenzie gazes out the window just lets the sounds of the conversation flow over her.

As they talk, Kenzie's attention is suddenly refocused on the conversation when she hears her name.  "...Kenzie should be fitted as well for some clothing.  I am fairly sure her style of dress is different from Lady Andromeda.  She may feel better in something designed for her."

"That is fine, if she wants to partcipate.  We could also allow her and Rommie to go shopping together after Rommie gets home..."

Kenzie refocuses on the conversation "I dont need to go shopping for clothes" she says as she finishes her sandwich

Artemis smiles at her patiently..."You only have one other change of clothes...and I doubt you want the rags you were wearing when we got you...you would probably feel better in something you picked out rather than something we gave you.  Plus I am sure there are other things you need, toiletries and whatnot..."

Kenzie shook her head "No, I mean, Yes I could use some... personal items, but you don't need to buy me any clothes. I can make my own.." she says as she gets up and begins to clear her dishes, her soup mostly untouched.

"Lets compromise...lets get you some things to start with...maybe a week or twos worth...while you are out...you can get whatever you need to make your own...That will give you some time to make things you like...Then later whatever you don't need...I am sure we will find someone who will be willing to take it off your hands."

Kenzie thought about arguing but saw Emily and nodded "Ok, that sounds good" she took her dishes into the kitchen.

Artemis nods...seeing that Kenzie had backed down...She gives the girl a reassuring smile..."Perfect.  Rommie will be home shortly so you girls can have some fun shopping.  Hector...can you see that things are set up...perhaps show Kenzie around..."

"Of course, Your Grace.  It would be my honor."

Kenzie cleans her dishes and after wiping her hands she slips outside and sits by the pool.

After a few hours to herself...Rommie comes outside...wearing a loose fitting white shirt with a tank top underneath, simple jeans...and sneakers..."Ready to go shopping?"