A warm fire lies before you, around it, your closest and most trusted friends and family. Together you feast on pheasants plump and juicy. You sip on mulberry wine and dance until the night fades into the dawn. In the morning you awake holding the ones you love and kissing them softly. Their warmth keeps you nourished and gives you hope for a bright future.

That’s what the old stories used to say at least. We were once feared and powerful creatures, now we are shadows of a great race. The Snow Elves used to have a voice that would make the world tremble. That is, until the humans ran us underground. Whoever the humans didn’t kill, they abducted. They would spit at us and call us Falmer, they would never address us as equals.

It wasn’t long until our people fell apart. We all lost our families and friends. Our people perish each day because we are so far from the light. Underground we breathe only debris and we cannot see the monsters ahead. We have lost so many of our kin to the darkness that lurks beyond our eyes.

The lucky ones are abducted, this way they can at least live a life with a high ranking human. Although a life with humans is barely a life at all. Since we are not equals to them we get treated like animals. They use our people for any sick desire they see fit. We hide as well as we can, so how do they keep finding us?

“Wake her up!” A loud voice jolts the girl back to her senses.

“With pleasure.” They reply with a sultry tone.

She was suddenly forced up, there was something over her head and her hands were bound by some manner of rope. The burlap sack was ripped off her head as she staggered, blinded by the light. She steadied herself and pale pink eyes fluttered open, slowly so as not to hurt her eyes so used to the dark.

The man who forced her up was staring, mouth agape.

The other man, doing paperwork, looked over. “Have you never seen a Falmer before Ser?”

“I’ve seen all manner of Elf, but this one is quite exquisite.” He laid his hand on my face, my ashen skin felt cool against his warm palm. “I’ve never seen such a color of skin before.”

“They do live underground you know. She’s probably just dirty and it’s my job to clean her up.” The man said putting his paperwork down.

The other man stopped him. “Could I do the honors?” His tone left little to the imagination.

“No, but you can watch.” This man was all business.

The second man huffed and crossed his arms. His intense blue eyes wouldn’t dare stray from this.

The first man walked up to me, he smelled of old ale and blood. A man that is used to dealing with fights. He ran his fingers through his beard and then started undressing me. His brown eyes seemed innocent, this was his job and not one he took lightly. His goal was to honor his masters.

Once I was bare skinned he grabbed a pail of water. The man with the blue eyes licked his lips, he was loving every second. The bearded man slowly poured the water over my head, the water felt cool as it ran down my body. My long silver hair glistened like icicles. He grabbed a small rag and scrubbed my skin. My porcelain color returning after many years in hiding.

The man with the blue eyes could barely contain himself at this point. “Give me 10 minutes with the girl. I’ll make it worth your while Arthur.” He produced a large bag of gold and tossed it up into the air catching it before it fell.

Arthur chuckled, “Orders say I’ve to bring her to the master unsullied as soon as I’ve cleaned her up.”

The man with the gold clicked his tongue. “These nobles always get everything they want.”

“Ser, you ARE a noble.” Arthur replied.

“Ahhh, so you agree.” The blue eyed man approached me seizing my wrist.

“Gods, how long has it been since you’ve bedded a lady Simon?” Arthur asked.

“Just this morning.” Simon wittingly remarked. Both men burst into uproarious laughter.

“Ahhh that was a good one.” Arthur said wiping tears from his eyes. “You know I would if I could my friend.”

Shutdown once again Simon sulked releasing my wrist. “So which of these lucky bastards gets her?”

“She is to be a gift for the young master Edwin.” Arthur said retrieving new clothes.

“Oh Gods, he won’t know what to do with her!” Simon shook his head his blonde curls bobbed with his motions. He wore a black feathered cap and a striking red silk shirt. She had never seen such beautiful fabric before. He was impeccably well dressed compared to Arthur.

Arthur wore a simple quilted brown long sleeved shirt. You could tell it had seen plenty of wear with his line of work. After handing me the clothing he retrieved, I quickly put on each piece. I felt like a piece of meat on display for Simon and he savored each time I turned or bent to dress myself.

“I suppose it doesn’t much matter, you know me I love a challenge.” Simon shot Arthur a coy smile.

Arthur just rolled his eyes and looked me over. My outfit was also simple, a plain white blouse and black skirt. The blouse accentuates my bosom and was intended for entertainment.

Simon approached me, getting close enough to whisper in my ear. “You will be mine.” He said his words dripping with heat. My cheeks flushed. Startled I backed up against the wall. Simon wasn’t expecting that reaction. He laughed loudly staring at Arthur. “She’s awfully cute for a Falmer. You pick out a name yet?” Simon asked.

“Aw shite I knew there was something I forgot.” Arthur scratched at his shaggy brown hair. He seemed completely unsure what to call me.

“Let me do the honor. I think we should call her Snow.” Simon grinned with excitement.

Arthur was satisfied. “Good enough for me.” He took my bindings and led me out the door.

“Well then Snow, I’ll be back for you later.” Simon left with a wink.

As we left my holding cell I could only imagine what was waiting for me upstairs. I closed my eyes hoping to wake from this nightmare, but reality unfolded before me. All I could do now was accept my fate.