If I give you a name.

Scene 23

Location: Back of the Stage

Astraea and Jigu made their way to the slaves with bread and milk in hand. As they approached, Astraea's beauty captured the attention of every slave. Their jaws dropped, mesmerized by her soft-spoken nature and graceful presence. For a moment, the jealousy they had felt over her special treatment disappeared. They knew now—she wasn't just any slave. She was the main offering today.

Astraea smiled gently at them and spoke in a calm, soothing voice.

Astraea: I've brought some food for you. I'll give it to each of you, one by one. And if you're still hungry after finishing, just ask for more.

No one responded—they were too entranced by her. She moved methodically, handing out bread while Jigu followed with milk. The hungry boys and girls devoured the bread as soon as it was handed to them. Astraea offered them a second piece, and they accepted eagerly.

As Astraea distributed the food, her thoughts wandered.

Astraea (thinking): If they want to profit from these people, the least they could do is treat them better. After all, these slaves owe them nothing.

She continued moving among them until her eyes landed on a young boy sitting off to the side, counting on his fingers. Astraea approached him, holding out a piece of bread.

Astraea: Hey, take this. You should fill your stomach.

The boy glanced up at Astraea, his eyes widening as a vision unfolded before him. In his mind, he saw Astraea helping people, being honored and respected by many. For a brief moment, the image was clear—this girl would be someone important, someone the world would admire.

The boy caught her hand gently and whispered as softly as he could.

Boy Slave: You will be someone whom people respect the most.

Astraea smiled, slightly amused by the statement. It was reminiscent of who she had once been, and still was, deep down.

She knelt down beside him, resting on her knees.

Astraea: And how do you know that?

Boy Slave: I had a vision just now.

Astraea: A vision where I was appreciated by people?

The boy nodded, and Astraea's smile deepened.

Astraea: What's your name?

The boy lowered his head, shaking it slightly.

Boy Slave: I don't have one.

Astraea gently lifted his chin with her thumb, making him meet her eyes.

Astraea: If I give you a name, will you take it as your own?

Boy Slave: Only if you let me stay with you.

Astraea chuckled softly.

Astraea: If the buyer is a good person, I'll ask them to take you. If not, I won't speak of you. My life will be enough to ruin on its own.

The boy smiled faintly.

Boy Slave: You can give me the name, and I'll think about it.

Astraea leaned in closer, their faces just inches apart. She whispered softly into his ear.

Astraea: Faris.

She stood back up after giving him the name, but the faint scent of her lingered in the boy's mind.

Suddenly, Jigu approached.

Jigu: We need to go now. The auction's about to start, and if we're caught here, we're doomed.

Astraea glanced at Jigu and nodded. She turned to leave but stopped when she felt the boy's finger touch hers. She looked down at their intertwined fingers, then at him.

Faris: What's your name?

Astraea bent down again, this time leaning closer to his ear. In a quiet voice, she replied,

Astraea: Artha. But people here call me Astraea. I don't know what name I'll be given once I'm sold.

She stepped back, smiled softly at the boy, and bid farewell to everyone before heading to the resting room where Maam Fiona was waiting.

Maam Fiona, standing beside the window, had watched Astraea distribute food to the slaves. Her heart felt heavy, knowing that such a pure-hearted girl would soon be sold. Whoever bought her would surely win.

When Astraea and Jigu entered the room, they saw Maam Fiona standing where Astraea had been before.

Astraea: Were you watching us?

Maam Fiona: I need to keep an eye on you, so you don't do anything rash.

Astraea (smiling): Well, I won't.

Maam Fiona stepped closer, her gaze piercing into Astraea's eyes.

Maam Fiona: I wonder what happened in this world to make you this level of... submissive?

Astraea: I am not submissive. I am calm. I don't give up. And since I'm a little unwell, I decided not to fight you.

Maam Fiona: My pleasure, princess.

Astraea: So good to hear it.

Maam Fiona smiled—something no one else could make her do. Jigu was quietly pleased, seeing her master smile, even if just a little.

As they stood together, a thought crossed Astraea's mind.

Astraea: Lady Fiona, come and sit with me.

She took Maam Fiona's hand and led her to a couch, seating herself beside her.

Astraea: If I ever come back here with power and say, "Come with me," would you?

Maam Fiona, slightly taken aback, hid her surprise.

Maam Fiona: No one ever comes back, darling.

Astraea: I will come back. And if I do, will you agree to come with me?

Maam Fiona paused, a serious look crossing her face.

Maam Fiona: If you ever return, I will give you my answer then. But for now, don't ask.

Astraea understood that Maam Fiona didn't want to continue the conversation. She didn't press the matter further, but her determination to return, no matter how thorny the path, only grew stronger.