13 years Prior John’s Father Edward Snow the master Boat builder, just finished building the Portsmouth Port and Boat building facility. Since he completed the Port he decided to go all in, by freeing up the town and opening the guild to anyone who wanted to learn his craft. He knew that his wife was going to be overloaded with the family and leading female nobility, so Edward went down to the slave traders and searched for a couple to assist his wife with her tasks, while he was rebuilding the Port’s workforce and the rest of Portsmouth itself. 

Edward spotted a young couple amongst the slaves. His attention was caught by the female who looked, not like a slave, but rather regal in appearance. She had high cheekbones and her eyes. Oh those eyes of hers hit Edward in the heart like few ever had. The bright blue of the seas had nothing on her eyes. Her figure was like none he had ever encountered. Edward knew there was more to these two than anyone considered, because of her appearance.

 The man, upon seeing the eye contact with the female moved swiftly to attempt to cover her up. He threw himself on top of her to protect her as best he could, covering her face and body with his body and the few clothes he has on.

When Edward spotted the couple, and acknowledged their existence, a slave trader walked up behind him doing the usual sales pitch the traders used. Having been through this more than a few times, Edward knew how to react to the sales pitch.

“Ah good eye Mr. Snow that is a fine young couple, but they do not have any good skills,” stated the Trader

Edward, knowing better by the slaves actions asked, “Do they speak proper Queens English?”

“Absolutely, my Lord,” the Trade said.

“How much for them both?” asked Edward

Smirking the Trader said, “How much is my bill for the repairs from my last visit?”

“Not sure off the top of my head, how about an even trade for the pair?” Edward offered, trying not to look like a kid in the candy store.

Trader: “Deal!” reaching out a hand towards Edward, they shook hands. Thus the deal was completed and Edward took the couple back to his house. Once inside his house and away from any prying ears Edward took out the keys to their chains, unlocking the cuffs and shackles holding them hostage. As the cuffs and shackles fell off the each of them, Edward spoke to both, “For now you are free, but before you leave, I would like to make an offer to the both of you.” Edward gave a slight smile and continued “If you are interested you may be able to gain freedom and return to your homes someday.”

The Male slave looked up Edward could tell that this man had skills. He had the build of a working man, his skin was weathered as if he had spent many days in the hot sun. The tunic he wore had no sleeves and was worn and torn a bit like he had worn the piece for a long time  and had to have the arm opening on his sleeves enlarged more for his bulky arms to make it through. That alone would have been an amazing sight to see but the fact that the fitting was loose, yet tight enough so Edward could still tell he was very well built. Edward wondered to himself if maybe the man was a hired bodyguard to the female. Was she a Queen? Was she someone wealthy? Could he ransom her for money from her family? The thoughts were running through his head like crazed squirrels after a basket of acorns. One after the other, his imagination was going wild. Then, like it was inevitable, the lust kicked in. She has the body of a goddess, the strong yet tightness of her body, the supple tone of her skin and legs. Edward was beginning to have problems in his imagination, almost making him want to kick the man in his family jewels out of jealousy. 

Suddenly, with a rough hoarseness in his voice that still resonated strength and promise the man asked, “What is it? What do you want with us?”

Surprised by the now slaves use of the English language Edward said to him, “Before we get into that I want you to understand. I do not care where you are from, nor do I not care about your history. I have need of you two to serve my wife and when your tasks are completed we can talk freedom.”

Edward was still wanting to kick him hard, but at the sametime was surprised at the fact that he still could carry himself in such a dignified manner whilst being considered a slave. Most would have been broken, beaten or even killed during the journey for less. What really surprised Edward was that this was accomplished while having a wife of such beauty in the cage. Making it through the trip and still being alive while being guarded by this hulking man who stood at least a good eight inches taller than Edward, it was intimidating. YetEdward could not help but decide here and now he’d be an excellent personal guard. This couple once Slaves now, will be free, someday, maybe.  

Looking Edward in the eyes The Male Slave tried to read him see if he was a trustworthy man. The man before him was also well built but not from battle. Like himself he was definitely a hard working man. This man before him definitely had seen many hard laborious days, but that was not something that could make him be trusted. However this man’s soul was just the same and his soul shined of hope and happiness. He looked deeper and saw innocence yet not any ignorance or pride thinking on this he decided to ask, “May we have some food and water while we talk about it?”

Smiling widely then chuckling Edward said, “Absolutely give me a few minutes.” Edward began to pull out his lunch and realized they probably want a bath too. “Actually, why don’t you both follow me and we can have a meal I haven’t had lunch myself.” While Edward walks out of the room, the couple shrugged to each and got up and followed Edward out of the slaver’s building out to the edge of town. on top of a hill toward a large building was overlooking all of the town of Portsmouth. The building had 4 windows above two large windows on either side of double door. Front was not colored but had a shine to it as though it had been coated in a glass like substance. Not stopping  Edward lead them up toward the building but instead of going through the front but around back and through a smaller door that was inside a larger door that a cart could easily fit. The kitchen was not very well lit but extremely well vented several wooden tables were stroun about along the walls and two large stone and clay stoves were against the back wall of the building. There was the largest table in the middle of the kitchen with 3 large holes that had halved barrels set in the holes. Apologizing Edward said, “We don’t have much but hopefully I can make something edible.

Hearing this the Female Slave stepped over, looking around and began grabbing different vegetables and a few meat scraps and began cooking a thick soup. She turned to her counterpart and said in her native tongue, “I cannot fight anymore till after the baby is born. We should take the offer. Nobody would look for us here.”

In response the Male Slave said, “I am not arguing that. We should just see if we can have a roof over our heads, that we don’t have to pay for food and what are the specifics?”

Hearing this Edward walked over to the table and pulled out three chairs and set the table letting the two talk back and forth till the two stopped. At which point Edward looked at the Male slave and said, “Do not worry about anything I am having a home built for you two, it will be made with four rooms and if you want a kitchen. As for furniture I will equip it with whatever you need. By the way, what do I call you?”

“My name is Khang,” the male slave said to Edward. “This is my wife Yuki Gia pronounced Ya, and how do we need to address you.”

Hearing this Edward’s eyes lit up and he smiled from ear to ear his well manicured circle beard seeming to stretch right along with this, “Thank you. Well now let’s go over our arrangement. Also Welcome to my family, may we have a bright and fruitful future, with a lifelong friendship.

6 Years later, Edward was in his study looking at some papers. His close friends Khang T Singh and Yuki Gia walked into the study. In the last 6yrs a lot had happened, now Edward wanted to meet with Khang and Yuki. Edwards’ plans for the Port had far exceeded his plans. Portsmouth had boomed in population, the Guild had unified the port which expanded from one to three more slipways. On top of that he got two drydocks have been successfully constructed for repairs and a third in construction. But now is a very important day Edward’s 5yr old son John is turning 6 today. With this also is Khang and Yuki son Friedrick is turning 6 in a moth. Edward looked up hearing the door closed, “Yuki, Khang? Is it that time already?”

Yuki bowed and responded, “Yes sir, it is food is ready and presents are wrapped

Edward asked, “Will the guy who applied for the teaching job be here soon?”

Yuki responded, “I do not know if he will be.”

“Well, in that case let’s go down stairs and meet with the birthday boys, Hahaha;” laughing and smiling widely Edward said chuckling. Edward Stood up from his seat at the desk and walked around shook Khang’s hand and slapped him on his shoulder, and hugged Yuki planting a kiss on her neck and hand. “Thank you both for all your help these last four years since we lost John’s mother. You both have had the option to leave at anytime but you both chose to stay. Since you both have decided to do so I have a special gift for your son Friedrick.”

Khang spoke up, “What are you talking about, we did it because we are friends and besides that we owe you. You freed us after all. It may have been the late Madam’s wishes but you so choose to follow her wishes. Besides we all know Friedrick and John are basically brothers.”

Yuki’s eyes were exceedingly wide asking, “If..If you don’t mind me asking what is it you are thinking?”

Shocked at both Khang and Yuki’s response Edward responded, “Well I know but all I got was a private teacher for both of the boys alas as Khang has stated they are more like brothers than even my brother and myself.” Smiling yet again Edward began pushing Yuki and Khang saying, “Now come on we can’t leave those two alone for long or they will get in trouble like always.”

All three began heading down stairs. When they got down stairs each turned toward the entertaining room that had been set up for the party for the boys. When they stepped in they found John trying to hit Friedrick. While Friedrick kept hitting John with water using a leather pouch that is usually used to carry water. Friedrick looked up and saw his parents and right behind he saw Edward. As soon as recognition washed over Friedrick the pouch disappeared and Friedrick went into attention and bowed with his right arm crossing chest and left arm quickly toppering the pouch hanging it behind him then his hand going to his side.

“Afternoon, Master Edward, how may I be of service sir,” Friedrick said whilst remaining bowed.

John took advantage of the adults entering the room and Friedrick’s automatic movements that he had been told many times by his father was unnecessary. Though he knew he did because his mother would chase him around the outside of the house whilst whipping him for his lack of respect. John tried to sneak up on Friedrick and faked snatching the pouch. As he reached out friedrick did not seem to respond to this, John adjusted his arm grabbing Friedrick by the collar and pulled him back up to face his father. As he was pulling on Friedrick back up John said, “Stop being so stiff it’s your party too.” Followed up with a slap up the backside of Friedrick’s head.

“Ho Ho, haa well even if it is your guys birthday he is your servant John, but John is also correct it is your party to Friedrick. So today, relax and enjoy yourself for today. Only today.” Edward spoke trying to balance himself and Yuki’s demand for proper respect and formalities. Edward never understood her need for such things. To him they were family and he wanted that to be how they acted but Yuki said, “That would not work.” Ever since then it has been “My Lord,” “Master,” “Sire,” “Master Snow,” “The Lord,” and now it’s “Sir” what would it take to be “Uncle Snow.” That’s all I ever wanted from the day I saw them both. Though it was very funny to see Friedrick punch John back when they were but days old because John kept crying. Remembering this Edward zoned out in front of everybody.

Seeing Edward walking in toward the head of the table after commenting on what John said. Yuki and Khang walked to the opposite of where the boys were currently at, finding two open chairs. Yuki said once her and Khang reached a pair of chairs she turned to the boys, “Friedrick, John take a seat now let us speak whilst the dinner is being brought out.” 

“Yes, that is a good idea,” Edward said turning to Khang. “What do you think?” 

Khang nodded then said, “absolutely, Let’s begin John how is the scouting and hunting lessons?”

Sitting down John looked down a bit and said, “Well the use of the sword and knives are easy enough but I hate the bow, and the instructor won’t let me use the crossbow. However the tracking is fun and I can’t wait to learn the tanning part.”

Khang looked over to Friedrick and asked, “How about you son?”