My character Psyche, Tessiel iteration.

Half jackal, half hyena, she had a rather rough childhood as a half breed - passed back and forth between her parents tribes, before being sold at puberty into slavery - by her mother. As a result she doesn't particularly care for or trust either of her parent's tribes.

Her story's improved somewhat, being 'bought' by a bounty hunter who just wanted companionship on his jobs. One ill-chosen attempt at running away in the middle of a desert waste later, they've come to an understanding - she's free to go, but he'll take care of her as long as she stays with him. Their shaky truce is slowly turning into an awkward, shy, mutual (and sometimes downright kinky) affection.

The ear-tag is something -she- requested he buy for her, a carved lapis 'slave' stone, only worn by the higher class, 'independant' slaves, concubines, and indentured servants of Tessiel. She claims it doesn't mean he owns her, but rather adds a modicum of 'hands off' status from predatory businessmen, thieves and kidnappers in the larger cities.