Audrey had noticed the blonde woman staring at her throughout the day and was worried that she knew what that meant. Just like the other woman all those years ago. She had remembered many things about what it was like being on tour, after coming on one again. She much preferred being at the castle. There was less stress there and less rules to follow. And no visitors to please. She also didn't like seeing the new theows struggle and beg to be released. It reminded her too much of things she would rather not remember. Most of her memories had returned when she came back on tour, and she almost wished they hadn't. What use was there to remember something she would never be able to experience again? She wouldn't call this a good life, but it wasn't horrible for her either. At least not all the time. Here, she had a purpose, which was more than she had in the world outside, where everyone she had ever cared about was dead. So why did this blonde woman seem vaguely familiar? Why did her smile and her voice make her think of the world outside again? She didn't want to take part in this, but she didn't have the option of staying out of the Dining Hall when the Lady offered the visitors to have a theow in the bedroom.
Just as she had feared, for the second time since she had come here, she was selected to serve in a bedroom. She hated the feeling of the chain on her neck, but she knew she didn't have a choice. Audrey usually didn't need to be restrained any longer, they knew she wouldn't run away. But now it was part of the aesthetics. She hoped this woman wouldn't be as vindictive as the woman was the last time she did this. She hadn't looked hostile, more curious. What was there to be curious about? The only good thing about being chosen to serve in the bedroom was that she got to clean herself up a little. It wouldn't help much with the smell of animals, but it would remove most of the dirt from the day's work.
The woman seemed surprised when she saw Audrey. Or maybe it was the chain that shocked her. She had asked for Audrey specifically, so it shouldn't be a surprise that she was here. Audrey curtsied and tried to appear meek as the woman closed the door. She wasn't used to this role. She hoped she wouldn't make this woman angry at her.
"Audrey?"
Audrey looked up. How did the woman know her name? Had the Lady mentioned it, when she did the presentation earlier in the day?
"How may I serve you, traveller?"
"You don't remember me at all, do you?"
Something pricked in the back of her head as the woman said that. Just the sound of her voice made her feel strange.
"Tell… Tell me how I can best serve you, traveller."
"You know, you can drop the roles in here. It's just the two of us."
"I… I don't understand what you mean."
The woman sighed. "What have they done to you? How dare they do this to you!"
"Please don't shout. They will hear you." Audrey didn't know why she warned the woman about it. If she shouted enough, maybe one of the churls would come and get her out of here. It did make the woman stop shouting.
"So, they are listening."
"Yes. They need to make sure no one abuses their position."
"Has anyone actually done that?"
"I don't know. I'm usually not selected for this part. It is only my second time. I hope I'm not displeasing you with my lack of knowledge, traveller."
"I see."
"What would you like me to help you with?"
"Please stop that. Look at me. Do you not remember me at all?"
Audrey reluctantly looked up at the woman in front of her. She had, without thinking about it, backed further and further away, but she was running out of room.
"I'm sorry, have we met? I thought visitors were only supposed to be allowed here once."
Just looking at the woman made the back of her head hurt. Then the woman made some motions with her hands. Why did that translate to words in her head? It was just her moving her hands around! Why did it make sense to her!
"What are you doing?"
"You do know it. Remember, Audrey, remember!" the woman was almost shouting, yet whispering at the same time. Audrey felt her head aching. Something was wrong here. Very wrong. What was the woman doing to her? She tried to back away further but ended up smashing her head into the wall. That made her headache worse.
Memories flushed into Audrey. What had happened? How could she have forgotten everything so easily? She looked up at the visitor. She gaped in astonishment.
"Nora!" Nora smiled.
"You do remember! Oh, that's great!" the two women embraced. Nora even shed some tears. Audrey looked at the room around her and felt the collar and chain on her neck. So, it hadn't been a dream. She felt tears coming, for the first time in a long time. Nora hastily removed the chain.
"We can't talk for long," Audrey said, keeping her voice to a whisper. "They are listening, and may wonder why we are talking so long"
"We can use sign language instead, unless you really have forgotten that." Nora signed.
"I haven't forgotten it. Actually, the fact that your movement with your hands made sense to me was what started me getting my memories back. It hurt when I looked at your hands, or your face."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I would probably never have recovered them all without you."
"How long do we need to be quiet, for them to think we have gone to bed?"
"I don't know. Like I said, I don't usually do this part. People usually don't pick the theow that stinks of animals to be in their bedroom."
"It's not that bad!" Audrey looks at Nora with a sceptical look.
"Ok, so the smell is a bit much. But so what? I'll survive." Audrey smiled and gave Nora a hug.
"It is good to see you," she whispered in her ear. "Even though you shouldn't have come."
"What happened to you?" Nora signed as they both sat down on the floor. Audrey couldn't stop crying. At least she was able to do it quietly. If any of the churls heard her crying, they would probably come in. They couldn't risk it.
"Way too much to explain. How long have I been missing?"
"Five years."
"Five years!?"
"How long did you think it was?"
"I have no idea. Time has sort of stood still. But that makes sense, if I count the number of harvests I've seen."
"Audrey, what is this place? Why are you here?"
"What is this place? It's hell. You may think it is roleplay, but it's real. All of it is real. Please, whatever you do, don't make a scene! Did you lose the stretch-neck game? Please say you didn't!"
"I didn't participate. Is that how they select who they're kidnapping?"
"No, I think they've decided that before they've even arrived. Or at least most of the time. But if you lose the competition, it is a strong indication that they want to see if you are able to be humble. If you aren't, they are going to make you. Please, don't break any rules."
"I haven't. I have tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible. But also made sure to flirt with some of the men, so they would notice if I didn't return."
"You, flirt with men? I didn't think you were capable of such a thing."