Crows Murder

Melchior had waited untill the baths were empty. No slave had been allowed to come with him, there was no chance for bringing him in the position again that one might speak of what they would see if he stood before them naked. The ahn late and with it he had already gone over the same thing over and over again. The smell of paga and sex seemed to suficate him, nearly making him sick to his stumach. Still he was unsure how safe it would be to pick up his black livery again and so with it he now felt himself alone in the baths. For a moment something in him warned him, make him understand that even now he took risks. He promised himself not to take to long and with it undressed as quick as he could. There he was naked as the brutal truth of his existence showed. The many scars of his life as a tarnsman, the brutalaty of his training and the many encounters by those that tried to hinder him in his quests. The scars that would betray the truth of his caste and the truth of his identity.  When he finally stepped into the soothing warm water he felt the tension wash from him, dipping his head into it and not being able to hear anyone enter, for a moment forgetting.

 Zander had put in a long day puting the finishing touches on the newly rebuilt Cylinder of the Builders. He was happy it would be complete soon, a few days at most to finish laying the heavy marble on the floors. Heading back to his shop his muscles aching, he had overdone it a little going against Kait’s orders he had returned to work sooner than he should have after his brush with radiation poisoning. Rounding the corner passing the entrance to the baths “perfect” he mumbled quietly to himself, a nice warm bath to soothe the soreness of the days labors. Walking down the stairs to the bath level and seing no one in sight, not even a bath slave he quickly undressed folding his clothes neatly then stepping into the warmth offered by the bath water. Settling onto the ledge to soak and relax he heard motion in the water nearby turning his head in the direction of the splash he spotted a man with dark hair “Tal Sir, you startled me, I thought I was alone”. trying to see if it was someone he was familiar with.

Came to the surface and with it he came face to face with what he had feared, even warned himself for.  He hadn’t heard the steps and had allowed himself to be careless even if it was for this little amount of time he should have known better. The wig he wore to disguise his black hair on the pile near his clothes was not there and with it the only thing masking his identity was in the water. He for once felt that slight moment of fear, that adrenaline he normally would feel when the final moment of his quest to murder would hit to make him run much faster. Here he was, without his trusted steel, naked and unable to disguise himself even the man would come even closer. “Tal.” he tried to say but his voice left him for that moment. A thought of age, shot him and he tried to compose and have that sharpness of his mind that had kept him alive for all these years. “Tal Sir, I myself thought the same.” anxiously he tried to mask his voice even if his raven locks and scars already might have given him away. A quick glance to the pile of his clothing and wig was given, to ensure that the man might not yet have seen it and he could work in a way to get to it fast and leave with only another lesson for visiting the bath again.

 Zander detected some apprehensiveness in the man, he seemed preoccupied looking to the side of the baths perhaps thinking one of the slaves would come and run off with his clothing. standing in the water and moving glancing at the pile of clothes “I can think your clothes are safe Sir there……..”.at that moment he saw what appeared to be a brown wig on top of the heap. “There is no one here but us” he finished in a suspicious voice. Still standing he moved closer to the man noting his features, the black hair and the visible scars on his chest exposed above the waterline. “Do I know you Sir? you look like someone I knew in Ar long ago” Knowing that if it was indeed who he suspected he tried to move back to his spot in the water sitting back on the step.

 Melchior’s mind was working fast and when the man approached he found himself for once frozen. One mistake was all it took – he had been told – and with it he needed his wits about him and fast. The muscles in his body designed to fight tensed and his eyes seemed to darken with the intent. Yet the man was clearly in his way if he wished to make it to his boots to have his dagger and just ensure his secret was safe. In splits of seconds he could addapt to situations and now felt himself cornered. “That is possible, good Sir.” he said keeping the voice of the tavernkeeper. “I was a tarnsman in long gone days.” he said. “Perhaps we met in the tavern ?” he suggested trying to keep his body now disguised in water. 

Zander listened to the man as he spoke, it was possible he was mistaken and they had met in a tavern but something didn’t seem right, “Quite possibly Sir, remembering his manners, and introducing himself, I am Zander, Chief Builder of Ar and you are?”  Zander had his suspicions but the man he thought could be sitting across from him hadn’t been seen in Ar for a very long time. Clearly he was safe as long as both remained in the water but he kept his eye on the black haired man studying his reactions and actions ready for anything. So much for a relaxing late night bath he thought.

Melchior didn’t feel the water soothing or calming him now. “Melchior of the House Wardell,  a pleasure.” still in some of that iron control of his own emotions. His mind seemed to get a grip of reality “My father was a warrior … but unfortunatly death took him way to quickly.” his story had some truth. But the aweful truth of him denoting all ties to his past he was very much aware off. “I will leave you to your bathing, Sir.” he said while he tried to move in a position so he could be less in the light and turn to his clothes and very much wanted dagger.

 Zander saw the man move and stood himself set to climb from the water, he knew if he was right he would have to act quickly, Well Met Crow” his voice raised enough that the Melchor could hear him clearly trying to stop him in his tracks before he reached the edge of the bath. “That is you isn’t it!”  Reaching for the edge of the bath and readying himself to jump from the water if he had to.

Melchior felt that pin shoot into place when he finally spoke his name that he now so hated. His eyes narrow while his body seemed to transform from the nice easy going fellow to the killer he was. There were some options he figured, giving up a fight, run to the dagger and throw it with deadly precision or just deny. “Crow … what an odd name … not gorean I suspect.” It was clear that with the little mistake of the beginning he started a range of more. His body was no longer his disguise and even his voice seemed to have become that of the serpent – his koskinen blood. [20:44]  Zander  saw the transformation in Melchor’s body language immediately, “no need to be alarmed Crow!” pulling himself out of the bath standing naked facing the killer he  tries his best to stay calm as he speaks “right here all this
time under everyone’s nose, clever….a very clever disguise.I have been looking for a man with your skills” pausing for a moment and looking around making sure they are still alone in the baths then continuing. “I need a man with your skills to send a message to someone here in Ar” his voice low enough that if anyone would have to be within sight to hear.

[20:47]  Melchior / Crow knew himself to be discovered and as the predator he could be faced him. Eyes narrow as if he already made his calculations. Seeing distance knowing how many steps, which force and where to hit him if he might be able. The man spoke and bought himself time with replying “Do I look like the next messenger boy – to you builder.” he spat. No need to remain civil now – while he tried to assess the man to see the odds as to the mens strength considering his own.

[20:54]  Zander  noted the tone in his voice, “that depends Crow, one favor and your secret is safe with me, I need to send a message to my former FC’s brother Dren, much like the one he delivered to his own sister Kait, I do not want him killed, just scarred perhaps scare him a little as to how precious life is” he finished speaking and moved a few steps back from the waters edge. He was almost recovered and back to full health but the day was long his body tired but he knew he had cornered one of the most feared men of his caste and could be in danger

[20:57]  Melchior / Crow moved when the man spoke, with the calculated steps he already had made in his mind. His mind on the dagger that most certainly would make him lethal. The man had positioned himself between the pile and himself and with it he needed to pass him. He might have considered the option if it weren’t that the man was his client and with it could not be harmed by his own codes. Even if he held little honour to any other codes, he held to his own. Without warning he would try to make that leap but than perhaps because something had torn down him for the very first mistake made him slip on the slippery tiles of the bath. Perhaps someone had been oiled on the very spot and in that he lost that balance. Giving his opponent atleast the awarness that conversation was over.

[21:02]  Zander  see’s Crow moving swiftly across the bath towards him as he finished speaking his hands forming fists ready to defend himself, if he knew there was a weapon likely under his clothing piled on the side and if he got to it he was no match having left his own dagger back at the Builders Cylinder. He prepared to block the his path to his clothing swinging his right fist in his direction in an attempt to hhit him in the jaw and send him backwards into the baths

[21:05]  Melchior / Crow connected with his fist and eventhough the blow was considerable he didn’t fall backwards but became even more determined. Pain was never a thing that could stop him, training had made him endure much more than a mere blow to the head. But having nothing but his own body to work with he tried to use the blow to lower himself and knock down the man he was facing by sweeping his leg to his ankles. The strength he could use was less than on solid ground but enough to make it hard for the man to remain standing.

[21:08]  Zander  felt his feet being kicked out from under him falling hard to the marble tiled striking his head on the large column, Dazed but knowing he was in a fight for his life he scrambled first to his knees then to his feet, the room spinning as he had risen too quickly after the blow to the head

[21:10]  Melchior / Crow would use that little time to reach for his boot, having his dagger there. A treasured possession he now cradled against his chest. His eyes dark as his intentions while he tried to get the knife out of it.

[21:12]  Zander  had to make a split decision whether to run instead he charged towards Crow diving at him in an attempt to knock him down and perhaps knock the dagger from his grasp before he could do and damage with the blade

“From the baths a slave rushes out – Help – A fight – Masters !! Warriors !!” she screamed”

[21:15]  Melchior / Crow never had found himself in the situation to have to draw that last knife he kept hidden there and with it the leather strap didn’t seem to give in that easy as he had hoped. With the struggle focus had been lost and with it felt himself again connected. He fell backwards but the tight grip on his boot hadn’t been gone. Finally the knife seemed to come out of it and with it Crow felt himself again on the upperhand. The dagger very well balanced was in his hand and with – for once blindfury – he tried to cut whatever came across. But being on his back made him less lethal as he might have wished and with it he tried to push himself to a stand.

[21:15]  Jimmi Mikado: what’s going on down here?

[21:19]  Zander  felt the cold steel against his chest and a searing pain he grimaced but continued to fight trying to grasp Crow’s hands hearing a male voice and trying to shout to him “STOP HIM, HE’S GOING TO KILL ME!!”

[21:20]  Faye Darkbyrd having just finished with a patient in the clinic, she had rushed at word being called of a fight in the baths. she groaned some as her body protested fast movements and moved as swiftly as was allowed, reaching the bottom floor her face blushed a bright hue near that her hair, but she kept her professionalism as best she could with naked men about she checked for any injured, seeing the blade at Zander she growls out, but caught sight of the warrior and stopped, keeping back to help when danger for herself had gone.

[21:21]  Jimmi Mikado: after running down into the baths he finds two men fighting one it appears has a knife, he points his spear at the man with the knife…’LET HIM GO, NOW’

[21:22]  Zander  calls out to the Warrior “He’s a trained Killer, he is Crow f the Assasins” trying to warn him of the mans skill with the blade

[21:22]  Melchior / Crow knew than that he should have listened to his instincts when he had left for this quest. Too careless for one ihn and here he faced a scene that no longer was in his advantage. No element of surprise. Still he had a fighter mentality and with it turned his attention to the one bearing arms. “A little kitten that dares to blackmail me and now calls for what ?” he snapped to Zander in rage – no longer disguised and there in the brutal truth of who was.

[21:24]  Faye Darkbyrd cleared her throat, reaching down toward her bag for er own wepon in case things went bad “Sirs, I am sure this is a misunderstanding.. let us all stand down and talk this over, no need for injury..” she urged out from the stairs

[21:28]  Jimmi Mikado: looks at the two men and is pretty sure he recognizes the man with the knife as a killer….’drop the knilfe killer, or there will be two bleeding here’

[21:29]  Zander  rolls away clutching his chest feeling the blood in his hand he applied pressire to the would, it was deep that he knew but he was glad there was an armed Warrior here to take control ” I offered you a way to keep your disguise secret crow, you attacked but I expected no less from an assassin, Kill me and your secret was still safe”!

[21:30]  Zander: *Pressure to the wound

[21:32]  Melchior / Crow might have chuckled at the woman if it weren’t for his focus on the warrior. He could still get away and with it find a way to vanish, go again in disguise, perhaps move to another city for some time. His body poised as to threaten attack while he tried to see how far it was up the stairs. His nakedness wouldn’t bother him as much as it might do others. When Zander spoke he smirks “A way … you dared to question the honour of my codes.” she hissed as if he was still this slithering serpent that would snap and bite with its venom. “You will get yours, builder.” all the while his eyes were upon Jimmi and his mind on a way to escape.

[21:33]  Faye Darkbyrd seeing Zander bleeding she began carefully to navigate the edges of the pools there ignoring the bare skined men, such was not a time she was going to worry of the matter her hand on the hilt of her slave goad she eyed each in turn, quite weary of every one of them and the harm they posed “Zander, Sir, if you would care.. I shall treat you..” she tried to urge him further from the scene

[21:35]  Jimmi Mikado: he keeps his eyes focused on the assassin ready to hurl his spear…’I SAID, DROP THE KNIFE’

[21:36]  Melchior / Crow didn’t seem to be persuaded by words while he moved and now waded towards the exit. His body still very much of the one that could aim with deadly precision. But than again if he would throw he was again without steel. He wasn’t the man that would just simply comply and with it seemed to ready himself for that deadly aim.

[21:38]  Zander  hears Faye as she approached him, he scrambles onto his side using his other hand to push himself up to hi feet, Stumbling slightly a combination of the bump to his head, and his loss of blood he mansaged to move to the stairs his being naked not mattering to him in the least, he was alive, somehow he had survived exposing a killer. Leaning on Faye;s shoulder to steady himself ready to distance himself from the danger

[21:39]  Faye Darkbyrd eyed Melchior a moment nervously, then the warrior, begining to edge further from the stairs not wishing get in the way of the spear. That was all she needed was a stray projectile in the stone tiled building. Feeling Zander’s weight against her she let go of the goad to help him him from colapsing and tried to help him sit down to tend him. Bred from warriors her heart raced at the chance of battle, her eyes darting from the killer back to zander trying to ensure the patient safe.

[21:42]  GM 4.2: Jimmi Mikado Has Captured Melchior Wardell!

[21:43]  Melchior / Crow felt the spear plundge into him and with it he came out of balance. The dagger – his with chaos – was flinged out of his hand and with it he felt himself almost choking by the water he fell in.

[21:44]  Jimmi Mikado: drags the assassin out of the water unconcious and pulls a binding rope from his belt and begins to bind him

[21:44]  Zander  feels himself being lowered to the stair the cold marble on his ass causing him to jump slightly almost knocking Faye and her slave goad into the bath

[21:46]  Jimmi Mikado: ties his wrists securely with the rope tying a capture knot and reaches for another rope to tie his ankles

[21:46]  Faye Darkbyrd visibly cringed as she saw Crow go down, dispite her feelings.. mixed as they were.. anyone being injured displeased her. Almost slipping on the wet tiles into the bath she cried out in surprise gripping quickly at Zander for support she fell briefly on him “Eeek. ah uh.. oh pardon me sir..” she blurted swiftly fighting back to her feet as she pulled free some rep cloth and pressed it against him “Hold that.” she urged him “Warrior, is he still alive?”

[21:48]  Jimmi Mikado: takes another rope from him belt and ties him around his chest and then another rop e he ties to him and drags him out away from the water… ‘lady faye can you treat this one in the jail when you are done with zander?’

[21:49]  Zander  turns and Calls out to Jimmi, “Honor and Steel Warrior, I thank you startled as Faye fell into his naked lap his blood smearing onto her gown as she grazed against his open wound taking the rep cloth and holing it tightly in his bloody hand against the wound

[21:49]  Melchior / Crow felt the ropes and with it knew that this time there was no need for a body search. His mind had slipped and with it the events that had followed hadn’t been to its effect. For a moment he wondered if ages had made him slow. His eyes seemed to be hazed of his own torment of failing that what he had done so very well for that long.

[21:50]  Faye Darkbyrd grumbles some “Dragging him like that will kill him before he gets to the dirty jail..”she stated, though mostly her phobia for the jail after her past she didnt wish go near it. Seeing the blood on herself she hardly reacted. “If i can endure kurri i can take a bit of blood..” she murmured “Make sure you take the spear out of him please sir.. is he bleeding?” she called over as she looked again to zander with a studying gaze checking for anymore wounds her bright leafy hues over the rim of her veils

[21:52]  Jimmi Mikado: nods at the physician…”yes i have already done that’

[21:52]  Melchior / Crow rather died of his wounds than being in debt by anyone or face a magistrate. With perhaps the last of his strength he tried to push himself from the tiles using his own blood to make the motion fluid to kick the warrior from his feet.

[21:54]  Faye Darkbyrd growled out seeing crow trying to keep the fight up “The fight is done warrior!” she barked out as she too were one. her blood ran strong, her goad slipping free into hand she stalked closer to the pair, she setting was not to kill, but it would do the job if resistance given. “Pardon me rarius.” she nodded toward Jimmi

Since Melchior made the desicion to go in disguise there was only one person that knew of it. Normally he wouldn’t ever take chances but for some reason he had hoped to keep his girl alive.  When word reaches him that the girl had spoken of her past and perhaps might have given small clues to who she was he feared some might guess as to who he is too.

—-

Melchior looked down on the slave sleeping. How beautiful she was and how often she had amused him with her stories, her wit. His eyes travel over her naked form while the light seemed to play tricks over it. The shadows almost like silk draped over her. How he had tried to reason with himself, tried to keep himself in the thought and mindset that she was able to adjust to the sudden changes he at times was forced to make. Her bright spirit more often than not had made him forget that he once took the dreaded black and denounce all of his life prior to his training. How he often longed to it while he had been awake and staring up into the dark sky. She was one of those stars, he figured.

Melchior softly caressed her soft skin, like a feather so light. She was so perfect and yet all that he had liked about her, could be his down fall too. A wrong word choosen could end up in her and his death. Her history so rich and filled with stories that it was torment to demand her silence over them. He felt the knot in his stumach when he even gave it thought. “How perfect you are.” he murmered while he kissed her cheek softly. “Perfect for any man but me.” he added softly.

Melchior tried to see other options and yet failed to see one that could keep her in the way she was. He could break her, but than again he would not own the perfection she was now. He turned seeing the silouhet of the reflection his dagger gave. It was as always placed near his pillow. He could draw it with the very ihn he felt there was need for it. It almost seemed to lure him, as if it already knew what he needed to do.

Melchior knew she slept and had cuddled close to him a few ahn earlier. Her warmth against him normally made him sleep but this time the grim thoughts didn’t seem to put down to sleep. Slowly he reached out to take the dagger. The reflection in the room sinister and dark. He took one of the sheets and placed it over her sleeping body. He couldn’t see her face, not while he would take the very thing he had enjoyed so much. If anyone knew of torture, he knew now. Doing something that held no outcome but loss.

Melchior than positions the dagger to that tender spot upon her body, that would make her death swift almost instant. Her brain instantly without oxigen and her heart no longer able to push her blood through her veins. He plungded it to her heart and twisted it ever quickly. The sheets instantly stain with her crimson blood. Her body contracted in that amazing will to live. He took the dagger from her chest, allowing the blood now gush out so it would drain her from all life.

Melchior didn’t feel pride, only that emptiness. That void which she had filled all the time. No longer had he a slave that could lighten his mood. A girl that served with a smile and laughter. He looked down on the now lifeless corpse of what once had been the shy girl that could lure candidates from the celibacy.  His safety had a price and with it the price was high. “Thank you my spring.” he murmers while he would take the body up his shoulder to go into the sewers to rid himself from it.

Melchior didn’t mind to have to clean the floor of her blood, it kept him occupied and perhaps from crying. His heart broken and with it he made again his vow. Never would he allow to get attached to a slave again. His hands raw of his labour being so thoroughly. Spring would remain in his memories treasured. “The Priest Kings might curse me now.” he muttered. Lifting himself up for a midnight walk. One of the killer he was. Alone with gold and steel and with the lack of the promise of Spring.

[09:29]  Melchior Wardell entered the tavern cleaning up his shirt. “Ah there you are.” he said to Creek “Come with me.” he tells him – giving no time really while he headed down stairs.

[09:30]  -Creek-: “Tal master,” as he followed him down the stairs to the store room.

[09:31]  Melchior Wardell didn’t wait, when the man came down the stairs his fist was raised and with it – it shot like a bolt from a bow – with deadly precision to the mans jaw. There was enough force in the blow – to knock a man unconcious. With it he felt himself ready – to see – if he managed to hit the man – and how it was taken. Ready as each muscle in his body was ready to counter what might be thrown at him.

[09:34]  -Creek- staggered back from the blow of the hit, but bounced back in a stance of defense with fist clutched and a leg ready to sweep at his new Master….but suddenly his find flashed to promise made to follow his new Master;s instructions and waited and moment before taking the much desired swing himself.

 [09:36]  Melchior Wardell didn’t allow the lad anything – at this point – it was only taking. Perhaps mocking him he grinned while he again took the stance to give him another good punch. This time he wouldn’t aim for the mans face but just below the ribs. HIs eyes seemed ot have darken with the hidious intentions he now held. With the punch he wouldn’t allow the lad out of his vision and with one motion he kicked him against his knee. The strength of the so called Tavernkeeper – was considerable. He practiced daily and knew how much depended on it. He was as sharp as a razor and would be ready if the lad would give up on his control and leap for him. All was about precision.

[09:40]  -Creek- as I stood posed to react if another blow came, I was in a rocking motion …..then the blow came swift and fast from the one who stood opposite him. . my knee hurling with pain as I was thrust back further.. but everything in me said get back up. Swearing under by breath I continued to keep control as the sweat rolled off my body, waiting to swing only if my entire being was in total danger of loss.

[09:43]  Melchior Wardell was unarmed and yet lethal. Each muscle that was in his body had suffered the torture of his mentors and with it the lad still had only met his beginning. “Get up!” he called out to him, again in a voice that challanged. He however didn’t give the lad much time to get in a better situation. The stairs behind him and the walls to the other side. The lad felt himself countered unless he would run up the stairs. Again he tried to hook him – again well aimed to the mans face. While his leg bend to have a good go at the mans groin. “You think this hard … get used to it since it gets worse.” he snapped at him. He would find his fist, whip or worse in the near future more than enough. “You can still walk out, maggot.” he said to him.

[09:48]  -Creek- blocked in by the stairs the next punch took more toll with no leave way to fall back… spitting blood from my both, I continued to swear harder under my breath…taking every ounce of will to restrain myself from my master’s blows of seemed will to abuse and punish. I continued as posed as possible and focused under the circumstances…staring at him and following his everymove, I answered , ” I can still walk out of her.”

[09:48]  -Creek-: mouth*)

[09:51]  Melchior Wardell now did something most Goreans would consider humiliating, a deathwish or the most grove insult. He spit to the man “You are nothing … not even some piece of dung I can use to lit a fire.” all this was part of the bigger sceme while he kept him well in eye. If the lad had any ounce of promise he would see it in these moments. No Assassin had worn his black easy and with it each lad would feel the cruelty of the training – the endurance of his physical and mental strength.

[09:56]  -Creek- feeling the spit in my face I quickly wiped in with hand noticing it mixed with the blood from my mouth. My restraint was wearing but my mind slung itself to the hazy mist of instructions given me some three nights ago just up those stairs. Although my eyes were opened I continued to try and close them mentally to the pain being inflicted and not react out of soul vengence upon the one who might one day be more than giving me a hired hand.

[09:58]  Melchior Wardell grabbed the bucket and took the cloth from his desk and threw it at him “Clean yourself up, worm.” he tells him. While he regarded him “Tell me lad … how do you feel now hmmm … ” the question seemed easy – but the intent of it was a devious one.

[10:04]  -Creek- took the cloth as I wiped the blood, sweat, and spit from my face allowing mist over my eyes to be cleared. Hearing the question asked me I fought back all kinds of words to describe my thoughts, but twisting my neck I put the question back on him, “you know how I feel” in a groan under my full voice. In an even lower growl, “humiliated I feel of course.”

[10:06]  Melchior Wardell grins and now narrowed his eyes “Oh you feel humiliated … consider how others will avoid your shadow.” he tells him. “You think this will be about glory … maggot … think again.” he now crossed his arms before him “You think this was unfair ?” he asks him – mockingly.

[10:08]  -Creek-: hearing his new master’s voice, I quickly replied, “it was not unfair my master, for I have no pride, no need of glory, my ego I have given up for naught,”

[10:09]  Melchior Wardell watched him “Tell me how you could have evade this ?” he asks “Considering that I took you by surprise.”

[10:20]  -Creek- hearing my master’s demand for an answer, and still caught off guard, I responded, “to be friends with no one….suspect everyone….prepare that all are my worst of enemies.”

[10:21]  Melchior Wardell nodded “Aye that seems indeed a good strategy.” he replied to him “Now Tell me … do you know the answer I was looking for several days back hmm ?” he asks him.

[10:24]  -Creek- his mind more clear than then and thoughts seemed to spill forth more easily, “I easily disconnect…if you died now I wouldn’t remember you tonight or care, I am a loner, I own nothing, and I only seek the gold and steel.” “If that is what you want I will take the step forward to no return of anything else.”

[10:25]  Melchior Wardell eyes the man sharply “I will give you a task. That task will last as long as I say it will. It needs focus, creativity, attention, anything even your bare first if need be.” he tells him “If you compleet it – your wait will be over and than the real hurt will begin.” he stated. “Ready for it ?” he asks.

[10:27]  -Creek-: “I have nothing else but to be ready,” I replied.

[10:28]  Melchior Wardell nodded “Listen since I won’t tell it a second time.” he started “All the lamps in the tavern need to remain lit. If one doesn’t burn … your life is paid for.” he started “The lights need attention so you need to ensure yourself they are fed. Next to it if someone dares to blow it out, your doomed. Get it ?” he asks.

[10:33]  -Creek-: “I get it my master,” I replied

[10:35]  Melchior Wardell nodded “Than see to it … since at this time one of the lights might already die … and with it you would have failed.” he tells him.

[10:36]  Melchior Wardell moved up stairs and noted the slave “Ah we have a volunteer.” he said sarcasticly “Get on your knees slave … who owns your sorry ass.”

[10:37]  Calgacus  took one last look around, still thre was no msign of anyone, and he finally took a decision – he would sit in the corner… and wait until …. he stopped as someone appeared out of nowhere. “Greetings…. Master” it seemed it took a while for the second word to pass his lips, and eben longer for his joints to go into operation. He turned, before he kneeled

[10:37] Spring shook her head and confessed “Master..a beast knows no other way to respond..but as she did”she winced but tried to smile thru it..as she looked to him,her eyes no longer resembling a summer storm but the clear blue skies.Shewas not being resistant nor disobedient..she truly kknew o other way to replay to his question asked,now or in the future, “a girl begs for your favor and forgiveness Master”

[10:38]  Melchior Wardell eyes were as daggers upon the slave “I didn’t hear who owns you, slave ?”he asks again – and with it his voice held urgency – he wouldn’t ask again.

[10:40]  Dorian Tindale nods, and draws his clothes to him, starting with his shirt for now, “Very well. I find no fault in you for your answers, girl.” He leaves it at that, drawing his clothes on, “You may return to your duties.” He is not upset with her, just sated and a little daft from the seed he’s spilled today.

[10:40]  Calgacus  realised he had been asked a question. “The scribe owns me Master” his face was blank, no one would know how he felt saying those words – owned by a woman, by the Priest Kings! – “The scribe Elpi, she is a ward of the House of …. “ he had forgotten what house she was a ward of

[10:40]  -Creek-: after following his Master quickly up the stairs he quickly begins to check all the lights to feed them, guarding them with his life, know that one remains in the alcoves that he cannot see, as he is willing to expose all that is there to see that light at all cost

[10:41] Spring nodded and with extreme effort and pain..blood staining her thighs and her ribs in great pain..she kissed upon his feet and eased from the alcove..and knelt outside of it..trying not to succumb to the painand exhaustion

[10:41]  Melchior Wardell looks at him “I see and you came here snooping didn’t you ?” he held pause “But I tell you what.” he continues “If you manage to get one of these lights out …. I will let you of the hook and not whip you for it.” he glanced to Creek to see how he would respond to it.

[10:43]  -Creek-: quickly hearing the challenge to the slave I rushed in behind him as his life was nothing to me, but he would not own my life I swear it.

[10:44] Spring saw her Master,busy withthat slave from earlier..she heard the commands and words spoken..she pressed her swollen lips together and eased herself carefully down the ladder..

[10:45]  Dorian Tindale gets dressed and catches up with spring, “A moment, girl..” he reaches into his pouch and withdraws a few more copper, “Here… open your mouth so you may take these to your owner. You did well.. it should be shown.”

[10:46] Spring looked up to the man and did as commanded..she lay her tongue out flt for the coins to be placed on it..and made a face of disgust before clearing her visage o of that expression…worse things had been put in her maw then coin..she looked to him..unable to speak…and shot a glance towards her Master

[10:47]  Calgacus: Hydraconis” he had remembered “a ward of the House of Hydraconis” and put that in your paga bowl and drink it, you low caste nobody, he looked down as this thought passed through his mind, hiding his face, looking up on hearing the accusation. He had plenty of those recently. “Snooping, Master? Oh no” he looked up and did his honest merchant arbitrator and councellor look – one that had served him well as a free man – “my Mistress told me to familiarise myself with the city, and give assistance where I could”. Surreptitiously he wiped the sticky paga finger on his tunic

[10:47]  Dorian Tindale deposits the coins on her tongue, then winks at her. He leaves the men alone, they seem busy. Adjusting his clothing a bit and running fingers through his hair, he heads out to see what else the city has to offer.

[10:49]  -Creek- hearing the slave he reminded him, “they stay lit slave.” “they never go out”

[10:49]  Melchior Wardell had of course heard every word, but it didn’t bother him much next to it he didn’t seem very impressed with the excuse. “As I said if you manage to put one light out in this tavern I will not whip you.” he tells him, now he faced Creek “I hope that you know what to do with that challange don’t you. But remember … you do not own to compensate his owner.” that should be enough for Creek to know that killing the slave would be a little over the edge.

[10:50]  Calgacus  looked around at the lights, and shrugged, what had he said, turn one out? Then his eyes narrowed. A task so easy… could not be so easy. He looked at the other man who appeared a little agitated.

[10:51]  -Creek- grabbing the slave and binding he feet and wrist behind him, he lifts him up forcing him toward the door and into the street.

[10:52]  Melchior Wardell: ((that won’t do creek))

[10:52] Spring spit out the coin into her hand after he departed..”disgusting’ she murmured to herself..she could hardly move now..sweat and blood on her..her breath came in short bursts..she dragged herself upwards and made her miserable way to her Master..she knelt demurely and wiped the coins with a rag close by before holding them up silently..blood on her face and legs..her skin motteled and flushed..she stunk and felt ashamed ..she stayed far enough away from the men..should a fight break out she had no desire to be trampled

[10:54]  -Creek- continued to look toward the slave as he knelt, blocking he ability to move forward….seeking to pin him in at a place where he could not access a light to extinguish it…..all the time watching and reading his next move as to what he would try.

[10:56]  Calgacus  noted the man’s movement, and frowned then nodded to himself as he got it, the tavern owner liked games. He played for tim, waiting to time his movement “Put out a light, Master, that sounds a straightforward task.” He looked at the lights, judging the one above and to his right could be reached in one leap.

[10:58]  Melchior Wardell nodded “Aye one is enough. If you manage more try … ” he jested turning to his girl while he of course would observe the lad. He himself in range of another light when he moved to his girl. A devious grin upon his features.

[10:59]  -Creek- pushing the slave out of the sand pit and onto the floor….I threw a swift kick to his knee as he staggered backwards seeing to insure his ability to leap or jump was compromised.

[11:00]  Melchior Wardell: ((always attempt – try not to godmod Creek ))

[11:02] Spring was newly frightened when she peeked up and saw the expression on her Master,she tried to control her breathing ,to cause her less pain..and too..to try to calm her nerves..she ached and her cunt and nether bud bled stil staining her further…she trembeled and spoke in a hoarse whisper”The man was pleased my Master”

[11:03]  Calgacus  staggered backwards, onto the wooden planking, and noting the man who had kicked him had his feet in the yielding sand, and would not be able to move quickly, took the opportunity to run on the firm boarding around the sand pit and towards the light near the counter. He made the leap, a mental picture in his head of grabbing the light and using it to swing, possibly an “accident” might follow if his swing accidentally took him into the path of the man who was cast as “keeper of the lights” in this game he had been forced to take part in. The plan in his mental picture was good, and strong, if he made it to the light before the man mired in the sand pit.

[11:06]  Melchior Wardell watched the interactions, seeing if the lad had enough creativity to resolve the problem he had made him face. He posed himself against the wall while he looked briefly over his own girl.

[11:07]  -Creek-: lurching quickly toward the slaves move I attempted to block is ever move toward the closeness of a light if he made it he would align himself to attempt another kick toward the other knee…..getting close enough to try with a good line of sight I aimed my leg to kick at his other knee…..the kick made contact…but the damage unknown.

[11:10] Spring stayed as still as she could,the coin presented in an open palm.The man had paid four coppers before using the alcove and in her hand laid spread three more…her body throbbed as did the blood rushing in her ears…she tried to think of ways she might have been displeasing..she was damaged tho..and knew it..she stayed there…the skirmish going on between Creek and the slave not going unnoticed..she sjust stayed there..frightened and hurt and bleeding

[11:12]  Melchior Wardell took the coins and snapped his fingers “Nadu.” he tells his girl – without compassion to her status. She was only a slave and seemingly used well.

[11:15] Spring did as commanded with some effort..and when he took the coin her plams lay in her lap..she dared not look to him nor the men..keeping her eys downcast

[11:17]  Calgacus  soared majestically through the air like a tarn in an updraft of warm air, nothing could prevent his successful swinging on the lamp, it seemed. “Oof” he grunted as the man caught him on the knee. His leap had already been made, but the kick altered his trajectory and hands intended to grip the rim of the lamp firmly just brushed it with his finger tips, sending the light rocking backwards and forwards wildly, spraying oil or hot wax on all those near it.

[11:23]  -Creek- with my head turned and focused on the slave I quickly reached with the arm closest to the lamp to try and steady it a little…….as my other arm stiffened out to try and ward off any other leaps. Turning quickly my kneed jabbed int the direction of the slave’s balls, if a direct jab, the force was hard enough to bring him to his knees for hours…..looking to see the reaction if it made it.

[11:34]  Calgacus  looked up as he hit the ground and His face showed amazement as the man managed to steadfy the light and kick him in the balls in one fell movement. “Urrrgghhh “ he moaned, as he doubled up, “truly you are an athlete, sir.. master… sir…….” It seemed his interest in light extinguishing had only been a passing fancy, after all, as he writhed on the floor.

[11:37]  -Creek- watching the slave on the floor writhing around, I turned and walked back toward my master without a word.

[11:37] Spring looked to her Master and asked “might a gir beg to go bathe please ,my Master?” she could smell herself and needed to clean

[11:38]  Calgacus: ypou can bathe… my … balls… girl” he moaned

[11:38]  Melchior Wardell turns to his girl “Aye and show Creek the baths too – he can use them too.” he turned to Creek – “You can go but at your return the tasks stands.” with that he moved to the slave.

[11:39]  -Creek-: nodding, “yes my master.”

[11:39] Spring squinted at Calacus and made a face of a derisive nature to him…she looked down again and nodded “yes thank you my Master” and rose with effort and stood before Creek”this way if it pleases you,Master?”

[11:40]  Calgacus: Urrgghh” he said to the tavern owner

[11:40]  Melchior Wardell chuckled “I have to say you gave a good effort.” he tells the slave “For it I will not whip you … can you walk ?” he asks giving him a hand to stand if he would take it.

[11:41]  -Creek-: moving toward the slave, “the bathes.”

[11:41] Spring nodded and with her best effort and self discipline..she led him towards the baths

[11:42]  Calgacus: I think I need your girl to put some ointment on me, Master” he noted the man’s comments, and wiped some solidifying waX or oil from his face “My mistress will be wanting me, master” jhe added hopefully

[11:43]  Calgacus  tried to mstand, and groaned again but managed to get up

[11:44]  Melchior Wardell chuckles “Oh I am sure she needs you … But than again you hid in the one place she can not find you.” he dipped his head to the door “I believe you were …. treated accordingly to your tresspassing. I can only imagine that you will tell her why you walk the way you do because of it – don’t you ?”

[11:47]  Calgacus  took that as invitation to go, the whipping could always be reintroduced into the plans for the day, he know that. “I was obeying my Mistresses commands to acquaint myself with my surroundings Master” he heded for the doorway all the same, ready to sprint if need be, though his limp suggested he might not be the best of sprinters for a hand or two yet

[11:48]  Melchior Wardell grinned and watched him leave – taking his own break for the moment. Business had been good but tiresome.

[11:49]  Calgacus  slipped out, he might not be rushing back there any time soon, paga or no paga