Crows Murder

[11:25] Crow (melchior.wardell) smiled seeing Yoko “Greetings lady Yoko. Meet the candidate Ember. He and I spoke about the client task as you know he failed it. But he explained that he had little understanding of your culture and considered you not free as we here in the city consider a woman to be free. Perhaps you can indulge him with some of your knowledge?” he would cut a glance to Ember. The man was given a great gift – of one his very fruitful relationships.

[11:28] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) caught up with her master and the lad as they headed up to the compound. “My Master,” she chirps first, greeting the most important man in priority before the others. “Tal Master, Mistress.” She was not making an effort to slip up behind Crow silently. No need to sneak up, she knew that was not well received and so had already greeted before she arrived at his side, head cocking to hear the talk that was commencing.

[11:28] Yoko Togashi had just stepped out of the bath. Her hair was still damp dripping a bit as she walked out, only to bump into Lord Crow and Haru.. and the candidate she had tested just recently. “Lord Crow..” she bowed toward him, “Haru..” She didn’t bow but did acknowledge her favorite collar-girl. To the man that questioned her culure she just cut him a glance, and then asked calmly, “Well I am full on grateful that you waited until -after- I left the bath to approach me, I fail to understand how he came to the conclusion that I am not Free.”

[11:31] Ember had followed the killer and noticed the Pani standing in front of the bathhouse, He hadn’t been told anything except to follow, then he heard more footsteps he knew, so he didn’t have to turn his head to know it was Haru. “It’s true what the killer says, my knowledge of Pani culture only comes from a few old scrolls, which certainly didn’t describe every single cultural peculiarity. I would like to learn more and expand my knowledge.” He looked at the killer “Thank you killer, it means a lot to me that you allow me to gain this knowledge.”

[11:33] Crow (melchior.wardell) would wave his hand to the seats as to suggest they would take a sit. He would grab his girl by her bound wrists and would turn her so he could simply have her next to him on his left side. “Let me unboud my girl so she can serve us a drink.” he suggested. Although Haru could manage even bound, he knew it would take time and for such was no time. Crow as ever the perfect host.

[11:35] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would move to his left as he repositioned her, having gone for the right with Ember standing there but she would, naturally, default to her master’s wishes otherwise. Like now. Hearing Crow’s words, she would dip her head some, turning slightly that he could easily reach the ribbons that bound her wrists together, if desired, not making it difficult for him. Sometimes service was more important than her own, hidden desires.

[11:36] Yoko Togashi listened to Ember and tilted her head a bit. “Words written long ago do not tell an entire story, nor do they paint a whole picture. This is true of your own… culture… as well.” She definitely wouldn’t make this a one-sided thing where she was under scrutiny for the differences in the continental culture and her own. “However, that still did not answer the question. How exactly did you come to the conclusion that I am not free, Candidate Ember?” She didn’t know this man from Marlenus, but she did understand how many men made the same mistake both in the past and the present. One of which should have known better, but chose to speak the words anyway. Still, at Crow’s invitation she started to move toward the seats as designated, though she did not sit.. not yet. She wanted him to have full view of her so that she could properly explain.

[11:40] Ember noticed the killer’s interaction with Haru and her hands tied behind her back, which didn’t mean he took his eyes off Pani. “I think we’ll talk about it after we’ve followed the killer’s suggestion. Then I’ll also explain how I came to this conclusion. “

[11:41] Crow (melchior.wardell) would untie the wrists of his girl. “Just let my girl know what she can serve you.” he suggested Yoko. Ember was last in the hierarchy

[11:43] Yoko Togashi nodded. “I took note that one of your Killers seemed familiar with our culture and customs. Is he familiar enough to have a stock of Sake?” She wondered about that, knowing she was the one that usually exported it from the Bazi fields in Port Kar.

[11:44] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would stretch her arms as Crow unbound her wrists, looking to him and offering a soft smile. “Thank you, My Master,” she says. It wasn’t clear if she was thanking him for unbinding her, or the binding earlier. Still she was thankful for him and his actions. Slipping her arms around him a moment. “Can I fetch you a wine, My Master?” His usual choice up here rather than the black wine in the camp. Her gaze then turning to Yoko as she follows him. “And what can I get for you, Mistress?” she asks. Sake… She shakes her head a little. “Not that I am aware of, Mistress,” she says softly, looking to Crow quizzically. If there was Sake she had not seen it.

[11:46] Crow (melchior.wardell) looked to his girl “In my office there should be something from the Port in the rack.” he tells her. “I would join for one, since I am not on a hunt.” he replied. “Unfortunately the candidate can not join us. But I will indulge him in the liquor when he survives and makes it to the black.”

[11:49] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would offer a bow to her master’s words. She knew the rules for the lad so didn’t even question that. Two for Sake. Nice and easy. “I shall return shortly, My Master,” she says with a bow. Not so much for him as he did not expect such, but more for Yoko. Cultural habits, after all. Turning the small Pani doll hurries off to head to her master’s office.

[11:57] Crow (melchior.wardell) noted Chu and gave him a small gesture of acknowledgment. He would sit himself and make himself more comfortable. “Please take a seat … Do you rather wish a chair?” he asks Yoko. Surely he could have one out for her if she desired. Crow was civil and respectful. Surely not what most would conisder coming from a killer, but Crow had intent when it came to his way of interacting with Yoko.

[11:57] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) made her way back to the seating area. A jar of Sake on a tray along with two sake cups and a bunch of ta-grapes in a bowl. Spotting Chu as she came back, she would chirp a “Tal Master” for his benefit but she would move fluidly past to come to the table where her master sat. She would, of course, always serve him first unless he indicated otherwise. Coming to knee, she would begin to prepare the Sake. It had taken her a moment as she had warmed it before coming back – intent to serve it proper. And so with deft fingers, she would take one of the ta-grapes and peel it, turning his cup over to put the grape within before pouring. She was fluid. Well practiced and though on a low Pani table with cushions for seats she would not have, given the seating arrangement she would turn – dipping her head and offering the small cup up to him atop her palm.

[11:58] Ember He ignored the way she questioned him and remained calm without explaining to her again that he was just waiting for her to have her drink. Perhaps this way of talking to a free man was part of their culture.
Then he turned to the Pani. “As I said before, my knowledge of the culture is very limited. Your clothing led me to believe that you might be a contract woman. That is, a woman who belongs to someone by contract until the contract expires. Is that correct?”

[12:09] Yoko Togashi waited for him to finally respond and then moved to have a seat next to Crow once she was invited to do so. She gracefully moved around the table to find herself near him. She would of course, maneuver herself that she did not interfere with Haru’s serve. Had Haru not been a collar-girl, Yoko may have taken her to train her as a contract woman, but she knew that Haru was quite happy as she was.

In the moment she turned, she lay eyes on the man that was standing behind her, and only made eye contact briefly, but offered no greetings. Crow’s gesture to acknowledge the man also served to warn her that someone was behind her, even though she heard him approach. Still, it was good to keep track of where men were around her, for many reasons.

Yoko elegantly lowered herself to the seat next to Crow. Had Haru not been serving him, she may have offered, as he understood her culture enough to know the nuances of her chosen profession. Once she was comfortable, she turned her eyes back to Ember that she may answ
Yoko Togashi his question. “My clothes?” She almost laughed. “Kimonos are not worn -exclusively- by Contract Women, and your understanding is at the most basic of levels. Now I understand why you came to that conclusion.” She sighed as she prepared herself for the explanation. “The simple answer to your question is yes, I am a contract woman… but no, I am not ‘owned’ by anyone, nor have I ever been while performing my duties. So in that since you are -not- correct.”

[12:12] Chumadh (legend.blakewell) clearly the typist just woke up, He waited to figure out what was going on before even bothering to speak himself hearing the woman’s words. He easily thought a few things on mind but kept it to himself for now and he listened to light foot prints, He easily saw Haru coming up and kneeling along with Crow sitting but he kept still seeing the look and back at the other two but then Haru outed his position. “Tal, Killer, Kajira.” But once more he went silent keeping his arms crossed as he easily relaxed in his position eying the Candidate and the color on his arms it all just brought back memory. He continued to watch the woman closely in silence noticing the lack of greeting in which this case he also didn’t greet her either.

He always walked light on his feet though, He stepped up closer and eyed the other Candidate. “Tal.” He did greet him and just more so continued to observe the woman eying the whiteness on her face and the skin showing along with a few other things, But he use to be in the past pani so it wasn’t all that a surprise to him. He continued to keep silent otherwise he was listening to both individuals.

[12:14] Crow (melchior.wardell) would let Yoko talk. If anyone was capable of standing her ground it was her. He had not yet met many like Yoko as in being fierce enough to have herself on the receiving end of men that were ignorant to her culture but also her standing. As Haru returned he would watch her. He could see that the bound wrist had helped her in her pose. As he took the sake he would brush his fingers over hers but would allow her to serve the others quickly after. “Yoko, meet Chumadh. He is one of our candidates nearly done with his training.” he would now look at Chu “Chu … met Lady Yoko. She is a good contact from Port Kar. She is visiting.”

[12:16] Ember had noticed the other candidate and looked at him briefly in greeting and took note of how Haru prepared the sake. “Please explain to me, how can you be a contract woman and yet belong to no one? The ancient scrolls said” he tried to remember so that his question made sense ‘Maybe you’re just a contract woman,’ I said, ”whose contract can change hands and be bought and sold as if you were a slave.”
“Please explain to me what makes you different from the contract women mentioned in the scrolls. I would like to understand.”

[12:17] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would blush ever so slightly at her master’s gentle touch. Even after all this time, she still did so – it was special to her. But she did not allow that to fault her service and as soon as the touch was gone she would give a soft sigh of pleasure before turning back to the table an ehn. She repeated the process. Peeling the ta-grape, turning the cup the right way up. The Sake would be poured slow and careful after the grape was added to the cup. She didn’t speak a word, half for the ritual of serving Sake and half for all the talk flowing around her – turning with cup atop palm and bowing her head to Yoko, holding it on offer for her.

[12:30] Yoko Togashi upon being introduced to the one that approached, she stood long enough to offer a bow in greeting to him. She spoke up calmly, “A pleasure.” She wouldnt’ address him as Lord in these moments, for the simple fact that she had no actual report with him. First meeting would be telling as the man seemed to study her with the same manner that she studied him in those moments. When Haru offered her the sake, she reached down to take the bowl calmly, and inclined her head to her in thanks.

Upon sitting back down however, she continued her explanation to Ember. “As I said before, words written long ago do not tell a whole story… and I find it odd that someone claiming to wish to understand cannot see beyond the one circumstance that proves and justifies his own beliefs.” She made that clear. “You seem to understand at least, that a Contract Woman can be made to serve as a result of a debt… but you conveniently neglect to recognize the fact that debts can be repaid.” She pointed that out as assertively as
Yoko Togashi possible. “When a contract is drafted, it is the document and the service that is bought, not the woman. Contract women are not collar-girls, who are bought and sold as live stock, passed from one owner to the next, forced to be as they are until the end of their days. Contract women… We are free. Just as the contract can change hands for a certain amount of coin, the privilege we enjoy is the right to refuse a contract, or refuse service to men that do not fully understand what they are purchasing.”

She knew well that he was focusing only on the circumstance that proved his own point, but Yoko was not going to budge on this. “Furthermore, the contract outlines the terms of the service of the woman in question. It outlines how she serves, in what capacity, who she serves, how long the period of service, as well as the duties and responsibilities she has to her Danna or Okiya. This is not just a social status of indentured servitude, but a profession that many women willingly partake in for love of the
Yoko Togashi culture and the art. So yes, a contract can change hands, but that does not make the woman an owned thing.” She then looked around at the men around them all, “You would not call one of your continental women who is bound into a free companionship contract, owned by her companion would you?” She let those words linger for a moment, providing food for thought before she continued. At this point, she took her first sip of the Sake to wet her throat so that she could continue.

[12:33] Chumadh (legend.blakewell) stood there listening as to what Crow said and he eyes the woman taking the information as it came freely. “Tal, Lady, Please the pleasure is all mine.” He spoke respectfully when it was offered and otherwise he wasn’t much of a talker, Specially when he didn’t know people it was easier to just listen to them speak on his behalf and determine what he should do. He listened to the candidate and barely laced his eyes over before moving them forward again, More so he was just being a bystander at this point taking out some jerky he stuck it right between his teeth and chewed on it some form of a habit he had taken. He listened but continued his own silent as she explained more so about herself and what a contract woman was to the other Candidate.

[12:44] Crow (melchior.wardell) noted Sirius and would incline his head towards him. “Sirius, greetings. Ever met Lady Yoko?”he asks as in to introduce her. “Ember needed some insights on her culture and he gets them first hand.” he would look to Haru “Serve the lads some water or juice if they desire.” from past experience he knew his brother did not enjoy the serve of slaves.

[12:46] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would slip to Crow’s other side once the sake had been taken, dipping her head and brushing up against his thigh as she moved. Always seeking that contact. That connection. For who knew when he might have a contract and disappear for a hand or two. She saw Sirius arrive and would offer a ‘Tal Master’ to him but she knew better than to offer service to him. Yet as soon as she had lowered to her knees, she was back up on her feet, moving around the table ever so slightly as she turns her attentions to the two lads. Chu she had not seen him in a while so would give him an extra warm smile along with a slight look of worry. “Water, Masters?” she asks in her soft tones. “Or juice?”

[12:48] Sirius™ (lucienwildulf) had come up to the meeting, and first standing behind Chu-perhaps to intimidate him for being gone so long- but after hearing the Pani woman speak, he sat down. Seems it was a lesson, and his brother just confirmed it. ” Crow.” he too inclined his head toward him. Looking briefly at the Pani,”Lady.”

[12:52] Ember “Tal Killer” and bowed his head respectfully for a moment in the direction of Sirius. “What you say is familiar to me, contract women are not slaves, they are freer, they sell services until their debts are repaid and they are free again.” he repeated her words
“The cultural status of the contract woman is superior to that of the slave, but lower than that of the free woman. I am aware of the high value of a contract woman and she is considered free in relation to slaves because she is allowed to own property.”
Am I wrong with these words? It is not easy for me, who does not belong to this people, to have accurate knowledge. It is something between slave and free woman, it seems to me.” He looked very thoughtful and tried to understand the status.
On the one hand, there were Pani’s words and on the other, he was stuck somewhere in his thoughts, although he tried to sense the nuance that seemed to lie somewhere in between. He wanted to understand it, heard the words, the lesson and tried to foll
Ember the words, hoping to clear up this confusion in his head.

[13:06] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) took note that neither of the lads had accepted the offer of a drink and so quietly, silently, would move back to her knees at Crow’s side. There was a lesson being taught and she was not going to interrupt it any further than necessary.

[13:09] Yoko Togashi set her Sake down on the table in front of her, and stood to her full height once more, as Sirius was introduced to her. She bowed at her waist to him in greeting as well, “Lord Killer.” She would not address him by name less he gave her the leave to do so. Despite how she spoke to the candidate, she was well aware of where she was, and though her words may have been a bit harsh, the tone was welcoming as one mentor would teach a student.

Soon enough, she sat back down and took another sip of her Sake as she heard Ember’s explain his stance and understanding again. “Contract women are free, because they are free, not just because they are ‘allowed to own property.’ We are born free, not in chains… the same as every free woman of this world. The very notion that our ownership of property is the -only- thing that separates us from slavery is preposterous.” She left it at that for now. At the mention of him not belonging to the culture and making it difficult to understand, she gestured around her. “These
Yoko Togashi men do not ‘belong to my culture’ either, yet they are capable of understanding that Contract women are Free women. As such, I am beginning to understand the core of the issue here.”

She finished off her sake and set the bowl down in front of her once more. Crossing her leg as she sat up, but ensuring that her Kimono covered them as she spoke. “So I will now ask you a series of simple questions to put things into perspective.” She waited a moment to allow him time to prepare. “What were you before you became a Candidate?”

[13:12] Chumadh (legend.blakewell) listened hence forth to the things Yoko said and Crow hearing him speak to Sirius and his eyes dragged over. “Tal, Killer.” He figured the man would come off with something wild as usual though a very entertaining Killer among most. Otherwise that he looked back to his left at Haru and easily she could have read him, But he noted her smile and well it was all in the same for himself. Even though Sirius stood behind him for a good point. Chu had already moved out of the way not one to keep people at his back, As well as He wasn’t really intimidated just more so pleased to see the man again.

He figured and understood a circumstance though in the womans words and it hit him with some sudden realization before looking to the Candidate, Ah. That is the lesson of today. He never thought on it until now otherwise. “Who do not belong to these people.” He repeated those words and sorta just looked at the Candidate. “interesting ‘Phase’ of words.” He just barely took a step in that direction and his body turned
along with his eyes lacing the Candidate longer a bit coldly maybe Chu might have even got offended by how the Candidate spoke. He went quiet though again as the woman continued to speak and asked the Candidate a question.

[13:22] Crow (melchior.wardell) knew that Chu would be understanding of what Yoko shared. So a look was given fully aware how the response of Ember might fall upon his ears. It was not for nothing that he had taken Ember to this lesson. Perhaps most killers would not have occupied themselves with these cultural lessons, but as Crow was of a back ground in which many cultures could meet he would not withhold them. Surely when one would only read the scrolls many contracts would not be taken while they still served the very purpose of their caste. He would sip the sake – slow and very much aware that the liquid could cloud his senses more quickly. His gir before him was pull slightly backwards so she would be against him as he would take a lock from her hair and have it turned around his finger.

[13:24] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would settle once again, resting slightly against Crow’s thigh as she observed the going-ons. An approaching figure was noted, Haru smiling to see it was Quarrel. “Tal beauty,” she says in her soft tones, greeting her before turning her attention to the rest going on. She didn’t speak more than this. Now was not her time. She simply observed in interest, curious to see where this was all going. Haru had known Yoko a long, long time. Even longer than she had known her master, and had great respect for her. She felt that tug on her hair, shifting even closer, enjoying the tug and play in it, shifting that she would slide between his thighs if he allowed such. Ever observant though and still keeping attention.

[13:25] Sirius™ (lucienwildulf) noted his girl make her approach, he stifled a smile, making his upper lip twitch until he had command of the emotion. They had had a tumutulus couple of days, and he was ready to get past it all. He pat his leg, and welcomed her to the area closest to him. He did not demand service, and remained quiet to not interupt the lesson. But he did reach forward and plucked an errant hair off her cheek, that seemed to be stuck in her mouth.

[13:27] Ember nodded as she spoke about being born free. “To what do you owe the fact that you are now a contract woman and bound by contracts?” Perhaps that was the central question to understand better. Perhaps there was something from her past that he needed to understand. Slowly he got a sense of what she meant and where his ignorance was and where he had gone wrong. He answered her question with “Seeker”. He answered the look the other candidate gave him with a firm gaze and respectful demeanor. He was aware of the killer’s slave who had now joined them, but kept his eyes on the people he was talking to.

[13:30] Villanelle (theaphris) had made her usual quiet approach to her Master and the overall gathering present at this time. She had knelt a small distance from Sirius who gratified her with a short, but true smile. How he removed a hair stuck between her lips, how he patted his thigh to invite her closer all lead to her crawling right next to his thigh and laying her cheek against it after she glanced up to him with an enamored and yet conflicted expression. She did not peep a word, preferring remaining discreet, for a fear to disrupt anything ongoing.

[13:30] Yoko Togashi asked a follow up question but purposely did not answer th question he posed to her.. at least not at this moment. “And before that, what were you?” She awaited his answer.

[13:34] Chumadh (legend.blakewell) felt it was just about all he could take walking up he attempted to grab man right by the neck and with it throw him back onto the ground. This was just all about he could think of doing because he really didn’t like how the Candidate was talking and it just happened to irk him out of all the things he felt about this moment.

[13:36] Crow (melchior.wardell) perked a brow as he noted Chu. One of surprise but also one of something that needed attention. If Chu was this easily angered … he needed work. Emotions were frowned upon and everything was set to keep an iron control over it. But than again the man had been away for some time so needed perhaps a small reminder of what he was to do.

[13:38] Ember felt the other contestant coming closer and wanted to grab him by the neck, he dodged and his attack missed, he took 2 steps back and then took a running start to kick him in the balls. In the hope that he would then give up and he could continue the lesson

[13:40] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) watches the whole mood shift as things went from talk to action, shifting against Crow’s thighs as she adjusts to get a better angle. This would be a curious thing to watch as the lads broke into a scuffle. Who… would… win?

[13:40] Sirius™ (lucienwildulf) didnt move unless they got into his space, but had to stifle a laugh as this got really entertaining.

[13:42] Chumadh (legend.blakewell) had been gone awhile but he was annoyed at how the Candidate spoke, One to remind himself that he may want to go punch a rock and even cool down. Nothing but a healthy brawl never hurt anyone! He wasn’t quick enough ot grab the man and the sudden attempt to kick him in the balls, He shifted a bit to the side noticing just how slow he really was. “You don’t think it’s disrespectful about how you just answered the Lady?” He questioned out right just taking a reminder as to something he learned once. “She’s here teaching you something very important. And what do you give her back? A one word liner?” He questioned next and held back now he stood there and just glared. “It isn’t every day, You’ll be given the chance to learn, So use your time wisely.” He said it and stepped back giving the Candidate his space but next time he really would hurt the man.

[13:46] Crow (melchior.wardell) would not have stopped the men if they had gotten into it, but he was pleased to see that Chu did put his point across. He was right, but he doubted Ember truly understood what he had done. So he would look at Yoko “I never promised these men would be easier than those of the Port.” he jested. He noted Sirius grin and than grinned too. Surely there was some amusement in all of this too.

[13:47] Yoko Togashi was content to watch what happened between the men. She was indeed giving him the lesson and teachings he sought, but she wasn’t going to interrupt this one. Nope. If the two Killers didn’t see an issue, then neither would she. However, the smile over her painted features could not be mistaken. “No you did not,” was her response to Crow. She was entertained by it, perhaps even pleased, but at the same time, that same smile faded soon after.. just as quickly as it formed. Still, she waited for the answer to her question between the two of them.

[13:51] Faye Darkbyrd (spacer.ghostraven) had been watching at a distance to the on going spar of the pair before the lounged company. She could not make out all at her distance but had lingered enough to gather none had shooed her off as of yet. Returning from a time at the shrine she was navigating still her thoughts but lingered closer beside a brazier to make herself more clear at the outskirts of things.

[13:52] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) was quiet. It was no secret she would loiter around arenas at times, when bored, just to watch the men fight. For what purpose was often not clear but she wasn’t going to complain about watching a brawl break out in front of her. No siree. She simply leaned into Crow more, feeling for her master’s reaction, smiling to see Faye appear on the other side of the pit. Too far to greet but enough to dip her head in respect to her.

[13:54] Ember narrowed his eyes as he looked at the other candidate who wanted to teach him lessons and straightened his clothes. The other candidate was further along in his training than he was, he could tell by his armband. He had also realized that this candidate was not in control of his emotions. Perhaps this would bring a quick death if he didn’t become more mindful. Emotions often obscure the view.

He then calmly turned to the assassin and Pani without paying any further attention to him. He didn’t know this woman, he didn’t know her culture and he knew how important it was to get this knowledge and to understand this culture. What was her question about? “I’ve done this and that before, some wandering, some trading and things like that.”

[13:54] Villanelle (theaphris) observed the tension rise between the two men. She did not like fights or violence in general. She nuzzled against Sirius’s leg, half burying her face into her Master’s thigh, with the hope to not be able to see much of what might happen…She just hoped he’d let her not witness it all by allowing her to hide it from her sight.

[13:56] Chumadh (legend.blakewell) went quiet once more taking another jerky out and he stuck it into his mouth chewing away as to not interrupt again, He knew what he would say but the question wasn’t directed at him and even if the lesson wasn’t for him he still took it into mind and in a way understood with his own reasoning. He listened to foot prints though and noticed the other woman nearby, He kept silent and chewed away at his jerky but he remembered her from not too long ago at best it felt like it wasn’t that long ago. He was mindful to himself among all else he became stoic and relaxed easily as it came it left him in the same movement and when he heard the Candidate respond he just wondered.

[13:59] Sirius™ (lucienwildulf) took a coin from his belt and tossed it toward Crow. Hopefully the Pani would sit still and not obstruct the throw, or she’d be pelted in the head with a silver. Sirius had an ongoing bet with his brother, that if candidates fought Sirius would get the coin, if they did not, Crow would. He then settled back, and with Quarrels head on his thigh, he rest his hand there.

[14:02] Crow (melchior.wardell) had expected the coin to fly his way and would catch it mid air. He would bow his head slightly as to apologize towards Yoko who might be startled by the coin. Crow would now address Ember “You were born free were you not ?” he stated. “I think that is what she tried you to answer.” he although his patience was endless would not waste Yoko’s time.

[14:03] Ember only saw a piece of silver being thrown from one killer to the other, it shone briefly in the air
“Yes Killer, I was born free”

[14:08] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) listens, her head tilted ever so slightly. She looks over to Sirius and Quarrel, smiling to see the bond they had seemingly formed. She was quiet, though, the lesson seemingly resuming, keeping her words to herself for now as she had no input outside of the lessons the lads were already being given.

[14:08] Chumadh (legend.blakewell) saw the flicker of a coin from the side of his eye but he also noticed it was (time for dinner). So he turned away figuring he wouldn’t be interrupting any longer and gave Faye a slight wave on his way out quietly he was relaxed among all else.
bye bye))

[14:10] Faye Darkbyrd (spacer.ghostraven) nodded to those present, a brief lifting of her hand in silent greeting. She saw the silent greeting from Haru given but yet herself remained a shadow to the background a moment taking in the details of the matter at hand and those present. She nodded briefly to the departing lad chuckling to herself seeing the coin traded off between the killers.

[14:12] Villanelle (theaphris) felt her Master’s hand over her head after he had produced a sudden movement which she had not see, hiding as she was. She heard some departing footsteps and, curious finally looked up to see one of the two men depart.

[14:16] Ember looked after the other candidate, there was nothing in his gaze to indicate emotion
and repeated his answer: “Yes Killer, I was born free”

[14:17] Crow (melchior.wardell) would start to flip the coin up as to play with it. The motion one he could do blindly but it trained him in making the same gesture over and over so the result would be the same. He could sense Haru beside him and would place his other hand on her shoulder, after he had moved his hand palm upwards as to greet Faye. “See if Faye might need you for serve or message.” he stated towards her.

[14:17] Yoko Togashi Yoko indeed did sit still. Even though she was able to make out that it was a coin being tossed, any other time she’d have reached out to snatch it out of the air. She loved to gamble, but these would not be men that she gambled her life with. She was only worth what she was worth so long as she was alive to prove why she was worth the gold spent to secure her services. Still, when Crow did interject with the question, Yoko followed up.

“Indeed, Candidate. You were born free.. you were born elsewhere, and you were -not- born a Killer, a seeker or a candidate. You sought them out, you somehow convinced them to train you, and now you seek to learn their profession. You are not allowed weapons, you are not allowed to own slaves, and as I understand, you are not allowed a homestone either. So if I were to apply your logic to your situation… I would ask you, why is it that you find yourself not enslaved by these men? If the only thing that separates a free person from being a slave is the ability to own
Yoko Togashi property… which you no longer have…”

IN those moments she let those words linger, but she would not let him answer, as she did need to show that she also knew the answer. “You are not a slave, because these men recognize your freedom despite the circumstance of the culture you are -learning- to live by. As a contract woman, men recognize my freedom in this same way, not because I am ‘allowed to own property’. Do you understand now?” She placed it into perspective at this moment as well as she could.

[14:18] Sirius™ (lucienwildulf) absent mindedly stroked Q’s head, slipping his fingers behind her ear and pushing her hair back. “Not very forthcoming of information, is he?” the question directed toward Crow. He finally paid notice to the free woman. It was odd to have one here , but two? He gave her a good look, and maybe recognized her from years ago.

[14:22] Crow (melchior.wardell) had too noticed the bond of his brother with the new acquired slave. It was of course nice to see that there was some warmth in him although he doubted the girl would have it easy. As he spoke he would nod “Let us see if he gets the point … or rather wishes to keep his hose in books, scrolls and paper.” he noted the look “Ah have you met Faye ? She has a special place within the fortress. She occupies the Infirmary. For reasons I can not disclose now.”

[14:23] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) curls her fingers in the cloth of Crow’s pants, idly drawing patterns that he would feel through. She was quiet, lips pursing as Chu headed off for Chu things and Ember was left behind. The coin exchange had been noted but there was little she would say on it. Maybe ask her master laster but for the ehn, but she had faith that he had all in hand – coins, lads, women and more. Even her.

[14:29] Ember “You’re right,” he looked at the Pani, ”there are different types of contracts. This one is a training contract for which I gave up my life before. I will either die in the process or be free afterwards and bound to the caste.

As I said, there are different contracts, including contracts that specify debts to be paid.

“My parents had no debts and didn’t have to sell me by contract to someone I had to provide services for. I was always my own boss.”

I understand what you are trying to tell me, that I am currently also unfree. However, I have voluntarily placed myself in this dependency. Did you too? Who owns you according to the contract? And when will you really be free from your contract again?
He had an idea who it might be and that would explain why she was here, but it was just unconfirmed vague speculation.

He had noticed the woman next to him and greeted her.

[14:30] Faye Darkbyrd (spacer.ghostraven) smiled shortly behind her veils as focus turned her way. With the spar completed She allowed herself some closer proximity. She knew well enough if they needed space, they would easily request it. Shadow as she so often was lingering between her studies she came and went as quietly as the killers did at times. She did not take advantage of the freedom granted to the walls she was within. She gave a nod of her head to Sirius “It has been a few lifetimes, Killer.” she greeted briefly before focusing over to Crow and Isolet next. “Wanted to ensure I was not intruding. Well met.” She chimed shortly “Safe to say I think I am mostly terrifying the more youthful killer with my tales of calamity and adventures i’ve embarked upon in my past mostly but.. Aye. ” she half jested. She was an odd bean jesting so easily with such company, she was her own enigma of freedoms and contracts.

[14:38] Sirius™ (lucienwildulf) still found it amusing that he was THAT old now. That Faye knew him that long ago. He gave her a polite enough nod. Now that it was confirmed that the woman was as he thought. ” Reptilian hybrid spawn?” he asked, knowing that she did experiments. He said it in jest, but who knows. With her, it could have been true, He continued to brush Q’s hair with his finger tips, he wasnt even thinking about it, he just was.

[14:41] Yoko Togashi answered Ember flatly. “This is a lesson on my culture, not my past. Keep to the subject, and the rest will follow.” She did not answer his question on her contract or her personal affairs. Perhaps she made it very clear that she would not answer any questions of the sort, as she had not answered the first one, let alone the second and third one he asked. “Now… to review, and ensure you understand… there are not -different types- of contracts.. there are differentiating -circumstances- as to why a woman would find herself as a contract woman. The Contract dictates the stipulations and length and cost of service… and the contract woman is free, and enjoys -all- the privileges of free women, less the contract woman specifically states she will be enslaved.” Yoko’s tone had changed during that explanation, from the flat tone she used to warn him against inquiring about her personal affairs, to that warm, welcoming tone she used often when teaching and training other potential contract women.

“Now… do you have any other questions about my -culture- that need to be clarified?” Yoko was very much calm and composed despite the subtle changes in her demeanor. This woman seemed to have full control over her own emotions, being able to switch from hot to cold on a whim, and perhaps much more. The wide array of skills that contract women possessed were sought by many, and it was not unheard of for a contract of a single contract woman to go for one, if not several, gold tarns. Once again, she awaited his answer to her inquiry, knowing there was more, but she decidedly would move on from this conversation of freedom and slavery to other matters as was requested in the beginning.

[14:42] Villanelle (theaphris) looked up when Sirius spoke of a reptilian hybrid spawn. As she did, one of her Master’s fingers might have poked her in the eye, but nevermind, the vision of the green clad woman had her think she might be a physician and if there had been once thing Quarrel had enjoyed learning about in this world, it was the art of medecine in Gor and the many comparions she had made with medecine in her world…She had marveled many times at technologies that were unheard of where she came from, starting, of course, with the stabilizing serum.

[14:49] Crow (melchior.wardell) wished he could remain but time was not his friend at the moment – or well – the time of his writer. So he lifted himself “Please stay, Lady. Haru will see to your needs.” As he stood he would make a bow towards the woman while his eyes would remain upon her “You have my gratitude, lady.” he passes Ember as he would try to push him slightly out of balance and then move past Faye “We need to meet up soon, lady. I assume you might stay for a few days ?” he would not wait her reply but move further. “Killer, seems it is up to you to hold the fort.” he grinned and wink towards his slave if she dared to look up to him. Crow would move to his tent ((goodnight all !- sleeptime for me ))

[14:50] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would look up to Faye a moment, her head tilting and then looking to her master. “May I offer the mistress a drink, My Master?” she asks. He rose to his feet and she would look up at him, head canting to the side even further. He was retiring, she could read it and his words affirmed it. “Hai, of course My Master.” She looks to Faye, offering a bow. “May I fetch you anything, Mistress?” she asks.

[14:51] Ember He noticed that she was avoiding the answers, which reinforced his assumption about who would keep her contract. “Thank you for your answers and the insight into the life of a contract woman. Once I’ve slept on it all for another night or two and thought it through, I’m sure a lot of things will become clearer. If I have any further questions, I will ask them. You haven’t answered important questions for me and exactly answered themon this way.” Some things didn’t need to be said to be understood. He felt the killer push him, he took a step to the side and let him pass. “Be well Killer”

[14:52] Faye Darkbyrd (spacer.ghostraven) snorted in amusement to Sirius’s words “Not this round but, a fair side project indeed.. At the moment many a urt but, shall be seeking slave volunteers for some studies soon.” She chimed. Oh kings medical volunteers.. without the volunteer part. She nodded to Crow as he passed “Aye, I am here for a time, We shall speak more soon and brief.” she assured before nodding over to Haru “best I think some juice, I do not think best to indulge while on task.” she mused. She did not hide that she herself was occupied with studies under request of others, though details yet retained to private.

[14:54] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) sniffed the air and narrowed his eyes as he heard a voice as he walked into the compound passing through the gates. He headed over crossing his hands to his chest and narrowed his eyes slightly, a bit annoyed “You… who let you in here?” he said with a grunt “and just what is this mission your on?” he asked shaking his head back and forth “Does Kerok know you are out and about? Maybe I should speak with the old man.”

[14:55] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would dip her head, hearing Faye’s words. “Hai, juice Mistress,” she would say, affirming the order. Rising to her feet, she would spot M approaching with Adira in tow, giving her bestie a wink and blowing a kiss before padding her way over to the small servery to get to work. A quick wipe down of her hands before hunting for a goblet to use.

[14:56] Sirius™ (lucienwildulf) looked between Faye and his own slave. He was going to volunteer Q to assist the lady , since Q was formally a doctor of earth. But once Faye mentioned she needed slaves to subject to experiments he decided against it. He held Q’s head closer to him, protective. “You wont be experimenting on this one.” he told her. When M showed up, he nodded toward him,”Killer.” he said. Blinking when he mentioned Kerok,”That old man still lives? Hiding in the wood work?”

[14:57] Yoko Togashi nodded and affirmed what he said. How many timmes had she heard those words? How many men before him had made assumptions into the unknown? How many allowed their own minds to dictate reality? How many more would still after him. “Indeed I did not, candidate Ember. It is not necessary for you to know these answers, nor am I obligated to answer your every question into my personal affairs. When it becomes necessary for me to do so, then perhaps you will have your answers…. or perhaps when you have the coin to pay for my time. A bit of advice however.. for your own sake.. candidate Ember.. Best not to let your mind run away from reality and make assumptions into what you do not know. It will not end well for you.”

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