And who is right !?
[14:21:33] Crow (melchior.wardell) would move forwards as he faced Scar “Killer, I have taken the liberty to take these men before you. It seems that some of these men believe that life is as easy as black or white. Into training I have tried to teach them that life is not always as black and white. And yet they question it every time. So when it comes to the client task. Perhaps they wish to hear it from you instead of a lieutenant.”
[14:22:15] Crow (melchior.wardell) noted Halvar not here. “Haru … get that maggot.”
[14:25:37] Byron Greenwood waits expectantly in the lobby, aware that a party comes seeking an audience. He is still, dispassionate, studious. He listened to Crow, then looked to Heru’s wake, then settled on the candidate when brought forth, now more stern. “Candidate, it seems you have an opinion. How can it be that you have an opinion that would better that of one you seek to learn from? Explain!” he demanded.
[14:26:41] Black Ost (daricmarano) stood straighter. A flick of his eyes to Scar, holding his gaze. He listened to Crow a moment; he took his usual approach. Calm and even keel. A flick of his eyes to Ember, as he stood to one side.
[14:29:20] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) went and fetched Halvar, coming back and falling into place at her master’s side. She flashed Scar one of her warm smiles though for now she did not speak beyond what was needed. Sure, Crow wanted her more verbal but she knew that now was a time for the little ones to be quiet and let the men talk. She might even learn something, who knew.
[14:32:26] Ember followed Haru into one of the houses, which he would never enter without an invitation “Tal Killers” “Killer, would you please be more specific with your question? What opinion are you talking about? If I’ve done something wrong, please forgive me.” He was irritated. “Killer, my question is intended to help me form an opinion, to learn. It seems that there are many different answers to one question. The more killers I ask, the more comprehensive and often different the answers are from which I then try to draw new knowledge,” he replied respectfully without knowing what exactly he was being accused of.”
[14:35:57] Crow (melchior.wardell) would listen to what was asked and replied. When Ember showed his irritation he arched a brow “Be careful there, Ember.” he addressed the show of emotions.
[14:39:35] Byron Greenwood could understand frustration when it came to training. He had experienced much of that in those, now long distant, days. But he knew focus was the answer, and so focus he did now, cold and calculated. “Easy answers are for fools. Build upon them, you fashion a fantasy. Live in that fantasy, and it will betray you. Every time. Allow me to expand upon this folly.” Though his words spoke of suggestion, the way he spoke them made it plain it was a demand. He gestured to his right, to the door there. “Come. All of you.” With that, he paced hence to the meeting room.
[14:40:49] Byron Greenwood motioned to the single chair before the throne. “Candidate, you sit there. The rest, as you please.”
[14:41:56] Black Ost (daricmarano) would dip his chin. “Excuse me, I am running late for an appointment. Thank you for the invitation.” He supplied, before he turned to head through the doors.
[14:42:01] Crow (melchior.wardell) needed little as he entered the room and would take a seat only after Scar had his. The chair in the middle clearly for the candidate. Crow would take of his shield as he would have his foot between Haru’s leg and signaled for her to kneel in bracelets. Just to see if the chains of a few days prior still did their magic.
[14:43:33] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would blink as Ost headed off, leaving again. She flashes him an apologetic smile though she focused on the now and here and as her master signalled, would lower to her knees in bracelet. There was a small wriggle, his foot’s position noticed, pressing herself against him but not enough to be dirty or lewd. Not in this place. But enough to tease him, perhaps. Maybe she was teasing herself?
[14:45:15] Red Bloodrose tilts her head with a purr of welcome. dipping her head to led in his muscular thigh, a soft whimper of pleasure as she does so. She pauses then, the ranked officeRr and their girls… each are given their greetings and love, but her focus is on Scar.
[14:47:14] Ember took a seat in the assigned chair and greeted Red briefly, sensing the strange atmosphere in the room. He hardly felt anything today, there were reasons for that and it was hard to follow the whole thing. He would try to hide it and waited, his eyes fixed on the killer on the throne.
[14:48:08] Byron Greenwood claimed the throne, settled himself, then placed a hand lightly atop Red’s head, then leaned over to her. “Fetch me a few books from the library. The ones pertaining to our legends and fables. You know the ones,” he instructed, a touch more hushed. He then resettled himself and looked keenly at the candidate. “We are islands, candidate. Each killer. We work alone. You’ve heard the expression? Alone with gold and steel? Our perceptions build the world around us, based on our experiences. With me so far?”
[14:52:28] Crow (melchior.wardell) would listen and be attentive and yet he would look to his own girl. Her posture still as pretty as that of a few days back. He would have his hand brush some locks of hair over her shoulder. She was not only a loyal slave, but a good listener. Even though she was instructed not to help the lads with training he could converse with her over what he had observed. He knew she would listen closely just as he did. Scar had his own way with words – Crow had experienced it first hand all those years ago.
[14:58:47] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would arch her back a little more, straightening even further as her master brushed her hair. She only wanted to be pleasing to him and tried to hold herself to the posture he had bound her into before. Of course, she could always do with more binding. Here, there, anywhere really. She never complained about that though she knew it was also not always conducive to her duties. Especially with the events of the past few days.
[14:59:03] Red Bloodrose takes the touch of her Master, offering him a shy, and affectionate smile, slipping to his office and finding the words that he has asked of her. Returning, she resumes her position and nuzzles her Master’s leg.
[14:59:21] Ember “Yes Killer, I know the words ‘Alone with gold and steel’ He thought for a moment, but then remained silent, as no one had asked him about his knowledge of the meaning and watched Red leave the room
[15:07:33] Byron Greenwood waited while his slave abided by his demanded, cold eyes never leaving the candidate. It was if, just by looking at the man, he could somehow read him. And it was not a trick. When his slave returned, he plucked a book from the pile she carried, and dropped it on the floor before him, where it landed with a loud thump. “Assassins.” He fetched another book, and did the same with that. “Plunder.” Then another book. “Quarry”. He followed suit with a few more books he didn’t name. “Legends. Fables. You believe everything you read? You know the author personally?” The questions were rhetorical. He then motioned to Crow. “There’s a killer right there. He has killed. And it ain’t in no fucking book. He’s lived it. As have I. He has -real- experience. Reliable experience. As does -every- other killer you will meet here. Loners all. First question, then. Will Crow’s experience be the same as mine?”
[15:12:25] Crow (melchior.wardell) knew the books well. Often they shared storied of men that failed their codes, or brought shame to the caste. He would listen and hoped Ember would understand why he was faced with the books and the unkind scrutiny of the Master of the court It was about learning and not questioning ones experience. It was learning by example. Understanding that circumstances changed, things were needed, bounderies were at times stretched. Sometimes for good reason and on other times with huge risks. He would look up as his name was mentioned. As his fingers would pluck a piece of hair and toyed with it while he listens.
[15:20:56] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would tilt her head ever so slightly to her master’s touch. Not enough to break her posture but enough to let him know she was present. She felt him. His gentle touch. All of that. She adored everything he blessed her with. She had a vision of him braiding her hair though she had no idea if he even knew how. That was more something she might do with her sisters around the campfire while the men slept; nattering about them and their ways, all of that. ((wb! ♥))
[15:22:59] Ember watched as the killer dropped books on the floor and heard his question. He tried, as Woody had taught him, to read the titles of the books that lay upside down for him. He had taught himself to read in Port Kar.
“No killer, because no job is the same, no kill is the same, the conditions are always different. Every kill brings new experiences and the more experiences there are, the differently a killer will make his decisions. These old books can only offer guidance.” He would so much like to ask a question, his face looked thoughtful, he decided to remain silent.
[15:28:51] Red Bloodrose eyes Haru and she cannot veil the gaze that she has, A girl who’s Master appreciates and loves her. There’s a shake of Red’s head. She adores her Master, she knows how he is, but there is a place in her that is envious and feels that as a girl, she is lacking.The words of Ember are noted, but she is taking a moment to reflect on her position a a slave, and eye Scar’s lap, hungrily.
[15:30:15] Byron Greenwood leaned forward, as though the candidate might just have hit the nail on the head; he almost seemed enthused. “Exactly! Fables are dreams, ideals, things to aspire too. But they ain’t fucking reality. We,” he motioned between himself and Crow, “live there. In the real world. And there are no easy answers in the real world. Alone, every killer has to decide, himself, in the moment, what to do, what to think. These lessons – and only these – are the ones to listen to. Next question, then. What if the answer to a single question is different when asked of one killer then another?”
[15:37:44] Crow (melchior.wardell) remained quiet. He had truly pained himself as to wonder how he could make his point come across. But every time he again was faced with the same questions and frustration. He couldn’t help the fact that even some killers acted different than he would – and – yet he always gave them room and yet felt himself being questioned by a candidate. Crow was not the murderous kind of trainer, although if his other side would surface he could be rigid, cold, detached and very swift.
[15:39:42] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would listen, noting Red looking over at her and offering her a warm smile. Red was one of the few that she trusted; the girl had been supportive during her rough times and she would not forget that. Blowing her a kiss, she would turn her attentions back to the talk between Scar and Ember, just enjoying the moment of quiet by her master’s side. Connected. Present. His.
[15:43:13] Ember had been thinking about the question because it had been bothering him for some time “If the answer is different for one killer than for another, it indicates different experiences. A young killer will act differently than an experienced killer. The only question then is, if a test is to be carried out, which answer is then considered correct and whether it depends on the experience of the killer asking the question.” And that was exactly what worried him, no one knew the experience of the respective killers and what answer would be expected. Would the killers understand what he meant and what he was worried about
[15:51:41] Red Bloodrose is how she is. Floating, A piece of slut flesh. The girl might be in words the first girl of the Lodge, but as a girl and as a first girl… the Master needs to avow his confidence. As such.. she looks at her kneeling position,, asking her Master cooly “Might I rise Master?”. She’d adored him.. perhaps she was foolish to do so,
[15:54:38] Crow (melchior.wardell) would turn his attention to Red when she spoke. It was not often the girl broke up the conversation to ask his attention. Surely the man was a hard owner for his slave. He would pull the lock of hair playful as to see if Haru was still paying attention. Surely he hears the question of the candidate – and yes he understood what he meant. Yet did the man have so little faith in Crow ? That his answer would be not good enough ? Who did he fear with the answers he had provided ?
[15:57:11] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) was completely paying attention and at the little playful tug she would turn her head and look to her master. She would not break from the pose he had ordered her into; his favourite kneel, bracelets with her hands bound behind her at the wrist with an invisible ribbon. She would push her chest forward, though, as if to tease him – flesh straining against the cloth of her camisk, the chains digging slightly into her flesh. She looks at him questioningly, curious if there was more to that pull.
[16:00:34] Byron Greenwood directly pointed at the candidate, still leant forward. “-You- decide. As we all do. As we all -must-. Does the answer feel -right- to you? Ask that every time. But remember, always, who and what you are. You’re a learner, a man in training, learning from those that have earned their place. A place above yours. Young, old, who the fuck cares? They are -all- more experienced than -you-. You might expect a thing to be this or that, but is it true? How the fuck would -you- know? I’ve seen young killers blaze a trail old killers would envy. I’ve seen old killers quell the mighty. And, true enough, I’ve seen some fall. But -you- ain’t the judge here. -We- are. You consider -every- word of advice they give, you think about it. You decide. But there’s a line between questioning for clarification and questions because you -think- you know better. You don’t. Who the fuck do you think you are, candidate? -Nothing- out there,” he waved to the window, “is like anything in these fucking books,” he kicked the books dropped on the floor before him. “You are -never- going to be in -that- world. It don’t exist, save for in those pages. You understand me?” he pressed. Only then after his speech, did he look to his slave. “Rise, sit, do what you want, but don’t interrupt again.”
[16:08:34] Ember swallowed briefly and nodded at the killer’s words “You’re right killer. I am only a learner and not a judge.” Here and now, he would not give an example of how he was almost killed because he gave the words he was taught to a killer as an answer.
[16:10:47] Crow (melchior.wardell) knew Scar to be tough, strong, fiece and unwilling to compromise to this demeanor of being cold or detached. It must be hard for a man in training to face him and yet he hoped this would resolve the questions the candidate seemed to search. As he hears him swallow he perked a brow “Now speak of what you fear or whom? Since here you seem to give the perfect answers … and yet you keep questioning every time we speak ?”
[16:11:28] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would watch, listening. She always adored when she was permitted to listen in. Heck, who knew, she might make a fantastic killer one day herself – she just needed to grow a pair of balls and cut her tits off… wait.. no, she liked her tits. Her master liked them and she wasn’t sure if a sausage was his preference. No, she was fairly certain he had no interest in that kind of meat.
[16:15:22] Byron Greenwood noted Crow rising, which could not be missed, but still keenly looked to the candidate. “I see through you, candidate. I see you still question. You dance the fine line we all did when we were in training. With skill? That would be noted to your benefit. Like a dullard? Well, that might just get you killed. Look to -him-” he motioned to Crow. “Let me see your worth as you answer what -he- demands.” He then settled back in his seat, a hand resting upon Red’s head. “Tonight’s performance,” he said, more directed to his slave.
[16:20:07] Red Bloodrose raises her hands, dashing her tears away. She does not raise, but likewise she is wordless. Her worth has been communicated, and she considers rising to his lap, and shakes her head, not for this moment.. There is a pause, and she visibly rises to her knees, waiting for the response of the Candidate for her Master.
[16:23:47] Ember turned to Crow and looked in his pocket for a piece of scroll and handed it to him “Killer this is just one of many examples of what has been taught. I’m not naming names or accusing anyone. The killer who taught us asked questions a few days later and when I answered the words he said were correct, I was almost killed. I was very annoyed that I hadn’t thought through my answer better.
his head turned forward again “Yes killer, I was told that only those who ask get answers. If there’s an order for me not to, I’ll follow it in the future” he spoke thoughtfully and respectfully
[16:27:33] Crow (melchior.wardell) would take the note and scanned it. The words drifted to him. He sighed deeply and would give it to his girl to pass it to Scar. “It isn’t the questions … it is how you ask. But when I read this I can understand the confusion.” he would regard Scar “He had a test with Sirius and he was clearly taught that these words were not how we perceive the caste.” he pondered. “Perhaps this should be addressed with the ranked officers and those that wish to partake in training.”
[16:32:17] Ember “mercenary work” as a killer’s task and it was judged to be correct and I didn’t think about it and assumed it was correct. So it was my mistake too. I have learned from this to always question everything
[16:32:36] Crow (melchior.wardell) would quote from the book “Since the siege of Ar, when Pa-Kur, Master Assassin, had violated the limits of his caste and had presumed, in contradiction to the traditions of Gor, to lead a horde upon the city, intending to make himself Ubar, the Caste of Assassins had lived as hated, hunted men, no longer esteemed mercenaries whose services were sought by cities, and, as often by factions within cities. Now many assassins roamed Gor, fearing to wear the somber black tunic of their caste, disguised as members of other castes, not infrequently as warriors.”
[16:37:32] Ember He heard the killer’s words he quoted and turned around speechlessly to say quietly to himself “For the answer ‘mercenary work’ a killer wanted to draw his dagger.” he would look for it in his scrolls and hope that the killer would bring clarity to his knowledge
[16:41:18] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would make room for her master as he stood and moved about, relaxing again as he sat once more. Hopefully she and Red weren’t going to end up with extra scrubbing duties.
[16:43:46] Byron Greenwood listened to Crow, though, truth be told, he seemed to be somehow enjoying the exchange. Not that he smiled nor laughed nor otherwise showed such emotion. More that he basked in the proverbial knife fight he’d just summoned into being. Yet, since Crow directed musings to him, he felt obliged to give answer. “My men know how to conduct themselves, and if they should need -my- prompting, it’s right here,” he laid hand on his gladius. “But, no. The lesson here is not for my men. It’s for -this- man here. I could kill you now. I don’t need no reason. I could just do it. As could Crow. Who the fuck will know? Who would question? -That- is your place. You want to live, candidate? You want a career? A caste? You think -this- is your path to it? Say a killer tasks you some bullhshit task. Why? Is the killer an idiot or is he testing you? But are -you- the idiot for fucking up how it plays out? -We- aren’t on trial here. -You- are. Find a way to get past this. Find out, as we all did, how to play this political game.of powers. Or die. You were told the risks from the start, no? Start shaping up. Learn cunning. Learn art. Gain skill. Or your quest will be short. You understand me?”
[16:47:20] Red Bloodrose is.. uncomfortable. She is the first girl – he Master has decreed such, but her position is such that she is.. not happy in her role. The men can talk how the men are, and they can wave their penis’s (in crow’s case TWO penises), but however. Her role is as first girl. Her thoughts on that…. will continue, but the questons are there to be asked.
[16:51:37] Crow (melchior.wardell) would nod towards Scar “For every right answer there is a wrong one. If I would take my time to hunt down those killers that not see it like I do – I would not have my fortune. I would have a pile of impostors at the dock.” his words were sharp and true. “They can not question me nor can I question theirs. Still I am here and still those you spoke to live. Our talent is not only in the blade, candidate. It is also in moving with what is presenting before you. Adapt. Learn, measure, and for a candidate silence.” he would regard the two girls “These girls can tell you exactly which killer likes to ask questions as to test you to see you fail. When you learn to master him – you might be up to par to learn the craft.”
[16:53:15] Crow (melchior.wardell): ((oeh … that is very cryptic – but it is late 😀 ))
[16:54:23] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would tilt her head, listening to her master’s words. She could see Red’s discomfort and gives her a supportive look but she kept her focus on the here and now. Killers who liked to ask questions, she knew who was the most savage of them all, at least around the campfire. Though there was fierce competition for that title with another.
[16:59:00] Ember “I understand you Killers and I know we’re being tested. Cunning, art and skill “ repeated the 3 words and thought briefly of Woody who had taught him to sneak, read writing on his head and fight in the arena and who had now sailed away. ”
“Killers asking questions – testing, testing us.“ and also heard Haru’s comment” That’s good on the one hand, as it shows us candidates our gaps in knowledge.” He didn’t mention the other side now, he would deal with it somehow.
[17:09:48] Byron Greenwood gravely nodded. “You will be tested in many ways, not least by false and fake notions. But no task you will be set by an assassin of the Lodge will be among them, though they might not be any more easy to resolve. Scenarios presented as something to consider, which will stand you in good stead alter on, might prove more questionable. But to argue with the killer presenting it as not the best way to lend yourself to their support. Without such support, you are nothing. It might even end you,e he coolly observed. ((Also, Haru didn’t speak IC, but narrated an emote. Don’t let me catch you making that mistake again. It WILL get you invalided by a sim mod.))
[17:12:31] Red Bloodrose decides quietly to ignore the drama of the men, nestling herself about the muscled calf of her Master, lips teasing on that muscled flesh happily, arms reaching out on his leg, begging him wordlessly for his manly attentions, near panting her wordless need for her handsome Master.
[17:16:58] Crow (melchior.wardell) would shake his head “When one arrives at the date in which a killer questions. He wants to know what you know. He doesn’t want to know what you do not know.” he reasons. “In fairness I rather have a candidate tell me he wants to learn than him telling me something he believes I wish to hear. I beat even killers into walls if they dare to do so. I respect truth over dribbles of words that they might have collected from years and years of penning down statements of others.”
[17:19:07] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would nod her head in agreement. She’d seen him do it. Crow’s words weren’t just fluff and cotton candy. Seeing how Red moved to drape herself over Scar, she couldn’t help but grin. A glance back to her own master to see if he was watching; observing, wondering for a moment how he would react if she were to do the same, especially given her had ordered her in pose.
[17:22:28] Ember ((no more demanding RP after midnight, my concentration is usually already in the minus range))
lifts his head attentively at the words “arguing with a murderer” and thinks about when he should have argued with a killer. Perhaps it was a thoughtful exchange of opinions that was misunderstood.
“Killers, I’m not aware of any quarrel. I’m a thoughtful person. Different answers, different experiences give rise to different points of view. In order to understand things and not just parrot them, I have to be allowed to ask questions and question things. That has nothing to do with disrespect, but with finding the right answers to questions.”
[17:30:34] Byron Greenwood leaned forward again, intently. “Again, asking questions for clarification, good. Asking questions because you think you know better, bad.” He slumped back again. “We’re done here,” he waved dismissively. “You’re all dismissed. Crow, take this… whatever it is, back to the compound. You’re relieved for the night after that,” he ordered, a hand resting gently upon his slave’s head again. ((It’s already late for Crow, it’s late for me too, and we’re still on all firing on all cylinders. Keep it IC, dude. Again, this kind of conduct is the sort of thing that sells ‘bad rep’.))
[17:33:04] Crow (melchior.wardell) would see the look his girl gave and he than noted Red. He did not allow his girl to break protocol. He hardly demanded her in a kneeling position but when he did – he expected full obedience. He frowns at the words of the candidate but he did not respond. As Scar spoke he would lift himself up “Thank you, Killer.” he offered. He would push the chair as to have the candidate lift himself quick enough. “Come mine.” with a last wink towards Red he moved off.
[17:35:03] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would fall in behind her master, throwing Red another wink and dipping her head in respect to Scar. She didn’t speak, not in this moment – her orders, for now, were to follow orders and that was to heel. So quickly she hurried after Crow, sandals slapping lightly on the tile floor.
Crows Murder 
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