Crows Murder

[2024/08/28 10:31:23] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me had geen told of visitors and would move inside the tavern. The brown and black not giving away his true identity. The shores of the lodge had become more visitred and with it danger of those that wished to take vengenance were there too. “Greetings.” he offered. If he was a killer his demeanor seemed friendly and welcoming. Something which would be odd for an assassin would it not ?

[2024/08/28 10:32:07] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He had never gone to sleep, and was now sitting at the table where Haru had suggested he could sleep atop. But her warning to not step foot beyond the thresshold of hte tavern had stuck with him. Oh he could. She had long ago gone, and the other girl, and the man whom had seemed blind. But at his own peril. For beyond, awaited sleens, and men in black, and now, after what he had seen, and what had been said, Nauthis was more than smart enough to have figured something very, VERY dangerous out, and he’d have been lying through his teeth if he had claimed not to be frightened. He was exhausted, but also, he still had adrenalin surging through him. The second wind had hit, though his reflexes were slowed, almost akin to a drunkard’s perhaps, slightly brain fogged from lack of sleep and stress, his head shot up as someone entered and it wrang a gasp out of him. “Tal,” he said warily, and Crow would hear the worry in his tone.

[2024/08/28 10:39:44] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me had not come to age to make assumptions. So when he studied the man and knew that this was the one his girl had met. The tone was noted but quickly caste aside. Surely any man in his right mind would feel wary, fearful and careful. “Did you wish something to drink or eat ?” he asks – still maintaining that amicable attitude that might make feel people at ease. A talent that often disguised his true intentions. He was a killer after all. “My girl spoke of a guest. Do not tell me she did not give you the proper welcome.” he added while he would move to the stove and see what was out there. “Can I get you anything ?” he asks.

He was of course made aware of the visitor of Port Victoria and with it his alertness was there. He had gotten away after his murder, but for once in his life shared to a person he had done it. Eirik had left in a hurry and so Crow was unable to read what was on his mind. The fact he had not drawn a weapon was smart, but one would never know if he made arrangements to have him later by surprise.

[2024/08/28 10:45:18] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He nodded slowly. He had eaten the bit of fruit that the girl had brought him last night, and was still pretty scratched up from being hurled against the rocks. The storm that had destroyed the ship had been anything but gentle, and even he being a good swimmer had been beaten up pretty good by it all. At least he had found a set of cleaner-than-he-had-been-in clothes to change into that weren’t salt crusted and likely to give him a rash. “Your… Girl?” He gulped. The girl had been dressed in black, had worn a ribbon on her arm with the helm of black upon it. The black tents, the way the girl had spoken to the man last night, it had Nauthis so very, very nervous. “I haven’t… Had much of an appetite,” he said slowly, looking at the stranger. He was hungry now though, over 24 hours had passed since he had had a good meal, something cooked with meat and hearty elements. The young man -was- armed, but he had had to use that sword exactly zero times in his entire life, and about all he knew was that if in danger, the pointy end went into the other man. Yeah. He’d last all of two seconds in any sort of real confrontation.

[2024/08/28 10:56:41] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me stood behind him and it gave him the opportunity to study him further. Much was said in the way he sat, the clothes, the voice and how he seemed to nearly panic. Of course Crow did not know of the mans thoughts, but he could guess as much. “Yes, I learned of the challenges of late. A family member killer due to the work of an assassin. A ship that sank. A singer ? Was it not ?” he asks – as if to make casual conversation.

Crow would put down two plates and cut down some Sa Tarna and filled a bowl with the stew that had been above the fire. The meat tender and well seasoned. The girls of the compound excelled in their talent for putting down a good meal. Next to it there was enough coin to have a good level of quality and quantity of fresh ingredients to work with. When the two plates with the bowls were set upon a tray he would take it and place it before the man at the table. “Join me.” he invited as he would take one of the plates and bowl. “I do not serve as pretty but this is a decent meal I can assure you this.”

[2024/08/28 11:06:25] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): “Yes Sir,” he said respectfully. All his life he had been taught to avoid, respect, stay out of the way of men in black, knowing only the what, but not the why, and told that if he failed to listen, he would pay for it, and dearly. “They… Didn’t like my song,” he made a poor attempt to be talkative. Nauthis’ go to reaction to stress and fear was usually singing, and last night, he had, for the first time, been shamed and snarled at for it. “Thank you,” he said as the bowl was set before him. He had so many questions, but feared to ask any of them. Instead, he picked up the bowl and offered a toast in gesture, but would wait for Crow to sip from the edge in absence of a spoon before he would, trying to have good manners.

[2024/08/28 11:12:10] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me would take some of the bread and dipped it in the stew and would bite into it. He would listen and urged for the man not to wait but simply enjoy the meal. It might look simple, but hardly was. “I rather enjoy the creativity of those of the artisan. Once I wondered why I was not a poet. I like the rhym and fluid motions of words. I have tried it once or twice.” he grinned as he dived into the bowl again. “But sadly my talents lay elsewhere.” he would watch if the man took his food and ate.

Crow tried to keep his friendly and amicable pose. Not so much to hide himself, since this was very much part of the assassin too. Yet he could turn like a leaf and take a life without blinking. But his mind was not set to murder. “I know of a ship that might dock in a few for rations. Do you need coin to take it?” Crow casually asked while his eyes would not linger upon the man – as to ensure that the man might take it as a casual question.

[2024/08/28 11:19:00] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He brought the bowl to his face and tipped it up to sip from the brim, swallowing a mouthful and then another, and another, once it was cool enough to not burn him. He then lowered the bowl back down, was thsi man really going to let him go? Knowing the location of this place and what it was? Nauthis hesitated to answer. “I have many experiences left unknown, many songs yet to be written or performed. A have a few coins, enough to book passage I’m sure.” He looked toward the man’s eyes, trying to assess him, but he was scarcely beyond the age of childhood, how could he get a read on a seasoned man such as this? “The sleen won’t attack me if I leave the tavern? The girl said they would. She said the men in black lurked, that… I shouldn’t leave.” Was it a test?

[2024/08/28 11:20:47] IRunOnCoffee: /me stepped through the path, upon her patrols. Jet black fur glistening in the sun as she crept along the ground. Her six legs moving under her with a fierce grace. A low hissing sounded as she passed the entry way. Her head turning towards the inside as she scented something….different. Pausing upon her travels she stayed outside the door, a blur against the sun.

[2024/08/28 11:24:11] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me continued to eat and looked up “Did my girl tell you, you were no longer able to leave ?” the tone was as if he truly was taken by surprise by that statement. “You can leave any time. We are men of caste and business. Not torturers or men that lure others into the claws of a caste that needs talent. cunningness and a lot of determination.” he sounded even truthful.

When Crow hears the familiar hiss he would look outside to see the familiar sleen. His attention would turn back to the singer “Oh she can attack .. she needs only a word. But from what I gather you are only a young boy, out of place and in need of his mummy.” there it was – the first test. The first stab underneath the belt. All depended on how the man would deal with such.

[2024/08/28 11:31:51] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): While he was scared, only a fool wouldn’t be, he couldn’t help but narrow his eyes, even to the man before him. “Respecting who you are, and what you do, and what you are capable of, -doesn’t- make me a coward. I dealt with a lot, all of a sudden, got next to no time to process, any of it, and was given a hard time for trying to deal with it in the only way I knew how to.” He put the bowl down to the table. “And I don’t even know if my mother is alive. You could at least have respect for the potentially dead. My home lies in ruins, not that anybody cares.” He got up, turned away from the man, he was upset, maybe even a little angry. But he was smart enough not to lash out at a man he was sure was many years his senior and better. “I’m not an unfeeling stone,” he said bitterly.

[2024/08/28 11:33:43] IRunOnCoffee: /me shook her furred head, as she stared towards the inside of the area. Watching, waiting. Her head lowered with another hiss as she eyed up the two. She was more serpent than creature by her looks. However one furred paw slammed down, warning if any hand gestures were given, she would obey. The sleen was resssstless.

[2024/08/28 11:38:11] Gikkop (monlov): /me came lumbering right up to Hecate, and he promptly turned his head when he stood by her, staring right into the tavern. Watching the people in there closely.

[2024/08/28 11:38:16] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me had anticipated the quick and rushed reply of the man. A brow arched “You feel I should respect what ?”he asks calm and with no raising of his voice nor would he stand. In truth Crow knew that one word would be enough to make this scene one of bloodshed without so much as drawing his weapon. “Would my respect make one alive when he was dead ? Would my word or what I thought matter to any ? And your feelings … tell me do they help you to get by ?” he shook his head slow.

Crow cut a glance to the sleen as to ensure that she might not be overly protective and read the scene wrong. Surely he and she were in training. As she remained but became restless he would lift his palm in gesture to stay and remain calm. “So all these experiences … they might bring you inspiration for songs and stories. They might even bring you coin when you put them before the feet of women and they might feel for you. A man that thrives on the pity of women?” he tested again.

[2024/08/28 11:44:58] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me makes her way out of the camp, surprised at just how empty it was. Not a single sign of people stirring within. Unusual. Very unusual. Still, not seeing her master but having left note as to the occurrences, she would head down to the tavern, slowing as she spotted Hecate and Perses outside, her head tilting. She was tempted to do the whole pspspsps thing but really didn’t think that was a thing, so she just eyes them for a moment, making sure she wasn’t seen as sneaking up before heading to move past and into the tavern. “Tal My Master, Master,” she would say in her soft tones, scanning the table and their hands to see if they needed service.

[2024/08/28 11:45:34] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He thought about what was said, and wasn’t even sure what to say, at first. “No,” he said, his shoulders sagging in a dismayed look of defeat, but worse, the question of feelings and what they did to help the situation, the pain. That was something he had never considered before, and that realization was numbing, and concerning. “My songs aren’t about pity. They never have been.” He turned now and looked at Crow, “they’re about… Dreams, and hopes, and adventures. They’re about the life experiences that make us who we are. Love. Hate. They require one another. I learned that a long time ago. I don’t want your pity. But if you can’t feel anything, then are you human?” He challenged. He then looked back toward the sleen, the large black and the tawny. They were both massive beasts, and he could see the rippling muscle and claws, the teeth and the eyes with their strange and eerie pupils. Swallowing hard, seeing them so close now, and the open doorway, he knew that the girl had not been bluffing or telling

[2024/08/28 11:45:34] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): tall tales just to keep him in the tavern for the night. Thank the Kings he had listened to her and stayed in here! The fear he held to heart of the killers had been enough in and of itself to remain, but now, so close up and seeing the massive beasts who could have so easily come in had him in both awe and worry. On the table were bowls of stew, his own only a few sips taken from.

[2024/08/28 11:48:05] IRunOnCoffee: /me hissed once more however she saw the hand signal and became less wired. The wild born sleen settling down and going to flop upon her side. She could smell the fear from inside the tent and it was delicious but not enough for him to draw her out of her training. She began to clean one of her claws ,all posh like as she grumbled to Perses. Not in an agressive tone but a more communicative, of a sleens hello.

[2024/08/28 11:49:32] Gikkop (monlov): /me grumbled back towards Hecate, and he gave a brief snort towards the two in the tavern before he stretched out as long as he was. And then simply laid down on his belly, watching the two for the time being.

[2024/08/28 11:53:41] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me chuckled “Ah so no pity but the song of dreams.” he replied. He would indicate for his girl to enter. “She.” he pointed towards his girl “She is the promise of spring. Can you see that ? Can you tell ?” he asks. As if he was heading in a different direction with his line of question. He would lift himself up now. His bowl of stew had been emptied and the bread no longer upon its plate. “You can leave … I will not stop you. I promise.” he stated.

“If you learned a long time ago that it is about love and hate … than by all means let your life be dictated by it. Let those that are skilled in deception lure you in to loving them. While others with less talent might make you hate them because they failed to show you their sincere and honest intentions.” he shrugged. “By all means let yourself be guided by what you feel in your heart.” the words spoke with the authority of knowing of which he spoke. “Go … the docks are free passage if you feel you might waste time here.”

[2024/08/28 12:00:44] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would step in at her master’s behest, hips swaying and clad in something else for the day. She was in a positive mood, like she usually was, and made no effort to hide it. She wasn’t under protocol, where she would be silent and much more controlled. Instead, the little doll walked with a light, almost bouncy and feline step, making her way over. Drinks… were not on the menu right now. The two men were talking and given the words spoken, she was not going to interrupt that conversation. Rather, she slightly postured as her master referred to her as Spring – the translation of his name but also the meaning behind it. It meant the world to her in ways that very few understood.

[2024/08/28 12:01:47] IRunOnCoffee: /me continued to clean off her paws as the others interacted about her. Grumbling and hissing at Perses, one of the few times the pair got along without veiled threats. The female known for cheating in sleen politics.

[2024/08/28 12:03:26] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He looked upon Haru, and not upon her physique, but trying to peer deeper, looking to her eyes, seeking the emotions that might be found therein if he could. He observed the expression upon her face, the way she walked, her general demeanor. Whether there was Spring in her step, the way she carried herself, whether her tone was light and bubbly, energetic. Then, Crow said something else that made him think. All his young life, Nauthis had been a dreamer, a lover of life, passionate about those things he loved, and now? He was being made to question it. All of it, and it was terribly uncomfortable to him. Mostly because he saw the validity in what Crow said, and that, was in direct conflict with everything he had known as a child, and it was a moment of innocence, snuffed out. “My… Time here?” He asked, looking from Haru out toward the sleen again. The man had given his word, but how could he be sure that two massive predators wouldn’t take it upon themselves to rend him limb from limb if only to bat him

[2024/08/28 12:03:26] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): about as a toy even if not hungry? He looked back at Crow. He recognized that there were things he could learn here. “My father was a scribe, and though I never knew him, I’m sure he would have been disappointed in me, if I denied learning, but… Does learning have to come at the cost of everything I care about? Everything I’ve ever loved?”

[2024/08/28 12:04:36] Gikkop (monlov): /me turned his gaze from the tavern to the female sleen, briefly baring his fangs at her, before he turned around to settle for licking and nibbling over her upper back, giving it some idle groomings.

[2024/08/28 12:05:22] Gemini (korimarano): /me snuck in somewhere around the back, her body bending low to keep from being spied. Downwind from the sleen with their backs turned to her. Curious about the goings on within the tavern with that man inside who had all that long – flowing – blond hair. So pretty. Wait, was that Haru and Adira inside? She’d decide to slip back out the way she came, not wanting to interrupt.

[2024/08/28 12:06:09] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would walk up to the tavern, of course she would notice the two massive sleens together, watching, she would make sure she didn’t meet their eyes, for she knew to gaze into their eyes was a challenge to them and she sure as shit didnt want two huge sleens deciding to make quick work of her, She used to be a food handler for the sleen in Kar a long time ago, so of course she loved and respected the sleen as a adversary when she used to be a panther, then got first hand experience as she would learn to care for the beasts that roamed in the streets in the darkness of kar, She had grown to care for the sleens there and they had become protective of her to a point to where her Master couldn’t touch her around them, After that she was off of taking care of them, which disappointed her greatly, she would move to doorway of the tavern and would lean against the door frame, staying quiet, The men was speaking after all, she did not want to disturb that, so she would quietly slip in besides Haru and would murmur

[2024/08/28 12:06:09] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): softly “Greetings Masters, Sister”

[2024/08/28 12:11:15] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me frowns as the man spoke of his father. Things clicked and with it he frowns. He had known the man to have fathered children. Their inheritance part of his own golden coins. IF Eirik had done his bid. Ever since that meeting he had not spoken. And he would never bring it up again. What was done was done. He had not allowed the man to write his last will or testament. “I never spoke of the costs. I spoke of the truth. And for such feelings can be a dangerous voice to follow. We are men of facts. Of understanding that there is more to a word than what is spoken. It is measured, weighed and considered.” he noted Adira to enter. “I am still a man that enjoys the pleasures of life. But do I let these girls determine my fate ? Never would I give them that responsibility. And with it they are free of such a burden.” He noted the look towards the Sleens again.

“The next time you fear I might not speak truthful. I will indeed do what you fear. There is little reason for me to speak untruthful. So if you waste your time – Go.”

[2024/08/28 12:13:54] IRunOnCoffee: /me hissed at the other sleen as he bared fangs at hr. Before allowing the grooming of her spine and back. Deep growls of content and enjoyment coming from the huge beast before she settled once more and went to rest her head upon her paws. Simply watching inside, her nostrils flaring. She was watching, and waiting patiently.

[2024/08/28 12:16:55] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would say nothing, falling silent but not dour. She kept up that positive note and as Adira made her way into the tavern, she would slide her arm around the other girl’s waist. “Tal gorgeous,” she would say with a soft purr. Even on different chains, the pair were a team in so many ways. Yin and yang, dark hair and light, complimenting each other. She wanted to have her arms around her master but for the ehn, felt it was best to hold back. There were images to uphold. Reputations and such; and her master may at any moment need to draw blade. So she watched, taking small mental notes of where things were going and the words coming from her master’s lips.

[2024/08/28 12:17:59] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): More and more he was beginning to hold respect more than fear for the man before him. The way he spoke, the words he used, no one had ever truly given him that sort of depth in any conversation. But then, for the majority of his life, he had been a child, innocent, kept from the darkest things, save one. Finally, Nauthis wasn’t afraid, he felt as if he were stepping into something new, something important. Had fate played him this hand? He stepped forward. “You took your time to speak to me. I do not think you have done so, or said what you did if not for a purpose.” Now that he was calming, he could think, and begin to shine. He wasn’t a stupid person by any means, though he did have much to learn. He looked at one girl, and then the next, no longer did he look at the sleens. He knew they were there, but in this moment, it was critical not to do anything that might be taken as fearful. “My name, is Nauthis Descian. To whom do I speak?” He asked.

[2024/08/28 12:24:03] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me hears the name and considered it. As a killer he was cautious, calculated, secretive and one to keep silent about his craft. For a moment he wondered if he should speak that he faced the very man who had killed his father. Surely Crow would be ready with blade or sleen and would act without regret to the deadly outcome that would come from it. It would be a very big test for the young man to endure. Would he dare to oppose him? Dare to challenge him? Or would he run or flee. “Your name or past is of no relevance. Nor would my name be of any value. But I am called Crow.” he shared – still aware of what this might mean. Perhaps Eirik had shared his name in the event of things. It would of course have him loose any credit that was between the two men. “And I think there is a choice to be made. If you truly wish to learn – stay and seek the caste. Endure what ever is thrown your way. Or leave and search for whatever you think has value and forget about this tavern, this land and these people.”

[2024/08/28 12:27:55] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would wrap her arm as well around her bestie and lean into her, and smile, visibly relaxing which was one of the things she could do around her bestie and her Master, only they and her own Master got to see that side of her, though she was basically friendly with all, why shouldn’t she be? but yet to this day she would always keep aware warily, The ex long time panther had learned her lessons in life well for she danced at times on the line of life and death in the past and learned how to walk that tightrope well. she would hear the sounds of the sleens ,the sound of their contentment, but she knew they was always watching and aware, their enhanced senses would not falter even when they was relaxed, she would give a small smile and would look upon the stranger boldly, her keen eyes watching him, picking up on his mannerisms as he and the master would speak.

[2024/08/28 12:35:32] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me clocked the sleen outside, but he perched beside the building. A quiet hum from him, as he turned his head behind that helm. The soft hum of conversation in the tavern not lost on him. He thought about asking the sleen if there was anything entertaining, but it probably wouldn’t respond to him anyway. Except for maybe a growl or more sleen-speak. His eyes focused on the smack of tail of the big beast against the ground.

[2024/08/28 12:36:23] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would listen. She knew her master was one of the smartest and wisest men around; if not THE most. Trump could make a speech about him being the smartest that had ever been smart before but the Kings had not deemed to kidnap the man to the counter planet. Instead, she just ran that dialog in her head, listening to the words flowing back and forth. She would enjoy the closeness of her sister, the one girl she trusted above all others. The washup was being offered a choice and she was curious which way it would go.

[2024/08/28 12:37:35] IRunOnCoffee: /me turned her massive head, looking to Ost as he entered her space. A deep rumbling before a hiss. Only for her head to turn to the doorway once more. Watching intently like it was a soap opera. Which in a way, it was.

[2024/08/28 12:42:15] Gemini (korimarano): /me had sneaked back to the location of that tavern, keeping her body low once more, to not be seen. Well, it was an attempt at it anyhow, though if one looked, they might easily see her white-blond hair flowing in that soft breeze among the tall grasses. Gem could not sneak very well, really – not with that shade of hair, right? She’d have to think about mud or temporary dye if she really wanted to be successful at this. But these were – mostly – people she knew. And that familiar sleen resting its big ol’ body on the earth beneath it too. Oh, she wished she had some raw meat for it right now. She would totally try to befriend it!

[2024/08/28 12:43:06] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): How could he possible understand the magnitude of what he considered? Once that choice was made, there was no going back. No second guesses or chances. Already he knew enough just in what had seen and heard, and between that, and what had just been said, a young man had a sneaking suspicion that Crow might let him leave, but not alive. Sometimes, being freed, meant freed to go to the cities of dust, and a killer was no fool. Crow wasn’t going to trust in a stranger’s

[2024/08/28 12:43:16] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): discretions to keep silent about this place. The choice had been made for him for all intents and purposes. “I remain,” he said. A part of him could not help but fear. The sane part, that which wished to survive this encounter. A killer before him, two of his kajirae, and a sleen just outside. He’d never make it to the dock. It was ironic, the one thing he had long avoided, now would become his mentor. Already he was learning. The next question was, what exactly was meant, by seeking out the caste?

[2024/08/28 12:43:31] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Did not a member of it stand before him? He lifted his head and looked in the direction of the dark tents that crested the hill. There, he reasoned, was a place to seek the caste. “And when I find them, when previously I was warned to avoid leaving this tavern, how will I identify myself as seeking the caste safely?” He assumed there was some… Word, some marking, a stone, something, that would show he sought the caste, and could do so safely. Was there harm in asking questions to better complete the assignment?

[2024/08/28 12:43:38] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Or was he to blunder and be left to his own thoughts and efforts? It may have been that the killer he found might have his own thoughts on how to address someone searching. Each might have their own ideas. The day was young, he imagined failure of any one test, could be lethal. He was going to have to be careful. “Are there rules to the task which I ought to bear in mind?” He then asked. In this, he hoped to learn whether there was anything specific to be avoided, or whether it was more of an open field with predator and prey.

[2024/08/28 12:50:49] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me was no mind reader. For if he had been he might have reassured the man. surely he could still leave alive. He had not made any threat. If he had the man would have known and would have felt the urgency of it. Now Crow crossed his arms before him. “Rules ?” he asks “Oh there are plenty. For those who seek the caste.” again he would use these words “If you truly wish to earn the black livery you have to endure. Show determination. You ego can remain at the dock. It will not suit you. So when you truly wish to go that path. You will become nothing. You will not longer be the man you are now. You will disarm, take of your boots, and lay down your cloak. You own nothing and even the slaves have more say than you will have.” he started.

“While you seek you can leave at any moment. But when you remain you will be tested, beaten, belittled and denigrated. So in time we know you have truly that determination we need to even start your training. Only one out of ten make it through alive.” no word was a lie – and the very moment he would start to disarm he would feel the gravity of his choice.

[2024/08/28 12:52:32] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): whispers: would see as the man would look as if he was trying to make sense of it all, she could see it in the mans eyes, she could as well sense his fear and rightly so as he weighed his options, she would continue to keep her eyes locked on him as if she was studying him, weighing him, measuring him. as she would rest head against Haru;s shoulder. she would give the stranger a faint impish smile..

[2024/08/28 12:53:43] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me turned to peer at the sleen with a furrow of his brow. He hissed right back, baring his teeth. Before he smirked at the creature, peering back in the direction of the tavern himself. Gemini may not be all that sneaky, but she was sneaky enough that he didn’t notice her. Probably considering the giant sleen held the majority of his focus, stepping out of it’s bubble and into the entrance of that tavern behind both girls. A single wave of his hand in the direction of Crow and the girls should they look in his direction otherwise.

[2024/08/28 12:55:02] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would glance outside a moment as Perses got up and left. She couldn’t see Gem or Ost from where she was, only Hecate and she studied the dark sleen a moment. Well, not until Ost stepped out and into view, at which point she would dip her head. “Tal Master,” she chirps, looking behind him for his. But she kept it brief, her focus turning back to her master and the man she had rescued. Haru understood what was being offered. What would the man decide.

[2024/08/28 13:08:57] IRunOnCoffee: /me hissed back at Ost before looking at him with shock as though he had said something insulting to her. A grumble and a growl before she returned to watching the show inside. It was far to interesteing to want to go into nature, human creatures were interesting with their wierd mouth noises and tiny little harmless movements.

[2024/08/28 13:09:06] Gemini (korimarano): /me moved a little closer, keeping herself low as she was practically slithering toward those crates and barrels. She was trying to hear what was going in within the tavern, but was struggling. Even with her heightened hearing, she was struggling. Damned Thassa! Damned wind! Those hisses and growls were heard, though not from her master. No, it was the bigger beast that she caught the sounds coming from. Her interest peaked a bit for the creature. Kings, she just wanted to feed and pet the thing! Eyes snapped to the entrance of that tavern though, as her master moved inside, and for a moment she wondered if she should join him. Probably safer with the sleen, right? Probably.

[2024/08/28 13:09:21] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): A hand lowered slowly to the blade sheathed on his hip. The blade that had never once since being given to him, seen action. Fingers gasped at the scabbard, and he drew in a slow, deep breath. Custom forged, expensive and more a show piece than a true meant weapon, the rapier that had been worn for show seldom by the father he never knew after he had come to Port Victoria, had been a flashy ornament if it had been anything.

[2024/08/28 13:09:40] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): But, it was a family heirloom, and as he unfastened the delicate looking chains that bound it to his belt, he held tight to it for a moment, peering then down at it as he laid it on the tabletop. There was struggle in his eyes, sorrow. A final goodbye wordlessly felt as for the briefest of moments the young man’s eyes closed and he inhaled sharply. Next he lifted one foot, pulled off the boot, lowered that leg and lifted the other to set the boots beside the table.

[2024/08/28 13:09:45] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Indeed it seemed he would learn what it was like to trudge about barefoot, no better than a slave, even lower Crow had said. Did he want this? There was still time. His hands next went to unclasp the cloak, and lay it on the table, folding it neatly. Perhaps his pride would be his damnation, but he was determined to show that he had what it took. All his life he had grown up without a father, two men had tried to stand in, but neither were truly his father.

[2024/08/28 13:09:50] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Just once, he wanted to achieve something great, and for somebody to be genuinely proud of him. If that one, could be this man, then maybe finally, Nauthis would feel like he had truly accomplished something worthwhile. Only when he looked up did he see the mischief in the eyes of the girl, her smile. His eyes narrowed faintly, a silent challenge that over him or not, she, would not break him. Only then did he see the man in the door way, and for a moment, looked upon him, but quickly thereafter returned his gaze of pale gold, to Crow.

[2024/08/28 13:16:57] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me watched as the man started to disarm himself. Each layer bringing him more into the wait and further from what had been. The wait was also a fresh start. A moment in which no longer ones past was of importance. If he would make it through he would be molded, trained, tested to the limits of his being. He would learn to disguise, to control whatever had guided him in the past. Crow was silent but very much aware of those slowly entering the scene. He gave a quick glance to Ost – to give him the honors again. Just as Crow would continue to tell the man what was expected.

“You are lower than a slave, so they can command you. They can task you with whatever they desire. Of course they will have the knowledge that if you make it they are no longer to command and perhaps feel the consequences of their actions. You stand when a killer approaches and you are to be blindfolded.” he would than give the blindfold to his girl. “There is reason for this blindfold.” he added but would wait for Ost to do the first of many tests as to see if the man could endure and would simply collect whatever he was given.

[2024/08/28 13:17:38] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would turn as she heard movement come up behind her, she wasn’t worried though, if it was a threat the sleen would of let everyone know, she would Notice it was master O and would give him a smile, before, she would notice a bit of soft blond hair a little back from the door, she would quickly toss a wink to where she seen the soft silken blond tendrils in the wind in the tall grass before then turning her eyes to see the man start to take off his gear and weapons, she would feel his gaze on her his eyes giving her a look of…was it a challenge?oh yes it was!, she would keep her face as it was, her now intense as if she was doing a swan dive into his soul her stare relentless.

[2024/08/28 13:19:57] IRunOnCoffee: /me raised herself up off the ground, the giant sleen going to slink over to Gemini, a growl and a hiss as she went to stick her nose against the girl and if not stopped, shove her fowards with hisses. Clearly aiming to herd the girl inside with the others. She didn’t belong out here at the moment. And thus, each time she’d get Gem to move, she’d do it again. Of course if Gemini was to avoid her, she would be treated like a verr, the sleen would cut off directions.

[2024/08/28 13:23:46] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me said nothing, watched the process of stripping weapon, boots and cloak with a flippant look from those blue eyes of his. His hand flexed at his side, but beyond that there was just a scowl on his face beneath the edge of that helm. Listening, peeling back his attention upon the fresh meat as it were. That was how he was looked at behind the slits of his helm. A glance to the blind fold a moment, but he saw that look and the nod from him. You’d hear the crack of his knuckles a moment at his side with a pop of sorts of joints. before he stepped over to stand beside him. Towering in that black helmet. He would wait for the man to look square at him or at least mostly, before he hauled back his arm and crossed his body in that quick thrust of his arm to punch Nauthis across the jaw. With a pass of bare knuckles across his jaw.

[2024/08/28 13:24:52] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would watch, listening with ears perked and eyes locked. As the man began to undress, she looked to her master. Words, familiar and yet so personal each time they were spoken. As he offered the blindfold, she would reach out to take it from him, her fingers brushing over his. It was a ritual that she was familiar with and she would pass her affection through that touch. The first touch she’d had with her master since waking. Stepping out and around, she would make her way over to Nauthis, her head tilting some as she looks up at him. Like most men, he towered over her. “I will need you to kneel, Master,” she says with a nod of her head but as she did, D came around as she quickly scooted back three steps, he smacked the man one hard. Well, maybe the kneel would be involuntary.

[2024/08/28 13:28:55] Gemini (korimarano): /me heard the movement from the massive beast and – eyes went wide as she dug into that pouch she kept on her. “Uhmmm….” she nearly gagged on saliva as she felt for a slice of jerky. The dried meat pitted between index and thumb as she felt its roughness. Sleen liked jerky, right? They liked jerky, RIGHT? Only one way to find out. She’d stand the moment the creature came up behind her and began to hiss at her. “Woah, woah now…I dun wanna–” she spoke, zig-zagging with the beast as she was tossing the jerky into the air behind her. “Listen, I dun wanna go in there! Here. Take it!” she cried out, moving as fast as her feet could take her as she made her way toward the direction the beast made her go anyway. She’d find herself inside the tavern, all wide-eyed and panting. “What the f– uhmmm…” she caught herself, her voice falling softer as she looked to boots, a weapon, and then her master hitting the man with all that pretty hair! “Oh…” she whispered, pressing her back flat against the closest wall to

[2024/08/28 13:28:55] Gemini (korimarano): her, trying to become a wallflower as she peeked back out to the sleen through the massive holes of that entryway.

[2024/08/28 13:30:52] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He did not enjoy being told that he was lower than a slave. No free would. No free man especially. But Nauthis was determined, he had endured so much the past several days, and he was sure that this too could be survived if only he had the will. “I understand,” he said, unsure of what title or honorific he should use to address him, or the man who approached, or even the girls for now, if he was lower than a slave. No sooner had he turned around, than the stranger in black was cold clocking him in the face. It was the first time he had ever been in a fight, if this could even be called a fight. He took the blow, it turning his head under the force and inhaled sharply through his nose. The impact stung like hell, and had bloodied his gums and smeared that across his lower teeth. His own fingers curled and clenched into fists, and he kept both his hands at his sides, only to swing out, not to strike but to wave about wildly to catch his balance, dancing backwards toward the table and being put off kilter, yup!

[2024/08/28 13:30:52] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He hit his knees, reaching up only then to lightly grip his jaw, trying not to curse as he then looked up at Haru.

[2024/08/28 13:37:44] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me would observe. Sure Crow could have done it himself, Yet he had given the privilege to D. As the man was hit Crow would study how he would take it. Surely the man was more man than most. It challenged him and for such he knew that this man would be a challenge. But he was young and perhaps easy to mold. “You stand when a killer approached or speaks to you. You can eat or drink when granted permission. You will be taken to the compound. There you will tend to fires. Those fires are your life line. If they are lid – you live. If the fires die – so will you.” he promised. “It will be a challenge to do so blindfolded, but I never promised you this will be easy. If you wish to leave you can beg. If any of us will find you without a blindfold. The deal is off and you will have to deal with the consequences. The sexual use of slaves is off limits. Is this understood ?” he asks while he would signal for Haru to continue to blindfold him. “Now … did I forget anything ?” he asks those there.

[2024/08/28 13:39:24] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would watch as Haru woild silently slip from her and go to Crow, her hand running softly along his as she took the blindfold, she couldnt help but to smile, She was happy to see her Bestie so happy and content, it warmed her, she would do two steps back as Master O would move like a whip over to the man before unceremoniously punch him right in the face, the force making the man take a knee indeed to Haaru could tie the blindfold, she would turn and see a panting Gem and would toss her a warm smile,before walking aand getting a wooden smooth drinking bowl and filling it with fresh water, she would move, still faking a slight limp for “Reasons” after yesterday and get her a cup of water and brining it to her “Tal beautiful” she would say and hand her the water. with a wink, while keeping a eye on what was going on.

[2024/08/28 13:44:08] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me was flexing his hand that he’d just used to whollop the young man hearing Crow. “Food. He’s not to eat or drink without it being offered to him and every response is, yes or no killer.” He supplied quickly, but he was noticing after the fact that Gemini was flinging jerky and stepping into the side as the blind fold was applied, but he smirked from beneath that helmet. Shifting to slide it over his head at about the same time the new seeker was given direction. Ruffling his hair a moment, as he flicked his attention to Gem and Adira.

[2024/08/28 13:46:36] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would look to her master as the rules were laid out. She had heard them many times but each time she would pay attention. At his signal, she would circle around the man. On his knees, he was at a much more approachable height and she would draw both her fingers and then the blindfold over his shoulder, letting it drape over the bared section of chest to a gentle touch. “This won’t hurt a bit, Master,” she says with a nod of her head, voice a soft whisper. She looks over to Adira, offering her a wink just moments before she would pull the blindfold up and over his eyes, wrapping it around and then securing it with knot she knew all too well. Suspiciously well. She could probably tie it blindfolded; with her hands behind her head. “Never, ever, remove this. Not until My Master deems you may.” Her breath warm on his ear.

[2024/08/28 13:48:27] IRunOnCoffee: /me moved away from the door after seh had successfully herded off Gem into the tavern before away she paced, going back to her posted position and waiting. Only to growl at Lonan who also appeared. He however she didn’t herd. He smelled different, and thus he was left alone for now.

[2024/08/28 13:50:39] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He was more shocked to be so suddenly struck than brave, though he had been warned, his failure to let out a yelp was the pure shock of it plain and simple. A second blow wouldn’t have had him ‘taking it so well’. Yes, Nauthis was practically a kid, being only two days past the age of technical adulthood, but he had really been looking forward to going home and swearing to the home stone, being acknowledged and accepted as a citizen and a man grown. Only, that path was lost to him now, and had been before he’d even arrived here. When Crow began to speak, he swung the arm nearest to the bench seating and hauled himself to his feet, following instructions. Beneath his lower lip, was the bulge of his tongue, licking at the blooded gum as he listened. “I will stand when a killer approaches or speaks to me. I will eat or drink only if granted permission. I will be taken to the compound where I will tend fires. If they die, so do I. If I wish to leave, I can beg. The blindfold remains on, without exception. I will

[2024/08/28 13:50:39] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): not use a woman sexually. I understand.” He repeated what he had been told to assure he had listened and understood it. “I am not to eat unless food or drink is offered. Yes Killer.” Once the blindfold went on, he shivered just to feel the girl’s warm exhalation against the sensitive shell of his ear. Kings why did she have to taunt him so?! Didn’t she know a youth his age already had a libido that could rival a jack rabbit’s?! It didn’t help matters that he was who and what what he was, his grandmother’s influence ran at a gallop through his veins.

[2024/08/28 13:51:17] Gemini (korimarano): /me was digging in that little pouch for more jerky to keep the critter at bay. Could it get her through the holes? Probably. Would it? That was the question of the century! Water was handed to her and she’d take it, gladly! ALL the whites of her eyes showing in that moment. “The sleen…” she gulped from the water, remembering to give gratitude to Adira for the water. “Thank you, Adira…” She was reaching into that pouch with her free hand still, sticking her hand through the hole to drop more jerky – probably some the size of pixie dust too – for the critter to eat. Listen, it was all she had to offer, okay? “Those things are a stubborn lot!” she nodded fiercely, bringing her hand in swiftly to better hold that cup more firmly. Gem was shaking over here, okay?! She was almost eaten alive! At least, in her mind she was. Probably not though. “Oh! You greeted! Sorry, I was uhm…” Scared out of her wits? Chased around the lawn like she was an urt? Yeah – both. “Just playing ‘chase’ with the sleen out

[2024/08/28 13:51:17] Gemini (korimarano): there. The sleen won, I think! I mean…I am still alive, so there”s that. What’s this? A new seeker?” she asked, turning her eyes from Adira to her master who was suddenly on her like white on rice! “Tal, my Master.” she offered D, looking around him to offer master C and Haru a flash of smile. “Tal to you as well, master C. I hope all is well with you? And Haru. Good to see you!” she offered, that smile and wink offered to each. “Seeker. I hope you live…” Was that a good thing to say? Probably, considering that 9 out of ten seekers failed, right? Yeah, she hoped he lived indeed.

[2024/08/28 13:52:58] Lonan (eamontabor): approaches the tavern, seeing the “pet” sleen that had been around the camp. He wasn’t a fan, and apparently the feeling was mutual as the sleen growled at him. He keeps a watchful eye on the animal and hears voices in the tavern, so he walks over to inspect what is going on. “Tal Killers, kajirae…” his eyes land on the man who was just blindfolded and a pauses follows, “…seeker.”

[2024/08/28 13:54:54] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me looked at the slaves there. “Make sure he gets the lay out of the land. But let him ‘explore’ it with his own senses. Have him meet others and let him tend to the fires also.” he tells them. Giving Adira and Haru a wave so they could proceed. He than looked at Gem. “Girl the sleen is trained and if you wish to ensure it not to harm you we need to imprint it with your scent. But do not test it. The animal is wild and dangerous even if it is well behaved.” he would look to D. “YOu wish your girl to be scented? By what name goes she ?” he asks – for now the seeker was completely ignored – as if all of a sudden he no longer existed and needed to earn his attention again

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