So here is Rachel again. Let's see how she is adjusting to her new home after these first few days.

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Rachel

    As her first week on Magnus's estate passed, Rachel found herself falling into the routine of her new life. Every morning she would wake to find Alice already gone. It seemed the woman arose well before dawn every day to complete her tasks and Rachel began to wonder she ever truly slept at all. In the quiet of Alice's home Rachel would rise and dress on her own before walking to the main house to join the others in the kitchen

    Sometimes she would find Alice there waiting for her, working with Kathryn and whoever else had been assigned to the kitchens for the day. Other times, Kathryn was running the kitchen on her own. But regardless of who was giving direction, Kathryn made certain Rachel found a hearty breakfast awaiting her, with fresh bread and eggs and sausage. Whenever she could, the older girl would even stop her work and join Rachel as she ate, inquiring after her sleep and offering cheerful smiles to brighten her mood.

    When Rachel had finished her meal she would be given small tasks to help around the kitchen. She would peel potatoes, shell hard boiled eggs, cut up vegetables, knead dough for bread, whatever Alice or Kathryn found to keep her occupied.

After their mid-day meal, she would be allowed the chance to go outside and wander the grounds on her own, though sometimes Kathryn would join her if she could escape her work for a bit. As long as Rachel was back in time for help with the final dinner preparations, no one seemed to mind how long she disappeared for.

    Though most of the others continued to eye her with a bit more hostility than was comfortable, Rachel knew that with Alice and Kathryn's protection she was safe. Even the errant sibla workers she passed as she walked through the fields, exploring Magnus's lands no longer seemed so threatening. Though their presence occasionally reminded her of the reality she lived in, they left her alone and, for the most part, she could almost ignore their existence.

    This morning in particular had been exceptionally pleasant. Alice was in an uncharacteristically cheerful mood, encouraging all of the kitchen staff to be the same. Even Cynthia, typically the most sour of the other girls she'd spent time with, had given her a broad smile and offered her the chance to lick the spoon from the cookie batter bowl before they'd slid the cookies they'd made into the oven and washed the dishes.

    Though Kathryn was too busy to escape her other chores, the day was beautiful. The summer weather was finally overtaking any remnants of winter that had still lingered in her first few days there and already Rachel had abandoned her coat, leaving her bare arms exposed to the sun's gentle warmth as it kissed her skin.

She'd even forgone her shoes, carrying them with her in hand as she tread barefoot through the bright green grass all around her, savoring the soft squish of the ground beneath her toes. She'd learned her way to the lake after Kathryn had walked her there a few more times, and it seemed the perfect place to spend the afternoon.

    Rachel marveled at the beauty around her as she walked. The fresh budding wildflowers, the tall rows of corn, there was so much bounty in Magnus's farm. She'd loved her home in Demin of course, but the rocky terrain there had never been very good for growing. Here the world seemed so alive. She breathed in deep and inhaled the pleasant farm smells of dirt and grass, and grain.

    It was strange, but in spite of her captivity Rachel couldn't help but feel more free than she ever had before in her eight years. Mamma and Papa had always been so worried, she was hardly ever granted time on her own. Certainly not the freedom to roam wherever she wished. There were too many dangers, too many potential threats. But somehow on Magnus's farm, there seemed to be only peace. She loved the ability to go where she pleased without fear.

    Coming to the lake, Rachel ran happily down the grassy slope to the water's edge, setting her shoes on the ground and slipping her feet into the cool refreshing lake. She stared at the shimmering glint of the sun dancing across its surface and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to imagine Demin and the life she had lost. It was still surreal in her mind, almost as if her home still stood. Rachel almost imagined that if she closed her eyes she could still hear her mother's worried voice calling her back to the house.

But no one seemed to worry much here. Alice and Kathryn might have kept their eyes on her at first, but it seemed that both had other more important things to do than worry about her all the time. Still, laying in the sun, immersed in her thoughts Rachel soon found herself remembering what Kathryn had revealed about Alice when they' first come to the lake together on her second day at the estate.

    Alice was in charge of their lives. Alice had control over Magnus's actions. Could it really be true? Now that she had grown accustomed to her new home it was all too easy to forget the frightening reality she knew lurked just beneath the surface of her comfortable existence.

Her master still owned her. He was still the frightening man who had slaughtered those two boys without hesitation. He was still the creature intent on taking her life. Of course, that felt surreal as well now. Almost as improbable as the fact that her old home, her parents, and everything she'd ever known were gone forever.

    Since taking her from Gifre's evil operation she had barely seen Magnus at all. It was Alice who served their Master most of his meals, Kathryn had told her. Rachel realized that the long life Alice had been granted may have indeed come from truly faithful service to the sibla man. But if that was the case, Alice jealously guarded all direct interaction with him. Maybe she didn't wish for another to win his favor and take her place, Rachel thought to herself.

Having wandered the estate on her own Rachel now fully understood that escape would be foolish. It was clear enough that her new home was too isolated. She had nowhere to go anyway. It seemed that the only way to extend her life and survive would be to gain the favor of Alice or Magnus. Since she was still frightened of the sibla man and was unlikely to get anywhere near him, that just left Alice. Unfortunately, the woman remained a bit of a mystery.

    In the days since Rachel had first arrived, she had settled into a bit more of a comfortable relationship with Alice. At least enough to live with her in peace. Though the woman was still cold, she was certainly never cruel. Still, Alice's true thoughts and intentions seemed as unknowable as ever.

It made Rachel wonder all the more about Kathryn's assessment of the human who Magnus cared for so much. Was Alice truly looking out for them, as Kathryn suspected? Or were their certain ones of the flock she protected more carefully... Could she be convinced to care for Rachel herself the way she seemed to care for Kathryn? After all, she'd apparently purchased Kathryn's life herself. She'd spared Kathryn from death at least twice. Rachel was determined to try to for her favor. She had to if she had any hope of surviving longer than Kathryn's companions had. Laying in the sun, enjoying the beauty and freedom of her new life she was even more determined to do whatever she could to keep it.

    Having decided to return early from her journey to the lake, in favor of being with other people, Rachel was surprised to find Alice alone in the kitchen when she made her way back to the house.

    "Rachel?" Alice said in surprise when she walked through the door. "I had expected you would linger longer outside today. The weather is beautiful after all."

    It was true of course. Finding herself alone with Alice Rachel almost began to question her decision to abandon the bright blue sky and soft white clouds for the stone walls of the basement kitchen. But she had investigating to do. Her time alone had made her all the more certain of that and now she had been granted a stroke of luck. What better chance would there be to speak with Alice in private? She never seemed to wish to talk after work after all.

"I thought I might be of help," Rachel said, hoping the desire to serve would be endearing and make Alice more willing to speak. As she'd hoped, the old woman smiled, her good mood from the morning clearly still intact.

    "Well the others have gone to gain their own breath of fresh air before dinner preparations but I was planning to begin a bit myself," Alice said. "You have all been working hard and I have been quite busy and unable to help as much as I usually can. It's the least I can do. Perhaps you might help me chop some vegetables?"

    Rachel nodded as she joined Alice at the counter. Perhaps Kathryn was right after all. With the level of power Alice had it was clear she did not have to work much at all if she chose not to. Instead, she was allowing the others to enjoy themselves while she took on menial prep work. Maybe the old woman could be reasonable. Maybe she really could provide salvation.

    "You can begin with the peeling the carrots," Alice said, handing her a peeler before taking up a knife to thinly slice the mushrooms in the bowl by her side.

    Rachel took the first carrot in her hand. Peeling it carefully as Kathryn had taught her as the earthy smell of the vegetables filled the air and the bright orange emerged from beneath the knarled outer layer.

Watching Alice's busy hands, slicing through the other vegetables Rachel was somewhat in awe of her speed and precision skill. It seemed as if she would be able to complete all of the other's prep before they even returned. If she wished to speak to Alice and get answers would have to work up the courage to speak quickly. In the end however, the woman beat her to it.

    "How are you settling here Rachel?" she asked. Rachel was so surprised by the question she could find no words in her head to answer for a moment. She'd been too busy scheming, imagining ways to convince Alice to spare her life. But the old woman expected a reply.

    "I..." Rachel tried, looking to say something that might be an acceptable answer and win her favor.

    "I have noticed you seem to be getting along far better with the other girls. Kathryn in particular."

     "She has been very kind," Rachel answered softly, suddenly uncertain how she might ever ask her questions when talking to Alice directly still made her so very nervous.

    Alice nodded, going back to her chopping. "I must say I am glad to hear it, " the woman commented. "I run a tight ship in this kitchen and if you to be a regular worker here, it is essential that you and she can get along going forward. I would tolerate no dissent among those I keep in my direct kitchen team."

    Rachel didn't answer, though she couldn't help the slight squirming she felt in her stomach at Alice's comment. What were the consequences if there was dissent? From what Kathryn had told her, Alice had their Master's ear. If she could protect Kathryn by making a plea to Magnus, that must mean she had the ability to order death as well. Rachel went back to peeling.

    Did she have the nerve to ask her questions? she wondered. But as the minutes ticked past and Alice began moved from the mushrooms to onions, she knew she had to try.

    "Alice," Rachel said, her voice far too quiet to be heard. She coughed to clear her throat and tried again. "Alice?"

    "Hum?" the woman grunted, moving on to take the carrots Rachel had finished and chop them into fine slivers.

    "Is there any way for..." She stopped. "You have been with Magnus a very long time."

     "I have," she answered.

    Rachel wasn't sure what to ask next. She couldn't ask directly how Alice had managed such a long life. Especially if Kathryn was wrong and she really was a greyskin and her survival had been obtained by turning against all of humanity.

    "Most of the other women..."Rachel struggled to find the right words. "How long have they been here? How long do they live?"

    Alice's chopping stopped as she stared at Rachel intently.

    "I just mean," Rachel felt her confidence waning under Alice's gaze. The smile of earlier was entirely gone now. "I want to know what I can do to... I don't want to die!" Silence rang in the wake of her words. She hadn't meant to just blurt out her fears like that. A moment later the sound of chopping began again as Alice returned to her task.

    "You would be best to put such thoughts from your mind," she said. "They will do you no good."

The response was certainly not what she had hoped for and with Alice's reaction, it was clear she expected Rachel to let the matter go. But she had barely had the chance to voice her curiosity surrounding Kathryn's salvation at Alice's hands.

    "Some do live for longer than others though, don't they?" Rachel brazenly pressed.

    Alice stopped again. "What is this about Rachel?" she asked. "Where is this sudden curiosity coming from?"

    "It's not sudden," Rachel mumbled, picking up another carrot and peeling away its outer layer in long orange strips. She didn't dare look Alice in the eye, trying to make light of her own questions. Still she felt Alice's probing stare rain down upon her. "I just..I wondered if any other had managed longer lives here. Like Kathryn."

    "Like Kathryn?"

    Rachel quickly regretted the question. The tone of Alice's voice had a sharp edge to it now. Looking down at the floor, she could hear that the woman had stopped her work entirely and was glaring at Rachel, commanding her in silence to face her gaze. Rachel reluctantly did.

    "Kathryn has only been here for a year, Rachel," Alice replied. "There are indeed some that survive on the estate for as many as two or three years in fact. But there has never been another to make it longer than that."

    Aside from you, Rachel thought to herself.

    "I suspect Kathryn may have some time left here in return for her admirable service, but beyond that? It is hard to say when she might be taken."

    Rachel felt the panic welling inside of her at Alice's cold response. She'd been certain that Kathryn had Alice's protection and love. The older girl's story had confirmed it. Alice had to be protecting Kathryn. She had to have the power to do so. If she did not, Rachel doubted there was any hope she might save herself .

    "But I thought you spared Kathryn's life!" Rachel protested, trying to keep her voice steady. Alice's eyes only narrowed further.

    "Is that what she told you?"

    Rachel knew she should stop pushing, but Kathryn's story had given her hope. She couldn't just let it go. She hesitated to answer.

    "Rachel?"

It was clear Alice would not let her drop the subject now anyway. Rachel nodded. "She said that all the others our Master bought at market along with her were already sent to slaughter. You stayed his hand and kept her alive."

"I have nothing to do with the decisions our Master makes," Alice answered. "Yes, Kathryn was the only one among those purchased that day who survived one particular slaughter. I am certain our Master had good reason to allow her a bit more time. Perhaps he wished for her to grow further before harvest. Perhaps he valued her skills enough to maintain her another more season. But rest assured none are spared from their eventual fates."

"But you care for Kathryn," Rachel insisted.

"I care for all of the women who come under my care," Alice replied, her tone seemingly devoid of emotion. "That does not change reality. Kathryn is not my first assistant. There was another before her, and one before that. And do you know how the life of the woman who formerly held Katherine's position came to an end?"

Rachel didn't answer.

"One day she was aiding in preparing food for our Master's table and the next she was serving as his meal."

Rachel shivered, but looking at Alice, the old woman seemed entirely unaffected by the fact she stated so callously.

"That is our fate, Rachel. It is not so horrible as you think. Death is an inevitability of life. The sooner you learn to accept that the more pleasant your time here will be. It is pointless to allow the shadow of death to consume your thoughts and darken your days. Moreover, this discussion is meaningless. Whether Magnus will or will not choose one member of the flock or another, whether we will die this day or the next, what difference does it make? Eventually, our time will come.

"As for the notion that I have anything to do with our Master's decisions to cull or spare any among his human stock, I intend to have a serious discussion with Kathryn about the rumors she has spread."

Rachel paled. She hadn't meant to get Kathryn in trouble. "But it wasn't her fault!" Rachel exclaimed desperately. "I shouldn't have said anything. Please don't be mad at Kathryn because of me. She will hate me and I have no other friends."

Alice's stoic expression melted ever so slightly. "Do not worry Rachel," she said. "Kathryn will not hate you." The older woman paused. "And perhaps you merely misunderstood what she explained."

Rachel nodded her head fervently, grateful for the reprieve Alice appeared to be granting both her and Kathryn. "She only meant to make me feel more at home by telling me her story."

"Her story?" Alice's tone had that signature edge to it again.

"How she came to be here," Rachel answered cautiously, fearful of making another mistake. "How Magnus graciously took her in. How you helped her adjust to life here." Rachel did not mention the other facts Kathryn had divulged. How Alice had practically purchased herself. How she had forced Magnus to spend more on her than the others.

Alice gave her a hard stare for a moment longer before relaxing her gaze with a sigh. "I suppose I cannot fault her for trying to comfort you," she said. "I did indeed ask Kathryn to make you feel welcome. I may not have the ability to protect any from our Master's business and his choice to take from those among us, but he does hear report on all of those in my care. Slaves who are obedient and work well together are certainly given considerable favor. Those who are more problematic are not looked upon as useful and have a tendency to see their time here come to an end sooner rather than later."

Rachel nodded slowly her understanding. The threat was clear enough. She decided that she didn't care how nice Kathryn though Alice was, the woman was indeed in league with their Master. But she now realized how much more careful she would have to be around her. Perhaps Alice would not punish Kathryn for revealing her story, but it was obvious that the woman was dangerous. Rachel had hoped that in winning Alice's favor she might be able to save her own life, but it seemed that one needed her favor to simply avoid finding themselves quickly placed on Magnus's dinner plate. It wasn't a pleasant thought.

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So this chapter is a bit more fillery than others in that it has a lot of dialogue and not a ton of specific action. Was it still interesting? I really wanted to give some new perspective on how Rachel views her new life and more on ALice's role here as far as Rachel is concerned. Thoughts on the chapter? Next week I will post on mon and fri. Consider it a nice holiday present;-) In fact, I will likely be posting two chapters a week all throughout the start of the new year! Thank you all so much for following the story to this point and hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season<3