[12:44] Erebus (sagunn): “Of course.” a nod to Crow with his answer, studying Haru when she spoke of Nova, “I know you will be quite the challenge.” with Nova coming out of his tent with the flaps opening as he began to eat, “Does the woman still tread the grounds of the Lodge yet? If she has left without my knowledge I am not playing hunt the Physician.” his own matters to attend to, quickly finishing the stew then to drink of the black wine slowly. “Is there any other matters which need looked in to?”
[12:45] Serennova (mysticgypsysoul) came from her Masters tent, she rubbed her eyes after having finished cleaning the tent. She’d glance over the firepits to see her master nearby, then her eyes mved to Crow and Haru smiling gently. She’d wait to see what was going on before her approach, if she was needed to go do anything, but decided against it and came to Erebus’s side remaining silent in case Crow and he were speaking.
[12:49] Crow (melchior.wardell) would cut a glance when Erebus spoke of his own matters and if the woman left the grounds of the lodge. “What ?” he asks. There was an edge in his voice – one he had added with consideration. “Are you aware of what you might be facing ?” he added “Remember that your life has been questioned.” he stated. If he agreed with it would not yet be discussed. Surely such was when the court was in session. “If that woman walks with not that much consequence – might be very much in your advantage would it not ?” he questions him further. He noted Nova and winked towards the girl – clearly able to switch from the stern killer to the one with that amicable feel to him.
[12:50] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would smile and dip her head at Erebus’ observation. “Of course, Master,” she says in her soft tones. “But the player does still have a good chance at winning.” Berserker. Surely they were talking about Berseker, right? Haru’s favourite game. Seeing Nova approach, she would throw her a wink and a wiggle of fingers. ‘Tal beauty,” she would chirp in gentle notes, listening to the two men as the topic shifted back once more.
[12:55] Erebus (sagunn): “I understand you, yet I can not control a whole population of people. If she decides to walk, to travel. To who knows where, without leaving knowledge of her whereabouts she is not a child. She chose to come here, she has received care. I have told you I am looking in to the matter of restoring the use of the fingers, yet if she is not around to be given this knowledge. Communicated with. She could be anywhere.” looking to Crow sharply, analyzing him, “My life has been questioned, by an Assassin. Who I have never met, who has in turn claimed a woman for a companion. Who breaks the very codes he threatens to use to end my own existence. A bit of a contradiction there. Yet, I will do what I can. If the woman walks on her own two feet, much like she chose to wave around a poison pin like a child with a toy. Whether in her right mind, or not, as a Physician even. I will hold her to the same standard for lack of thought that I am being held accountable.” hearing Haru’s answer to the conversation. His own responses and stated course of action logical. Planned. Being acted upon as he had expressed.
[13:00] Serennova (mysticgypsysoul) she’d wiggle her fingers back at Haru blowing her a little affectionate kiss, and return of Crows wink a non verbal greeting for the pair. Her gaze shifted to look at her Masters profile, she knew that she was not allowed to touch him so being near him was good enough. But the seriousness of the conversation made her brows furrow she wasn’t privy as to what had gone on or had been done so it surprised her that his life was being threatened and that immediately cheesed her off but she would not allow it to show much save for the slight adjustment of brows.
[13:00] Crow (melchior.wardell) would jump from his chair “SILENCE !” he shouted to him “How dare you ! You have not been informed about the killer that was approached.” he spat “And regardless of what this killer has done OR has not done … it does not erase the fact your actions are frowned upon by the teachings of the Lodge.” he added. He would approach him “Your lack of awareness is compelling.” Crows eyes narrowed. There were two sides to him – and this was the side you wanted to avoid at all costs. His hands would be tensed in fists as he would stand before the man – in a threatening manner. “As a killer we can find someone by the mere air they breath … A woman traveling from the Lodge … will not be that difficult to find. Her health has become your priority. Since it is YOU that took it from her in a manner that could have our caste in a bad light. IS THIS CLEAR !?” he boomed.
[13:05] Erebus (sagunn): “Actually I do know. And if you wish me to be silent. Then I shall, but do you think I provided you the information I have without looking in to things? That I simply learned only what I provided you?” looking Crow dead in the eye, “I am standing here, and I am acting to right the action. I have not fled. Nor vanished. Simply left the Lodge without a word. Perhaps your lack of awareness of my knowledge needs considered.” he didn’t raise his voice, nor flinch. Standing his ground. Calm. Inside him, behind the eyes storm clouds brewed yet he maintained his composure, “As I expressed I am looking in to my end of things, and I will do the work I know how to.” weighing the final words Crow spoke, there was not silence with which to answer this. Let the mans reaction be what it would.
[13:08] Serennova (mysticgypsysoul) as crow launched himself out of his chair and stalked towards her master she’d jump back, the booming his his voice was startling, something she’d never heard from crow. This matter was not hers to comment upon but she’d look from one to the other clear concern as her gaze moved then to Haru. Then back to the pair of killers before her..
[13:09] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would blink as her master got up and went over, almost shrinking down. She did not enjoy seeing her master mad, even if it wasn’t at her. Still, she stood to her feet after a moment, should she be required, her dark hues flickering from one man to the other and then over to Nova, offering her a supportive smile.
[13:14] Crow (melchior.wardell) eyes grew larger as to express his astonishment. “Look into things? What kind of things? You think that your actions needed you to look into things ? Into who brought the information?” his voice was dripping of anger sarcasm. “This entire conversation should not be needed. It is a blemish upon your position, that of the lodge and every ranked officer in it. The fact you dare to debate it makes it even worse.” again his spit flew all kind of directions. In anger there was nothing of the amicable man. It showed the violent and demonic side of a man that had been tormented and shaped over the years in his trade. “Regardless of what the woman did, Regardless of who spoke of this crime. YOUR head could be on a spike as an example for all killers that feel they can just do as they please when faced with another that does not comply.” Crow could still control his emotions but would not disguise them now. As he locked his eyes to that of Erebus “You better be ready … for when you are faced with the ranked officers that might feel your actions might reflect badly upon them.” he would than raise his hand as if he was to lunge but of course he did not. He would get his soon enough.
[13:22] Erebus (sagunn): stood there and listened to Crow. As answered he would remain quiet. Looking the Killer in the eyes as spit flew in his face. His questions left unspoken, without reply, for a time. “I don’t betray my sources, nor my actions when it comes to information I seek. Nor would I expect you to. If someone is going to come to you, with the name Tybarius, and Erebus, provided by a woman who NEVER heard it.” raising his voice in that moment, “You better believe, using the skills I possess, whether I cut her hand off or not I’m going to check out the story of any one and every one in the location the information it came out of. And if you insist I track down a woman who might leave on her own accord, then you can respect that I make myself aware of the details of the interaction between her and and anyone else. When I stand before the council of the Lodge, and face the officers. I will know and have the knowledge. The proof of all of it. Whether you find my actions crass, unbecoming or not. I, even on a contract
[13:22] Erebus (sagunn): following the standards of the Lodge. Verify the information, the name of the mark. Learn it myself. And for someone to claim to know my name as a disguise, and my name as an Assassin. They better damn well have the records just the same to back it up coming here wanting to put my head on a spike. Or damn them as well. And I will stick to this statement as much as it is my right to do so. Lodge Assassin or not, and you better be sure all is in order for you having put this in action as well. Lieutenant. I stand here before you, accepting full responsibility for my actions.” leaving the unspoken words that every one else better damn well be able to back up their actions and be held accountable.
[13:28] Crow (melchior.wardell) now narrowed his eyes “Truly … so now you question the entire situation – One you have admitted to me – by your doing ?” he shook his head “The fact you even venture this path … ” he warned “So you want to cry wolf – You want to truly cry wolf ? Will you dare to do so ? Since … if you cry wolf and question an entire court after you admitted maiming the woman in my office … You show me a colour that makes me even question not only your rank but your livery !” he now pushed him back. “It would have suited you better to accept leadership here now … But no you question it and you question why these men rather have your head on a pike ?” he shook his head “This will be a problem.”
[13:34] Erebus (sagunn): “You asked me questions. And yes, I find fault with hypocrisy. Whether or not I admit to my actions or not. A lie, deception is still a lie. When the Caste values truth. So you can ask yourself this, is it the one who stands before you that owned up to his actions that you find fault with? Or is it the fact that I call those who would conduct themselves in a manner that I would also be crucified for? And if that is enough said, I will leave it at that. I am taking the actions to right my wrong. And I represent myself in everything I do, no torturer had to be employed for you to get an answer from me. I told you point blank.” considering Crows words, “I don’t question the reason, I question their morals. Their practices. Their conduct. As much as my own is in question. They are held to the same standards and if they are not then it is doubled. Which once again leads to the same path. He who will accept and conduct his work with unconfirmed information also leaves a stain on the Caste of Assassin.” waiting then to see if any more words would be shared between them.
[13:39] Crow (melchior.wardell) pointed “I was approached while I was merely visiting Tyros. By one killer. He shared a story. A killer that has earned his livery.” he questioned. “A man not of this court. But a killer nevertheless. The man told me a story which I investigated as I myself did not take it on face value.” he stated. “I have invested my time and effort in the idea I would find something that would have the life of the woman at the end of my blade. That much trust I had that the outcome would be in YOUR favor. Since you were trained in this Lodge. To a standard that is considered one of the best.” he looked back to Haru “I have spoken to more than this killer that shared the story. Including the lady Yoko. She too expected that the woman attacked you and you acted out of self defense. By YOUR answers this was not the case. So tell me – Who do I have to question ? The one that shared the story?” his index finger pointed “Come of your high tharlarion and hear the music. See it from my point of view and do me justice OR will you do me no justice and cry Wolf ?”
[13:00] Poundcake watches the huge foot on her thigh, mesmerized by the sheer size of it encased in the man’s sandals. Well-manicured toes. Surely the man has tons of slaves if he is so well groomed! ‘Would master like girl to remove the sandal and rub the foot?’
The offer is merely to fill the blanks while her brain churns. The philosophy of life, the coming and the goings make the slave a tad pensive. Though the master mentions these things in casual conversation, she cannot help but understand them through her current lens. Snapping out of her reverie ~ perhaps a mind game by a seasoned master ~ the girl looks up and smiles warmly. ‘Foot massage?’
[13:04] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) followed along behind her master, hearing those words. By the kings she could do with a foot massage herself, but la kajira; it was her job to give such, not receive. Her master could have one any time he wanted though she would be sure to wash them first if he’d been wearing the same boots for a while from travel. Please. Still, he would feel that slight, discrete touch of her fingers through his cloak as if affirming this with him. Not speaking, though, until he would speak.
[13:05] Elom Vaeren looking to the slave he shook his head, he took care of his feet as best he could considering they were the main part of the body that was mostly used. He looked up to the two who arrived, looking to Poundcake..he motioned with a movement of his head for her to move as he stood up looking at the man and his property “Tal, What can I do for you?” he looked to the man-
[13:07] Crow (melchior.wardell) would move to the familiar shop as he noted others in the shop. His keen eyes fall upon the man first and than his gaze traveled to the slave that seemed to have an interest in the mans foot. He did not yet speak – he knew his mere presence could already have this air of danger about him. Not that he was that dangerous. In truth he was hardly dangerous when he was unmarked, but he would not explain such. When the man lifted himself and greeted his hand would flick from underneath his cloak “by all means – remain seated, Sir.” he replied to him first – as if not to burden him too much. “Greetings.” he added “I was merely searching for the Captain.” he stated as casual as he could.
[13:10] Poundscake scrambles to a respectable distance from the master when he motions for her to stand. She understood why when she caught sight of visitors looking for the Captain. The slave looks back to the master, wondering if he is him!
‘Tal, Master. Greetings, sister,’ the words are soft and slow, no intended to interrupt the business of the Frees. Tucking herself back into the shadows of Elon, the slave is content to watch, ready to carry out master’s bidding.
[13:11] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would give the man a quizzical look as he rose to his feet, only speaking in her soft, Pani-Karian voice one he does. Her own greet added. “Tal Master, girl,” she would say in a gentle manner. Her head tilts to the side in her feline mannerism, a look of curiosity crossing her doll-like features for just an ihn as she looks the man over. Querying in her mind, clearly, if she had seen him before. She shifts slightly, smoothing down the silk camisk she had worn for the day and her gaze moving then to the girl, offering her a smile and a dip of her head. Respectful, kind and polite; that was Haru, always. Usually.
[13:12] Elom Vaeren looking to the man the black didn’t scare him, his time in Torvaldsland had kind of cured that whole thing. But he did at least know the man was highly trained if such was true in the man wearing black “The Captain isn’t here..and I cannot say when he will be back, I am unsure where he even is at the moment to be honest” he lifted his brow with a smile and waved his hand about the slave “It’s no bother..she will handle it later” he spoke easily while lookint to Haru and then Crow once more-
[13:16] Crow (melchior.wardell) remained as stoic as one might guess when it came to the men of his craft. But his mind was not set to murder. “Hmm…” he replied. “Why does it not suprise me.” he seemed to question himself. “He always has been fickle.” he shared. Surely they did know little of the history of Berick with Crow, but he would not share much more of it. “Please let him know that I did try to visit him … ” He would pluck a feather from his scarf. He would hand it to Haru so she could hand it to the man – so the man would not feel threatened by his approach “If you offer this – I am sure he knows … who it was that searched for him.”
[13:18] Poundscake smiles at the girl’s sweet manners and touches her chin to her chest in reciprocal smiles. It is indeed fortunate that slaves are kind to each other! For they surely need that! The slave girl looks exotic and Pound ……Cake can only admire the soft silks draping the girl so becomingly.
A little gulp of nervousness sounds when master indicates she will take care of something. But what? She is not sure and little doubts of her adequacy swirl in her head. The master in black seems intimidating, making Pound huddle behind Elon. The man did not mince words and spoke just enough to get the task done. Brrrrrrrrr!! Pound shivers watching him retrieve a feather for the girl. How fascinating! A secret code in feathers? She watches in awe…………
[13:20] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would take the feather from her master, dipping her head. She didn’t need to be told more and would peel away from his side with the swaying of her hips. Always trying to draw her master’s eye, no matter the moment. Approaching, she would offer a dip. Still not sure if she’d seen the man before but in any case, holding out the feather for the man to take. No words spoken. She didn’t need to.
[13:21] Elom Vaeren watched as the man plucked a feather and the slave approached with it in hand, the face of slight familiarity but he couldn’t recall right off the bat. He would hold out his hand and wait for the feather weight to be placed “I will make sure he gets it, or at least it goes along the chain if I don’t see him personally. ” he would wait for the slave to approach then, a single step forward given to make the distance shorter, and in a way showing he wasn’t on the scared list, he was relatively unknown, and most of the men he knew would handle the business of offing him themselves if it came down to it-
[13:26] Crow (melchior.wardell) simply observed. And as the man said he would have Berick know he had been here he would simply dip his head. “Excellent.” he replied. A small snap of his fingers to have his slave return. Crow was in no shape or form intending to instill fear. In fact he tried to not ruffle feathers in a wrong way. His gaze would drift to the slave again and back to the man “I hope you will enjoy your foot massage.” he suggested. His voice held a little jest or humor – but why – that would be anyones guess.
[13:29] Poundscake keeps her eyes on the man in black, for he commands it. Everything is black. The hair, the beard, the clothing, the accessories,,,,,,the feathers, the ring, the boot! It was hard to find anything not black on the man!
Bringing her gaze back to the graceful slave, Pound is in awe. Every move about her spoke of the beast slave training. Every movement of hers is a bid for admiration. She watches Elon take the feather and take care of business, a new appreciation for Elon begins to unfurl deep in her slave belly. Quiet, holding his ground. Such is a man Pound beholds and she has to tear her gaze away from Elon lest she start to worship the very ground the man walks on.
The man’s snap intended for his slave also jerks Pound out of her musings. Slightly embarrassed by the man’s insinuation about the foot massage, she reddens. Though she did not know what exactly the man meant, she just…….. flushes. Frees speak in a manner amongst themselves that she does not understand at all!
[13:31] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would place the feather in his hand, dipping her head in respect and then moving back to her master’s side without delay. She would look to him at the little jest he made, curious on it and wondered perhaps what was happening next. Where were they going and what ideas was he getting in his head? It did sound like they were leaving anyway, so she would look back to the pair and flash her warmest of smiles. “I wish you well Master, kajira. Serve with fire.” The latter half clearly for Cake. She had noted the girl’s gaze and would look to her with kind eyes, her feline posture calm yet sensual, demure and yet confident.
[13:38] Elom Vaeren gave a simple nod “I will make sure he gets the message, Your slave is a treat I am sure..” he smiled then, turning slightly to Poundcake “She is a new acquisition…so I need to show her the ropes..break her in..make sure she understands her role” he would tuck the feather into a fold in his clothing and lift his chin slightly “Was there anything else” He showed hospitality to everyone, he knew when to be sarcastic and when to be polite…taking another step forward he would motion to the couch “If you wish a comfortable spot to wait..” he motioned with a movement of his head-
[13:41] Crow (melchior.wardell) was dressed in black. The very thing he earned and yet there was still something of colour. The green of his eyes. These had seen every murder he had committed, but also every flower or dancing slave. Eyes that could still value and treasure the beauty in this violent and unfair world. Crow was in a darker state due to recent events. Nothing they could do to change that. Little did they know of the inner struggle he had to overcome the behavior of one of his caste brothers. The fear to become exiled again was a storm in himself brewing and yet his pose nor his features seemed to betray his turmoil. When the man moved Crow followed him with his gaze, but he did not move just yet. “She is indeed special. But never truly broken by me.” he shared. “Trained of course, but never broken. I like them with character.” he gave some insights in how he was as a master. “I wish you both well and again thank you for relaying the message.” he would dip his head again and turned unless stopped to leave.
[13:44] PoundCake’s nods imperceptibly at the girl, accepting her good wishes, lapping it up almost as she makes her way back to her master. The pair must have been together for a while for them to be so in tune with each other. Perfect understanding that needs minimal words. Something she can only aspire to. ‘Same to you as well, sister. Safe paths, master, if you are leaving’ Pound calls out once the girl has reached the side of her master.
PoundCake’s face heats up when Elon explains her presence. The more details he gives, the more she cringes. Why does he need to make it sound so……. so.. blunt! With a look of dismay, she casts her gaze to the wooden slats, watching the duo prepare to leave. The man in black shone some new light on his dealings with his slave girl and Cake can only appreciate his style.
[13:46] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would offer a bow as her master made to depart. Low and formal as always with both arms folded behind her. Broken. She’d been broken a few times. But her master now – he’d worked his magic in different ways and she was his, through and through. The girl would probably enjoy the challenge of him trying to break her, though. A small sly curl of her lips at the corners at the thoughts that went through her mind. She’d already bid farewell though so any further words were kept to herself, simply turning to follow her owner with that temptress’ motion of the hips, light, sheer silk doing little to hide her master’s property.
[13:47] Elom Vaeren watched as the man turned to head out, the slave moved with him and he would nod his head once “Farewell, and I hope you finally get a moment to speak with the Captain. Is there a time or place?” he wondered, but none the less he would simply deliver the feather the next time the man was seen. He stood still in the doorway now as he awaited their departure-
[13:49] Crow (melchior.wardell) would move off – not sharing or answering. The question would remain unanswered. Not because he did not want to answer – but simply one he could not answer. He would move – with a sureness that his girl would follow.
[16:52] (Ember, the Candidate): had been reading scrolls for hours again when he saw a black figure that looked similar in stature to his best friend and rubbed his eyes. Was he dreaming or was it real? “Tal Killer” he greeted as a precaution
[16:53] (Ember, the Candidate): had been reading scrolls for hours again when he saw a black figure that looked similar in stature to his best friend and rubbed his eyes. Was he dreaming or was it real? “Tal Killer” he greeted as a precaution
17:01: Black larl turned to see the lad that approached and greeted with a silent nod, not confirming his identity nor denying it, perhaps he was once a candidate, long ago, perhaps not here, but the lad saw him as if he recognized him, so he decided to stand and then spoke “Candidate…Tal”
[17:05] (Ember, the Candidate): Amir used one of his disguise exercises again and wanted to test him? he looked at the killer and since there were no slaves running around, which was usually the case, especially during training sessions, he offered to give the killer something to eat and drink. “Killer are you thirsty or hungry? I’ll be happy to bring you something.”
17:06: Black larl looked to the candidate and said “Follow” without answering questions, his voice was very raspy and aged, his hair greyed, his skin had spots, if it was a disguise it was beyond skilled.
17:11: Black larl silent steps of the large man prowled behind the woman, he quietly whispered a question “Lost, woman?” his voice, deep, raspy and guttural, as if he growled it out, age perhaps.
[17:12] (Ember, the Candidate): he seemed to be mistaken and followed the killer, quietly to find out who he was and what he wanted here
[17:13] (Yoko Togashi): /me was not so quiet as he believed. That was perhaps proven when her gaze turned to him before he spoke. “No.” Was all she said as she took look at him, turning to fully face him. “Are you, Lord gaijin?”
17:17: Black larl did not understand anything she said at all, for her words were not of this world, he then asked “Lord, Gaijin? Make sense woman, if you are not lost, speak, where do you think you are.” he was not trying to be silent, for if he had been, or considered her a threat, he would not have spoken. His old cold eyes gazed upon the woman that sort of reminded him of a panis of the west, but spoke like a barbarian. “From earth?” he tilted his head, perhaps curious.
[17:21] (Yoko Togashi): /me shook her head. “I am at the Black Lodge, a guest of the Lodge who has been given permission to be here.” She didn’t answer his question of whether or not she was from the barbarian planet. As far as she was concerned, that was all he needed to know at this juncture. “The fact that you seem painfully ignorant to this known fact tells me that I am not the one who is lost. Who are you exactly?”
[17:24] (Ember, the Candidate): stood silently and attentively listening to the words behind one of the stalls, he could just as well have been a trader waiting for customers
17:28: Black larl tapped his feet on the ground, the Larl was a patient man, but not a tolerant one, he would normally see “Guests” of any court joined by a Killer, he had seen her elsewhere already, same attire, same attitude and he approached her, same as any man of gor would approach a mouthy, unaccompanied free woman. And then asked “Whose Guest?” he waited to hear a familiar name. Not that he really cared, the woman had ignored a direct question, and there was two things he enjoyed. Mouthy women without a collar, antagonizing anyone in a place they were simply a ‘guest’ wasn’t one of them.
[17:34] (Ember, the Candidate): followed the scene attentively without making himself noticed
[17:34] (Yoko Togashi): /me took a single step back when he approached, and then another as he tried to close the distance between them. Seemed that she was familiar with this dance, giving ground once one decided to invade her own. The pattern was simple, and it was that she would not allow him within arms reach. “I do not believe it is necessary to tell you, without knowing who you are.” She was well awarer of Killers, and those who claimed to be killers. She did not recognize him as one of the killers present at the lodge, but she also knew she had no authority to force him to identify himself either. “I respectfully request that you keep your distance until a time that your identity can be verified by one of the Killers of this Lodge. All you must know is that I was invited here by one of this lodge. You are welcome to seek out the Master of this lodge if you doubt my words.”
[17:37] (Ember, the Candidate): “Inwardly, he was already placing bets on how long this woman would continue to breathe”
17:38: Black larl no more words were needed. He considered her a liar and an intruder, where black banners hung, words were chosen carefully. Many a intruder claimed to know the killers, or claimed to be invited, a killer of the lodge, bosswell pass, or the other courts brought their guests, and the Larl was not one to believe any killer to take word or coin from a pani woman…
17:38: Black larl sighs “I really hate when I am forced to do this…” he says, taking a fighting stance, and he taps his feet, blades out…
[17:41] (Yoko Togashi): /me watched the killer finally fall and walked over to him and used her geta to kick his blade away fro his hand. She’d used his own ropes to start the bindingn process.
[17:42] (Yoko Togashi): /me moved to place his arms behind his bakc and removed his bracers. She weaved the arms between his wrist in a figure eight and ended the binds in a capture knot.
[17:42] (Yoko Togashi): /me then removed the mans boots from his legs, pulling the legs together and binding them together in a similar manner to his arms, that same figure eight wrap and ended off into a secodn capture knot.
17:43: Black larl took a knee “Hm… Killer T told you to come looking for one, didn’t he?” he broke the weapon wounding his arm, before he was tied, he stayed calm. He would find out who sent her soon enough.
[17:43] (Yoko Togashi): /me for good measure tdecided to add a thrid rope uponhim to serve as a leash.
Isolet Nightingale tries to bind AmirMahalah Resident.
[17:44] (Yoko Togashi): /me shook her rhead, “Actually no he did not….” she told him calmly. “though I coudl ask you the same…”
Isolet Nightingale tries to bind AmirMahalah Resident.
17:44: /me – AmirMahalah Resident has been force bound by Isolet Nightingale (no response). –
17:45: Black larl cracked his neck, he was too old for this. He wondered how she would explain the situation to the other killer. Silence was his language now.
[17:46] (Ember, the Candidate): watched this Pani woman, who said she was a visitor, fight a killer. Her weapons would have to be weaker, like a man’s, unless she was disguised and there was a man under her clothes.
[17:47] (Yoko Togashi): /me sighed when she looked at him and took note that she was not being answered on that matter. She looked over to where Ember was hiding and told him. “You can come out now, candidate.” She was definitely not fond of the observer to say the least.
[17:49] Crow (Melchior Wardell): me would regard Yoko and arched a brow as he noted the man in black on a leash. That alone might already be something to address “What is going on?” he asks.
[17:50] (Ember, the Candidate): “Tal Killer” he bent his head briefly in Crow’s direction, “Tal Pani contract woman”
17:53: Black larl cracked his neck. He looked over and said “Tal, Killer” said the Larl. Scoffed “I am getting too old for this.” he rolled on his back and sat up. The dizzyness abandoning him. The thrill of a fight was something he loved, but something was off here. “Contract women attacking the lodge, dodging questions…but I must say, Killer, she could be hired as a mercenary as well” he gave a slight pained chuckle.
[17:55] (Yoko Togashi): /me held fast to the leash of the man on the ground, uncertain of who he was to say the least, or who “Killer T” was. She was only aware of four killers in this lodge, and all but one had approved of her presence.
[17:55] (Yoko Togashi): /me violence over diplomacy, hence your current… situation.”
[18:01] Crow (Melchior Wardell): /me would stare to Ember slightly annoyed “The contract woman as you call her has a name … I am sure it was once given.” he would return his attention back to Yoko. He knew the woman was skilled and it did not surprise him that she was able to overmaster a fellow that might have not matched her skills. He would grin towards Yoko as he hears the man that should clearly take a notch down. “From what I know you are not a known killer and an imposter. There are no city laws and for such .. you a male attacking a woman is already way taking it to far. I am a patient fellow but not with men like you.” he would take his killing knife and kneel beside him. Taking his head and lifting it up.
[18:04] (Ember, the Candidate): “Killer, I’ve seen a lot of things in my life, but a woman attacking a man, a killer, instead of answering his questions or avoiding him is a behavior that not even men in a city exhibit. Even men prefer to cross the street and this woman didn’t give me her name either.” Then he observed the scene in front of him. Would Crow kill a bound, defenseless other killer without taking gold? That was an interesting lesson.
18:09: Black larl looks to the candidate he did not know the name yet, he was wondering how the woman knew he was a candidate, and then he said “Candidate, pull out your scroll and writing of what you heard and give it to the Killer, Come get these bindings off of me, she is meant to identify herself, he lost this ‘Lord’ diplomacy when she failed to answer and antagonized. Then looked to Crow, perhaps remembering him, perhaps not. “Contract women roam freely here… pointed to the woman and asked “Is that your slave in disguise?” he recalled killer C, had a Pani slave. But perhaps he was unto something.” Saying “I am a marauder, hired as a mercenary, sometimes to kill, somtimes not…protecting is more of my line of work, he addressed crow. “A man has seen the Pani woman in Kar, if not mistaken, had she said your name…she didn’t even had to say it fully, A man would not have attacked. But no name was given, I was told to seek Killer D, but when I arrived, only the Candidate was here, she climbed the path to the fortress
18:09: Black larl I asked questions, when she refused to answer, I approached, further words were given, but no answer.” he said, explaining the situation to C. Not naming himself a Killer here, even if he wore black, it was simply a color that hid him in darkness. “Mind cutting me loose, Killer? Talk it over black wine?” he was heavy. and bound. But Killers knew no honor, would Crow risk the consequences, or let the woman face them on her own? The Larl was now really curious.
[18:10] Crow (Melchior Wardell): /me glanced back to Ember in question “Oh you recognize this killer ?” he asks quite amused. “This man is no killer. I can assure you. This man – wearing black in a fortress that is behind the black banners is an impostor and not recognized as a killer. As to if this killer would take down a target that was defenseless – Hell yeah – no honor there – just plain murder. As he held the head he would take his dagger and run it along his throat in one clear cut.
[18:11] Crow (Melchior Wardell): /me would drop the head as he saw the blood run over the tiles. The man no longer to speak and very difficult to breath if he tried.
[18:11] Crow (Melchior Wardell): /me would clean his dagger at the end of the black claok of the impostor and regard the candidate and back to Yoko “I will have the sleen drag it back so let it bleed to death.
[11:11:00] Crow (melchior.wardell) would drop the head as he saw the blood run over the tiles. The man no longer to speak and very difficult to breath if he tried.
[11:11:44] Crow (melchior.wardell) would clean his dagger at the end of the black claok of the impostor and regard the candidate and back to Yoko “I will have the sleen drag it back so let it bleed to death.
[11:11:50] zCS # [Mod] AmirMahalah Resident declined to be killed by Melchior Wardell.
[11:12:59] Black-Larl allowed the bag of bosk blood around his neck to bleed, and pretended to die, he even made mock gasps to feed a rather convincing act. and remained there, it seemed, Crow chose the war path.
[11:15:35] Ember, the Candidate: nodded and gave the killer the scroll about the situation. “I don’t know him, at first I thought I knew him too, but this man is much older, look at his skin”
[11:16:06] Yoko Togashi sighed as she listened to Ember once again speak what she perceived as nonsense. “Once again, candidate Ember, you misrepresent reality to suit your own flawed perception of it. I did not attack this man, I simply defended myself from him. You on the other hand, have yet to understand the meaning of ‘information control.’ Being of the male gender does not make you the authority over every woman in existence. I do not know him, and I gave him the means to validate my words to him. He chose violence… and you are choosing, quite blatantly.. to lie to defend this man who is not verified as a Killer aside his chosen color of clothing.”
She fell silent once more once the two actually started speaking once more. As often as she did, men started speaking, and she remained silent, while calmly observing, listening and taking in information. She did not actually move when the action was made to slide the blade across the bound man’s throat. She wasn’t certain what was expected. Was she supposed to just stand the [11:16:06] Yoko Togashi and allow herself to be attacked, possibly killed by a man who did not enjoy her answers? Perhaps the candidate.. and the fellow on the floor were used to Slave girls being recipients of needless cruelty and thanking them for it. She was not a slave-girl.
[11:18:42] Crow (melchior.wardell) was not impressed with Ember as he spoke “Seems you have a lot to learn about women, candidate. Surely those that I tollerate around myself.” he snapped.
[11:20:19] Ember, the Candidate: nodded “Yes killer” he kept his thoughts to himself
[11:25:20] Crow (melchior.wardell) looked back and pondered if he should take the mans head and put it on a spike to have an example for all to see. “Well lady Yoko. I am sorry I was too late and you needed to do this. You are a guest and clearly this one … was to easily fooled.” pointing to Ember “Did he even try to over throw a marketstall to have this man stopped or was he doing nothing to see to your safety ?” he asks.
[11:32:16] Yoko Togashi looked over to Ember and shook her head. Given his earlier words she felt that answer was quite obvious. “He did not, my Lord.” She chose her words carefully in this matter. “He actually followed the man and hid behind the stalls as this was happening. He did not emerge until I called him to stop hiding after the skirmish had ended.” She would not speak on any other matter at this point. Though she did agree that the man on the ground did not identify himself as a Killer. She had already spoken as such.
[11:35:28] Ember, the Candidate: “Killer, I don’t have a weapon and I didn’t get involved in the fight. I wouldn’t destroy Black Logde goods and I would never interfere in a fight involving a killer. How was I supposed to know if he was a real or fake killer? As a candidate, I can’t ask a guest who appears here in black clothing for proof,” he replied respectfully. and then greeted the people who had joined the group. “Tal killer, tal slaves”
[11:36:17] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) made her way up to the market to get some … things … for the kitchen. The merchant there was lucky, to say the least, that they had pretty much exclusive rights but even with that market presence they did not dare rise the prices. Hah. Spotting a gathering there, she made her way over out of her usual, feline curiosity, spotting her master along with Yoko, Ember and another man on the floor. She blinks a moment, arching a brow and making her way over, falling silent that she was seen but not heard. A smile to Ember given when he greeted her and a dip of her head in response and a non-verbal greet.
[11:37:35] Crow (melchior.wardell) would not entertain or discuss things in length with those he felt impostors or lawless mercenaries. So when he simply sliced his throat he had done so without any much regret or feeling. As if the mere kill was all in a days work. Not that he did not take it serious. Surely he did – it was his livelihood. “I see.” he replied to Yoko. “Haru, see that the lady is taken care of bring her some of the best sake I have in stock.” as he turned to Ember “Do you see this ? Do you see me enjoying this ? Did I ever tell you about the woman and what she is ?” as Ember spoke he would narrow his eyes “Surely we must have been mistaken. Candidates of the caste are keen men. Intelligent, aware and focused. I have not been able to catch you on these matters. So you are walking a very thin line here. Tell me do you wish to test me now ? Truly ?”
[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.
[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.”
[10:30:35] Crow (melchior.wardell) would come outside of his tent as he noted the seeker near the fire. The man still blindfolded. Crow would see if the man already sensed his presence or needed some sound of his footsteps of even clearing his throat. He would wait and increase the sounds he was making – all the while studying as to how quick he would response.
[10:31:56] Ember came out of the tent and had returned to reading the many scrolls in his chest – fresh air – he went to the campfire “Tal Killer, Tal seeker” This time he hadn’t snuck up on us and had been clearly hearable
[10:33:03] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): After having tended the fires, he had taken the remaining bits of dried meat given to him and eaten those to quiet his rumbling stomach, it had been precious little, but it was something. Enough to take the worst of the edge off anyway. He was still hungry, and thirsty. The headaches had been becoming worse, his mouth was dry and sticky. His lips were chapped, and his energy was low. This time of year the cool of the breeze was becoming more notable, and yet, staying by the fire only made his thirst worse. He hadn’t had anything to drink in three days, and nothing he had consumed had liquid in it to make up the difference. It had been advised to him that he scrounge for berries, and yet, he had refused to break the rules, and looked the part of a man who suffered for lack of water. To break the rules was to invite death, and yet, he was so close to failing in fortitude and willpower for need of water. He didn’t want to break the rules, had been holding out, trying, and by the Kings he had his pride and wouldn’t beg. Slaves begged! He was no such beast! In this place, even they were above him though, but he was fast approaching a point of being willing to do anything for some water. Though as he heard the voice of the killer known well, he jumped to his feet, perhaps looking a trifle disheveled. “Tal Killer,” and then to the recognized trainee. “Tal trainee,” he would call the man as he had heard another killer reference him.
[10:36:10] Crow (melchior.wardell) would dip his head slightly towards Ember as he too approached. His eyes would remain upon the seeker. “I learned that you have learned who I am.” he stated cooly as he would walk over to the table and filled a mug with fresh water. He made sure the water splashed against the sides of the mug so that it would be easy to hear what he was doing.
[10:39:11] Crow (melchior.wardell) could tell that the seeker had not been fed or had a drink. Crow could guess as to why “So … what of it ?” he asked. Although Crow did not enjoy the murder on the mans father. It was what he was and if the young man was true – he too would become. There was no room for own debates if a murder was honest or foul. “Well ? Shall I give you a knife and see if you can vengeance your fathers death ?” he added – His words cold as ice in a morning of fresh snow.
[10:42:24] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): And he did hear, Kings how he wanted it, his head turned sharply, as though he were attuned most of all to that. His throat undulated, helpless but to react to the knowing of what was so near. He licked his lips without even thinking about what he was doing, like a ravenous animal long caged and denied. “Yes Killer,” he said. Typically, Pride would be more wary, but he was so thirsty, he was having trouble focusing a body could only go so many days without. Would he have done anything now for only a drink? “I know it was your hand, but a killer is paid to perform a task.” His voice was near rasping. “You were the hand that performed it, I do not hold you accountable for willing it done. I will with time be no different than you. I can not fault you to do as a man of the black will do. It is not you I blame. I would ask you a single question though. For only you would know that truth. Did he die well? I would hope he did not fall, a coward.”
[10:49:03] Crow (melchior.wardell) could see that the man was thirsty and he would now move forward to be in the personal space. He would dip his fingers in the water and splash it slightly towards the seeker. Some drops might fall upon the mans face … but nothing that would satisfy his thirst. “Many words … and yet … who is it that you blame ? The client?” he would caste a glance to Ember as he said those words “Your father had his last words and died quick after. I denied him to write it testament though.” he added just to see the response of the man. It was true – still. Perhaps Crow had given that thought later and might have made a different decision now. But there was something in murder. You could do it only once to the same person. “As to a coward … that depends … ” he would taunt the young man even more. “He gave me his weapon. The one I used to kill him with.” small pokes to a man that was already on the verge of failing due to lack of water and food.
[10:53:13] Ember was interested in the background and continued to listen. It was interesting that the man’s son was looking for his father’s killer and found him here in the camp. How had he found out about it? That was a mystery to him. It was interesting that the man’s son was looking for his father’s killer and found him here in the camp. How had he found out about it? That was a mystery to him, had anonymity been violated? As he listened, his thoughts flew back and forth.
[10:57:52] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): His breath came haggard, and he could feel the droplets strike his face, the tease of it, the young man’s fingers clenched hard against his palms and then came up. It was clear how he wanted to take that vessel, be it cup or bowl from Crow, how he wanted to grab and rip it away from him, but instead, as his hands and arms lifted, and his fingers uncurled into replications of hooked talons, the youth stayed his hands. He knew it to be a test. Everything here was about learning, and then testing. “I am angry at the client!” He lost his temper in his answer. “The target was my own father damn you! What sane person wouldn’t be angry and embittered for it?!” Maybe he would have held his emotions better were he not in such need of water. His teeth clenched hard then to hear the man had been so spineless. “That is reflection upon him! Not me!” He snarled, the shame of it still effecting him. “He was a stupid, selfish failure for a scribe! His own choices earned him the end he received! He was never there!” He shouted out the angry thoughts he had long held secret, and then, his voice softened and his head lowered. “He was never there and I had to grow up without a father because he was so selfish. He never took my mother as free companion. I am a bastard, she was nothing to him, but conquest. I hate him. I’m NOT him. I don’t want to be associated with him. He… He deserved what happened to him.” There was bitterness in his voice. Rarely had he talked about this.
[11:07:19] Crow (melchior.wardell) would observe the young man. See the different kind of emotions rush over the man and taking him out of balance. Surely this could be a weakness, but which person was truly without any feelings. “Ah … the young man the victim of life.” he taunted “I will not speak of the client. But Ember might endulge you to some of what is considered a legit client. Surely there needs to be something for a killer to take such a contract.” he reasons. He would now take a good swig of the water. “Tell me, does it help you to speak out in anger ? Does it bring you your father back ? Does it undo all the wrong you have felt ? Does it suit you now ?” he would shake his head slow. “You are a fool. Surely this isn’t the life for you … Your pride and self pity are in the way … You have showed nothing I wished to see this far.” he shared again cold as if there was nothing behind it but just a message he read from paper.
[11:13:34] Ember had his arms crossed and there was no pity on his face. Calmly, he turned to the Seeker “If you still feel so many emotions even though you didn’t like your father, how are you going to control your emotions when you’re supposed to kill someone?” Emotions make you misjudge things and you won’t be able to be professional.”
[11:20:21] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Maybe Ember would, and later, he would ask him, but not in the moment. The taunts being levied against him were wanting for a reaction, but the youth knew in the back of his mind that if he wronged the man before him, even if he felt it justified, even to make the attempt, invited finality. The calm of the man was strange to speak of such seriousness, and it made Pride stop and think. But then, he heard the drink taken and a blast of air came from his flared nostrils in irritation. “No,” he said in a tone vexed, the answer the same for all those questions. When told once again that he was in the wrong, he clenched fists again but then, released them, and sighed. “I am a fool because I feel loss? Because I feel anger? Because I feel at all? I have done what I have been asked, and done it well. You have not been about to observe that, that I know of, but then, I have not my sight to be sure of that. But if you were, you would know that I have only done my best to do what has been tasked. I have obeyed your rules without question. I have shown respect to all, answered questions, and been perfectly obedient. This… This is the first time I have stood up to you, despite knowing what I know. Even now, I hold myself back, and I haven’t had anything to drink in days! Is this what you wanted to see Killer? The effect of it all? I am a human being. I have needs. I am SO sorry that they do not please you.” He spat to the side, having even now in his angst, enough sense not to spit at Crow. He was angry, but even now, there was respect for station. He then looked toward Ember’s voice. “I don’t know how to deal with those feelings, that are only toward him. Am I wrong to feel as I do? I am not angry at the Killer for doing as he had to do. I am not even angry at the one who ordered the kill. I am angry at my father. But he’s gone. I never even got to meet him. But still he had an impact upon my life. I grew up knowing he had been slain by a man in black. I wanted to know why. I long feared I too would be killed for the crime of being his son.”
[11:27:47] Crow (melchior.wardell) would now take the mug of water and slowly let the water fall over the young mans head. Surely to anger him even more. “Ah there we go again … the feelings … ” he would now push the man backwards. Crow would fake the loss of his patience as his voice slightly came with more authority “Ah … there you have it … you have done what ? Followed orders ? Truly ? ” he would shake his head “Following orders is easy … let someone else think and when things don’t work out blame the one giving them.” he shrugged. “What about you asking for a drink ? Nah … you felt yourself above such. You are a very silly and foolish man. I warned you about those feelings that are not the one that should guide you. Sure you can have them … I am sure even Ember feels the fear of failing his task and being killed for it. Yet do you see him weep or cry wolf for it ? He does not … He is clearly smarter than you … While he was not the high caste scribe you presented to be.” with that he would step backwards – sensing that he might just overstep that line of the young mans control. If the man might lunge – Crow would just address it – but if the man truly attacked – Crow would deal with it swiftly.
[11:28:52] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) stepped forward yawning drawing his hands to cross his chest “Tal Caste” he gave Crow a slow dip of his chin. He turned to look to the other two “Aww here we have rubble and stubled, who were both quite troubled, blowing bubbles in their mental struggle trying not to stumble through thought, rathered puzzled but all they could do is mumble and its stupidity gave me a chuckle”
[11:31:15] Ember shook his head, uncomprehending “ – many words, too many words seeker – imagine,
you were a killer and a client came and ordered you to kill your mother – are you able to do that?” –
“Tal Killer, Tal Adira” and was again intent on the interactions
[11:34:05] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would slip up to Crow’s side. It was like one fluid movement that took her in a path that slid through the kitchen and over to the camp, ending up at her master’s side. Black wine in hand, the final steps would slow as she noted the tension in the air, her tongue falling silent as she purses her lips, head canting in curiosity. Nothing said yet, she looks to Adira in a questioning gaze. For the ehn, she did not greet, giving the moment to observe and assess.
[11:35:49] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) glanced to ember reaching and scratched the back of his head pondering the question “There once was a Lady in red, who didn’t understand what was said.. but then my father found her in bed, with her legs quite spread and yelled ‘off with her head'” he said with a nod
[11:38:15] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He was now shaking faintly as his temper rose higher still for Crow’s persistent taunts. Ember’s words were instruction though, and he didn’t move to lash out at Crow. He was in the moment fueled more by adrenalin and growing anger than anything, and it wouldn’t last. Stumbling back, his head turned suddenly, to put an ear toward Crow, taking a defensive stance, but not moving to attack. Being shoved back, his foot hit the log. The Killer hadn’t hurt him, but perhaps was only testing him again to see if he could get him to make a move. Pride knew he stood no chance against the man in a real confrontation. He was unarmed, blind, and far less experienced. Unless it was a singing contest, he would lose. Now drenched in water, the youth shook off like a wet dog and his jaw clenched. The glare wasn’t hard to see even with his eyes hidden. “You scold me for following orders, yet it was you who told me I was to have nothing if not given it. Now you tell me to test your commands, and call me fool for doing so. Are you -trying- to get me to snap?” He growled. “Tal Killer,” he said as was required to M, though his tone was more than a little pissy. Pride then looked back toward Crow, or at least, where Crow had been, and he making assumptions. He then looked toward Ember’s voice. “I was told recently that I would be expected to kill someone close to me. I would be lying if I claimed such a task were easy, or even something I was sure I could do. It seems to be a conflict of interest, or maybe… A test to see if one has the fortitude to be such a thing as harbinger of death.”
[11:38:37] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would quietly pad up bt her Masters side, she would stand there for a few moments, seeking the right time to greet the masters, she would notice as her sister would slide up to Crows side with his mug of blackwine, and would give her gaze as if to convey “I have no clue and I think my master is insane” as she would let her eyes slide up to her master and narrow a bit warily as she would take just a wee step away from him as she would look at her clawed adorned fingers as if looking at her nails. wondering if her master..had once again….got into her stash of herbs she had been growing and cultivating at the pass.
[11:42:09] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) glanced to nauthis raising his eyebrows a bit then reached behind scratching his neck once more then spoke “So in deep persuit, it could be very hard to compute, this small dispute which seems to be at the root. Then there was the man who played the flute, only wore one boot. He seemed to only eat fruit, and was lousy to shoot, standing there in salute trying to recruit, but always seem to dispute those in commute only to uproot the coot. “
[11:45:41] Crow (melchior.wardell) would shake his head and offer Haru the empty mug that had been filled with fresh water. If the man had lowered his pride and asked he would have been given the mug. But as he had kept his pride he had now nothing. He would than reach for the black wine while his fingers brushed over Haru’s fingers in a silent gesture of his devotion which most killers would frown upon. “This young man … is a proud and obedient fellow. Who has done nothing wrong – or – well – he thinks he has done all things right.” he seemingly tells Haru “Yet the man is still blindfolded. Is clearly thirsty and most likely also very hungry. Tell me mine … does he look like an accomplished fellow to you ?”
[11:48:08] Ember looked at Haru and was curious about her answer
[11:51:33] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would tilt her head a little bit, almost sighing as the brush of his fingers was over and they were on to the topic of the seeker. She shook her head a little, her eyes flickering over to Peace before back to her owner. “No, My Master,” she says in her soft tones. “If he was accomplished, he would be freed of his ailment and able to enjoy the sight of the beauties around him.” She saw Ember looking her way and would wink, giving him an almost shy seeming smile. But since her presence had been announced, she now greeted after answering the question. “Tal Masters.” Pani and Karian tones clashing but much more relaxed than they had been in the tavern.
[11:52:13] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Under normal circumstances, he would never speak so disrespectfully to them, but the stress had been mounting, and he had been trying. Nothing he did seemed to be right or good enough, and try as he might, everything seemed stacked against him. He would answer and be told he was wrong, fearing to make enemies or to step wrong and find even the smallest transgression to result in death, but to be silent had been taken wrong as well, and he wasn’t sure what to do, he was just… Frustrated. That first night, when he had shown his emotions as he always had, had been wrong, and now, he was wrong. Slowly, his head lifted, he listening to what Haru would say. He understood now why they had begun to call him Pride, and felt the shame of it. “May I please have some water to drink?” He asked in a hesitant but respectful tone, trying to show he listened, and would learn from what was said. He recognized that he had things to work on, most of all, his pride.
[11:55:42] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would listen as one again her master would speak in limericks, she would gaze at him “did it finally happen? Did she indeed get collared by someone who was more insane then her? she had heard of some Killers developing …well odd ticks, was this it?” she would use that keen mind of hers to work, she would then gaze into his eyes yup higher then a mother fucker…or perhaps he was playing head games, she knew for a fact he enjoyed doing that, she would furrow her a brow a bit taking in a deep breath before smiling warmly to all “greetings Masters and sister” she would say as she would try to lure her master to sit down by the fire…”Come my master, sit down and relax” she would say in a alluring tone “if you unleash me I can get you your ramberry juice yes?” she would say softly, as she would try if she could to tempt him to sit.
[11:56:50] Crow (melchior.wardell) would sip his black wine and would give a silent gesture to Haru to fetch the young man a good bowl of water. “So many of your energy wasted on what ? A sense of ego ? Pride ?” he grinned “Are you sure you wish me to get you some water. This fire could die from it ?” he suggested – of course Pride did not see that his girl was already given signal to fetch some water.
[11:57:34] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) pondered this a mere moment unleashing adira and pocketed the leash. He would looked to her a moment, his eyes slightly rolled back in his head. He then turned to glance towards the two man seeking his caste “A question to both of you…. would you cause destruction.. hands wrapped round your mother’s neck causing her suffication watching as she floats away with asphyxiation. Do you believe in ressurection after one dies of starvation.. lock them in a cage.. but we certainly don’t believe in mutiliation with our assassinations. but how about incapacitation, maybe even immolation… only to avoid damnation, pondering the worlds ahhihilation… but there was the guy who found himself deep in hospitlation… being killed by decapitation, suffering from infliction after being locked in deep incarceration, finding himself deep with disintergration… maybe even reinfraction… after longs bouts of dormition… to his undeadly discarnation… to his ultimate termination”
[12:04:51] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would notice her master’s signal and dip her head, moving off back to the kitchen to fetch a bowl of water. It only took moments; a bowl, water – there was nothing really to prepare and before she was even gone, she was back. She didn’t speak yet, no need for that. Her master was already doing the taunting and she was going to let him enjoy himself even if there was a serious side to it all. A purpose that very few might understand until the point that they were past it all. When they were in his shoes. Not literally. She was fairly sure her master wouldn’t give those away and if they had taken them without his consent then clearly, so clearly, they had not learned those lessons.
[12:06:00] Ember watched and learned, listened and thought about the words said, a killer spoke strange things that made no sense to him, the Seeker had taken the right path, sometimes it was a hard path to have to ask. He remained silent in the background until he heard the assassin’s question. “Wreak destruction? What exactly do you mean by your question?” “I don’t believe in resurrection. Dead is dead.” was the sober analysis
[12:06:25] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): “If I am not fit to see to the fire Killer, than it shall surely die, and me with it. But I have spoken to and learned from others, and am ready to deal with that by what I am taught.” He reached down to pick up two of the branches he had brought over, one in each hand. He would wait and move nearer to the fire, ready to feed it additional fuel if liquid were introduced to it. Rather than complain, though the warmth of it were unpleasant in his dehydrated state, he showed himself ready. He turned an ear back toward the Killer who rhymed many things, much of them morbid. “A kill need not be agonizing and cause one suffering, Killer. If I had to kill someone, I would choose a means that made it as swift and efficient as possible. I am not a torturer, and have no wish to be either. I cannot fathom how or why anyone -would- desire to be such a man. The want to make people suffer seems to me to be a sickness of the mind. Do not most Goreans feel the same?” He then turned his face in the direction where Crow had been when water had been splashed upon him, intending to make a point.
[12:09:05] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would move in a swift motion, like a damn ghost that was frightened from the hell of limericks and a possibly stoned or Indeed insane master, she would get a bowl and fill it with fresh ram berry juice, she would then move her ass with purpose moving to her masters side “here my Master, some rambrry juice I hope it refreshes you” she would mumble out, she would give Haru a quick look before darting her eyes to the others as she would listen to what was going on and hoping that perhaps the ramberry juice would bring her Master back from limerick city.
[12:09:34] Crow (melchior.wardell) would shake his head slightly “Give him the water, mine. And see that he is fed.” as he had no intent to challenge the fire. For it would be too easy. As he noted M. move towards Ember he perked a brow – the man was really up close and personal.
[12:09:39] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) walked up towards ember reaching to his right with his right hand drawing the blade from its sheath to bring it up pointing the very tip of the blade directly at the trainee’s throat staring him into the eyes “trainee… I am sure you have heard a Killer say to another.. gold and steel.. tell me trainee… or I will slice your neck open right here and right now if you get it wrong… what is gold and steel…?” he asks then draws silent holding the blade very still
[12:13:44] Ember held his neck straight up, not moving, he was sure the blade was so sharp it could cut a hair in the air.
“Gold and steel” is a greeting among killers, gold stands for the symbolic reward a killer receives when he accepts the client contract and steel stands for the dagger with which the killer carries out the contract”
[12:14:52] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) steps closer to Peace, her brow furrowing ever so slightly as she heard the words from M. No orders and she would have stood back but ok, nopes, it was the trainee – not the seeker. Phew. “Water, Master,” she says, pushing the bowl forward to press it into the man’s abdomen that he could easily tell where it was. “Can I fetch you something to eat?”
[12:17:35] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) pulled the blade away from his neck and turned to swinging to smack him upside the head with the sword then turned and sheathed it to his side. He turned his head a bit and begun to speak but a bit more distant and quieter “Gold represents the beginning of what it is to be a killer.. In our camp lads are sent off to sell everything they own and hand over the gold. As a Killer, it signifies the initiation of a contract.. Once gold is accepted, the contract is sealed.. It continues till the mark is dead, or we end up dead. ” he paused for a moment “steel represents the completion of the cycle of work. Gold, the beginning, and steel is the conclusion. “
[12:17:47] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): As Haru came to him and offered the bowl, he placed the long branches into the fire and gratefully accepted it. He drank so fast and practically inhaled it that he might even make himself sick. Three days he had been without, and the body couldn’t go much longer than that without suffering horrific effects. Hearing the Killer speak as he did to the trainee, he froze and listened once the bowl was drained. Even now he was learning through the interactions of others, and given the cost of failure, he would retain what was said. “Thank you Haru,” he knew the voice, and the name she had correctively given him. “Yes please. Is there any of that stew available?” He felt quite foolish not having asked and taken the approach he had. He had hoped to show obedience and respect, all that had gotten him was an empty belly, headaches, and chastising. A bit of humility it seemed was in order. So, he asked for what he wanted to eat, something with more liquid in it to help his dehydration. “And, another bowl of water please?” He asked, offering the bowl toward her which had been quickly emptied.
[12:24:36] Ember The blow came as a surprise and he flinched as the sword hit his head. “Killer, thanks for the lesson, I’ll keep it in mind. “It wasn’t in those words on any of my scrolls. I’ll add your explanation later.”
[12:26:47] Myrddin (drizantlar.veriander) nods his chin slight taking the vessel of ramberry juice from his girl and took a drink. He then took the leash to reclick it onto her collar and turned to walk off “come with me my girl”
[12:33:13] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would shake her head a little. “No stew, Master, though I do have fish soup available.” She bobs her head a little, that had been her cooking for the week since they had plenty of fish and it allowed a change in flavours. She looks, though, to Crow at that – now was not the time, right? She smiles to him and then looks back to Peace, reaching out to take the bowl of water as he offered it. “Would you like the fish soup, Master? It is made with parsit and herbs.”
[12:34:33] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): “I apologize Killer. Know that I do not fault you for his death. I do not fault the one who ordered it. It has not been easy for me, and few give a damn. For years I have bottled my feelings on the matter. What I felt as a child, versus what I feel now, as a young man, are very different. I begin to understand things now, that I could not, then. I want nothing of the old life that was left behind. I made that choice when I accepted my life here.” Though he spoke to Crow, he then lowered his head to look with sightless blindfolded eyes at Haru. “I will be pleased with what you bring me, and grateful for it. Yes. Thank you.”
[12:39:03] KeDjA (lilli.breda) slips out of the tent and then stops, almost startled, as Schatten looks at her with her sparkling eyes. ‘What are you doing here?’ her eyes slide to the animal’s back and she shakes her head ‘Have you dropped it somewhere again and forgotten where?’ she suppresses a small grin as Coffin Nail puffs up next to her, as if the miniature tarn is trying to reach the size of his mummy.
[12:39:05] Crow (melchior.wardell) would quietly observe and as the young man spoke he waved his hand. He had little value for his apology. He was very much aware of what the man might mean – yet – Crow had been taught to let those feelings be what they were – just feelings. “do not make the error that I value what your feelings are on the subject.” he replied truthful. “Often when I am hired I know very little about the mark but more about the why. And eventually I learn of the who and than it is set in stone.” he replied matter of factly “The fact you are aware it is me – is because your father failed to make his will and I knew the one that would ensure it to be followed. So that is why I spoke my name … and he spilled it … again a good reminder that even I should learn to keep my mouth shut.”
[12:40] Crow (melchior.wardell) shook his head “No … not a forge here.” he replied. Thankfully there was none for he might have to nod and in these parts nodding was a thing. “Excuse us all.” he would turn and move his shoulder into Haru’s mid section to have her raised upon his shoulder. He would give a good slam to her ass.
[12:45] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would follow along. Of course. She was up on his shoulder and being carried, giving a little squeal of enjoyment as he slaps her ass. She would wriggle, a faux little struggle but mostly she was adjusting her weight as he moved up the way to the compound, trying to make it easier for him to carry her weight. Was it the outfit she had chosen to wear? She looks down at the sheer silk she had chosen for that day, making a small mental note. A moment there she would squeak, a bounce as they stepped over something almost making her drop the bag of soap and herbs but she held onto it.
[12:49] Crow (melchior.wardell) would slowly let her fall to her feet. The outfit indeed had its effect upon him. As she would stand he would undress himself. “So … some private time.” he stated to her. As he was butt naked he would walk into the water. “So tell me what are your thoughts ? Do you enjoy the stay at the lodge ?” he asks. He pondered on a dilemma and wanted to create the right atmosphere to go down his choices when it came to their life.
[12:54] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would watch as he stripped, moving to help him if he desired it. She would not strip herself until he was ready and stepping into the water, waiting for him to be able to see her as she put a small show on, her hands sliding over her frame as she removed the sheer cloth. “I enjoy any time I am with you, My Master,” she says in her soft tones. “The lodge does certainly keep me busy,” she says with a slight nod. “And I do enjoy having girls around that we all get along together. Adira as well.” Of course, she was very close to Adira; the pair had been friends a long time. Since before the caste had ever laid its claim on her. Stepping down into the water, she would bring the herbs and soaps with her, placing them to the side of the bath, sliding up to her master and her hands over his thighs, looking up at him in curios question of the topic.
[12:58] Crow (melchior.wardell) would take her in his arms. He would move her locks of hair from her shoulder so he was allowed to look into her face. “You have been busy. I was very proud of you yesterday.” he compliments her. He would move forward as to steal a kiss. “And the candidates ? What are you thoughts on them ?” he asks as he would hold her steady in his lap. The water warm enough to be comfortable and enjoyable.
[13:04] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would snuggle up into his lap, tilting her head as he brushed her hair. She enjoyed the gesture but she would slip her arms around his shoulders in a similar gesture. The bathing could begin soon. For now she would enjoy the quiet moment of being alone and having him to herself. The cuddles. At his compliment, she would flush slightly. “Thank you, My Master,” she purrs. “Learning the sleen is… something new, but I wish only to make you happy.” And that meant proud and all the other positive emotions. Of course, she also didn’t want to get eaten, so being in Hecate’s favour had its own little bonus there. She would lean in, nuzzling him a moment before pulling away as he mentioned the candidates. “They have potential, My Master,” she says. “But I suspect with the slow game, one or both will end up lured to their death.” He knew what she meant; he’d ordered her and Adira to play such a game. Not the quick game but something much slower. Steadier. “They do seem to rush things a little, though, as if hurrying will lead them to an earlier stand.”
[13:10] Crow (melchior.wardell) would listen as he would watch how she spoke. He knew she was considerate in the words she spoke. As she mentioned the candidates he would nod – he had his own observations. He would take the brush from behind and would ask her to turn so he could brush her hair. “There is a thing i wish you to know.” he started. “We have been here for some time now. And at times the compound can be quiet and on others day overwhelming.” he added. “The compound can be challenging and demanding. Even if there are more than a few about.” With long strokes he would work her hair – conscious in his motion. Loving and tenderly grooming his girl. Something he enjoyed much and yet there was often so little time for these intimate settings.
[13:16] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would turn as he did so, giving an audible purr as he began to brush her hair. She was a sucker for that. It was relaxing and enjoyable both at the same time. She could almost curl up with dish of milk in front of the fire like this. He was behind her though and as she nodded her head to his words, she could not reach him fully. Instead, she would draw her fingers up and over his knees and thighs. A light dance of her sharpened nails. “This is true, My Master,” she says in her soft tones. “It is the first place in a long time where I have not even had the time to travel and keep my eyes in other cities.” The lodge definitely kept her busy most days. Still, he had something to tell her so she kept her response short.
[13:19] Crow (melchior.wardell) could feel her nails on his skin and it made him have goosebumps. As he continued with the brush he would speak further. “There is another love I have.” he started. A small confession in his words if she would pay attention. “It is a love that is a secret – a love affair – that is never spoken or showed in a way any Gorean man that is outside of my caste would be able to do.” he would move forward and bury his nose in her hair for a moment and than planting a kiss. “But this lover has called upon me.” he finally admitted.
[13:24] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would draw circles with those claws but not push too far; she was enjoying the hair brushing in a selfish moment of indulgence. Her head would tilt to the side as he spoke his words, though. Listening to them. This was new, something he’d not broached with her before. “A mistress, My Master?” she asks. “Am I to have a mistress?” He could hear the surprise in her voice. The guessing. “Is it the mistress physician?” She was the only lady really allowed within the compound so far; there was the other but that one she knew had been unknown to her master.
[13:28] Crow (melchior.wardell) would come out of a daze when she asked him of a woman. As she spoke of Faye his brow would even arch further. Had she seen things he had not been aware off ? surely faye might like him but had he ever showed any interest ? There had been very few women in his life that had caught his eye. He would place the brush back and have her face him again. “No no.” he replied. “There is no mistress or even another slave, mine.” he contemplated. “Why would you think so ?” He was very much unaware as to how she had understood his words. Surely only a man could be so oblivious to it.
[13:32] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would turn on his lap, sliding her arms around his neck again as her fingers curled into his hair. She enjoyed it when he had those long locks though short did look so dashing on him, too. Heck, he was just handsome no matter which way he styled his hair. She even liked his beard even if she was known to threaten shaving men’s faces. In humour, of course. She wouldn’t actually date. “She is the only woman truly allowed in the compound, My Master,” she says. It made sense to her. “And I’ve not seen you sneaking off to….” She takes pause, her dark hues flickering over him. “Is it a man?” Why not? The vast majority of masters she had in the past had a leaning towards men – so it wouldn’t surprise her. “I… have never suspected such, My Master.”
[13:38] Crow (melchior.wardell) would look at her shocked “Hell no !!” as she started to go on about men. “What do you think of me?!” he questioned with what seemed to be utter amazement. “I am not talking about a woman nor a man.” he stated almost as if he was offended. “And before you start … I am not in bestiality either.” he quickly added just so she wouldn’t go on that route. The mere erection that had perhaps formed was all of a sudden no where to be seen.
“My secret love affair is that of my Home Stone Ar.” he stated. He knew that by admitting this – he was already breaking his codes. Although one might wonder if any Gorean man would truly ever really denote it. Sure he held no honor for it. He did not serve it any more. But the first love each Gorean learned was that of his parents and Home Stone. Glorious Ar was his.
[13:43] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would relax a little as he decried the idea of men but she would reach up, brushing her hair behind his ear and then drawing one of her nails across his jawline, enjoying the sharpness of it. “I know that sometimes you like to surprise me, My Master,” she says. But he brought up bestiality and she would wrinkle her nose at that. Oh, eww. Eww eww eww, he did not just go there. “Such a thing would never have entered my mind, My Master,” she says, going a little wide-eyed.
He spoke then of Ar and she would smile, her eyes lighting up. “Ar is a wonderful city, My Master, and it was where I first saw you.” She says with a nod of her head. “And it is much like Kar, to me, holds most of my memories.” Not Genesian Port where steel had first found her; nor the Pani isles she had spent a long time. She leans in then, wriggling into his lap more. She wanted that erection back. Bring it back! “It calls to you, My Master?” she asks now, wanting for an explanation. “But the city is in dust?”
[13:49] Crow (melchior.wardell) grinned when she wrinkled her nose. Surely he could not picture himself in such either. But when she spoke of Ar he could see the change in her demeanor and was touched by it. “I doubt Glorious Ar ever really falls to dust. It just has these moments in which it holds its breath. And yes it calls upon me.” he admitted. “The Lodge is doing well and there needs to be a representative in such a city as Ar.” he would move her as he snuggled into her hair. “For some reason I do not wish it to be run by anyone else but me. I know this sounds arrogant, but I guess when it comes to Ar … I the killer Crow can be a jealous bastard that does not want to share it.”
[13:55] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would wriggle on his lap as he spoke of Ar. It was a prestigious city with a lot behind her and indeed, she had her own history and love affair with the place. If anywhere came on par with Kar, it would be Ar if only short by a few points. She was, after all, a big city girl at heart. Long ago were the days where Geo had allowed her to serve in his tavern in the same city, the only non-caste owned girl he had permitted such though she did not know it. Her escapades exploring the rooftops as she moved from wall to wall, building to building. The stories she had. Her head bobs, though, as he speaks of the breath holding. “Hai, it is the way of our cities,” she says softly. It wasn’t just Ar that seemed to come and go on a king’s whim. Her hands would slide off his shoulders, running now down and over his chest, letting those claws of hers dance their little dance as they ventured further. “Are we going to Ar then, My Master?” she asks. She wasn’t stupid, reading into his words. Still, she would play a little game with him and give him a small, playful push. “Not willing to share it, yet you are willing to share me if asked?” she teases with honey lips.
[13:59] Crow (melchior.wardell) would cuddle her some more and as she questioned he frowns. “Yes although we still will spend time here too. Something I learned from Port Kar … I need a spot to hide and relax.” he shared. “We will not move just yet … but we can prepare and such.” as she spoke of sharing he frowns. “I never had the request as to share you. I would not know what to answer if anyone questioned.” he admitted. He was normally not a greedy or selfish bastard. “Why keep such a beautiful and very sensual beast all for myself.” he asks her as he would move her once more. So they would remain comfortable in the water.
[14:07] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would nod her head ever so sagely. She understood. They barely had time to themselves here in the lodge. There were a lot of things to take care of; a lot of responsibilities. EVen this moment in the bath was a rarity and she was enjoying it so much. Just them, their words and their love for each other. And Ar. “I shall prepare a selection of clothing, My Master,” she says in her soft tones. “Will you be taking up the scribe mantle?” She had blue, of course, to wear for such a time. Still, she would look at him a moment as her hands slipped between his thighs, fingers seeking his flesh at least until he denied any such request. The doll would grin, reaching up with a hand to boop him on the nose. “Master M did request, back in Lost City, and you did agree.” She chuckles some. “But he has never; I suspect it was about the chase for him.” Or something like that; she was not concerned by it – just found it humorous. Still, he questioned why he would keep her to himself and she would lean in, bringing her face to his. “I am yours, My Master, and care only for your attentions.” Anything else, such as luring the seekers, was just a part of her duty. Yet she knew she was property and he could do as he wished with her. A slave, a pet, a lover and a companion all in their different aspects. An object and a tool yet also a part of him. “Without you, I would be lost.”
[14:15] Crow (melchior.wardell) would feel her hands between his thigh and would not stop her. The moment of flesh against flesh an intimate one. One in which secrets could be shared. Insights could be given. And devotion could be shown. Crow although a cold and calculating assassin had a side to him he shielded for those not close enough.
Sure he could have sex and just act out upon lust. Yet he held a control over it. At rare moments he would allow that control to go and be the simple man that enjoyed his slave to the fullest
[09:53:22] Crow (melchior.wardell) came out of his tent. The day had started calm enough. As he noted the sleen calm before a tent. He noted the two girls of D. there. “Greetings.” he offered while he crossed his arms before him. “You two must be the most and best protected slaves of Gor.” he jested.
[09:54:31] IRunOnCoffee raised her head crankily before hissing at Crow, not a noise of agression but one more similar to a hello in sleeeen. She stared at him before her head went back to her paws. Though she kept an eye upon Crow.
[09:54:43] ஐ·.¸·Franzia·.¸.ஐ (redwinelovah): ::She peeked out her tent and waved to Master C with a cherub litte twist of a half grin::”by the kings, i believe we are Master.., uh, can you move the brute?”
[09:58:06] Crow (melchior.wardell) perked a brow “You believe ? I am quite sure.” he replied. Of course he could see the predicament the girls were in. Yet he portrayed himself as innocent of understanding what they wished “The brute? I fear that if you call Hecate a brute she will no longer listen to me and show us all that this is a matter of principle. Surely she had the best and righteous intentions.” he stated – clearly with some amusement although it did not show.
[09:58:18] IRunOnCoffee raised her head sharply, growling out a warning. Something had hit the wind and irritated her as she raised herself up on her own and went to turn. Her nose in the air, as her nostrils flared.
[10:01:34] ஐ·.¸·Franzia·.¸.ஐ (redwinelovah): ::She eyed the animal that was rather obtrusive to the allowance for exiting the tent. She saw that brow perk and she lifted her chest and pointed her toes in the direction she was trying to head::”Yes, you are right, but then Master has a couple of gems..::”see what she did there! haha.:”can i call her…stubborn sack of …::”she was trying to think of a non offesive line of names for the overgrown beast of wild ways. A finger tapped to her chin in thought::/d
[10:02:28] Gemini (korimarano) did crawl out of bed in an odd mood this morning, a shake of her head as she headed to the long mirror to just detangle all that hair. She was mid-brushing when she heard Franzia call the sleen a ‘brute’ and heard master C’s words for it. “Probably not a good idea to piss her off, Franny.” she’d say, moving to the tent opening and to her sister’s side, placing her index to Franny’s lips as she flicked those eyes up to her.
[10:05:05] Crow (melchior.wardell) would keep his arm crossed as if he was in this casual conversation and the sleen who could kill them all in a matter of seconds wasn’t even there. “Her given name was already quite the thing. You know Sleens can be very specific with it. They take time to take on a name. So if you upset her with a name that she feels is unfit … I am not sure what she will do.” Crow had grown to trust the sleen and knew this was all in good jest. One command and the sleen would move. Yet he did not make that command “There is a saying that you catch flies with honey and not vinegar. Perhaps you both can plead your case with her ?” he suggested – faking to be very serious.
[10:07:05] IRunOnCoffee grumbled before flopping down once more. Her head upon her paws. She would continue to stalk out the tent. Torturing those inside if they needed to pee. However, she was on lazy mode and the tent was warm.
[10:09:15] ஐ·.¸·Franzia·.¸.ஐ (redwinelovah): Her brows furrowed on the beast. when gem put her fingers to her mouth, she had paused in her rather colorful line of words. Her gaze then turned to Master Crow as he “instructed and taught” her the ways of the beast whom the beast actually listened to. So what she do::”Go Hecate. You are a better doorway then a window”::she tried logic. Reasoning, but wasnt sure cause the beast didnt know what she was saying, two, she was NOT going to just go up to a woman/slave/man eating animal and scold it like an errant child. Fuck. This wasnt very helpeful. Her gaze to to Master Crow and wrinkled her nose::”perhaps shes upset cause i spoiled her dinner/toy last night Master..kept her from mauling the new seeker”
[10:12:22] Gemini (korimarano) knew her honey had indeed been the very thing that had gotten her simply herded by the sleen girl. She really liked her, y’all! Stepping forward, toward the beast, she hummed to her left ear. “Will you let me out, sweet girl?” she asked, not having learned the critter’s name just yet. “I really would like to have blackwine ready for when mine and Franny’s master reaches camp…” She was unsure if the critter could understand her words or not, but the gentle coaxing tone was indeed there, to be sure. Of course, she would blink back to Franny as she told the story of the night prior. “Oh…was my sister mean to you last night, poor girl? Are you hungreeee?” she asked, looking to the raw meats still drying on the rack before looking to master C. “What else does she eat, master?” she wondered, asking master C directly.
[10:14:53] Crow (melchior.wardell) feigned ignorance to their predicament once more “She does not look upset to me.” he replied to Franzia. “In fact she seems very at ease. The issue is that when one wakes it needs some consideration as to how one would persuade another to move.” he added. He noted D. and greeted him. “Seems your girls are the best protected slaves of whole Gor and yet that one ” pointing to Franzia “Is calling it a brute.” When Gem spoke he grinned in clear amusement “She eats life stock .. vulo’s for a small breakfast a tarsk for luch or dinner.” he answers her question. “Do you both wish to see if she will share her meal with you ? If she allows you can groom her and I am sure she will not harm you – If – I might not be around.” he gave D. a look of understanding – or that was Crows hope.
[10:18:10] IRunOnCoffee grumbled at Franzia, she felt like she was being ratted out for some reason. A golden eye peering into the tent with disapproval before she gave a deep rumbling noise. The sleen refused to move for that. However with Gem getting close and whispering to her she hissed. The noise growing louder as she began to raise herself up into a sitting position, just enough for Gem to get past and if the girl took the hint she would lay down instantly after. A grumble and a hiss as she resumed blocking the other one in the tent. These small creatures needed protection, they were horrible hunters and also so fragile.
[10:19:34] Ember He was referring to the two female slaves. The Sleen seemed to be guarding them or to regard them as his evening snack. Who knew what was going on in the head of an animal.
[10:22:01] ஐ·.¸·Franzia·.¸.ஐ (redwinelovah): She -wanted- crossed her arms but didnt. She was not coddling the damn beast nor whispering sweet nothings in its ear with them long teeth the size of her forearm. Gem was just -crazy-. She muttered a few choice words under her breath.:”well i do know she doesnt liked freshly killed bunas…she likes her food..breathing”::she had observed that first hand, and fran wasn’t mean to her…persay. Just kept her safe distance except when being heared here and there. she watched as gem strode on by and went to step forward only to get a big blockage of blackness to darken the doorstep and deny her exit.. her eyes were clouded as she was thinking. That rat fink of a beast::”Ok ok, you can eat the seeker next time, i wont stop you”::she reasoned with the beast:.::to Master Crow and his suggestions” do you mean share as half killed animal still oozing blood and dead eyes…that kinda share? or regurgitating it up like a baby bird kinda share..cauuusee.. id much rather brush her coat if thats the case::/d
[10:22:47] Ember had just come from the walled city and was still thinking about the killer’s words, they had been wise words. Down by the fire, it crackled and burned brightly. “Tal Killers, Tal you sweet beasts.” He was referring to the two girls. The Sleen seemed to be guarding them or to regard them as his evening snack. Who knew what was going on in the head of an animal.
[10:24:07] Black Ost (daricmarano) stepped from the upper levels. After speaking with Ember for a while this morning carrying himself back into camp. A big ass black sleen in front of his tent. No cause for alarm from him. There would be alarm if there was body parts strewn across the camp. So far there was no evisceration thus far this morning, so it was a win-win. A turn of his head, as he set his eyes on Crow. “Tal killer.” Hearing the mention of how the sleen was guarding his tent and there was a flick to the two girls stuck behind the large sleen’s butt. “Just because you do not understand something…” A hand motioned to the animal in front of his tent. “Does not make it a brute or an obstacle in your way. We teach the candidates and seekers to use their brain to work through situations. I am disappointed that you’d go to insults first over using that brain that is in your head, kajira.” Offered to Franzia, he would pitch his attention to the flames as he turned towards it. Making it apparent that he held no ill will towards the
[10:24:07] Black Ost (daricmarano): beast in front of his tent. He saw the movement and would hold out his hand for Gemini when she was freed.
[10:24:45] Gemini (korimarano) smiled up to master C when he began speaking of the things the sleen girl enjoyed eating. Oh, she could help provide those meals, for sure! As long as they were dead prior, cause Gem wasn’t into killing innocent animals or anything! A smile did rise to greet her master though, as he was greeted by master C. “Greetings, my Master!” she called out before spying the new candidate in the near distance. “And a warm greeting to you as well, master E.” she nodded, flashing that sweet smile to him before the sleen raised enough to block her view and hissed at her. But when she realized she was being released, she would offer that gentle smile to the critter. “Thank you, sleen girl…” said as she passed her by and made her way to her master’s side – a flash of smile back to Franny to see if she too had sleen magic that might let her out of the tent while their master was too teaching in that moment.
[10:28:33] Crow (melchior.wardell) noted Gem able to pass and Hecate to instantly keep Franzia inside the tent. A grin appeared. “Hm… the matter of principles.” he mused. As D. spoke he would look at Franzia again “Your owner says it so much prettier than I – doesn’t he ?” he questions. “Hecate will kill it, but it is a ritual to see if she allows you to take a bite. If she does … that is all what is needed. If she doesn’t share – that is important knowledge for future references. So a steady heart is required.” he added. “So … what will it be pretty slave girl ? You keep your principles or work with what works?”
[10:29:00] ஐ·.¸·Franzia·.¸.ஐ (redwinelovah): Got giddy all of a sudden being referred to as sweet, but then , she peeked at the animal and didnt wana be a sweet treat for its mouth. Sour! thats whut she was..all sour and not ment to be chewed on like a teething toy for the animal. buttttt that expired the moment Master greeted her with His wisdom. ::”forgive me Master. And you Master..its not a brute..she’s a very large, strong, beautiful blanket walking..”::She got all twisted in the way He spoke to her . Well fine, she would wait then. Cause if she had her way, shed leap on the back of the animal and hold on for dear life naked making for the hills and probably end up sleen kibble there after::
[10:32:45] IRunOnCoffee growled a soft warning to Franzia before she grew bored of her position. She raised herself up and moved over to Crow, going to shove her nose lightly into him in her way of greeting one of her alphas before hissing at Ember. Only to sit down and look expectantly at the tent, waiting for the slave girl to exit. She grumbled hungrily before settling next to Crow. Laying down once more as her head rested in the air, proud and regal!
[10:34:43] Black Ost (daricmarano) would shift and wrap an arm around Gemini as she came to him. He would bear hug her against his chest and rumble in her ear. Nuzzled in her hair. Coddling her with a flex of his bicep and a smirk as he watched on and listened. Otherwise he just nodded his head to Crow’s words. An ease of reaction, as the sleen moved off and allowed Franzia to move. “The sleen was merciful to you. Thank her.”
[10:35:37] Ember eyed the girls who were talking to the Sleen as if it were a small trained Lart that needed to be fed. “It’s a wild big animal that’s used to hunting its food. It may be tamed and trained to certain movements and signs, but Sleen are not animals for a petting zoo.” When the sleen hissed at him, it was a confirmation of his words.
[10:39:52] ஐ·.¸·Franzia·.¸.ஐ (redwinelovah): But what if she doesnt allow that bite..Wasnt it all about untrust and fear. Fran hand plenty of both of those. She was basically She still had that sourness to her but for a reason. No fear would be ludicruis. And trust was earned. She was a woman without weapons. A woman with a slip of cloth that could easily be torn to shreds by a breeze that pissed the beast off. Was her heart thudding. Yup a million pasang per beat.::”Thank you Hecate for not eating me and allowing me to exit Masters tent.”::she was gonna live up to her word and let her have at the seekers of her own free will. Cause a girls promise was a girls promise. She tilted her head to Master to see if that was within his line of acceptance before shifting to Master Crow for his approval…and then there was Master Ember to whom his wisdom was also shared. So many cooks in this kichen::”But Master C..what happens when she is having her cranky moments, how do you tell when to hide from her, when to whisper in her ear and when to kiss my own ass goodbye?”
[10:42:08] Crow (melchior.wardell) chuckled which was considered rare for a killer. Yet Crow was perhaps one of the few that did so easily. Some would consider it dangerous. Since Crow was known to charm his victims into murder. As Hecate moved and gave that familiar rumble he knew that she needed to be fed. Yet he waited for his girl to wake so she could participate in the feeding. He hoped Hecate would accept her so Haru could help him with small chores. As Ember spoke he would turn to him “Wise words, candidate. I trust you are well tended for ?” he asks curious – of course being told about the after math when Crow had left the scene for a deserved rest. When Fran askes her question he grinned “It is quite similar to my slave … I can hear it in the way she moves, How she breaths sighs and puffs.” it might be considered a joke and yet it was very much the truth.
[10:45:31] Gemini (korimarano) was listening to the lesson being taught. The sleen girl let Franny out and she was tugged against her master’s side. Held there against him with that flexed arm of his. Oh, she liked the way that felt! She would melt against his side with a smile to the scene before her and the sleen laying to comfort before her. Her eyes remained soft on the creature as she remembered that scene before the tavern and how she felt that connection to the creature. Odd, right? Probably not so much, really. In truth, the sleen girl hadn’t given her a reason to distrust her, and for that, she was indeed grateful. Master E spoke and she would take his words into her mind. And yet, she still wished to help groom the beast before her. Franny’s question of the crany moment had her looking over the critter’s snout. “Stay back? As master C said…read her. The way her muscles twitch and the sounds she makes…her hisses and growls are her language, right my Master?” she asked, craning her neck to look at D then.
[10:47:39] Black Ost (daricmarano) was in a different mood this morning than usual. He breathed in the girl’s scent, but he was relaxed and comfortable despite the massive beast lumbering around camp. Snarling and hissing, but he was respectful of the animal. Calling it a brute or a sack of shit, wasn’t going to get you anywhere. He was a lot like Crow. He thought you got so much further with kindness than you did being a bully. He saw the act of guarding the tent from the sleen as a good thing. Had there been an enemy out here in the tent, they’d be singing the sleen’s praises for keeping the girls safe. He seemed pacified by Franzia’s answer, enough that he refocused on Gemini as she spoke and he smirked. “Aye, that it is. I hiss and growl too, me and this beast are probably not all that different. I don’t like sharing my food either!” He too laughed, baring his teeth back at the sleen in front of him.
[10:50:23] ஐ·.¸·Franzia·.¸.ஐ (redwinelovah): ::She liked his answer..it made sense. So treat her like a woman with really big teeth. Got it. She could live with that logic. now she just to figure out when the animal menstruated cause she wanted to be on vacation for those days. She eyed the beast as to get to Master, she would have to get nearer to it. Gawh, wtf, out of that frying pan into the oil she went..slowly stalking in motion and careful steps. Perhaps stepping a branch would give the beast reason to growl. She certainly didnt like the growling and hissing, but perhaps she needed to learn sleen language.. Too bad there wasnt a baby sleen to practice on! She didnt outright hate the beast either, perhaps brute was a term of endearment in sleen language! hehe. she stepped again, one more step. slow as the stride. Another and another..then she paused, being close enough to Master that she was within that bubble space, but quiet and serene in attempting to bestill taht beating heart::
[10:51:55] IRunOnCoffee flicked her massive tail, nearly hitting ember with its length as she bared her fangs back to Ost, hissing at him with a growl before she raised herself up once more. Going to move closer to crow and curl about him as he was the leader of the pack without Marcus around. Leaving her to grumble and chuff irritatedly, her eyes flicking back to Ember as though she sensed his distrust of her. Which was wise. She may be well trained but even that had its limits. And she warned everyone that dared touch her that she didn’t allow. She had many warning signs but in the cold hard truth of it, she was a killing machine.
[10:54:36] Ember “Yes, Killer, I’m well looked after. My new friend gave me some bandages for the soles of my feet today, which he soaked in a liquid, and I had enough food too.” He watched the scene. Whether sleen, beetles, cailla, tarn, snakes, fish or other animals, he only separated them into edible, dangerous, harmless and poisonous.
[10:56:49] Crow (melchior.wardell) would chuckle hearing D. of not wanting to share his food. Crow did not mind to share his. But than again he had been raised in wealth and his craft had made him wealthy too. There was a lot money could buy even though he earned much of it with blood. Sure the normal merchant might have difficulty to take his coin and yet those with greed did not ask question s nor did they dismissed the coin when offered. He turns to Ember as he spoke of food. “Ah … yes … Food.” he recalls. “Just so you both know. You don’t earn your keep here. So do not waste any food or liquor. The food is fresh and well stocked but not to be spilled.” the words were casual mentioned.
[2024/08/28 10:31:23] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me had geen told of visitors and would move inside the tavern. The brown and black not giving away his true identity. The shores of the lodge had become more visitred and with it danger of those that wished to take vengenance were there too. “Greetings.” he offered. If he was a killer his demeanor seemed friendly and welcoming. Something which would be odd for an assassin would it not ?
[2024/08/28 10:32:07] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He had never gone to sleep, and was now sitting at the table where Haru had suggested he could sleep atop. But her warning to not step foot beyond the thresshold of hte tavern had stuck with him. Oh he could. She had long ago gone, and the other girl, and the man whom had seemed blind. But at his own peril. For beyond, awaited sleens, and men in black, and now, after what he had seen, and what had been said, Nauthis was more than smart enough to have figured something very, VERY dangerous out, and he’d have been lying through his teeth if he had claimed not to be frightened. He was exhausted, but also, he still had adrenalin surging through him. The second wind had hit, though his reflexes were slowed, almost akin to a drunkard’s perhaps, slightly brain fogged from lack of sleep and stress, his head shot up as someone entered and it wrang a gasp out of him. “Tal,” he said warily, and Crow would hear the worry in his tone.
[2024/08/28 10:39:44] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me had not come to age to make assumptions. So when he studied the man and knew that this was the one his girl had met. The tone was noted but quickly caste aside. Surely any man in his right mind would feel wary, fearful and careful. “Did you wish something to drink or eat ?” he asks – still maintaining that amicable attitude that might make feel people at ease. A talent that often disguised his true intentions. He was a killer after all. “My girl spoke of a guest. Do not tell me she did not give you the proper welcome.” he added while he would move to the stove and see what was out there. “Can I get you anything ?” he asks.
He was of course made aware of the visitor of Port Victoria and with it his alertness was there. He had gotten away after his murder, but for once in his life shared to a person he had done it. Eirik had left in a hurry and so Crow was unable to read what was on his mind. The fact he had not drawn a weapon was smart, but one would never know if he made arrangements to have him later by surprise.
[2024/08/28 10:45:18] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He nodded slowly. He had eaten the bit of fruit that the girl had brought him last night, and was still pretty scratched up from being hurled against the rocks. The storm that had destroyed the ship had been anything but gentle, and even he being a good swimmer had been beaten up pretty good by it all. At least he had found a set of cleaner-than-he-had-been-in clothes to change into that weren’t salt crusted and likely to give him a rash. “Your… Girl?” He gulped. The girl had been dressed in black, had worn a ribbon on her arm with the helm of black upon it. The black tents, the way the girl had spoken to the man last night, it had Nauthis so very, very nervous. “I haven’t… Had much of an appetite,” he said slowly, looking at the stranger. He was hungry now though, over 24 hours had passed since he had had a good meal, something cooked with meat and hearty elements. The young man -was- armed, but he had had to use that sword exactly zero times in his entire life, and about all he knew was that if in danger, the pointy end went into the other man. Yeah. He’d last all of two seconds in any sort of real confrontation.
[2024/08/28 10:56:41] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me stood behind him and it gave him the opportunity to study him further. Much was said in the way he sat, the clothes, the voice and how he seemed to nearly panic. Of course Crow did not know of the mans thoughts, but he could guess as much. “Yes, I learned of the challenges of late. A family member killer due to the work of an assassin. A ship that sank. A singer ? Was it not ?” he asks – as if to make casual conversation.
Crow would put down two plates and cut down some Sa Tarna and filled a bowl with the stew that had been above the fire. The meat tender and well seasoned. The girls of the compound excelled in their talent for putting down a good meal. Next to it there was enough coin to have a good level of quality and quantity of fresh ingredients to work with. When the two plates with the bowls were set upon a tray he would take it and place it before the man at the table. “Join me.” he invited as he would take one of the plates and bowl. “I do not serve as pretty but this is a decent meal I can assure you this.”
[2024/08/28 11:06:25] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): “Yes Sir,” he said respectfully. All his life he had been taught to avoid, respect, stay out of the way of men in black, knowing only the what, but not the why, and told that if he failed to listen, he would pay for it, and dearly. “They… Didn’t like my song,” he made a poor attempt to be talkative. Nauthis’ go to reaction to stress and fear was usually singing, and last night, he had, for the first time, been shamed and snarled at for it. “Thank you,” he said as the bowl was set before him. He had so many questions, but feared to ask any of them. Instead, he picked up the bowl and offered a toast in gesture, but would wait for Crow to sip from the edge in absence of a spoon before he would, trying to have good manners.
[2024/08/28 11:12:10] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me would take some of the bread and dipped it in the stew and would bite into it. He would listen and urged for the man not to wait but simply enjoy the meal. It might look simple, but hardly was. “I rather enjoy the creativity of those of the artisan. Once I wondered why I was not a poet. I like the rhym and fluid motions of words. I have tried it once or twice.” he grinned as he dived into the bowl again. “But sadly my talents lay elsewhere.” he would watch if the man took his food and ate.
Crow tried to keep his friendly and amicable pose. Not so much to hide himself, since this was very much part of the assassin too. Yet he could turn like a leaf and take a life without blinking. But his mind was not set to murder. “I know of a ship that might dock in a few for rations. Do you need coin to take it?” Crow casually asked while his eyes would not linger upon the man – as to ensure that the man might take it as a casual question.
[2024/08/28 11:19:00] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He brought the bowl to his face and tipped it up to sip from the brim, swallowing a mouthful and then another, and another, once it was cool enough to not burn him. He then lowered the bowl back down, was thsi man really going to let him go? Knowing the location of this place and what it was? Nauthis hesitated to answer. “I have many experiences left unknown, many songs yet to be written or performed. A have a few coins, enough to book passage I’m sure.” He looked toward the man’s eyes, trying to assess him, but he was scarcely beyond the age of childhood, how could he get a read on a seasoned man such as this? “The sleen won’t attack me if I leave the tavern? The girl said they would. She said the men in black lurked, that… I shouldn’t leave.” Was it a test?
[2024/08/28 11:20:47] IRunOnCoffee: /me stepped through the path, upon her patrols. Jet black fur glistening in the sun as she crept along the ground. Her six legs moving under her with a fierce grace. A low hissing sounded as she passed the entry way. Her head turning towards the inside as she scented something….different. Pausing upon her travels she stayed outside the door, a blur against the sun.
[2024/08/28 11:24:11] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me continued to eat and looked up “Did my girl tell you, you were no longer able to leave ?” the tone was as if he truly was taken by surprise by that statement. “You can leave any time. We are men of caste and business. Not torturers or men that lure others into the claws of a caste that needs talent. cunningness and a lot of determination.” he sounded even truthful.
When Crow hears the familiar hiss he would look outside to see the familiar sleen. His attention would turn back to the singer “Oh she can attack .. she needs only a word. But from what I gather you are only a young boy, out of place and in need of his mummy.” there it was – the first test. The first stab underneath the belt. All depended on how the man would deal with such.
[2024/08/28 11:31:51] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): While he was scared, only a fool wouldn’t be, he couldn’t help but narrow his eyes, even to the man before him. “Respecting who you are, and what you do, and what you are capable of, -doesn’t- make me a coward. I dealt with a lot, all of a sudden, got next to no time to process, any of it, and was given a hard time for trying to deal with it in the only way I knew how to.” He put the bowl down to the table. “And I don’t even know if my mother is alive. You could at least have respect for the potentially dead. My home lies in ruins, not that anybody cares.” He got up, turned away from the man, he was upset, maybe even a little angry. But he was smart enough not to lash out at a man he was sure was many years his senior and better. “I’m not an unfeeling stone,” he said bitterly.
[2024/08/28 11:33:43] IRunOnCoffee: /me shook her furred head, as she stared towards the inside of the area. Watching, waiting. Her head lowered with another hiss as she eyed up the two. She was more serpent than creature by her looks. However one furred paw slammed down, warning if any hand gestures were given, she would obey. The sleen was resssstless.
[2024/08/28 11:38:11] Gikkop (monlov): /me came lumbering right up to Hecate, and he promptly turned his head when he stood by her, staring right into the tavern. Watching the people in there closely.
[2024/08/28 11:38:16] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me had anticipated the quick and rushed reply of the man. A brow arched “You feel I should respect what ?”he asks calm and with no raising of his voice nor would he stand. In truth Crow knew that one word would be enough to make this scene one of bloodshed without so much as drawing his weapon. “Would my respect make one alive when he was dead ? Would my word or what I thought matter to any ? And your feelings … tell me do they help you to get by ?” he shook his head slow.
Crow cut a glance to the sleen as to ensure that she might not be overly protective and read the scene wrong. Surely he and she were in training. As she remained but became restless he would lift his palm in gesture to stay and remain calm. “So all these experiences … they might bring you inspiration for songs and stories. They might even bring you coin when you put them before the feet of women and they might feel for you. A man that thrives on the pity of women?” he tested again.
[2024/08/28 11:44:58] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me makes her way out of the camp, surprised at just how empty it was. Not a single sign of people stirring within. Unusual. Very unusual. Still, not seeing her master but having left note as to the occurrences, she would head down to the tavern, slowing as she spotted Hecate and Perses outside, her head tilting. She was tempted to do the whole pspspsps thing but really didn’t think that was a thing, so she just eyes them for a moment, making sure she wasn’t seen as sneaking up before heading to move past and into the tavern. “Tal My Master, Master,” she would say in her soft tones, scanning the table and their hands to see if they needed service.
[2024/08/28 11:45:34] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He thought about what was said, and wasn’t even sure what to say, at first. “No,” he said, his shoulders sagging in a dismayed look of defeat, but worse, the question of feelings and what they did to help the situation, the pain. That was something he had never considered before, and that realization was numbing, and concerning. “My songs aren’t about pity. They never have been.” He turned now and looked at Crow, “they’re about… Dreams, and hopes, and adventures. They’re about the life experiences that make us who we are. Love. Hate. They require one another. I learned that a long time ago. I don’t want your pity. But if you can’t feel anything, then are you human?” He challenged. He then looked back toward the sleen, the large black and the tawny. They were both massive beasts, and he could see the rippling muscle and claws, the teeth and the eyes with their strange and eerie pupils. Swallowing hard, seeing them so close now, and the open doorway, he knew that the girl had not been bluffing or telling
[2024/08/28 11:45:34] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): tall tales just to keep him in the tavern for the night. Thank the Kings he had listened to her and stayed in here! The fear he held to heart of the killers had been enough in and of itself to remain, but now, so close up and seeing the massive beasts who could have so easily come in had him in both awe and worry. On the table were bowls of stew, his own only a few sips taken from.
[2024/08/28 11:48:05] IRunOnCoffee: /me hissed once more however she saw the hand signal and became less wired. The wild born sleen settling down and going to flop upon her side. She could smell the fear from inside the tent and it was delicious but not enough for him to draw her out of her training. She began to clean one of her claws ,all posh like as she grumbled to Perses. Not in an agressive tone but a more communicative, of a sleens hello.
[2024/08/28 11:49:32] Gikkop (monlov): /me grumbled back towards Hecate, and he gave a brief snort towards the two in the tavern before he stretched out as long as he was. And then simply laid down on his belly, watching the two for the time being.
[2024/08/28 11:53:41] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me chuckled “Ah so no pity but the song of dreams.” he replied. He would indicate for his girl to enter. “She.” he pointed towards his girl “She is the promise of spring. Can you see that ? Can you tell ?” he asks. As if he was heading in a different direction with his line of question. He would lift himself up now. His bowl of stew had been emptied and the bread no longer upon its plate. “You can leave … I will not stop you. I promise.” he stated.
“If you learned a long time ago that it is about love and hate … than by all means let your life be dictated by it. Let those that are skilled in deception lure you in to loving them. While others with less talent might make you hate them because they failed to show you their sincere and honest intentions.” he shrugged. “By all means let yourself be guided by what you feel in your heart.” the words spoke with the authority of knowing of which he spoke. “Go … the docks are free passage if you feel you might waste time here.”
[2024/08/28 12:00:44] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would step in at her master’s behest, hips swaying and clad in something else for the day. She was in a positive mood, like she usually was, and made no effort to hide it. She wasn’t under protocol, where she would be silent and much more controlled. Instead, the little doll walked with a light, almost bouncy and feline step, making her way over. Drinks… were not on the menu right now. The two men were talking and given the words spoken, she was not going to interrupt that conversation. Rather, she slightly postured as her master referred to her as Spring – the translation of his name but also the meaning behind it. It meant the world to her in ways that very few understood.
[2024/08/28 12:01:47] IRunOnCoffee: /me continued to clean off her paws as the others interacted about her. Grumbling and hissing at Perses, one of the few times the pair got along without veiled threats. The female known for cheating in sleen politics.
[2024/08/28 12:03:26] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He looked upon Haru, and not upon her physique, but trying to peer deeper, looking to her eyes, seeking the emotions that might be found therein if he could. He observed the expression upon her face, the way she walked, her general demeanor. Whether there was Spring in her step, the way she carried herself, whether her tone was light and bubbly, energetic. Then, Crow said something else that made him think. All his young life, Nauthis had been a dreamer, a lover of life, passionate about those things he loved, and now? He was being made to question it. All of it, and it was terribly uncomfortable to him. Mostly because he saw the validity in what Crow said, and that, was in direct conflict with everything he had known as a child, and it was a moment of innocence, snuffed out. “My… Time here?” He asked, looking from Haru out toward the sleen again. The man had given his word, but how could he be sure that two massive predators wouldn’t take it upon themselves to rend him limb from limb if only to bat him
[2024/08/28 12:03:26] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): about as a toy even if not hungry? He looked back at Crow. He recognized that there were things he could learn here. “My father was a scribe, and though I never knew him, I’m sure he would have been disappointed in me, if I denied learning, but… Does learning have to come at the cost of everything I care about? Everything I’ve ever loved?”
[2024/08/28 12:04:36] Gikkop (monlov): /me turned his gaze from the tavern to the female sleen, briefly baring his fangs at her, before he turned around to settle for licking and nibbling over her upper back, giving it some idle groomings.
[2024/08/28 12:05:22] Gemini (korimarano): /me snuck in somewhere around the back, her body bending low to keep from being spied. Downwind from the sleen with their backs turned to her. Curious about the goings on within the tavern with that man inside who had all that long – flowing – blond hair. So pretty. Wait, was that Haru and Adira inside? She’d decide to slip back out the way she came, not wanting to interrupt.
[2024/08/28 12:06:09] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would walk up to the tavern, of course she would notice the two massive sleens together, watching, she would make sure she didn’t meet their eyes, for she knew to gaze into their eyes was a challenge to them and she sure as shit didnt want two huge sleens deciding to make quick work of her, She used to be a food handler for the sleen in Kar a long time ago, so of course she loved and respected the sleen as a adversary when she used to be a panther, then got first hand experience as she would learn to care for the beasts that roamed in the streets in the darkness of kar, She had grown to care for the sleens there and they had become protective of her to a point to where her Master couldn’t touch her around them, After that she was off of taking care of them, which disappointed her greatly, she would move to doorway of the tavern and would lean against the door frame, staying quiet, The men was speaking after all, she did not want to disturb that, so she would quietly slip in besides Haru and would murmur
[2024/08/28 12:11:15] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me frowns as the man spoke of his father. Things clicked and with it he frowns. He had known the man to have fathered children. Their inheritance part of his own golden coins. IF Eirik had done his bid. Ever since that meeting he had not spoken. And he would never bring it up again. What was done was done. He had not allowed the man to write his last will or testament. “I never spoke of the costs. I spoke of the truth. And for such feelings can be a dangerous voice to follow. We are men of facts. Of understanding that there is more to a word than what is spoken. It is measured, weighed and considered.” he noted Adira to enter. “I am still a man that enjoys the pleasures of life. But do I let these girls determine my fate ? Never would I give them that responsibility. And with it they are free of such a burden.” He noted the look towards the Sleens again.
“The next time you fear I might not speak truthful. I will indeed do what you fear. There is little reason for me to speak untruthful. So if you waste your time – Go.”
[2024/08/28 12:13:54] IRunOnCoffee: /me hissed at the other sleen as he bared fangs at hr. Before allowing the grooming of her spine and back. Deep growls of content and enjoyment coming from the huge beast before she settled once more and went to rest her head upon her paws. Simply watching inside, her nostrils flaring. She was watching, and waiting patiently.
[2024/08/28 12:16:55] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would say nothing, falling silent but not dour. She kept up that positive note and as Adira made her way into the tavern, she would slide her arm around the other girl’s waist. “Tal gorgeous,” she would say with a soft purr. Even on different chains, the pair were a team in so many ways. Yin and yang, dark hair and light, complimenting each other. She wanted to have her arms around her master but for the ehn, felt it was best to hold back. There were images to uphold. Reputations and such; and her master may at any moment need to draw blade. So she watched, taking small mental notes of where things were going and the words coming from her master’s lips.
[2024/08/28 12:17:59] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): More and more he was beginning to hold respect more than fear for the man before him. The way he spoke, the words he used, no one had ever truly given him that sort of depth in any conversation. But then, for the majority of his life, he had been a child, innocent, kept from the darkest things, save one. Finally, Nauthis wasn’t afraid, he felt as if he were stepping into something new, something important. Had fate played him this hand? He stepped forward. “You took your time to speak to me. I do not think you have done so, or said what you did if not for a purpose.” Now that he was calming, he could think, and begin to shine. He wasn’t a stupid person by any means, though he did have much to learn. He looked at one girl, and then the next, no longer did he look at the sleens. He knew they were there, but in this moment, it was critical not to do anything that might be taken as fearful. “My name, is Nauthis Descian. To whom do I speak?” He asked.
[2024/08/28 12:24:03] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me hears the name and considered it. As a killer he was cautious, calculated, secretive and one to keep silent about his craft. For a moment he wondered if he should speak that he faced the very man who had killed his father. Surely Crow would be ready with blade or sleen and would act without regret to the deadly outcome that would come from it. It would be a very big test for the young man to endure. Would he dare to oppose him? Dare to challenge him? Or would he run or flee. “Your name or past is of no relevance. Nor would my name be of any value. But I am called Crow.” he shared – still aware of what this might mean. Perhaps Eirik had shared his name in the event of things. It would of course have him loose any credit that was between the two men. “And I think there is a choice to be made. If you truly wish to learn – stay and seek the caste. Endure what ever is thrown your way. Or leave and search for whatever you think has value and forget about this tavern, this land and these people.”
[2024/08/28 12:27:55] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would wrap her arm as well around her bestie and lean into her, and smile, visibly relaxing which was one of the things she could do around her bestie and her Master, only they and her own Master got to see that side of her, though she was basically friendly with all, why shouldn’t she be? but yet to this day she would always keep aware warily, The ex long time panther had learned her lessons in life well for she danced at times on the line of life and death in the past and learned how to walk that tightrope well. she would hear the sounds of the sleens ,the sound of their contentment, but she knew they was always watching and aware, their enhanced senses would not falter even when they was relaxed, she would give a small smile and would look upon the stranger boldly, her keen eyes watching him, picking up on his mannerisms as he and the master would speak.
[2024/08/28 12:35:32] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me clocked the sleen outside, but he perched beside the building. A quiet hum from him, as he turned his head behind that helm. The soft hum of conversation in the tavern not lost on him. He thought about asking the sleen if there was anything entertaining, but it probably wouldn’t respond to him anyway. Except for maybe a growl or more sleen-speak. His eyes focused on the smack of tail of the big beast against the ground.
[2024/08/28 12:36:23] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would listen. She knew her master was one of the smartest and wisest men around; if not THE most. Trump could make a speech about him being the smartest that had ever been smart before but the Kings had not deemed to kidnap the man to the counter planet. Instead, she just ran that dialog in her head, listening to the words flowing back and forth. She would enjoy the closeness of her sister, the one girl she trusted above all others. The washup was being offered a choice and she was curious which way it would go.
[2024/08/28 12:37:35] IRunOnCoffee: /me turned her massive head, looking to Ost as he entered her space. A deep rumbling before a hiss. Only for her head to turn to the doorway once more. Watching intently like it was a soap opera. Which in a way, it was.
[2024/08/28 12:42:15] Gemini (korimarano): /me had sneaked back to the location of that tavern, keeping her body low once more, to not be seen. Well, it was an attempt at it anyhow, though if one looked, they might easily see her white-blond hair flowing in that soft breeze among the tall grasses. Gem could not sneak very well, really – not with that shade of hair, right? She’d have to think about mud or temporary dye if she really wanted to be successful at this. But these were – mostly – people she knew. And that familiar sleen resting its big ol’ body on the earth beneath it too. Oh, she wished she had some raw meat for it right now. She would totally try to befriend it!
[2024/08/28 12:43:06] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): How could he possible understand the magnitude of what he considered? Once that choice was made, there was no going back. No second guesses or chances. Already he knew enough just in what had seen and heard, and between that, and what had just been said, a young man had a sneaking suspicion that Crow might let him leave, but not alive. Sometimes, being freed, meant freed to go to the cities of dust, and a killer was no fool. Crow wasn’t going to trust in a stranger’s
[2024/08/28 12:43:16] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): discretions to keep silent about this place. The choice had been made for him for all intents and purposes. “I remain,” he said. A part of him could not help but fear. The sane part, that which wished to survive this encounter. A killer before him, two of his kajirae, and a sleen just outside. He’d never make it to the dock. It was ironic, the one thing he had long avoided, now would become his mentor. Already he was learning. The next question was, what exactly was meant, by seeking out the caste?
[2024/08/28 12:43:31] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Did not a member of it stand before him? He lifted his head and looked in the direction of the dark tents that crested the hill. There, he reasoned, was a place to seek the caste. “And when I find them, when previously I was warned to avoid leaving this tavern, how will I identify myself as seeking the caste safely?” He assumed there was some… Word, some marking, a stone, something, that would show he sought the caste, and could do so safely. Was there harm in asking questions to better complete the assignment?
[2024/08/28 12:43:38] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Or was he to blunder and be left to his own thoughts and efforts? It may have been that the killer he found might have his own thoughts on how to address someone searching. Each might have their own ideas. The day was young, he imagined failure of any one test, could be lethal. He was going to have to be careful. “Are there rules to the task which I ought to bear in mind?” He then asked. In this, he hoped to learn whether there was anything specific to be avoided, or whether it was more of an open field with predator and prey.
[2024/08/28 12:50:49] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me was no mind reader. For if he had been he might have reassured the man. surely he could still leave alive. He had not made any threat. If he had the man would have known and would have felt the urgency of it. Now Crow crossed his arms before him. “Rules ?” he asks “Oh there are plenty. For those who seek the caste.” again he would use these words “If you truly wish to earn the black livery you have to endure. Show determination. You ego can remain at the dock. It will not suit you. So when you truly wish to go that path. You will become nothing. You will not longer be the man you are now. You will disarm, take of your boots, and lay down your cloak. You own nothing and even the slaves have more say than you will have.” he started.
“While you seek you can leave at any moment. But when you remain you will be tested, beaten, belittled and denigrated. So in time we know you have truly that determination we need to even start your training. Only one out of ten make it through alive.” no word was a lie – and the very moment he would start to disarm he would feel the gravity of his choice.
[2024/08/28 12:52:32] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): whispers: would see as the man would look as if he was trying to make sense of it all, she could see it in the mans eyes, she could as well sense his fear and rightly so as he weighed his options, she would continue to keep her eyes locked on him as if she was studying him, weighing him, measuring him. as she would rest head against Haru;s shoulder. she would give the stranger a faint impish smile..
[2024/08/28 12:53:43] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me turned to peer at the sleen with a furrow of his brow. He hissed right back, baring his teeth. Before he smirked at the creature, peering back in the direction of the tavern himself. Gemini may not be all that sneaky, but she was sneaky enough that he didn’t notice her. Probably considering the giant sleen held the majority of his focus, stepping out of it’s bubble and into the entrance of that tavern behind both girls. A single wave of his hand in the direction of Crow and the girls should they look in his direction otherwise.
[2024/08/28 12:55:02] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would glance outside a moment as Perses got up and left. She couldn’t see Gem or Ost from where she was, only Hecate and she studied the dark sleen a moment. Well, not until Ost stepped out and into view, at which point she would dip her head. “Tal Master,” she chirps, looking behind him for his. But she kept it brief, her focus turning back to her master and the man she had rescued. Haru understood what was being offered. What would the man decide.
[2024/08/28 13:08:57] IRunOnCoffee: /me hissed back at Ost before looking at him with shock as though he had said something insulting to her. A grumble and a growl before she returned to watching the show inside. It was far to interesteing to want to go into nature, human creatures were interesting with their wierd mouth noises and tiny little harmless movements.
[2024/08/28 13:09:06] Gemini (korimarano): /me moved a little closer, keeping herself low as she was practically slithering toward those crates and barrels. She was trying to hear what was going in within the tavern, but was struggling. Even with her heightened hearing, she was struggling. Damned Thassa! Damned wind! Those hisses and growls were heard, though not from her master. No, it was the bigger beast that she caught the sounds coming from. Her interest peaked a bit for the creature. Kings, she just wanted to feed and pet the thing! Eyes snapped to the entrance of that tavern though, as her master moved inside, and for a moment she wondered if she should join him. Probably safer with the sleen, right? Probably.
[2024/08/28 13:09:21] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): A hand lowered slowly to the blade sheathed on his hip. The blade that had never once since being given to him, seen action. Fingers gasped at the scabbard, and he drew in a slow, deep breath. Custom forged, expensive and more a show piece than a true meant weapon, the rapier that had been worn for show seldom by the father he never knew after he had come to Port Victoria, had been a flashy ornament if it had been anything.
[2024/08/28 13:09:40] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): But, it was a family heirloom, and as he unfastened the delicate looking chains that bound it to his belt, he held tight to it for a moment, peering then down at it as he laid it on the tabletop. There was struggle in his eyes, sorrow. A final goodbye wordlessly felt as for the briefest of moments the young man’s eyes closed and he inhaled sharply. Next he lifted one foot, pulled off the boot, lowered that leg and lifted the other to set the boots beside the table.
[2024/08/28 13:09:45] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Indeed it seemed he would learn what it was like to trudge about barefoot, no better than a slave, even lower Crow had said. Did he want this? There was still time. His hands next went to unclasp the cloak, and lay it on the table, folding it neatly. Perhaps his pride would be his damnation, but he was determined to show that he had what it took. All his life he had grown up without a father, two men had tried to stand in, but neither were truly his father.
[2024/08/28 13:09:50] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): Just once, he wanted to achieve something great, and for somebody to be genuinely proud of him. If that one, could be this man, then maybe finally, Nauthis would feel like he had truly accomplished something worthwhile. Only when he looked up did he see the mischief in the eyes of the girl, her smile. His eyes narrowed faintly, a silent challenge that over him or not, she, would not break him. Only then did he see the man in the door way, and for a moment, looked upon him, but quickly thereafter returned his gaze of pale gold, to Crow.
[2024/08/28 13:16:57] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me watched as the man started to disarm himself. Each layer bringing him more into the wait and further from what had been. The wait was also a fresh start. A moment in which no longer ones past was of importance. If he would make it through he would be molded, trained, tested to the limits of his being. He would learn to disguise, to control whatever had guided him in the past. Crow was silent but very much aware of those slowly entering the scene. He gave a quick glance to Ost – to give him the honors again. Just as Crow would continue to tell the man what was expected.
“You are lower than a slave, so they can command you. They can task you with whatever they desire. Of course they will have the knowledge that if you make it they are no longer to command and perhaps feel the consequences of their actions. You stand when a killer approaches and you are to be blindfolded.” he would than give the blindfold to his girl. “There is reason for this blindfold.” he added but would wait for Ost to do the first of many tests as to see if the man could endure and would simply collect whatever he was given.
[2024/08/28 13:17:38] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would turn as she heard movement come up behind her, she wasn’t worried though, if it was a threat the sleen would of let everyone know, she would Notice it was master O and would give him a smile, before, she would notice a bit of soft blond hair a little back from the door, she would quickly toss a wink to where she seen the soft silken blond tendrils in the wind in the tall grass before then turning her eyes to see the man start to take off his gear and weapons, she would feel his gaze on her his eyes giving her a look of…was it a challenge?oh yes it was!, she would keep her face as it was, her now intense as if she was doing a swan dive into his soul her stare relentless.
[2024/08/28 13:19:57] IRunOnCoffee: /me raised herself up off the ground, the giant sleen going to slink over to Gemini, a growl and a hiss as she went to stick her nose against the girl and if not stopped, shove her fowards with hisses. Clearly aiming to herd the girl inside with the others. She didn’t belong out here at the moment. And thus, each time she’d get Gem to move, she’d do it again. Of course if Gemini was to avoid her, she would be treated like a verr, the sleen would cut off directions.
[2024/08/28 13:23:46] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me said nothing, watched the process of stripping weapon, boots and cloak with a flippant look from those blue eyes of his. His hand flexed at his side, but beyond that there was just a scowl on his face beneath the edge of that helm. Listening, peeling back his attention upon the fresh meat as it were. That was how he was looked at behind the slits of his helm. A glance to the blind fold a moment, but he saw that look and the nod from him. You’d hear the crack of his knuckles a moment at his side with a pop of sorts of joints. before he stepped over to stand beside him. Towering in that black helmet. He would wait for the man to look square at him or at least mostly, before he hauled back his arm and crossed his body in that quick thrust of his arm to punch Nauthis across the jaw. With a pass of bare knuckles across his jaw.
[2024/08/28 13:24:52] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would watch, listening with ears perked and eyes locked. As the man began to undress, she looked to her master. Words, familiar and yet so personal each time they were spoken. As he offered the blindfold, she would reach out to take it from him, her fingers brushing over his. It was a ritual that she was familiar with and she would pass her affection through that touch. The first touch she’d had with her master since waking. Stepping out and around, she would make her way over to Nauthis, her head tilting some as she looks up at him. Like most men, he towered over her. “I will need you to kneel, Master,” she says with a nod of her head but as she did, D came around as she quickly scooted back three steps, he smacked the man one hard. Well, maybe the kneel would be involuntary.
[2024/08/28 13:28:55] Gemini (korimarano): /me heard the movement from the massive beast and – eyes went wide as she dug into that pouch she kept on her. “Uhmmm….” she nearly gagged on saliva as she felt for a slice of jerky. The dried meat pitted between index and thumb as she felt its roughness. Sleen liked jerky, right? They liked jerky, RIGHT? Only one way to find out. She’d stand the moment the creature came up behind her and began to hiss at her. “Woah, woah now…I dun wanna–” she spoke, zig-zagging with the beast as she was tossing the jerky into the air behind her. “Listen, I dun wanna go in there! Here. Take it!” she cried out, moving as fast as her feet could take her as she made her way toward the direction the beast made her go anyway. She’d find herself inside the tavern, all wide-eyed and panting. “What the f– uhmmm…” she caught herself, her voice falling softer as she looked to boots, a weapon, and then her master hitting the man with all that pretty hair! “Oh…” she whispered, pressing her back flat against the closest wall to
[2024/08/28 13:28:55] Gemini (korimarano): her, trying to become a wallflower as she peeked back out to the sleen through the massive holes of that entryway.
[2024/08/28 13:30:52] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He did not enjoy being told that he was lower than a slave. No free would. No free man especially. But Nauthis was determined, he had endured so much the past several days, and he was sure that this too could be survived if only he had the will. “I understand,” he said, unsure of what title or honorific he should use to address him, or the man who approached, or even the girls for now, if he was lower than a slave. No sooner had he turned around, than the stranger in black was cold clocking him in the face. It was the first time he had ever been in a fight, if this could even be called a fight. He took the blow, it turning his head under the force and inhaled sharply through his nose. The impact stung like hell, and had bloodied his gums and smeared that across his lower teeth. His own fingers curled and clenched into fists, and he kept both his hands at his sides, only to swing out, not to strike but to wave about wildly to catch his balance, dancing backwards toward the table and being put off kilter, yup!
[2024/08/28 13:30:52] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He hit his knees, reaching up only then to lightly grip his jaw, trying not to curse as he then looked up at Haru.
[2024/08/28 13:37:44] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me would observe. Sure Crow could have done it himself, Yet he had given the privilege to D. As the man was hit Crow would study how he would take it. Surely the man was more man than most. It challenged him and for such he knew that this man would be a challenge. But he was young and perhaps easy to mold. “You stand when a killer approached or speaks to you. You can eat or drink when granted permission. You will be taken to the compound. There you will tend to fires. Those fires are your life line. If they are lid – you live. If the fires die – so will you.” he promised. “It will be a challenge to do so blindfolded, but I never promised you this will be easy. If you wish to leave you can beg. If any of us will find you without a blindfold. The deal is off and you will have to deal with the consequences. The sexual use of slaves is off limits. Is this understood ?” he asks while he would signal for Haru to continue to blindfold him. “Now … did I forget anything ?” he asks those there.
[2024/08/28 13:39:24] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would watch as Haru woild silently slip from her and go to Crow, her hand running softly along his as she took the blindfold, she couldnt help but to smile, She was happy to see her Bestie so happy and content, it warmed her, she would do two steps back as Master O would move like a whip over to the man before unceremoniously punch him right in the face, the force making the man take a knee indeed to Haaru could tie the blindfold, she would turn and see a panting Gem and would toss her a warm smile,before walking aand getting a wooden smooth drinking bowl and filling it with fresh water, she would move, still faking a slight limp for “Reasons” after yesterday and get her a cup of water and brining it to her “Tal beautiful” she would say and hand her the water. with a wink, while keeping a eye on what was going on.
[2024/08/28 13:44:08] Black Ost (daricmarano): /me was flexing his hand that he’d just used to whollop the young man hearing Crow. “Food. He’s not to eat or drink without it being offered to him and every response is, yes or no killer.” He supplied quickly, but he was noticing after the fact that Gemini was flinging jerky and stepping into the side as the blind fold was applied, but he smirked from beneath that helmet. Shifting to slide it over his head at about the same time the new seeker was given direction. Ruffling his hair a moment, as he flicked his attention to Gem and Adira.
[2024/08/28 13:46:36] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa): /me would look to her master as the rules were laid out. She had heard them many times but each time she would pay attention. At his signal, she would circle around the man. On his knees, he was at a much more approachable height and she would draw both her fingers and then the blindfold over his shoulder, letting it drape over the bared section of chest to a gentle touch. “This won’t hurt a bit, Master,” she says with a nod of her head, voice a soft whisper. She looks over to Adira, offering her a wink just moments before she would pull the blindfold up and over his eyes, wrapping it around and then securing it with knot she knew all too well. Suspiciously well. She could probably tie it blindfolded; with her hands behind her head. “Never, ever, remove this. Not until My Master deems you may.” Her breath warm on his ear.
[2024/08/28 13:48:27] IRunOnCoffee: /me moved away from the door after seh had successfully herded off Gem into the tavern before away she paced, going back to her posted position and waiting. Only to growl at Lonan who also appeared. He however she didn’t herd. He smelled different, and thus he was left alone for now.
[2024/08/28 13:50:39] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): He was more shocked to be so suddenly struck than brave, though he had been warned, his failure to let out a yelp was the pure shock of it plain and simple. A second blow wouldn’t have had him ‘taking it so well’. Yes, Nauthis was practically a kid, being only two days past the age of technical adulthood, but he had really been looking forward to going home and swearing to the home stone, being acknowledged and accepted as a citizen and a man grown. Only, that path was lost to him now, and had been before he’d even arrived here. When Crow began to speak, he swung the arm nearest to the bench seating and hauled himself to his feet, following instructions. Beneath his lower lip, was the bulge of his tongue, licking at the blooded gum as he listened. “I will stand when a killer approaches or speaks to me. I will eat or drink only if granted permission. I will be taken to the compound where I will tend fires. If they die, so do I. If I wish to leave, I can beg. The blindfold remains on, without exception. I will
[2024/08/28 13:50:39] Nauthis Descian (wickedworkofheart): not use a woman sexually. I understand.” He repeated what he had been told to assure he had listened and understood it. “I am not to eat unless food or drink is offered. Yes Killer.” Once the blindfold went on, he shivered just to feel the girl’s warm exhalation against the sensitive shell of his ear. Kings why did she have to taunt him so?! Didn’t she know a youth his age already had a libido that could rival a jack rabbit’s?! It didn’t help matters that he was who and what what he was, his grandmother’s influence ran at a gallop through his veins.
[2024/08/28 13:51:17] Gemini (korimarano): /me was digging in that little pouch for more jerky to keep the critter at bay. Could it get her through the holes? Probably. Would it? That was the question of the century! Water was handed to her and she’d take it, gladly! ALL the whites of her eyes showing in that moment. “The sleen…” she gulped from the water, remembering to give gratitude to Adira for the water. “Thank you, Adira…” She was reaching into that pouch with her free hand still, sticking her hand through the hole to drop more jerky – probably some the size of pixie dust too – for the critter to eat. Listen, it was all she had to offer, okay? “Those things are a stubborn lot!” she nodded fiercely, bringing her hand in swiftly to better hold that cup more firmly. Gem was shaking over here, okay?! She was almost eaten alive! At least, in her mind she was. Probably not though. “Oh! You greeted! Sorry, I was uhm…” Scared out of her wits? Chased around the lawn like she was an urt? Yeah – both. “Just playing ‘chase’ with the sleen out
[2024/08/28 13:51:17] Gemini (korimarano): there. The sleen won, I think! I mean…I am still alive, so there”s that. What’s this? A new seeker?” she asked, turning her eyes from Adira to her master who was suddenly on her like white on rice! “Tal, my Master.” she offered D, looking around him to offer master C and Haru a flash of smile. “Tal to you as well, master C. I hope all is well with you? And Haru. Good to see you!” she offered, that smile and wink offered to each. “Seeker. I hope you live…” Was that a good thing to say? Probably, considering that 9 out of ten seekers failed, right? Yeah, she hoped he lived indeed.
[2024/08/28 13:52:58] Lonan (eamontabor): approaches the tavern, seeing the “pet” sleen that had been around the camp. He wasn’t a fan, and apparently the feeling was mutual as the sleen growled at him. He keeps a watchful eye on the animal and hears voices in the tavern, so he walks over to inspect what is going on. “Tal Killers, kajirae…” his eyes land on the man who was just blindfolded and a pauses follows, “…seeker.”
[2024/08/28 13:54:54] Crow (melchior.wardell): /me looked at the slaves there. “Make sure he gets the lay out of the land. But let him ‘explore’ it with his own senses. Have him meet others and let him tend to the fires also.” he tells them. Giving Adira and Haru a wave so they could proceed. He than looked at Gem. “Girl the sleen is trained and if you wish to ensure it not to harm you we need to imprint it with your scent. But do not test it. The animal is wild and dangerous even if it is well behaved.” he would look to D. “YOu wish your girl to be scented? By what name goes she ?” he asks – for now the seeker was completely ignored – as if all of a sudden he no longer existed and needed to earn his attention again
[11:23:31] Crow (melchior.wardell) was calling for the animal to stop but it did not listen. As it went around the fire and moved right over the pillows Crow would pull the leash and try to have the animal respond to his directions. “You stupid animal!” he called out “If you do not listen you will hurt yourself.” he warned as one of the branches swiped right in Crow’s face. “You damned Beast!”
[11:28:45] KeDjA (lilli.breda) raises her head as she hears the roar and the snorting and trampling of an animal outside the tent. Her hand remains in Arsu’s trousers, she has a job to do after all. Her brow furrows “I’m not sure if that’s a man scolding a slave or an animal” she turns her head to Arsus and grins at him for his words “maybe I’ll be generous and let you share in the cap empire” she winks before pulling her hand out of his trousers “I think someone needs your help, my master” back to protocol. Change of address. But she smiles. Happy.
[11:29:07] Crow (melchior.wardell) finally had the animal stop as it had found the meat that was there for consumption by the killers and their slaves. “No no no !!!” Crow called out again. Trying to get some control. “Why are you not listening.” he questioned. Surely very much aware that the animal would not answer him. It was devouring the feast of whatever was out there for his reach. Crow leaned forward as to see if his weight might do anything, but the aninal only enjoyed the meat and gave a casual glance to Crow as to hush him down. “You must be a woman.” he tells it. “Those like to battle with me too. A man would know when to stop. Surely you wish to be whipped.”
[11:31:05] αяѕυѕ (daimos.baarer): Crow was talking about a stupid animal, hadn’t he managed to shoo away a fly? As much as he was amused by the thought of Crow waving his hands to shoo the fly away, the fly sticking its tongue out and humming ‘nänänänänääääääääää’, it had to be something else, flies don’t make such dull, loud noises on the ground when they walk. He should take a look at and as Kedja pulled out her hand he nodded. Lets take a look outside.
[11:31:37] αяѕυѕ (daimos.baarer): “Lets take a look outside”
[11:33:45] KeDjA (lilli.breda) nods slightly, briefly adjusts the scarf around her hips and follows him. Passing the washstand, she briefly dips her hands in the water and dries them with the same hip towel. She hums softly before stepping out of the tent, curious to see who is making such a noise. She stops humming as she does so.
[11:34:19] Crow (melchior.wardell) was unaware of being overheard. Not that he had time to over think things. Surely the animal was trying to overstep the boundaries Crow had set for it. When the Tharlarion took hold of the sausages and again looked at Crow, he laughed. “Do you have any idea how silly this looks” he asks “I mean … as if you are unfit to get your own food.” he taunted. As Klauw looked at him it almost seemed as if there was mirth in its eyes. “You are a woman. I must have guessed right.” he stated. “Teasing until I get my whip and than all hugs and kisses.”
[11:39:31] αяѕυѕ (daimos.baarer): When Arsus opened the tent, he froze for a moment, if he were a Northman he would certainly have called out ‘by odin’, if he were a Southman he might have called out ‘by the silks of my slave’, but here he froze for a moment. He looked up to see if there was a rider on it, he hoped so. A thalarion like that was capable of tearing down all the tents. He caught sight of Crow talking to the Thalarion in a slightly amused manner, so they seemed to know each other. “Greetings Crow” he called upwards, hopefully not too loudly, he didn’t want the Thalarion to get spooked.
[11:40:41] KeDjA (lilli.breda) pauses as a huge Thalarion stands in front of the tent. She hears Crow’s words about women and grins broadly “A whip will do no good, Master. Only a blow to the eye or ear with a stick will do. Kurt wouldn’t even feel it,” she blinks and keeps a clear distance from the animal. She is never comfortable with carnivores
[11:42:20] Crow (melchior.wardell) looked over his shoulder tears in his eyes “Greetings you both.” as he noted Arsus and Kedja there. “I am sorry. Did I wake you ?” he asks. “Klauw seems to have a mind of her own.” he explained. “I did not know if it was a male of female . But now I know. Please forgive me Kedja, but this animal tries to get under my skin like only a woman can.” he explained. “Arsus can you please take the leash near her beak. She will eat all that is there if we do not stop her.” he expliained.
[11:45:56] αяѕυѕ (daimos.baarer): Arsus knew how voracious Thalarios are, with a determined step he wants to go towards the Thalarion, catches his right foot in a long and very stable blade of grass and would actually fall down for a long time, but he skillfully rolls on the ground, grabs the leash and stands up again as if it was meant to be. “i’ve got the leash” he shouts triumphantly
[11:49:13] Crow (melchior.wardell) was trying to not get into that laugher that was difficult to stop. He barely managed as Arsus held the leash. When Arsus had it “Let me get from its back.” he reasons. While he tried to keep pressure upon the animals back so it wouldn’t move to much. “Oh my .. By the Priest Kings … this is quite the challenge.” he winked towards Kedja “Seems some women know how to put up a fight.” he jested. as he would take the leash from Arsus and would move the animal back to the post he had created so it could cool off – or was it Crow that needed to cool off.
[11:50:41] KeDjA (lilli.breda) smiles at Crow. There was no need to apologise to her. “I just wanted to say that Thalarion won’t feel the lashes, Master. The only sensitive areas are the ears and eyes. Not like us women. We’re naturally sensitive all over,” she then grins briefly and watches Arsus as he tries to reach the leash. Sometimes she wonders how it is that he survived his training.
[11:52:09] Crow (melchior.wardell) would love to have the talent of reading thoughts !
[11:57:09] αяѕυѕ (daimos.baarer): “Well Crow, it looks like you got a new wife… ähmmm a new thingy to train I mean. Looks like Klauw knows how to handle you” he laughs ” shouldn’t that be different?” “he would handover the leash to Crow and then he makes sure, something has been left to eat. “all woman are mostly the same Crow” still laughing “they make us believe that we have the say”
[11:58:34] Crow (melchior.wardell) turned back to Kedja as she spoke of the sensitive spots of a tharlarion. He was about to ask – but as he saw her think – thought better of it. Surely the sassy slave would have a to the point reply and make him look even more stupid. “Well I can not poke its eyes … surely she will not forgive me if I ever dare. And those ears … those are the problem.” he answers. He than turned to Arsus “Did my tharlarion tried to make you trip ?” Surely Crow had not seen the thing Kedja had. When Arsus spoke of women, Crow laughed again “Arsus … you must know by now that we are the weaker sex.”
[12:01:40] KeDjA (lilli.breda) is now grinning visibly as Arsu’s last sentence falls. She hastily lowers her head and bends down to tug at the strap around her right foot, as if this is extremely important. Her long hair falls forward, hopefully covering her face. She struggled to suppress her giggles as Crow went one better and spoke of the weaker sex. The strap on her foot required her full attention
[12:05:51] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) had made her way outside, rubbing her eyes; woken by a whole bunch of noise and commotion that she simply could not describe. Half asleep still, eyes still blurred, she padded over to where the warm bodies were. “Are we under attack, My Master?” she manages as she stifles half a yawn, tugging at her silks she had quickly thrown on as she moves.
[12:07:30] Crow (melchior.wardell) noted the strap on her foot and how much attention she gave it. Surely it betrayed that it wasn’t as much about the strap but her avoiding him to read her thoughts. As he turned back to Haru as she asked if they were under attack “Now you are asking?” he asks “If you were better trained you would have been here 10 ehn ago.” he stated in a voice that held his amusement. “Now Arsus had to safe the supper and other supplies Klauw got her teeth in.”
[12:08:32] KeDjA (lilli.breda) Haru sinks Kedja’s self-control with a single leap and she lets out a snort. Still bent over, her body shakes with laughter before she sits up and holds her stomach, trying desperately not to be so loud. She presses a hand over her mouth as tears of laughter well up in her eyes. Again and again her body is seized by a volley of laughter, which of course does not subside thanks to Crow’s response.
[12:08:59] αяѕυѕ (daimos.baarer): “Yes yes, it was your Thalarion, what else” he said back, still tears in his eyes. Arsus woul look at Kedja, wondering what is so of interest with the strap on her foot. “I know that Crow, I know. they have the property of leading us to think that we are doing things of our own free will, yes yes”. He would then look to Haru, did only heard the word under attack and said “Thalarions, big as the mountains, I could not count them all, but I defended heroic our soup” he said with a laugh.
[12:12:05] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would relax but her face would fall at the responses. “I beg forgiveness, My Master, but you exhausted me so much last night I had no control over my waking ehn.” She rubs her eyes a little more, getting the sleep out of them as she looked over to Arsus and Kedja then. “Tal Master, Sister,” she says with a soft yawn. It would be a moment longer; she’d really been pulled right out of an intense dream. Her blurred gaze moves to Arsus. “Tharlarions are leading us, Master?” she hadn’t heard the earlier lines of conversation.
[12:12:53] Crow (melchior.wardell) would look from one to the other. Surely this couldn’t be true. This must be a joke or jest. None would believe them. Two killers and their slaves with a tharlarion. in a black caste tented compound were discussing the weaker sex. [12:14:12] Crow (melchior.wardell) noted the tired look of his girl and could only guess that she was still exhausted. The kamasutra positions were quite difficult and high in numbers.
[12:22:23] αяѕυѕ (daimos.baarer): “Yes, no Haru” stammered Arsus, something had confused Haru. Arsus actually wanted to say something else, but looked at Kedja and thought she wanted to start dancing now when she turned around herself. Strangely enough, she then disappeared into the tent, laughing. “Umm, no Haru, the Thalarions aren’t leading us” he paused dramatically, drum rolls sounding in the background … “not anymore, I have heroically defended our soup, as I said before” ..
[12:24:44] Λdɨяα (sutara.luminos): would walk into the camp, as she would see Crow ,Arsus and Haru, Greetings Masters, Sister, she would look about for lovely Kedja, not seeing her of yet she would assume she was doing chores or on a task..
[12:25:05] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would blink at all of Kedja’s laughing and would look down at her outfit as if maybe she had triggered it. Was she wearing her silks inside out or something? Still, she would slide up to her masters, slipping her arms around his waist. She was just going to wait for it all to subside as she puzzled over the tharlarions and more, still trying to figure it out. Some mornings her brain could really take a moment to wake and get up to speed. She saw Adira and gave her a look as if she might be able to solve the whole puzzle.
[12:25:41] Crow (melchior.wardell) watches as Kedja moves into the tent. A brow arched in surprise as he turned his attention back to Arsus “I hope she is well ?” he stated as casual he could muster. Surely Crow tried to keep his own control over his laughter which was still very thin. He had not laughed this much in a long time. Surely he only needed Arsus, Kedja and his own girl for this much pleasure. Sure many killers were cool and all doom and shadows. But thankfully Arsus and Crow had been able to maintain that small part of their original personalities. They showed on occasions when they were in their privacy of their compound. When Arsus spoke of the soup Crow snorted. “The sausages are unfortunately spoils from its war.” as Adira came into their proximity he would smile to her “Greetings girl.” he offered.
Crows Murder 