Crows Murder

[10:29] Hinder closed her eyes an breathed in deeply as she felt his touch on her bare flesh. She relished that moment but stood with his assistance and only then exhaled. Now stood before him and she saw the leash, her chin lifted just enough but quickly she tucked it down as he spoke of the palace. She felt sick and he’s see the sheer panic on her face but a ” Yes, my Master..” followed.

[10:30] Crow would turn before he left the house “Understand that nothing is yours not even fault or guilt.” with that consolidation he would open the door and lead her with him.
[10:31] Crow would point left “Heel.”

[10:35] Sleen opened his mouth to respond to the girl but there it was, before him, a sight you just don’t see every other day. He lifted his left hand and whispered to Kara. “Dismissed, beauty”. His eyes focused ahead with a mix of relief as he exhaled knowing that his hour, too, would come soon. He could recognize Serena anywhere in the world even if he had never seen her naked before. “Tal, Killer”, he said with a dipping of chin. “Girl…”, he winked at his slave.

[10:39] Crow did not want to intervene and patiently waited. As he was addressed he would step forward. If his slave would comply there would not be a yank to the leash. If she paused or resisted she would feel the yank to her neck strong enough. “Greetings, killer.” he offered – his voice no where near the sound of the Old Melchior – but the killer he had become so many years ago. “I hope the missive to the Ubar was received and part of your conversation with him?”he asked. He would now snap his fingers and point to his side – in a way Sleen would see her fully. Of course all was test – even this very moment. The slave under strict regime.

[10:40] Kara bows deferentially, and hobbles away with her fruit basket in her arms. She turns to see who’s coming and… and steps aside even faster, forgetting to wave, panic-stricken and frightened. She recognizes them. She recognizes her. She doesn’t understand a thing! Kara shakes violently and literally, limps off towards the Garden.

[10:41] Hinder carried his wise words with her. She knew this day would come and she’s kept up with him until they reached the entrance of the palace. He’d feel the resistance on the leash that connected her to him but she was no match and it was be led or choked on the way. She wanted and needed to hide behind him as Sleen came into view. Shield her naked body from the man barely peering over Crow’s shoulder when he greeted them both ” Sl..” She stopped herself in time because he’s told her to keep her mouth shut at all costs. It was the snap of Crows fingers that dragged her from her concealment and gingerly she stepped to his side and fumbled with her suddenly clammy hands.

[10:44] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia entered, holding the hand of a young toddler boy while carrying a newborn in a baby sling. “Tal.” she greeted warmly. The boy seemed to recognize his parents, though. Not knowing the entire situation herself, she gently tightened her grip on his hand. “Shhhh….” she gently hushed him. “That man sitting down is very important. We must show respect.” said she in a low, insructive, and undeniably maternal tone.

[10:45] Sleen glanced towards Lyra and noticed that she had the children. So it did have happened. “I haven’t seen Marlenus in a couple days as I’ve been arranging things for impending travel. I had a mind of sending you missive but I’m afraid it got lost in delivery”. He had sent it to the wrong address, clearly. “Good morning, Lady Lyra”.

[10:49] Crow would glance over his shoulder. A dark and grim look – clearly detached from the child she was holding. “Greetings.” he offered in kind and turned back to Sleen – as if there was no sense of emotion to the scene that was not developing. “Mine, kneel. Tower..” he commanded “You ,may greet.” he allowed her. The scene was tense to her – of this he was certain. He observed with a keen eye any development. “What kind of missive?” he asked curious “Or is it more for private quarters.”

[10:53] Sleen stated plainly as they weren’t in mixed company. “I was curious if you’d take former position regarding territory and be interested in establishing a Court. I’m going to travel for at least a year unless something happens in my mission that makes it less complicated. For that reason the Frumentarii is to be dissolved but it would be an unfortunate thing to not give opportunity of continued business to the many of us who stepped up”.

[10:53] Hinder wanted to look back as Lyra greeted but didn’t not because she didn’t dare. What she was met with would break her heart, all see was aware of was that the children had been of were being shipped to Venna. she was taken over with commands,. kneel, greet… It was a roar of instructions that didn’t compute for a moment. She was a block of tension and sheer panic in this situation and she knew he’d know it. Unceremoniously she got to her knees in panicked silence. ” Greeting … Master..:” was pushed out while trying not to make eye contact with Sleen..” Mistress.” was added after a quick mental battle with herself.

[10:59] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia thought the standing man in the black of Assassins seemed familiar, but when his face briefly turned to her, she decided she didn’t recognize it. But, she recognized Serena straightaway. She part of her didn’t want to get dominant with her, but she knew she had to now. “Tal… slave.” said she. This one hit close to home for her. Part of her wanted to be angry with her for becoming a slave. The conflict was subtle in her bespectacled eyes, but she hardened her stare that the former free woman as she composed herself. Corw, however, as most Assassins did, made a slight shiver run up her spine; Sleen didn’t because she was used to him and came to trust him. Crow was new to her. She said nothing further to him as he was in conversation with the regent, so she took a seat and helped Eustacius up next to her. Sage woke up and began fussing. “Oh, now you want to wake up and tell me you’re hungry.” she commented with a light chuckle, picking up the bottle she prepared for the baby.

[11:02] Crow liked it when business was being to the point. Why waste time in sugarcoating things when one wanted to deal with things instantly. For some reason the request got him by surprise. Clearly after recent events he figured other questions. A brow arched than. “Of course you can count on me.” he replied to the point. He would look below to his slave and noted that she tried to hide herself behind her hands. “Bracelets.” he tells her. She was new to the collar and with it needed instructions. He enjoyed to teach them as to present themselves as beautiful as they could. He felt a strange sense of pride when the slave eventually would do his bidding with a small gesture or snap of his fingers. “Your travel. Does it need any attention, assistance. You must know that in our caste some carry weight while others do not.” it was all to close to a message of comradship as it would get from Crow. He could hear Lyra towards his slave and would pay attention as to how she would deal with the scene. Clearly this must have her realize how dreadful she had been with the mother of Eustachius back than.

[11:03] Kassandra entered the room, and with a bow she gave, “Greetings, my Master, Master, Mystress.” She angled her gaze, canted it even slowly to the side with pensive brow of recognition. Only… to settle into a rather satisfied smirk. Though saying nothing. She’d totally save that for later.

[11:06] Sleen winked over at Kassandra as she appeared. “Tal, Kass. See that people are served”. He observed the entirety of the scene before him while focused on Crow. “Good, then. I’ve made point to set the entrance to private location elsewhere, barring the tunnel to the palace since the position of Regent will belong to someone else during my absence”, he explained while pulling a scroll that was stretched in his direction. It contained the names of all that were engendered in contract still or about to expire as well as the placement of new door. “I need nothing for my travel other than my brain. I am thankful for the thought, though”.

[11:07] Hinder still in;t look back even as Lyra replied. The mighty had fallen but no one would truly understand or likely ever hear the full truth of her demise. Her own ignorance to the woman presence broke when a small child was heard, her head snatched finally to search the woman out but it was her young son she noticed first. Oh did her heart break instantly and shatter into a million pieces. She was doing well until her gaze came to lay on Sage. Tears filled her eyes an she turn back away. More for the sake of the toddler seeing her, not for her own benefit If there was ever a reason to move closer to Crow, it was this right here but he broke that idea as he snapped his fingers again and barked another command. Her tear filled gaze lifted to him before she did as told and spreads those chunky thighs with resistance to move her hands from her snatch. Eventually she did and tucked them behind her back out of the way.

[11:08] Kassandra stepped over towards Lyra, and wriggled her fingers at Eustachius she smiled at the little guy. Having come to rather like the little free man despite his trashing the garden. “Would you need anything, Mistress?” She asked her, knowing she were tasked with their upbringing. She & Balder having cared for them briefly the evening before.

[11:14] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia gave a nod to Kassandra, her hands full with a baby. She looked at Hinder, although she still knew her as Serena, as the embonded woman looked, perhaps instinctively, at the sound of a baby’s cry. Such, she knew, was natural and well ingrained into maternal instinct. She then looked down at the feeding newborn, holding the bottle firmly yet gently, knowing the stomach of a baby was about the size of a walnut and she’d stop eating when she was full, she should be shortly. “A spare rep cloth. Go into my clinic for it.” she ordered Kassandra, indicating the door behind her and to the left with her head. She then listened to the goings on. “Eustachius, sit still please…” she added firmly and quietly to the toddler.

[11:14] Crow would reach out to take the scroll and have it stored in one of the pockets in his belt. “The mind is always the most important thing – It means one is never disarmed.” he replied. He would reach down and unlocked the leash from the collar. Again a test. Since as he did his eyes would be upon hers. He could see the emotion and for a moment there was perhaps that glimmer of what once was. “I will see to it and have things set. When is your plan to travel?” he asks – casual conversation ? Oh no …. just there to see if one dared to question his presence. Who ever thought something – he dared to speak when he lifted his chin in a pose of superiority. “See that you help, Hinder.” the name was clearly something he had thought out carefully.

[11:17] Sleen watched the scroll leave his hands as well as the heavy title and couldn’t help but smile faintly at the moment that was, in fact, relived for they had done that switch before, only that Marlenus was exiled then. “I’m thinking about tomorrow. I am still wrapping up some businesses regarding governmental issues before I can go with a focused mind”.

[11:19] Kassandra ran off to grab rep cloth, was absolutely positive the new one would ralph but over Lyra’s robe, only because she had suffered the same fate the day before. It was… enlightening, to say the least. She returned with as much speed as she departed with and tried to settled the cloth over her shoulder. Kassandra reached out for Eustachius and gave his head the imitating of cracking an egg over his his. Closed fingers at the scalp, and then tap at the back of the hand just to spread her fingertips slowly.

[11:19] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia looked up as Marlenus entered and offered him a courteous, respectful nod. This was her boss and arguably the most powerful Human being on the planet by her reckoning. “Tal, My Ubar.” said she. Eustachius had looked up at him, too. “Meet Sage Livia.” she offered, looking down to the newborn cradled in her arms, still feeding from the bottle of artificial breastmilk formula Lyra held for her.

[11:20] Sleen looked suddenly. “Sage, like the red headed kajirus? Strange choice of name”.

[11:22] Hinder could only heard the sound of the toddler fussing and the baby suckling ut of everything going on in the room. And the feel of him unleashing her only brought her out of that daze. She met his gaze and looked at him wth deep and raw emotion in her eyes. ” Help with…” She said in a confused and emotional tone. Lyra was testing her, not even she could be this cruel but she turned her off in her mind and wouldn’t;t rise to the bait. She valued her life, other wise she’d of taken the option of death and the cowards way out. Her eyes snap shut to take a moment to compose herself.

[11:24] Kassandra looked over herself to see the arrival of Marlenus. She bowed to him a moment whilst trying to distract Eustachius, “Tal, my Master.”

[11:25] Marlenus had finished outlining certain state changes, consolidating Imperium into the council, and disbanding departments of state authority earlier in the morning in the offices after receiving multiple sources of consulting. After having sent that out, he had gone up to the chamber of the Home Stone where he had ruminated on the direction of the Empire. Upon such time in meditation, the guards there had placed raiment about his shoulders and the golden diadem of laurels upon his brow before he descended once again to the ground floor of the Central Cylinder palace. Upon arrival, the doors were drawn upon by guards, but they did not announce his arrival with the clanging of spears due to the presence of children. Marlenus looked about and noticed first Sleen who was handing over the mantle of his position to whom he assumed to be Crow. There was a flash of a toothy smile to the Regent before he turned his attention to Lyra who greeted him.
“Tal, Chirurgeon,” Marlenus said as he stepped closer to see the newborn infant in her arms. The Larl placed his fingers lightly to the infant’s crown while it ate and he said, “May the Priest-Kings bless and keep this joy, Sage Livia.”
Afterwards, he winked at Kassandra who was with Eustachius. “Keeping busy, I see, hmm, First Girl?” he inquired rhetorically with a chuckle, then turned to walk towards the thrones. Only after ascending to the dais and turning to face the room did he catch the face of Crow himself and, an unveiled, naked, and kneeling slave who was once Serena.
Marlenus was not surprised, for he had been warned ahead of time, so he beheld them both for a time. Now was the Assassin who stood before them, and he afforded the man such respect, “Tal, Killer.”

[11:26] Crow would turn slightly when Marlenus entered. If there was a dip of his head it was a minor gesture. Crow was nothing like the ruse of the Censor. There was no longer the friendly or charming scribe but the killer that was a sharp observer that measured different scenarios to which he needed to act. He would nudge Hinder with his boot to comply – he did not like to repeat himself. “Greetings, Ubar.” he offered – very much aware that if there was a scale of torture it reached the level of angst for his new slave. He seemed to be cold to what transpired behind him. The family man – not showing – only the cold hearted killer.

[11:29] Hinder heard that voice and if she thought her heart had broken before… now i was ten times worse. She kept her eyes pinched closed the whole time Marlenus spoke with the baby and Lyra. she had to do this, get it out of the way.. She’s explained the situation thoroughly in her own letter she’d been allowed to write, so he knew.. Slowly her teary peepers pry open and are following him to the throne.

[11:30] Sleen smiled lopsidedly at Marlenus who clearly seemed happy. “Tal, Ubar”, he said politely in front of Crow. “Now Kassandra is the First of what, considering how the Gardens became public under Cassius and no longer a part the House of Marlenus? Certainly there will be state owned palace slaves. Is she to reign upon those and organize them?”, he wondered as that was one of the untied loops before he went. He could tell that Lyra was being somewhat cruel and he nodded in her direction. “Around naked slave is no place for toddlers, Lyra”.

[11:37] Kassandra glanced over, and were slightly shocked with the news. Then of course there were the facts spoken the other day at the Throne. First Girl of One. Queen Nothing. She’d paused at Sleen’s scolding, she backed up slightly away from the. Thinking Sleen had meant her.

[11:38] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia shrugged. “The little girl’s mother chose the name.” said she. “Had it been my choice, I might have named her Cassiopeia or something.” she commented. She smiled as Marlenus bestowed his blessing on the girl. She accepted the rep cloth, placing it over her shoulder after Sage turned away from the bottle’s nipple. She used the existing one in the sling to wipe her little face of milk residue gently and then lifted her up, placing her over the rep cloth on her shoulder. She then gently patted her on the back until she burped. Eustachius seemed to watch his uncle before slipping down from the bench next to Lyra. “Eustachius, be careful. Wait until your uncle sits down.” she instructed. It had been a while since her mom-voice was heard by others outside of pediatric visits. She wasn’t being cruel on purpose. The Ubar should see his nephew and new niece, though. As for being around slaves, especially half-naked ones, her brows lofted a bit. Weren’t all Goreans exposed to such constantly from their earliest days? But, she wouldn’t argue with that. She rose. “I wish you well.” said she. “Eustachius, come along.” said she as she headed toward the clinic door, bumping it open with her hip, as her hands were full still.

[11:39] Crow would only now slightly turn. Deep within the man was something stirred. If there had been different choices. Different events. He would have enjoyed the sight upon his children. He would want a full house. With this knowledge he knew he could have it all and yet his sense of following codes and the long training of becoming what he was – made him cold to the scene. Or let us be honest – one could hardly tell there was something stirred. Although he did not wish to interrupt the conversation between Sleen and the Ubar he did – “Ubar, I understand you received my missive. Are there any questions?” he asks – certain as to face all what could endanger his position within Ar to what had transpired.
[11:40] Hinder gaze slid over to Sleen as he addressed the woman tormenting her. There was relief and thanks upon her face. Even as well as she was holding it together this was cruel, even she’d kept the child the had adopted from his actual mother to try and ease her heartache. She did tho realize that in some circumstances a slave could hold much more power than a free woman. She was learning fast, mainly on the job and with each situation she was being cast into but the former free woman was picking up on things fast.

[11:43] Marlenus reached up and he unbrooched the cloak of his caste to let it fall and drape back across the throne before he settled down upon it and he looked across the room with a steady gaze before turning his attention to Sleen and he said, “Kassandra is First Girl of the state slaves of Ar. She will be their guide and their exemplar.” This was a simple proclamation, his heavy baritone easily carried throughout the room.
Turning his eyes upon Crow and Hinder once again, he took in the sight. He memorized it, etched it into his mind, tattooed it into his brain. Marlenus was, indeed, in a pleasant mood, despite the changes standing in the room. “Killer -” he said to Crow, “- I give you and your caste the freedom to hold your court in Ar, and your internal affairs will not be under the scrutiny of the throne. I wish you success and much gold in your endeavors. I have no questions, if the Regent has already settled matters.”
“Slave girl,” he said to Hinder, “Kajira. You are now the property of this Assassin. The
woman you once were has been obliterated from existence. It will be interesting to see what duties you will be performing within the steel of a Killer. I wish for you the contentment and the happiness of your steel, freedom within it from the worries and woes of the world, and the knowledge and wit to obey in accordance to this man’s expectations.”
Marlenus then lifted his hands to the departure of the children and Lyra and he called, “Don’t break too much in the clinic, Eustachius! But, here’s a tip – ask Auntie Lyra what’s a colonoscopy.”

[11:48] Crow would watch Lyra leave and turn when Marlenus spoke. “Excellent.” he replied to the point to the court and such. The fact they were not under the scrutiny of the throne was a welcome development. Of course Marlenus could still count upon Crows steel – part of his assignment had not changed. He would be here – in trust – but with the understanding of his knowledge. When Marlenus spoke to Hinder he would gesture to her as to speak freely – a gesture that was not done out of kindness. But he was a killer not a torturer.

[11:50] Sleen nodded at all the ongoings that seemed to settle situations and said simply. “It’s resolved between me and him, yes”. He went through his mental list of things to do and passed to Marlenus a singular key that would fit the collars of his slaves. “A gift to your future intended if you please”, he stated plainly as he would indeed travel very light. “I am simply now awaiting to inform Shansia but I suppose you could do that for me as well as grant her position”.

[11:51] Kassandra approached as Marlenus was sitting. She heard his declaration, but then Sleen told her to serve. So she did. “Would my Master like anything to drink, Falarian perhaps?” She asked, “A cushion for the hardness of the Throne?” She wondered really how they could sit on them for lengths at a time. She wondered for a moment if they chose no cushions purposely. The mention of Shansia had brought light to a question held for over a hand.

[11:52] Erik Typhon moves into the palace room out of boredness and shrugs at the words he hears about assassin people doing stuff, for he always thought it was a legend of some sort. Feeling it’s not really his business he lay himself into the room, simply observing while crossing his arms.

[11:52] Hinder eyes came back to lay on Marlenus as he spoke to Crow, her shoulders sagged down as the tension left the room. She didn’t dare look back, her farewells had been made to the children a few nights prior. People would judge, belittle her and relish in her situation and she’d deal with it in her own way. Likely silently not to give others the upper hand. She was a wise old fool and that would never ever change. That teary gaze homed in on the ubar as he spoke to her fully. There was comfort in those words, no judging her, scorning her or making her feel like shit as others were trying so hard to do. She needed that from him and it actually brought a smile to her face. ” Thank you. I shall do everything i can Master.” She said.. How hard she thought it was going to be to call him that, she’s made up so many dreadful scenarios but it didn’t hurt one bit.

[11:59] Kara hobbles into the throne room to join the clinic. She bows to the throne, the ubar and the people he’s talking to, deferentially… and clearly with fearful nervousness. What she sees… no, seriously, it frightens her enough to overcome the grip of her mind, still animated by joy and pleasure. She prefers to slip away discreetly, and when she sees Alcyone her face lights up with a huge smile, and she limps towards her.

[11:59] Crow gave a quick glance between both men. He would lower his gaze for the briefest of moments “Than I wish you good travel.” he tells Sleen and moved his gaze from his slave as she spoke to Marlenus “And you good fortune with the new developments.” with that he would turn and slightly take the side of the room. He would watch if the interaction between the slave and the Ubar was finalized. It was a one time affair. Eventually she would be trained to the finer art of her slavery.

[12:00] Marlenus turned his attention to Sleen and he leaned forward to take the key that was passed to him and he looked at it a moment before he closed his fingers around the key in a fist. He clenched it tightly while he stared at Sleen. “We will also take some time tonight to talk before you depart for your trip, or however many days you desire,” he said to Sleen with a faint smile. “I am certain my future intended will appreciate the gift.” He withdrew his wallet and placed the key within before he stowed the wallet away once more.
He then smirked as Kassandra offered cushion for the thrones and his eyes grew mirthful, squinting at their corners. “Nothing for myself, Kassandra. And you no longer call me your master. Properties of the House of Marlenus have been transferred to the state. Now all men of Ar are your masters.”
Marlenus turned his eyes back to Crow and to Hinder and when the girl said she will do everything she could, he gave her a slow nod of his head. He turned his attention to Crow and said to the Assassin, “The page has turned, and a new chapter begins. Before anybody starts with some kind of bureaucratic nonsense, your caste are exempt from all tithes and taxations, and your court and its environs are provided freely with no ties and no obligations, Killer. Assassins have the right to exist and ply their trade.”
He gave Crow a nod of his head as business was conducted and then he saw that Erik had approached. He lifted a hand to beckon the man forward.

[12:04] Kassandra nodded to him simply, “Yes, Master.” Said she. Words regarding caste and such were over her consideration so it were like fluid through her mind. In one ear and out of the other. She glanced between the two. Marlenus & Sleen, a thought. She turned thinking to go help Lyra with Eustachius and Sage.

[12:05] Hinder tears seemed to stop now the children were out of the room and there was acceptance to her siltation by those who did and still do matter to her. She was interested in this news of an indented but of course kept it to herself. As Crow moved, automatically she did too. Closer to him, to find the comfort she craved and far closer than she’s ever been as Mel and Serena.

[12:07] Erik Typhon moves forward when beaconed over, quietly, looking at the women fleeing toward the palace corridors, then toward the three men at the throne. “Tal Ubar. I heard the crier speaking of a lot of changes in the city.” he tries hard to resist the urge to scratch his butt.

[12:07] Crow would reach down and have the leash attached to her collar. “Come mine” he offered – He did not say his farewell. He had done his business and with it he was done. He would move further to leave the room. There was something he needed to do now she had faced this scene in a way that was commendable.

[12:08] Sleen nodded at his request to speak before he would leave his position. “Of course. We will talk before I go”. He listened with gratitude the leeway granted towards his Caste even if no longer tied to government. He dipped his chin politely as Erik was summoned forth, simply listening for the time being.
[12:09] Hinder gave one more fleeting look to Marlenus and a offered a smile to Sleen next.” Safe travels Master..” She uttered to him before they took their leave.