2. Episode The Peacock and the Crow

Posted in The Peacock and The Crow on December 14, 2011 by crow1971

The dagger had been washed from his forehead before he had pulled down the hood and had sheltered his face from the snow. His cloak heavy by the snow crystals that had occupied it while he walked in the darkness that he often called his friend.  His steps through the snow seemed to be slow, calculated and with determination, while nothing in him really gave thought to the direction he was heading. This last kill had broken something within him, something he needed to find back for if not his own demise would be certain.  No Assassin would be able to do what they did if they couldn’t shut down their own emotions.  The thought of leaving a woman he had held dear, pregnant by the corpse of her companion, weighted heavy on his shoulders while he ploughed through the snow.
His eyes just above the scarf he had drawn up his nose were keen on his surroundings as if it had become a second nature to be alert and on the ready.  Those green eyes that once had sparkled of joy were lifeless and yet behind them there was this grief of an old man that feared he had lost his most loyal and beloved friend.  His heart that once had beaten for his companion, his children and a slave felt empty and cold.  The sound of his footsteps in the snow made him aware that one might hear him coming and with it his one hand gripped the hilt of his blade, so he could draw if some thief would dare to venture in his direction.  His expression tensed at the thought of all the gold he made in his profession, most of it he wouldn’t ever spend.  He figured it was something in his genes, from his father, to hold on to fortune while he doubted them both to be of greed.

He held pause by this large tree that had dropped all of his leafs, since season had changed. The branches the sharp outlines against the light of the moons.  He pulled down the scarf and inhaled the cold night air and sighed deeply. How had he become the man he was now ? The man that indeed could say without blinking that nothing else mattered. The man that could kill in cold blood because a simple exchange of coin had been made.  The answer had been clear when he was many years younger and now in this cold he wasn’t certain.  He had justified himself that he held honour. That he prevented the wars that would rage between cities if it weren’t for that single kill. He, not only an Assassin but a mentor for others had often told the reason and purpose for their caste and professions and yet now felt himself in doubt.

A nightly cry seemed to call him from the distance and yet he was certain that no noise was made.  He squinted his eyes to see if something on the horizon could tell him what might lay ahead.  The cry had taken him from his negative thoughts and he couldn’t help to think of T. and their long hour discussions about the spirits and the wheel of life that kept turning.  Crow was more of a rationalist.  Calculated and organized in his thoughts and yet he had seen too much which he couldn’t explain to dismiss the spirits or influence of a hidden force.  He waited to listen if there was truly something calling him and yet he knew deep down it was in vain.  He pulled up the scarf again and headed in the direction in which he felt himself directed.  An old killer that had nothing better to do than to find himself walking in a direction that held perhaps only a dream.

Along the line he felt the call stronger, making himself restless and weary. Was it the call of his own death ? Was it the call that the wheel would turn without him ? He remembered the story of the urt, T. once told him. The older urt telling the younger one to watch out for the wheels of a cart and with it finding his own death. A small grin formed behind the scarf at the recollection of the story, which no other could tell so beautiful as his comrade Taog.  He chuckled softly to himself, visioning the faces of the slaves that had often been forced to listen to the two men sharing tales about life, death and the meaning of life.  How amazing that even now such could bring comfort while something seemed out there, which didn’t make any sense.  The weariness seemed to be replaced with the hunger of knowing, the desire to face the demon or to learn from his mistakes.  The killer :  The Crow seemed to have ruffled his feathers and was ready to face that which had called him from afar.

Something told him in the darkness that someone was there and yet he couldn’t see anyone there.  The crying seemed to have stopped and he was sure that this spot, was one that he needed to find.  He stood there, completely in that power of his. That strength that indeed would tell about the purpose, the meaning of what he was. It felt that with every step he had made his doubt about himself had become less.  He was slightly annoyed that his own puzzle didn’t seem to be unravelled by the spot he was drawn too.  Yet now he had found it he wouldn’t leave it without the answer he felt was there.  In no state to just find a spot to get some sleep, he gathered some branches when suddenly his look met the sleeping girl near something he could use to start a fire. The girl unrecognizable in the dark was sound asleep.  A glance about the place to see that she at least had sheltered herself against the cold wind.

While he silently build that pile he could light for a fire, he wondered if this woman was perhaps there for his answer. It wouldn’t be a first that a slave girl, without knowing, had given him answers to puzzles he didn’t seem been able to resolve.  With the first light of the fire he watched the light dance over her small frame. Her pale skin seemed fragile while her hair was like this frame around it. The woman curled up as if it had tried to find shelter by nature itself became more visual and suddenly he knew who this woman was.

“The Peacock has lost her feathers.” He whispered while he placed the heavy cloak over her body and warmed himself by the fire until she would awake.

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1. Episode of the Peacock and the Crow

Posted in The Peacock and The Crow with tags on December 14, 2011 by crow1971
Dyval: Reflection

The snow crunched under her boots as she shuffled along towards the encampment while she deposited more wood into the weak fire that she had compiled.  The fire crackled in response to the additional faggot she added to the small pit she had managed to create despite her obvious surroundings.  The faggot she discarded into the fire revealed to be thick, decaying boards of wood that she had meticulously extracted from the adjacent barn’s walls and floors.  Though this one seemed to be bare as compared to the last barn she stayed in, ushering half of the animals outside to where she had to take solace in sleeping next to bosk dung to retain warmth since it was so cold.  She had returned to Dyval to find her former owner’s cabin had been sold and the former remnants of her Pani identity either abandoned or sold.  No word or acknowledgement… in his own way he had liberated her.

The cabin was a footnote in her history, another seed of pain planted and reaped into her irreversible memory.

She ran through the Northern Woods a great distance, apathetic to the branches and shrubs which scratched her limbs and to the fallen trees she tripped over.  She did not even care if a larl or Kur assaulted and devoured her.  She was beyond the syncretism of both her cultures which she depended upon for survival, having been consequently abandoned by both.  Her spirit and beauty were always accepted, but like a jewel in an Ubar’s ring, she was a showpiece; an object for men to display at will.  Where was the honor in that?

Even Lord Nishida, who had later sold her mother’s contract to the Karian slaver who witnessed her at the Tyros-Cos victory banquet all those years ago did what he wanted… and she assumed he was her father.
Or was he?

Apparently, her mother had been with another man before Suyuan’s conception.  A one-named ashigaru named Goro who was fiercely loyal to the daimyo.  To reward him, Lord Nishida indefinitely loaned him Mizumi briefly after her debut as a contract woman.  Even Lord Nishida saw to it that his own women would be put to use even amongst his own men.  But, it was not revealed, even to Mizumi herself was was that she had an allergy to the sweetener which was usually added to the wine of the noble free woman that contract women utilize to deter unwanted pregnancy.  Most children of contract women begin as mistakes anyway.  The formula proved useless and Mizumi’s belly swelled with child.  Lord Nishida, who had stolen Mizumi’s virginity and had legal rights over her body, believed the child was his and confined her for the duration of her pregnancy.

The pleasure house manifested a rival contract woman whom loathed Mizumi and her success.  Her name was Sumomo and she had a peaceful, lovely demeanor with a proud high brow, expressive eyes, and an oval mouth which was twisted into a perpetual smirk.  Sumomo was ambitious and cruel, but also very cunning.  Because of her, Suyuan was often switched and Mizumi often scolded by the Okaasan.  But, Lord Nishida remained steadfast in his devotion to both.  The ost woman executed a plan for Mizumi to find disfavor with the daimyo and she observed the reserved, kind woman often to seek out her weakest point and strike like the proverbial snake she was.  Her opportunity came.

Mizumi was discovered in the arms of Goro by Lord Nishida, due to Sumomo’s precise and careful planning.  From that moment on, the idyllic world of that the then seven year old knew was shattered.

————-

She was preparing for her Obioki ritual, being permitted to attire herself in the traditional obi that adult women wore and commence rigorous training in the contract women arts.  According to the priests and diviners, a seven year old girl was no longer considered part of the world of the gods – of fantasy, dreams, and blessings.  She was growing up and had to begin to accept duty and responsibility.  The mirror which reflected the image before her revealed a comely little girl with a soft, heart-shaped face, unscarred then and eyes which revealed irises of honey-brown to amber shade.  Varying eye colors among the Pani people were uncommon, but not unheard of, due to lessening isolation with mainland Gor over the years.  Ki smiled with her as the platinum-haired slave remained untouched by the years.
“Little Mistress does look very beautiful.  You will be very strong after this and no longer a fragile child.  You will bring your mother honor.” She stated, admiring her charge.
“Ki, after this ceremony, will I still be able to play with my friends? Like other children?”
Ki was about to answer her when the shoji screens of Suyuan’s room burst open and revealed two ashigaru of Lord Nishida.  They were two men Suyuan knew and who personally guarded both Mizumi and Suyuan.
“Yuji-san! Minoru-san! Do you both like my kimono?” The child was attired in a korti of gray-green and vermillion colors, revealing maple leaf designs in expensive fabric.  At her obi, she bored a mingled crest of both Lord Nishida and the pleasure house.  Unlike other free women, contract women changed their colors and flowers patterns monthly, depending upon the season.  It was an expensive, but colorful investment. The kimono that Suyuan wore was for Pani Children’s Festival in which she would receive copious blessings and gifts for becoming a “healthier child on the path to adulthood”.
The one called Yuji stepped forward just as Ki leaped up and began to scold them for their rude intrusion, when he backhanded her and she collapsed to the floor.  Suyuan gasped, observing the display with shock when Minoru approached Suyuan and glimpsed down dispassionately at her, “Suyuan.” He stated flatly, more like a command as he addressed her, “Lord Nishida has ordered us to take you to Port Kar where a slaver is awaiting both your mother’s and your personal delivery.  He has sold your mother’s contract to him.  One day, you will be a collar-girl.”

The news was like a white noise in her head and she blinked for several moments as she attempted to process it, “N-Nani?! What?!”
“We know your mother’s secret and whether or not you knew it yourself is inconsequential.  You may be a contract woman’s daughter, but you are not a daimyo’s child.”
Ki clamored over to Suyuan’s side where she wrapped her arms about the young girl’s ankles and wept into the hem of her kimono.  Yuji kicked her, sending Suyuan stumbling into the mirror when Minoru thrust some folded garments against her chest.
“Change and then we will depart.  If you attempt to run or struggle, we will shackle you and carry you the rest of the way.  You are fortunate that Lord Nishida is sparing both yours and your mother’s lives, despite this dishonor she has brought upon you both.”

Suyuan would later learn that her biological father was coerced to commit ritual suicide and Lord Nishida collected his head afterwards as a trophy which only Pani did to enemies.  Goro, the roughened, yet scheming ashigaru who actually gave a damn enough to often inquire about his own daughter’s life was killed… because of Lord Nishida’s anger with Mizumi.

—————————-

The first frost had broken and the snows would soon follow and with it the difficulty to navigate the forests as they lacked the lucidity of what she sought – the black bird.  It was the caw of that beast which had settled into the nettle tree and perched upon a single branch to observe her nearly lethal actions.  The cawing rightfully distracted just as she approached the edge while the late summer breeze picked up and idly played with random strands of her tangled, thick blackberry locks.  There was no plea from the Thassa breeze to cease her action as she glimpsed down the linear aspect of the cliff.  Another jagged rock dislodged itself from the wall and tumbled down into the depths below, splashing as it encountered the currents.  She teetered over the edge, glimpsing down into what would be her future when the bellowing of the black bird interrupted her thoughts and her head turned to regard the creature.

That was when she remembered the old folktale of the tengu-karasu which both her mother and Ki had expounded upon.  They were fearsome creatures with sharp teeth and claws who hatched from large eggs and resided in nests in the mountains of the Farther Islands where the Pani resided.  Despite their frightening appearance, they were good spirits; appearing to humans through thoughts or dreams and rewarding the good and punishing the unjust.

Suyuan narrowed her eyes and scrutinized the creature, noticing a third appendage upon the beast which resembled something of a third leg which was slightly shriveled.  Most would regard the beast as deformed but her recollection expounded what her mother’s diviner at the tarncamp shrine manifested to her after her reading her fortune at age three.
“Her life will be changed by the Yatagarasu… the three-legged crow.”
Katsumi was an aged, silver-haired shamaness whom the people visited to retrieve their fortunes.  Many said she spoke to the gods, including the Priest-Kings.
“What do you mean, Katsumi-sama? Is it Amaterasu-omikami?”
The crow, particularly the legend of the three-legged one was a messenger or symbol of the compassionate Pani sun goddess, Amaterasu who reigned and watched over the world. But, with the arrival of the dour, white-robed men, the sects devoted were outlawed.  After the initial “sacrifice” of the men, the beliefs resumed, though with more discretion due to the fanaticism of the Priest-Kings centuries earlier.

“This child is being watched over by the gods… she may never know it, experience it, or even realize it, but she is a vessel, an agent.  But, death surrounds her… one man who brings death everywhere has his path interlinked with hers.  He too, is an agent.  He is the symbol of the crow and she is the butterfly with peacock wings.”

——————-

Suyuan cast another board into the flames as she wrapped the tattered larl fur around her shoulders.  She hadn’t realized how much weight she had lost since her absence of the collar and her time at the cliffs.  A gim hooted in the distance as she raised her legs up to her chest to settle against her fur and leather poncho which was stained with old blood – whether from hunting the barn urts she dined upon this evening that she had gutted, but there was too much of it and she recalled the pretty slave girl she had to dispose of who nearly revealed her hiding place in the barn.  She pressed her lips against the back of her knees, shivering while she remembered the sweet, mellifluous voice about to bellow out for help, “Panther! Panther!” Suyuan’s callused hand clamped down over her mouth and her crude sleen knife performed the rest as she sliced into the tender flesh of her throat and the arterial spray inevitably stained her clothes, hair, and face.  She closed her eyes while the bondmaid sputtered, gurgled, and expired in her lethal embrace.  Suyuan did not flinch or even weep while she extinguished her life, only proceeding to drag the corpse over to where her compacted sleeping corner was and laid the girl there.  To glimpse at the eyes of the dead was a bad omen but she did anyway and noticed that they were blue and open, gaping; staring at everything and nothing.  The bondmaid’s face had a horrified expression which would remain frozen before she began to decay.  Death was indiscriminate in its expressions at times.  The Pani woman performed her last kindly gesture for her by placing her fingers upon her eyelids and closing them so that evil spirits wouldn’t enter her eyes and commenced to cover her with the bale of hay next to her.  She genuflected and prayed over her corpse, beseeching her and the gods for mercy with tears cresting upon her cheekbones

She hated killing and this girl certainly didn’t deserve to die, but in matters of survival and avoidance of the collar, her death was necessary.

Now she wore her blood upon her clothes like a badge and even though it was days prior, the girl’s face joined the blur of souls she had killed and sold to survive; a procession of men and women who haunted her Suyuan divested herself of the garment, allowing it to join the other barn boards in the fire.  She watched it burn with the numerous faces that haunted her like ghosts, hence why she named herself Yurei… she had died and returned to the world of the living as a ghost; sometimes vengeful, often hungry, though mostly roaming.  The world of men was her irrevocable fate and she haunted just on the outskirts of their will.  For now, her primary thoughts catered towards the probability of escaping Dyval and finding the man whom the diviner had referred to.  As the smoke ascended into the night sky, she stated one word, her breath steadily expelling past her lips as she stated his name, “Crow…” It was he that she needed to find in order to find the root to the strange occurrences which have been transpiring as of late.

Because, she had seen more than one black crow and only one with the third-leg before her attempted suicide… and in Pani folktale, that’s when Heaven intervened on someone’s behalf.
The diviner’s message from her childhood… and her last conversation with Crow before the omens commenced.  He brought death which she was aware of.  He had to have something to do with the omens… which were yet to be determined in their nature.

But, as superstitious as she was in her later years, why would he be the first one to consider?
Then she recalled Crow’s advice to her before his departure from Dyval; something about life after she had tearfully informed him of a known Pani woman’s suicide from the Impress.
Her eyes became heavy and she laid down next to the large bosk dung pile for warmth and curled up into a fetal position while she attempted to get warm.  The gim hooted again as she slipped into unconsciousness, dreaming of her better days in Salernum when she encountered the infamous Black Caste for the very time and how she came to meet Crow.

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Lurking

Posted in Black Caste on October 5, 2011 by crow1971

 

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Among Brothers

Posted in Black Caste with tags , , , on October 2, 2011 by crow1971

Assassin: “Thought I might find you here, Killer.” said Solomon, looking for a comfortable stump to sit on.

 

Crow  looked up from his reading. “Awake finally … If I ever thought to keep this camp a secret I should kill you first. Man you can snore.” he jested.

 

Crow  nodded while grinning “I can imagine you might need an ear.” he said earnest. “Mila told me a bit of what has been happening .. are you all right ?” he asks. His concern for the man evidently in his voice and pose.

 

Assassin: “THe snoring is the Ost, not I.” he told him. “She remains in the tent curled up as if the creature she be named after and yes – I am somewhat at odds with a past I believed was true and which now find might built on falsehood.”

 

Crow  nodded “I have to say I am shocked … or perhaps even more impressed by you.” he admitted. “I never guessed you to be from Earth. At least that is if that is true ?” he asks. There was nothing judgemental in his voice but true puzzlement on that fact.

 

Assassin: Regarded Crow for a moment, Solomon was a little surprised that he had heard the news so quickly. So much for client/patient confidentiality but it mattered not. Solomon had already made up his mind to reveal his earth roots to the Killer. It was a secret no one had any idea of, only the recent blood tests giving up his long kept secret. Even he would not have foreseen that one. “It is true. I was born on Earth.” He admitted.

 

Crow  nods once, only imagine how this might come across. “I can imagine you to be worried about how I know this. Mila has once vowed her loyalty to Scar and myself. She felt it important I was aware. She knows that such information is not to be shared if her life means anything to her.” he reassured him. “In an odd way it makes sense Sol. You and Raven both so hunted by the Kurii and yet I wonder why ? I can imagine you might hold so much information on the caste they might wish that as some … means to their war. ” he frowns “You know as to why you are on Gor ?” he asks curious as hell about all of this.

 

Assassin: “You ask me a question that would take some time to explain, parts of which even I have no answer for.” he said.

 

Crow  nodded “I am not the type that will pry Sol. I am concerned of course and have all the time in the World if you need me to hear … At times to speak of it might give some new insights.” he proposed. “I am just a simple killer Sol … so my knowledge as to Earth is small … but I don’t doubt its existence.”

 

Assassin: “Oh, believe me, Crow. It exists. It is a world as harsh as this one, in its own way. Our technology surpasses that of Gor except for in the area of medicine. I come from an Island country called England, its part of a larger continent known as Europe. I worked for a government sanctioned group called the Organization, all ex military, all hand picked and all experts in how to dispose of troublesome enemies of state. I was an Assassin. I killed for country rather than for gold, Assassins are very different from the Killers of Gor, much more hidden and covert. There is no striding brazenly into a city to do the work of killing unhindered. To be discovered is an embarrassment and earns either death or imprisonment.” He began to explain.

 

Crow  listens intently. He had heard of Earth, how it held women in equal regards as men. Stories about odd things he couldn’t comprehend passed his mind while he tried to grasp it. The work he understood to some degree, even though he couldn’t quite see what a country was. His eyes squinted a bit as if he tried to remain sharp and focussed to assess the information to what it was meant for.

 

Assassin: “I was on a “hunt” the day I was brought to Gor. I remember it like it was yesterday. I had acquired my mark, my eyes where on target. The odd thing was I had a strange feeling about the whole sanction from the start. I mean when you look into your scope, you don’t expect to be met by a smiling face.” Solomon explained, somewhat forgetting that Crow would not be accustomed to the terms he talked of. There were not even Gorean words for such things and Solomon did his best to use the closest translations as possible but the look on Crows face said it all, Solomon’s explanation might be proving difficult.

 

Crow  nodded while listening, asking what some words meant. It made it hard to follow and yet Sol had the gift to at least give him some insights what he meant. He nodded again at the fact that it would indeed be odd that your hit would look back like it knew and smiled. He himself often haunted by the surprised and horrified expression of those he killed.

 

Assassin: “There was a distance of perhaps half a pasang between me and my mark. I was using special killing equipment that could magnify and close the distance so that looked as if my mark was as close as you are to me now. When I looked, my mark was looking right at me and smiling, she knew I was there, she knew the reason why I was there. It was at that precise moment that I was removed from my kill-zone and relocated into a Gorean meadow. “He paused for a moment before continuing. “To this very day I still believe her smiling face, that all knowing expression upon her face and my waking in that meadow are intrinsically related.”

 

Crow  frowns at that “So she wanted you out of the way ? You remember why you were asked to kill her ?” he asks while considering the options. “I can only imagine some wishing me to another planet so I will never succeed my kill.” he stated.

 

Assassin: “The mark was the daughter of a well heeled mobster. Their entire family ruled a city called New London, the city I was also born in but saw little of. The sanction or hunt that I was attempting was a coordinated effort, which means that the entire family had been targeted for extinction – all family members were being hit at the exact same time. It was a cleansing and a reinstatement of another family who would then take over but to our favor.” He explained as simply as he could. Crow was not stupid; the simple descriptions were simply to help with translation from English into Gorean. “I was privy to some files before hitting the ground. The only part that didn’t add up was a short paragraph that at the time I did not understand.” He said readying to explain further.

 

Crow  frowns “So when I understand a family was to be killed but it was prevented by those that could get you here.” he muses “That sounds like Kurii intervention … but why not just kill you … ” he added as in an afterthought. He than again listens intrigued by this foreign world that seemed like science fiction to him. A world with technology so different than what he was accustomed too. “What was that paragraph ?” he asks curious while he tried to keep all the information organized in his own brain.

 

Assassin: “The paragraph read thusly – Baron Dynasty profiled with A51 (Area) protocols. Alien race identification 10.3456763EdLLKc77 – KURii – CE3.” He said looking up into the eyes of Crow.

 

Crow  frowns and shook his head “Kurii … but the rest doesn’t make any sense to me.” he admitted “You ?” he asks

 

Assassin: “It does, yes” he admitted. “About 20 year before the day of the sanction. Deep governmentally controlled departments on earth found evidence of “Other Life forms” located in orbit around the planet Jupiter.’ Solomon explained, watching Crows expressions, simplifying whenever he noted any indication of confusion upon the Killers face. “10 years later, contact was made but the close encounter was not made by us, us I mean the governments of the world. It was made, we discovered, by what we call “The Underworld. The criminal organizations of my planet – Mobsters such as the Baron Family.” He explained while shifting as he sat there talking. It was as if he were about to reveal something more and he was. “We later found out that it was that had somehow found favor with this Kurii race. Darius Baron, the eldest son. Also known as Rasor Klopek.” He said coldly.

 

Assassin: who it was*

 

Crow  eyes grew large at the mentioning of Rasor. Crow had killed the man but knew him to be alive just as quick again. It had puzzled him to no end and he feared the technology the Kurii owned that truly had been why the man seemed to be indestructible. “Dammit Sol … that man has more lives than a larl … and I always thought him to be more talk than show … but with this … he is thus even more significant than I wish him to be.” he frowns “But it still doesn’t make sense … why sent you here … “

 

Assassin: “That is the part that i wish to learn also, Crow.” he told him.

 

Crow  nodded “Well it might give some insight in why you are here, but since you are … and not alone even when it comes to relatives.” he commented. “That would scare the crap out of me Sol. I have to say … there is a big sceme here … “

 

Assassin: “I have to agree with you. I am still working out what i know from the files that I memorized about the baron family. Its deep and will take too long to explain now but I am going to get to the bottom of this mystery. By the way. I know why it is that Klopek is so hard to kill. He isnt. You did kill him. The klopek you witnessed that turned your view of reality on its head was indeed the same person, with the same memories and goals – he was a clone.”

 

Crow  made a fist “Dammit I knew it … Scar told me about that procedure, however I never thought it truly possible.” he shook his head as if he tried to organize all the information and scrabble it in a way so it would make sense “I can only imagine your determination … Hell even I would want to know. Is there something I can do to help ?” he asks. He had a huge respect for Sol, saw him like a mentor which he had been and often still was.

 

Assassin: looked into the fire and spoke, it was more of a side note rather than something of vital important – “To clone someone you need huge financial resources or are dam important to global society. Klopek must be dam important to the Kur if they or those of earth who are part of all this have used cloning technology. Piers Donalgrapht perfected the process of human cloning on march the 14th 2021. I have a file on him also.” he explained briefly. “I need you to stay close my Brother.” he chose to use the word Brother for the first time toward the Killer he had known for so long deliberately for that is how Solomon saw him now. We need to be ready at all times and perhaps help me to put the pieces of this dam puzzle together.”

 

Assassin: or be dam important to global*

 

Crow  nodded, even though the names didn’t tell him much. “I am there where you wish me – brother – I fought once … and will do it again if need be. ” he said in earnest. “Mila said something about Laura … this place and that it couldn’t be a coincidence … what are your thoughts on this ?” he asks. His devotion to the caste and some of the killers he considered as close as one could get to him as most important.

 

Assassin: “Another part of all this that I still can’t fathom. This location, Laura. Why here? The sudden revelation of dead siblings being very much alive and why there was a requirement to keep this a secret from me during my life? – It makes even less sense to me than the Baron family connection to the Kurri and me being brought to Gor so long ago. I have to agree though – everything seems to be connected with this location, that or its merely a milestone along the path of destiny.” He mused aloud.

 

Crow  nodded “Fate does bring us puzzles and I fear that with some answers more questions might be there.” he now looked at him intently “Some time ago I learned that one of my children wasn’t dead as I presumed. It turned everything upside down … to be honest. To learn you have two relatives here while you thought to be alone.” he paused “I can’t even imagine how that must feel.” he said with his empathy that seemed so odd considering his profession.

 

Assassin: “We appear to me pawns in an intergalactic game of Kaissa, my friend. I feel that we are being placed into vital positions on the board and when we are all in place, only then will we finally know the reason why.”

 

Crow  nodded “Scar said something to that effect when it came to Raven .. so I am not surprised.” he stated. “Hmmm lots to think about Sol.” he added.

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A forced collar for a snake

Posted in Black Caste, Mastery with tags , , , , on September 29, 2011 by crow1971

The Ost looks around the room wildly..making note of exit points, peripherals, people. She operates the same way her dark masters had though she isnt really even aware of it. Her eyes move to the bed then. Thats him..she’d know the form of him anywhere. “me..?” She husks towards Mila, only to turn suddenly when Crow steps in. Her posture changes, lips pulling back to bare irregular teeth at him..a low hiss spat. “Stay away from me…” She warns..slowly moving towards the bed…her eyes never leaving crow though she speakks to Mila..”is he alive?”

 

Crow  hadn’t been aware of Sols presence here and when he noted the wild look of Ost his brow arched in surprise. Still he didn’t let himself be triggered by it. Calm and calculated he tried to comprehend what he walked into. However when Ost spoke to him he slightly tensed. He never was one to underestimate a situation, however he would kill her or try within a blink of an eye if he felt it was needed. He moved with stealth towards the bed and although it seemed he turns to listen to Mila he was very much aware of her, a poisonous girl for so many reasons.

 

Mila placed herself between Sol and the Panther, a defensive and protective move really..Mila crossed her arms about herself..one hand clutching the lower part of her necklace,it was a practiced gesture ,one made to release the lock onthe poisoned dagger,but making it look more like she was being self defensive or casually bored in some circumstances..not this one however..she watched the Panther’s movements and the sudden reaction to seeing Crow..Mila did not take her eyes from the Forest girl”Barely..you did well to suck out what you could,tis the only reason he continues to breathe”Mila took a minute step sideways to block more of her view of him..she made no acknowledgment of Crow being present..then smiled slowly and did indeed look to him”Tal Sir’she returned her gaze back to Ost ,her brows raised as if questioning her “I need a sample of your blood and saliva”Mila said it simply,matter of factly and perhaps in a way that could not be questioned

 

Solomon Voss: Lifts his head, the movement was difficult, painful but he would hold himself together. Solomon then strained to lift himself to his elbows, his fingers gathering up the fabric of the bed sheet in two tightly griped fists, a bead of sweat formed on his brow and quickly ran down his cheek. “You risk your freedom, Snake.” He said sourly, holding him self up with trembling arms. “I would do as she asked, Ost.” He added.

 

Crow  knew now what had happened and his eyes no longer held surprise but knowing. They were as sharp as daggers upon Ost, as if he already cut her to pieces for doing what he now learned she had done. He didn’t speak and with it was in a mode that perhaps made him the most dangerous man he ever could be. His hands seemed to be idly but he knew how long it would take to draw either of them if it was needed. HIs pose was that of strength and a man that wouldn’t move out of fear but out of the desire to put whatever would come next to his advantage.

 

The Ost doesnt like this so much but she knew the risks well enough before she ever slunk her skinny ass down from the forest. She bumps into the chair, making it bark in movement over the floor. “-you- risked my freedom, killer.” She says back to the dying man in the bed, then grey eyes flick between crow and Mila. “Take it then..if it will help him..but do it fast..or i’ll destroy you.”

 

Solomon Voss: takes an opportunity to cast his blurry vision to a dark figure in the room. With one hard knuckle he rubs his right eye then blinks several times as if to remove a tree from the orbit. “Is that you, Crow?” he enquires looking back in the direction of the Ost. “She didn’t bite me, Killer.” He admitted.

 

Crow  eyes pierced her as if the words she spoke would be enough for him to leap in rage and destroy the girl. However he was not the man that would do such just because he felt like it. He was calculating and giving every angle thought that would ensure that none would be harmed. “Don’t make idle threats – Ost.” he said low and there seemed to be a promise in his word. For a moment the memory of the fight with the Kur passed him, having risked his life for the man in the bed once. The same man that had created him for the biggest part as to his use for the caste. When Sol spoke he was slightly confused but answered “It is me, Sol.” he said to him while he quickly refocused upon Ost. He hadn’t forgotten her threat “Than why is it she that is needed here ?” he asks.

 

Solomon Voss: “I forced the beasts vile bite upon myself. You heard from her mouth in this moment that she is keen to destroy us. I put her vow to the test and found her desire wanting and here she be, sneaking bout to see if I live and offering blood to aid he who she wished to destroy. Seems to be a watery wish or lack of passion to destroy even a fly on a bosk turd.” He said falling back to his bed.

 

Mila kept her gaze on Ost..listening ..the air so thick with tension one could cut it with a knife..Mila wasn’t thrilled with the tension..the antagonizing of the Panther girl here, who came out of care and perhaps love..she risked saying to her plainly”Do not allow them to antagonize you and do -not- threaten one who seeks to aid you and the one you have remorse for actions taken..it only works to destroy yourself, and if it is suicide you seek? I can sample blood and saliva when you are dead as well..”Mila kept her gaze steady on the girl “I will not ask you to remove your weapons..but I will ask you to place a mouth brace on,I do not wish to be bitten nor do I trust you would not in a sudden act of impluse”

 

The Ost slides her gaze over Crow, the smile that dawns on her face is cruel, “So quick to want to kill me, aren’t you. You feel it rush through your veins..hot..why didn’t you when i would have accepted it as part of my loyalty to you..to any of you..” She asks, Solomons words again cutting straight through all those layers of century long frustrations and anger and stabbing deep into her heart. “I was wrong, wasn’t i…Solomon.” His name falls from her lips for the first time, hissed just so. Her breahthing has quickened though. It could all end..all of it..it could all be done so fast. She looks at Mila, emotions always so easily read on the ost’s face. “Then take it when i am dead.” She says..just before leaping at her, the full brunt of a tall but skinny frame throwing itself at her. She’d made the choice, apparently.

 

Crow  arched a brow at the admission of Sol, why would any men ask for such was something that he couldn’t understand. The girl had served him often and for some reason her being armed didn’t make him see her different. The mere thought that he might have tempted her too just to see the difference between her enslavement or her status as a panther girl was now understood. He turns to Ost “It seems you know very little of me – Ost. But your ignorance doesn’t bother me. It was not I that started with threats … but you will know me when you even dare to carry out one ihn of them.” he promised. “I kept you alive … and that should tell you … but I will not those that I think are a risk to the caste I serve.” Than when he noted Ost leap his hand reached for his blade and with in that blink of an eye he was next to her. She couldn’t focus on Mila and him and with it he would attempt to grasp her hair rough and use his blade to counter any attack she might try in that moment.

 

Solomon Voss: Eyes are closed now, the effort to sit up had taken its toll, such a simple thing can become a towering wall to conquer. There is much to this tale that remained unknown “The slave is important. Spare her.” He growled painfully.

 

Mila was ready for an attack…Mila didnt want the panther dead..just wanted wolrd peace no no sorry -laughs-Mila tried to side step the woman throwing herself in her direction..a sworl of movement and action..Mila’s skirts got inthe way of her movement flying towards the girl and Mila’s own legs..surely tripping them both up in the process.Mila cired out “No!!!” it could have been an exclaimation of distress or to Crow to not kill Ost.. and more then likely tumbled down with the girl,the only thing perhaps saving mila from her bite,if she was aiming to bite Mila..was Crow attempting to grab Ost by the hair.Mila tried to brace her fall and kick at Ost,but the skirts were making this more of a mess

 

Solomon Voss: A black cloud falls upon Solomon’s mind like a heavy black cloak drenched in Black Caste secrets. A long sigh leaves the Assassins lips. He does not take another breath inward as would be expected.

 

The Ost is an animal. She had never argued the fact even when draped in ridiculous jewels and kept for show like some fancy prize. She was bred to kill and the truth of it flashes wild in her eyes. She was going in for the bite to be sure, but crow’s hand grasps the long tangles of her hair, its courseness had finally rubbed itself into dredlocks. She screams, the sort of awful sound a wild-cat might make before a slew of schendian spills furiously from her lips..her body tangled with Mila’s, instinct takes over and probably much to anyone’s surprise, her hold on Mila starts tightening, long brown legs seeking to draw her closer, hands curling into any part of her that she can grasp…like a snake might do to its prey.

 

Crow  wasn’t much occupied with Mila at this point, but his entire focus was upon Ost. The words of Sol were noted. His grasp on her hair became firm and when he realised that Ost kept Mila he felt he had no alternative than to use the hilt of his blade to knock her out. He lifted his blade and with the precision he was taught he flung it down upon her head. His force considerable and with it a sure blow that would knock a woman out cold.

 

Mila had fallen under her,hands flung out to brace the fall and the dagger inher necklace,alredy having been released and held in a tight fist was forced out of her hand,flung far away in the fracas.Mila squirmed under Ost’s tightening grip and with prescision grasped the girl’s throat…and applied pressure to her carotid and the pressure points there..her other hand went to strike her at the base of her nose to try and cause excruciating pain and disable her enough..so the clutch upon her throat would surely stop blood flow to her brain and weaken her.Mila was a physician and trained like no others…and strong as a woman of the wagons,always working hard,along side slaves or alone..perhaps Mila was an equal match..she saw crow’s sword hilt aim towards Osts’s head and tried with all her might to extend her arm gripping the girl to force her upwards.

 

The Ost expected nothing but death..but she oculd at least go to the cities of dust proving Solomon wrong. Her grip loosens with Mila’s counter-strike, and the combination of blows knocks her out immediately. She slumps, probably falling on Crow’s foot. Yeah..she is totally an effective fighter there. Now…she is swimming in the same inky blackness as the man in the bed.

 

Solomon Voss: Lay unconscious or at least he thought he was. If this was the case how is it then, that he can see the room and all its occupants as clearly as if they where in the beams of a flood light? Why is it then, that he can see himself, laying there on the bed below?

 

Crow  dragged the now heavy weight of her unconsciousness from Mila and sheathed his blade “You wish her tied down ?” he asks Mila matter of factly while he took two metal cuffs from his belt. He would crouch down and took her wrists so he could clamp them about her. The chains would restrain them tight together.

 

Mila grappled to get up and untangle herself from her skirts..and breathing heavily gasped “aye bind her and gag her,make it so she cannot move” she finally got up and looked at Sol and cried out a earth curse word her sl;ave raja taught her in Ivar’s “Fuck!”Mila raced to Sol upon the bed and in a flash checked him for breathing and his pulse…it was weak and threaded…she took her hands and with a combined clenching of them hit him hard on his chest…she placed her face to his mouth and again crused”fuck fuck fuck” and Mila pressed his nose tight and took a deep breath,pressed her mouth to his and released it into his lungs…Mila started Gorean CPR (NPhave fun)

 

Solomon Voss: Closes his eyes, this is not a natural blink but a rational decision to do so. When he opens his eyes the room is gone, instead he stands next to two cots in a hospital ward. Before him lay new borns, the wrist bands that the infants ware bare the name VOSS. Twins? A male and a female. There is a commotion behind him and as he turns he is greeted with an open field, in the sky are three moons.

 

The Ost just lays there as she is trussed by Crow in the effective and swift fashion of the Gorean male. She is not visited by visions, just the pereptual black nothing..stretching eons.

 

Solomon Voss: In his ears he could hear a dull thudding, something like a door being struck but from a distance, interestingly he thought, “I can feel the sound against my chest”. Solomon tears himself away from the sky scene and spins about. The field is gone, he is back on the ward but one of the cots is now empty. “Strange” he thought to himself. “The baby girl is gone.” He indicates to a young nurse who simply smiles and nods as if it were completely normal. “She is required elsewhere, Solomon. As you will be in time.” She said softly. “Beware the snakes.” She added before leaving the room.

 

Crow  nodded while he took a piece of his own tunic that he ripped to tangle it around her mouth and knotted it behind her head. He worked as ever careful and with understanding that he was near the most dangerous things as to her fangs. When he had done so he would grab her by the wrists and leaped her to her feet, holding her firm up for him while he slapped her cheeks to get her back to the land of the living. He could only understand that the girl might kick him but with no hands to grab him and her mouth covered by the tight cloth he doubted her strength would out match his own. “Now Ost – calm down.” he said his voice like smooth but with an edge that he would be less pleasant if she tried anything foolish again.

 

Mila was upon the bed,straddling him as she administered CPR..her hands crossed and pushing on his chest,her mouth pressing to his sharing the breath of life.She worked diligently on her patient,talking to him as she pressed on his chest”Come on now Sol,don’t do this,you can make it thru this..the girl is not dead..come on now you have work to do,people to see,places to explore..dont give up on me now!”Mila checked his pulse and found it stronger.,,and .,.was he breathing now on his own?

 

Aramintia  as she walked she had hoped to find the healer, the new land would confuse her and she would get quite lost. She stumbled across a few houses and saw some people through the window, she could not make them out, she also did not see the usual customery green flag outside of the building but she decide to stop and knock and maybe she would get lucky. Hand came up and she knelt and knocked on the door and said “Please mistress green are you in there please”

 

The Ost awoke slowly, like air being pulled into lungs, or rising to the surface of a dark pool. Jaws clench immediately, only to find fabric there and her arms bound. No..she might be wild and angry but her danger comes in the craftiness and picking another fight where she is at an obvious disadvantage wouldn’t be really smart. She does try to crane around though to see Solomon, a hoarse cry muffled then by the fabric in her mouth. What the hell is that woman doing! She’s going to kill him! Its a very confusing time in the ost’s life.

 

Crow  used his strength to turn Ost and grabbed her by both shoulders “For crying out loud – Ost – dammit Calm down.” he tells her. His eyes were dark and perhaps lifeless as those of a shark in this very moment. Perhaps there was this mode of shutting out all his own feelings in situations like this. “Since when are you a physician – Ost – While it is you that has him there in the first place.” he added while he shook her small frame slightly to get her to focus upon him.

 

Solomon Voss: The heavy thudding of a door now sounded closer in his ears. Solomon tried to locate its direction, his chest vibrated from the sound. He began to feel it important that he find the door and open it. “Can you sign this, Mr. Voss?” Said a male nurse who stood to the right of the twin cots. “What is it? Solomon asks him, taking the pen from the smiling man. “We need your permission to operate.” Said the nurse. “Your sister will not survive otherwise.” He added. “Oh and you are needed back in Laura so better hurry.” Solomon opens his eyes wide and coughs violently before taking a much needed breath. The weight of Mila upon him felt crushing for such a slight woman.

 

Aramintia  heard noises from inside, she would think she heard the voice of the master that cut her long lockets the other day and scared the bejesus out of her. Her shoulder started to tremble and she thought to herself as she took very slow and quiet step backward. “maybe bad time yes yes indeed bad time” will come back another time especially a time that, that master was not present. saw some brush of grass and leaped into it hoping she had not been heard or seen.

 

The Ost went still and silent then. Either the fight had gone out of her or she is simply saving up her reserves for later. YOu really just never know with her. Pale eyes peer up at Crow..all the wonder and confidence that had once been there is gone. There is no mystery left in the world and certainly nothing -good- it is monochrome and bleak and its only hope is to burn. Her eyes stay locked on his, brave maybe..or foolish.

 

Mila bearthed out relief seeing him cougha nd gasp taking breath on his own..she eased off him as she spoke”welcome back” and sighed with relief..breathless herself from the administered CPR..Mila tripped as sheeased off the bed,her skirt ripped and catching her booted foot..sprawling on the floor..half on the bed half off..she cursed and sowre she was going to wear pants…she righted herself and smacked at her skirt…glancing to Ost and Crow..seeing he had the girl secured”He lives” is all she said..Mila turned and checks his vitals..and secures another IV bag to the pole..checking the site upon Sol’s arm..she looks over to Crow and Ost now.Mila had the impluse to go over and just punch her in the face..but too..Mila had compassion for her..and a slight understanding of what drove her away and into the forests on her own..as Mila too had lived such a life upon a few occasions..finally getting the normal rythm of her breathing back,Mila checked on Sol one more time..seeing he did in fact breathe but seemed

 

Mila DeSantis: to be drifting in and out of conciousness..she walked towards Crow a few steps”her turn”..Mila washed her hands scrubbing up and got the vials and needles and other fun stuff to begin to get fluids from the girl

 

Crow  noticed that she was no longer struggling in his grip, but he wasn’t foolish and held her firmly. “Seems you are needed.” he speaks calm “Now show me that you still have it – Ost – still have it for me to consider you valuable enough to keep you alive.” he said. “Remember Sol is not the one that can command me … I might listen but I only serve myself so … be warned.” he said to her. “Tell me Ost … since I will give you a choice in the here and now … You cooperate or find my skill facing yours. And don’t think I am honourable enough to let your hands be freed to give you those odds.”

 

The Ost glances over towards the bed as mila trips into a somewhat painful lookinng sprawl. She would have been howling with laughter on any other day but not today. She looks up at Crow again, then gives a nod in understanding of his words. She’s just a woman..and he could take her out without even breaking a sweat. She appears to be cooperate and mumbles that fact behind the gag.

 

Solomon Voss: Simply lay there, unable to move very much, hardly wanting to but the words of the Assassin Crow he heard loud and clear. The Killer was of course correct, he was his own man and not under the command of Solomon Voss of the Black Caste. He had earned his right by fire. He had survived the training and rose through the ranks. If he wished to kill the girl he would do it and fear not any punishment. Ost however, had much to fear. “Let her go, Crow. I ask this favour. Let her go after her blood is gained. Free her to her forest.” He asked of the Killer. Solomons voice was barely a whisper now.

 

Crow  eyes pierce through hers as if he was trying to read her mind. He didn’t trust her and yet he did. The woman in all her strength was appreciated by him even if she might have seemed weak in her own eyes when enslaved. He turns her while he gripped the chain of her cuffs on her wrists. “So Mila … what is it that you need of her ?” he asks. He heard the words of Sol and replied to him “I will if she keeps her promise to me.” In his own mind he wouldn’t go against Sols wishes, however decided that he needed leverage to keep Ost at least from attempting to harm Mila a second time.

 

Mila stood by Crow and Ost with a tray..upon it the tools of the trade “Blood..saliva…enough to test well and form a true antidote..”She said simply..placing the tray down she began to get the alcohol and cleaned teh girl’s arm..preparing to draw a few vials of blood into different test tubes…she would too swab the girl’s mouth..but would wait unti crow could siable her jaws with a grip and mouth guard “I will need her mouth to be open when I finish taking the blood”She didnt say anything to Sol’s entraty to free Ost when this was done..but too Mila had an idea she waited to speak aloud

 

The Ost does keep her word. One way or another. She turns, her face tilting away to look at the wall as if trying to pretend no one else is even there or that all of this isnt happening. Its that distance thing. She does glance towards the bed breifly before looking back at the wall..a low sound coming from her that is almost a purr. Its a soothing sound..one meant to say she’s calm and isnt going to do any biting…but would they trust her?

 

Crow  wasn’t a man that would take risks and yanked her arms a little up so they would be hardly comfortable for Ost. “Draw blood first.” he tells. “Can you take it so ?” he asks. There was perhaps some impatience in his voice, perhaps struggling with his own position in all of this. He had no idea what had created all this. His attention turns only briefly back to Ost and pulled down the cloth from her lips “Don’t make me regret this – Ost.” he whispers to her.

 

Solomon Voss: tries to regain some sort of composure, remaining slient as he breaths more easy.

 

Mila inserted the fine needle and watched as five vials filled with blood..each with a different solution on the bottom,all gel like and colored differently…”Done” Mila said simply as the last vial went into a test tube holder..she then took a few swabs and held them steady before the girls mouth..waiting to swab inside,Mila too would take some into a couple of vials..having a bitter swab at the ready to make the girl drool

 

The Ost holds still as the blood is taken, though her heart is racing. She hates pain..even the tension at her arms feels as though her weaker than average bones would snap. Nature keeps its ballance in this way perhaps. “I won’t..” She says quietly, hair hanging in her face, a trickle of blood having painted a red line down over her eye and down her cheek. She looks at Mila..then the swab..and she opens her mouth, soft lips..passive..certainly not the flashing of fangs she’d come in here with. Probably the panther just seems more pathetic than anything at the moment.

 

Crow  watched the physician and kept focus upon his own grip. If Ost would tense he would know and address it. He held her secure however had no intent to harm her. He was in a way detached by what he was doing, as if when he would try to be here with his own thoughts, he might have been very different.

 

Solomon Voss: Watches in silence at the goings on before him. He suddenly thought it an odd view on the world, as he looked down the length of his legs and between his feet that acted like a frame. He watched the now calm slave girl. He could not see her as anything else, certainly not this thing she was playing at being, a forest girl. He knew so little about their kind but he knew they were a keen shot with a bow. The axe on Osts back just looked heavy and out of place and all she would achieve in its wielding is to grow calluses on her hands. “Aii, Ost” he final spoke. “You are wrong.” Solomon punctuated this seemingly late response with a cough and a sniff. “but you can make it right.” He added.

 

Mila nodded and holding the swabs gingerly took samles..ready to snatch her hand back in an instant if need be..she then swabs the girls mouth with the bitter one”You will not like the taste of this and will drool..do not swallow please as much as you want to”..”Ost” she said as she worked”You are to return here every four hands..or when your ‘cycle’ should start or occur…even if you no longer bleed,your chemistry may change..I need to test for that”

 

Crow  glances to Sol and back to Ost, where he waited until Mila was finished. He frowns at the request of Mila “You think she will come back ?” he asks “How important is it ?” he asks as if he was giving thought in keeping the woman at the collar for the duration that was needed for all of this.

 

The Ost doesnt tense, though she’s started to shake, an underfed creature suffering fromt he side effect of adrenaline. The axe on her back -is- heavy but no more so than the burdon of her being. Its a tool more than a weapon, stolen from a woodsman and used to cut saplings. “how can you be sure there -is- a right..as if there are absolutes. I am proof that there is not..” She says to him only to jerk her head back in surprise at the bitter swab. Oh thats foul and it takes her off-guard even though she’d been warned. Great now she is also drooling. can she get any more attractive these days? “return? no..i can’t return..” Her tone echoes the same disblief that Crow’s has.

 

Mila worked gathering the spittle from her and without looking at Crow she spoke”We have never tested this kind of poison before..chemistry changes in a woman during her cycle..it is for science sake..if the posion is effected..stronger or weaker during those time,if hormones stimulate it or surpress it”Mila finished taking the spit into tubes and capped them securely.placing them too in the tray upright…she took a bit of smething and held it in front of her mouth”open” she said..it would counter cat the bitter and help the drooling stop..if she opened her mnouth Mila would pop it inside”You can and will..even if in the darkness of night ,are you not curious yourself how this works?”

 

Crow  frowns having no real desire to keep a woman that truly struggled in his compound and yet if this was needed he would again ensure that a promise was kept. Perhaps more honourable than he at times wished to admit. He still was giving all of this thought while he glances to Ost at the question of Mila.

 

Solomon Voss: Regarded the slave more closely after hearing Crows comment. “The slave will surely die if allowed to return to the forest for any length of time” he expressed his opinion before looking toward the slave once more. “I am right and there are absolutes. I am a Gorean Male, therefore I am right in all I utter. There be your absolute. You are proof of only one thing, your own denial that your freedom lays at the feet of someone like me or Crow there. That the feel of a collar about your throat is the reminder of freedom and the orders of men is that sweet removal of choice that would otherwise give you a confusing existence.” He continued. “Collar the slave.” He suggested.

 

The Ost is curious, mostly because she knows her venom was gone while she was pregnant and for as long as her milk painfully remained..but she doesnt say as much. “A little.” She admits to the woman, eyes regarding her for the first time with some degree of interest. She’s smart..ost likes smart..she also likes curious..it means there are never luls in conversation. Her eyes flick to Sol..”You know i will not die, killer..why do you insist.” She looks up at Crow…”would you have a snake slithering through your gardens..coiling with the gentle lambs…if you will not remove its head..better to release it where it may stay distracted with tall grass and urts..”

 

Crow  snapped out of his own considerations and than reached with one hand to the belt where he kept that collar. He wasn’t one that would collar any woman quick but he had made up his mind. “Those that are sweet and obedient can take men by surprise … You will not take me by it, slave.” with that he aimed the taken collar and attempted to snap it around her throat. “But don’t misunderstand me … her head will be removed if I see it fit to do so.” he promised.

 

Solomon Voss: “I insist because this charade you now embrace as a new beginning is not the purpose you were bred for. Thankfully perhaps for you I am not a slaver for if I were, Id have lopped of that venomous head of yours for your sudden distraction to duty. As an Assassin, I truly care not what you end up becoming.” He lied.

 

Mila felt her heart stop beating..well not really but it certainly felt like it..it was like inside at that very moment a huge thick wall slammed down in place,between her and what was occuring.Mila was asa vulnerable as Ost..both females in gor …Mila emplyed by these men..healer to the village only as ruse to maintain her employment and life..Mila said nothing..felt nothing..she would not allow herself such pain..she moved silently..taking the tray to the other room..herhands clammy

 

The Ost doesn’t like this at all, but it isnt met with hostility. Its met with an inner brokenness. Maybe its simply what happens to a slave thats so old, even one that runs off to the wild. The promise of the killer Crow is taken seriously..no matter what station she finds herself in, she wouldnt fail to acknowledge that he would kill her with all the ease of smooshing a mushroom under his foot. But…again Solomon’s words stab into her heart. How much pain must she endure from one man? “I loved you!” She suddenly cries at the man in the bed. The collar is in place…there is nothign left to lose now. Might as well shred to the winds whatever was left of her shriveling dignity. She bursts into wounded tears..trying to pull away from Crow if only because she wants to crumple on the floor.

 

Crow  simply felt the collar lock in place while he kept her still up by his other hand. He ripped the straps from her that held her axe and placed it next ot him on the table. He didn’t seem to respond to her words or her tears. While he now released his grip, perhaps to allow her to drop to her knees. However he was still very much aware that the woman was hurt and filled with emotion, making her unpredictable and if something made him edgy it was that.

 

Solomon Voss: “I loved you!” The words rang in his ears. He said nothing in reply. His face a cold landscape of indifference. Within him though, her words struck him list an iron fist. He could not deny that he had wanted her devotion from their first encounter at the fire of her then Master, Sarus. Her statement spoke of past and for a moment there was sadness in his sick eyes. He would never give away his true feelings outwardly. He remained ever the Killer. “Forget about your forest, slave. You will never see them again.” He vowed.

 

Mila too heard her cry of love for Solomon..and it reverberated inside her..she suspected the Killer would want the liberty of crying out the same to the once again slave..but she knew words like that were rare and only whispered in the darkness of private moments..Mila fought the emotions flooding behind the wall she had put up inside..hatred filled her at the moment..disgust..sorrow..memories threatened to surface…but she fought it all off inwardly..and whispered to herself “you have your work to do” >She suddenly felt like she could not breathe..and walked quietly to the door,opening it and slipping outside..loosening her jacket by her throat as if it was that,keeping her breath restricted.She took a deep inhale of the air outside and looked up to the sky

 

The Ost could do no more and there on the floor of the woman’s workplace, the ost wept. A breeze rifles thorugh the room as if trying to soothe the emotional chaos within when Mila opens the door. “please..” She sobs..”please don’t do this to me…” She’s gone limp on the floor like a ragdoll. Its probably dramatic but…ost was always a bit so. Ters stain a dark spot into the wood…her heart breaking into a million pieces. Now she would be forced to endure the cruelty of Solomon and the scorn of the others. She -has- to find a way back tot he forests..and soon.

 

Crow  was in some degrees a rather rigid man, clearly when it came to his own mastery. The words of love had perhaps triggered his own memories of the woman he lost before joining the caste. But he didn’t allow himself to dwell to long in these haunted dreams. He reached out to take that firm grip on her hair again. “It is done.” he said simply as to her enslavement once again. He wasn’t cruel but demanding and didn’t falter when it came to his own decisions, they were never without giving them real thought. “Now since you have that collar, I would suggest to speak properly … since I don’t keep it around a throat that displeases me.” he tell her. His voice one that held clear demand and gave no room for debate in what he believed was his right.

 

Solomon Voss: Rested his head to the pillow, the movement was full of acceptance for his situation, not merely for the venom that was flowing through his veins. Now he required some time to consider events within the infirmary. The Ost was collared, he knew not for how long and right now cared for little past the pain he still endured. When he closed his eyes he could still see the Ost knelt there at the feet of Crow. This would not be the end of matters; he thought to himself then cringed at a spasm of discomfort. Solomon considered asking Crow for ownership of the slave, to then do with as he wished. What such an ownership would mean for the slave was even unknown to Solomon and that all depended on Crow not ending her life before he was fit enough to stand and ask for the girl. Solomon’s devotion to his Caste remained intact. He would not demand anything that might be seen as weak, not in their terms but in his own. Lives had been lost to him for this reason, even if within himself he regretted his decisions.

 

Solomon Voss: Regrets he had found are easily brushed under the carpet. “I will sleep. My first business of importance is to rid myself of this bed.” He said loudly and closing his eyes.

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Pictures of Laura ~ The beginning

Posted in Uncategorized on September 27, 2011 by crow1971

 

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By a hair warning

Posted in Black Caste on September 26, 2011 by crow1971

Aramintia could not see above the big hill that seemed to be infront of her, she leaned down and started to crawl up the hill like a small larl hoping no one would spot her.

Crow (melchior.wardell) seemed to have at times this sixth sense when others approached. He stopped in his way to the tree, to see if anyone might have rattled some bones. His eyes narrow when the girl was there. Her nakedness a hellfire against the dark of the trees. “What do you think you are doing.” he asks his voice booming as if with the first words spoken he would set the scene of her being in danger.

Aramintia looked up and flutters her lashes quickly and started to stutters on her words “oohh greetings master greetings” she said as she knelt down “I I I was just picking berries and saw the bridge and thought there were berries on this side and decided to come look” she looked up and smiled bright.

Crow (melchior.wardell) moved closer to her and his steps didn’t seem to be heard. It was his way to walk silent with stealth it had been beaten into him over years of training. When he was close enough he attempted to grab her blond locks of hair and if he succeeded would drag her to the banner and skeletons. His eyes were lifeless and void of any emotion and yet there seems to be this sinister air that he seemed to wear as this tick cloak that held his thoughts to murder in this iron grip.

Aramintia felt the tug of his strong grip on her long blonde hair, she quickly rose and followed him so he would not pull it out of the root. Her heart started to beat faster and her eyes drew open wide. She could see he was quite angry and she now had much fear within. She could see the tavern from where they sat and now wished she never crossed that damn bridge.

Crow (melchior.wardell) forcer her with the grip on her hair to look at the skeletons and the black banner that were there “Tell me … what do you think these things say ?” he spat to her, clearly not a man that had much patience with wandering slaves “You wish to hang there too, slave ?” his other hand shoots to her collar to see if there might be a name inscribed that would tell him who owned her.

Aramintia trembled in her skin, clearly she could see this master meant business and she had crossed the line today. She was always such a obedient slave and made her master proud and now it seemed she was in a world of trouble. SHe feared with all the fear in her heart, her master would sell her and get rid of her for sure because of this… she whimpered and small voice came from her lips, “please forgive me master please I will never cross into your lands again please forgive me”

Crow (melchior.wardell) narrows his eyes “Girl … I asked you a question … what sign did you miss hmmm ?” he spat while he now twisted her locks to his fist to make it even tighter around it and perhaps pull it painfully from her scalp “Don’t play dumb … I doubt you are some nitwit kid of 8 years … WHAT … did you miss … Is this.” he pushed her face agains the bones of one that hadn’t been there that long and which smell was clearly that of a cropse. Perhaps even some little bugs were scurrying over the rotten flesh “Tell me … what should I do to warn the likes of you to not go beyond this … You think we like them as decoration ?”

Aramintia felt as he pushed her forward into the bones that sat there hanging, her face flinched and the stentched went right up her nose, she would try not to make it face but was finding it hard. The pain of his grip on her hair causing her to now sweat in pure fear. She again would stumble upon her words fearing her life. His spit upon her face “Please master she begged I was picking berries and I had heard so much about the black caste that was behind the tavern and I Just crossed without thinking”. Please master Please I will never do it again. I made a stupid mistake.”

Crow (melchior.wardell) glared at her “You heard so much about the black caste ?” he asks turning her face to his. His eyes were like daggers piercing through hers. “Who … is … and you think we are what … nice fellows .. that will just spread our arms and invite you in for a good fuck.” he said. His voice started to less in anger but with it there was this poisonous tone that perhaps was more dangerous than his anger had been.

Aramintia eyes met with his, she knew she should look down and not meet with his but she didnt, she looked into them and could see how angry he was and that she had crossed into the wrong place. As she looked at him, her voice still full of fear within she said “sorry master please if you can forgive me it will never never happen again”. I met the healer and we talked a bit and then showed a man where your land was the other moons and I should have never crossed.”

Khyos Dagger: not exactly sure what this was but he didn’t step off of the bridge…from his experience it was not waise to tread across ground that wa marked in black and had a corpse hanging from a tree at the enterance…he saw the man and slave at the end of the bridge so he moved across and stopped short of solid land…”Tal”

Crow (melchior.wardell) noted the man step on the bridge but held his eyes to her. Her plead would fall on deaf ears however her words were very well taken in consideration. “What man ?” he asks. His hand that held her hair in a tight twist didn’t faulter while his other digged within the folds of his cloak. The intent to him was clear but for others it was perhaps a guess. “Who owns you slut ?” he asks while he now cuts a glance to the man “YOu want to watch while I scalp this slave to get my point acrossed in the village ?” he asks his voice devoid of emotion as if they were suddenly shut down and he was in a more solid state of controlling them.

Aramintia sweat beading down the small of her back, the day she thought would be so peaceful. Make some pies for her master and start her daily chores had turned into a total disaster. She now feared for her life, it seemed he wanted to use her as some example to other not to cross the bridge. She wasnt it sure but it seemed as his grip seemed stronger and his eyes looked towards her. She would see the other master cross the bridge from corner of her eye, she could not see who it was but when he spoke would note it was not her master. Her voice trembled as she tried to answer him, she almost felt death would be better right now, for she did not want her master to be displeased. Whimpered and said I showed Master (Lycos) here from the tavern a few moons ago, and and my master is Master (Atom). her eyes lowered as to wait to be killed.

Khyos Dagger: he watched the two and seemed indiffernt…”No…I really have to desire to see you kill this slave or any other this day….though it would be a pity…she is a bit on the dumpy side but not all together displeasing to look at…I would think one dead hanging from the tree would suffice but if you really want to make it clear that the bridge is not to be crossed might I suggest a dead body on the other side of the bridge.”

Crow (melchior.wardell) eyes narrow slightly to the man but felt no need to explain the fact the girl had not only crossed the bridge that held more than one corpse rotting there, but nearly made it into his camp. Her words that had taught him she had been here out of curiosity made him aware that a signal was perhaps best. He moved his hand lower so the girl would be on her knees while he pressed his knee to her shoulder to keep her in that position while he now released the lock he had gripped before but would now take as much hair he could with his hand. His other that had been hidden had released the knife from his belt and with a well aimed cut he would cut her long stresses nearly from their root. “I think this will be a message … that we aren’t the welcoming type … but as she is defenseless and perhaps dumb …I might do worse to those that aren’t fools and armed. ” while he now draped her long hair around her neck and kicked her in the direction of Khyos.

Aramintia body trembled in fear as her eyes closed waiting to see what would be her fate. Her days would be over or not but when her master found word it would all come back again to bite her in the ass. Things and events and faces passing through her head as she waited, as she felt him now bring her down to her knees with his force, her body shrank down into the dirt. She felt as he held on to her long lockets would he cut her throat from the back and lay her there on the bridge to die….As she now heard the knife her body clinched and her eyes shut tighter and she felt the rip and tear of her hair…A slow whimper came from her lips as she fell toward the other master feet.

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What will we have for dinner ?

Posted in Black Caste on September 20, 2011 by crow1971

Zee of Ar stood still on the bridge as he saw a man clad in black approach.

Zee of Ar : “Tal” he yelled from a distance hoping the wind would carry his voice.

Crow looks to the bridge while his eyes squinted a little. His eyes were piercing as daggers to the stranger. His hand was casual on the hilt of his blade, perhaps to disguise his other that remains hidden in his cloak “I hope I do not have to explain the … banner nor the skeletons here ?” he asks dryly.

Zee of Ar realizing that he could be heard quite well “Though foolish as I may have been to venture this close. I am not foolish enough to not realize what meaning they carry”

Crow arched a brow while his eyes remain up on the man “Foolish ? Do you wish to insult me … since it is very clear I ventured even further.” he taunted. He moved closer making the bridge slightly swinging when he did so. “But do – tell – and enlighten me to why You are blocking my way ?”

Zee of Ar : “Foolish is the man to walk into the Black Caste camp without been given entry. Foolish would be me not to move aside… and with what little room i have” he said gripping the side of the bridge. “I do not have the greatest swimming capabilities.” he tried to lighten the situation as though both fear and shock of the man approaching his so suddenly made him speak without thinking.

Crow was a man that could appreciate good sense of humour, and even thought tempted to grin he didn’t. His eyes narrow slightly “And so … having a death wish ?” he asks while he moved his cloak so the man could see the three daggers that were strapped to his upper leg and very close to his reach. The other hand had remained on the hilt and with it the man might need to have extra pair of eyes to keep all his movements in check. “But …first … since I hate to kill a man without a name … By what name would you go … and what is your … caste and homestone ?” questions were only a manner to learn things of all the things the man wouldn’t speak off.

Zee of Ar watched moved his cloak and daggers seem to appear in all places glimmered in the sunlight. “A death-wish? I would have hoped for a much grander life than current. To end it so short is not in my interest. To fear death though is something else.” shuffling a step to the right regaining his balance, not having too much faith in the old bridge he clasped the other side with his other free hand “I am Zee former Merchant of Ar. Yet both those I leave aside as I stand before you”

Crow frowns as if the name might be familiar. His own homestone of old mentioned, made him perhaps more sophisticated that often when men mentioned places that were less glorious. “I see … and now you are testing my patience since I hear a lot as to what you are not … but not your intent. You wish to hire a man of my profession if it is not your own death you wish to discuss.”

Zee of Ar : “I stand before you not seeking a man to hire of your profession, but to seek a man willing to train me in your profession. May my death be at my own hands and steel, a glorious death.” looking up to the man who seem to have little patience for anything. “Is there such a man to discuss? or do you only look as far as the death you may deliver. A simple shake of this bridge would do the trick”

Crow now lets his hand go from the hilt and runs it over his chin “Ah … so a fool after all.” he remarked dryly, perhaps only to test him. “Only one of ten seekers, truly make it … Tell me why do you think you have such in you ? Do you have some magical skill that I do not know about ? Perhaps a talent that you feel others lack ?” he asks. His eyes rove over the man to assess him critical.

Zee of Ar : “If that magic skill means I am standing in front of such a man who many have not had the chance to do so. Then It seems i am doing well so far with what little I have. Potential to progress is in me for I have trained in other areas that don’t require steel which may be common in your traits that you may find impressive. For I don’t know what other lack to truly assess myself.” he said not seeming to take a breath or think twice as though it seemed near natural to answer a uncommon question.

Crow glances over the horizon “Tell me Zee of Ar … what does attract you to such a horrid caste. A lust for blood … Perhaps several bets you can’t pay and you need the Gold.” he cuts his gaze back to him “Tell me …why would I take the time to do as you wish ? What is in it for me ?” he asks.

Zee of Ar : “A former merchant always has a lust for Gold. A lust for blood?… does it bleed gold?” he asked back “The desire to leave the fancy streets of Ar behind and live a quieter life. One that leans on steel. Yes. I desire to master the steel.” he gazes at his surroundings “Your gain? I would say would be another worthy killer.”

Crow glances to him before he again looked at the end of the river “A quieter life … so no slaves, no companion .. or relatives that desire to see you now and than ?” he asks while he gripped the rope of the bridge and turned from him “Greed can be a reason, so can be one that has a mind for murder … but such men I would not accept.” he says quietly “A man that truly desires to be taught will have to endure a lot, he will be tested to great measures … and I do not like to waste my time on those that do feel they are all knowing.” he added as in an after thought “Are you a man that is willing to learn, not only in steel but in all what it takes ? A man that will bend on knees if I tell him ?” he asks grimly.

Zee of Ar : “I have no slaves for I had no use of a companion and I have no relatives in which I would consider on speaking terms.” He said also following his gaze to the end of the river “For someone to learn one must play the teacher and the other must follow commands.” he looks back at him “If they are required to bend on knee they must…” looking down and feeling his legs slightly give “If they must learn to swim..they must” tightening his grip on the bridge trust.

Crow glances to him, having noted his grip and having heard his lack to the desire to swim. He glances to him “I wasn’t joking only one out of ten make it … To start a life such as I own isn’t easy … it is hard work on which your endurement and desire to remain alive is often the only friend you have.” he tipped his head to the Inn “Consider it well, such a life is very lonely … and will take many years to obtain … ” he said deadly serious. “I am considered a very demanding teacher .. but than again those from my hand are well established.” his words were more matter of fact than a simple desire for glory. “Consider it very well, Zee of Ar … and when you are sure … I dare you to cross the bridge passed the banners and skeletons, unknowingly if I will accept you or not.”

Zee of Ar : “I stand on the bridge now… you are blocking my path” he had no desire to turn away and re-consider. For he had made this decision long ago. “For I will cross the bridge in a few steps, I am prepared to do what is needed to obtain my colours..as dark and as lonely as they may be.”

Crow turns to him, his face hadn’t changed and with it his thoughts might be unreadable. “You think I will just step aside ?” he asks “Perhaps you should consider this a test hmm… ” he proposed.

Grey Wolf “yarghhh” he snapped the reins as his heavy chariot came rolling down narrow planks of the shoddy bridge. His thalarion snapped its dagger teeth and hissed just like his rider did when they were forced into the full stop. Wolf didn’t like it at all to be stopped in his heavy cart right above the water. He cleared his throat and rose his arm up into the air making himself look at least like mark anthony , but obviously he wasn’t anywhere near as handsome as the man. “you peasants, of the bridge or I will toss you into the water myself. We won’t buy your turnips !”

Crow had seen Ron approach and didn’t allow the man to pass him, so there was a very certain choice to be made. His eyes search for Ron as to give him a silent message, that would tell there was a test in progress with the man before him.

Zee of Ar felt the bridge shudder under his feet and felt his grip tighten even more onto its struts. Turning his head he saw a Thalarion charging down the narrow planks with rider in tow. He was standing before 2 men of the black caste one armed with daggers and the other having what seemed a hungry and very intimidating beast at his call. He turned and faced the man he had been speaking with for he had not even asked his name. Lowered himself to his knees “I am to choose between death by those daggers, a angry thalarion and by my own hands …” looking down to the water “I will leave that decision to you… for I mean to cross this bridge and become a student. If you want to deliver death…then out with those daggers for I would rather die by steel than drown at my own pettiness of not being able to swim.”

Lethea hovers at the start of the bridge. She’d meant to go to the camp, maybe see if she could be useful while Andy was away, but she paused, unsure of herself, as the three were gathered on the bridge. For a moment, she stood in silence, wondering if she should go forward or run like anything, in the other direction….

Crow narrows his eyes and than finally gripped the man by his collar of his cloak

and hauled him over the bridge with a strength that perhaps wasn’t as visual when you regarded him. His strength was considerable due to his long hours of keeping himself fit, strong and flexible. He didn’t quite seem to consider where the man would land. “Tal Killer.” he offers to Ron, as if he had not done what he had done. “An amazing ride you have there.” he said with a tone that clearly betrayed his praise in this.

Zee of Ar felt himself lurched off his feet and lifted off the bridge. Before he knew it he was lurched over the side. In a near desperate hope he swung out his arms and gripped onto the planks and rope that held the side of the bridge. Clinging there he was not sure how long he would hold.

Grey Wolf noticed what took place there and when Crow gave him a look, Wolf return a placid stare and his head shifted slowly to the side, reins were hanging loosely between his stark fingers. “Tal, it is quite something and doesn’t hurt the man’s backside like a saddle does. What about this verr here that is ready to accept death right after denoting its intentions. His determination is meak.”

Crow glances to the man testing his strength while he turns to Ron “A man that wishes to be taught … ” he remarked dryly “Let us see how long he holds hmmm ?” he asks him casual.

Grey Wolf a sadistic grin contorted his lips as he nodded to Crow’s words. “Let’s…” and at that point he directed the thalarion’s steaming nostrils towards the candidates clutched knuckles.

Lethea ‘s hand came up to cover her mouth, as if to keep herself from uttering a peep as Crow flung the man over the edge. Lethea would lean over the ropes, expecting to see him float by. To her amazement, she saw him clinging on to the ropes for dear life. She smiled at him… kinda stupid under the circumstances, really, but what else could she do? She reckoned that perhaps now it was safer to cross the bridge, and see what needed doing around the camps, so with that in mind, she edged closer to the rear of Ron’s wagon.

Zee of Ar clinging on desperately and feeling the muscles burn in his arms at last he felt a glimmer of hope as a girl came in close reaching distance. She would not assist him and he need to use this last ounce of strength to do something. With a grunt of anger he swung out with his other free hand to the girl who waited behind the carriage and tried to grab onto one of her ankles..

Grey Wolf : “slave…” he snarled back at the girl and his gaze briefly glanced to her then back to the man fighting for his life. “He isn’t too determined. That’s one useful quality down the filthy drain. Let us see if he’s at least quick?” he suggested and leaned to the side to gauge the distance to the water beneath their feet. “Im curious if he’ll escape the sleen and water thalarions there.”

Crow looked down, perhaps an expression of being bored was given. “Yes well if this simple moment of truth can’t be over won … I am certain he isn’t worth my time.” he stated perhaps to taunt the lad to even go beyond his own limits. After all training would be only a sum of it by one hundred. He glances back to Ron “But tell me to what do I have the honour of your visit ?” he asks as if he was dismissing the struggle the man was making.

Lethea flailed wildly as Lycos grabbed her ankle. She felt the grip and the pull, and as a natural defence, she flung herself against the other ropes, clinging on desperately, while kicking her feet madly. “Jarls!” she screamed, as the man clearly meant to take her over the edge with him, and she was not ready be battered! She was begging quite loudly now “Jarl’s please!” even as her foot scraped and kicked at the offending grip.

Zee of Ar managed to clasp onto her ankle without her realizing but soon found the girl in a frenzy trying to kick him off the ledge. Slowly he begun to pull at her ankle with one arm and the rope in his other hand and slowly raise himself upwards trying to get his body onto the wooden planks. The girl not being the heaviest was making this difficult and he felt that at any moment she may just give way and he would be pulling her down into a plummet also.

Grey Wolf positioned himself nonchalantly on the platform about to engage in a polite conversation now while the seeker struggled, but then as the girls screamed, Wolf turned about and grabbed at a spear to thrust it at the lad’s hand and have him let go of the girl’s ankle. “don’t you dare to pull her down filth!” he snarled and looked apologetic to Crow “she makes good fish with tospits. I don’t appreciate when men make such assaults on my diet.”

Crow nodded slow as with thought while he didn’t bother himself to look where the spear was heading. There was no need to doubt the aim of his caste brother. “Yes, well you know what we say about seekers … they are below slaves.” he said causally “I had leem last night .. I can’t recommend that though.” he said as if indeed to make a social chit chat about no real important things. Unskilled in it might have even sounded odd.

Lethea ‘s grip was slipping on the ropes, as the man pulled at her ankle. She heard Ron’s words, and she prayed the man would let go before they both tumbled. She was dangerously close to loosing her grip and sliding over the edge. Her free foot kicked at the man’s hand with a renewed vigor as she fought to hang on. It never even occured to her that she was striking a would-be Jarl… she was just trying to live. “Jarl, I beg you… please.” she says, panting out another plea before she plummets over.

Zee of Ar could hear the two men and yelled as he continued to pull on the girls ankle aware of the spear that would most likely be aimed at his hand “Help me up or im going to pull her down with all my weight!!”

Grey Wolf : “leem…” he mused and inhaled deeply as if he forgot himself for a moment and fell into a day dream..”roasted over low fire..mushrooms and corn..I’d kill for that…but where are my manners…” he sighed and turned the butt of his spear to his the seeked right between the eyes before offering the same butt for the girl to clutch onto “but I forget my manners..” he continued then as if nothing happened. “I only stop in this outpost before further road towards the voltai. I will stay for a while in the area as I presume that the place of my usual business could be crawling with the cosian agents right now. I’ve done them a favour and brought them justice. I’m sure they wish to repay me with glittering steel.”

Crow arched a brow at the latter “Oh … was that your doing ?” he asks while he himself made knowing things his business. Most knew that Crow had a wide spread network of spies, but than again he was often paid for information. “Please … join me, Killer.” he said while he waved his hand gracious to invite him further. He still didn’t bother himself with the lad or the slave, perhaps trusting that if things would go wrong he could act within the blink of an eye. “Hmmm … that does sound a lot better .. No I had the leem … but I think the meat was cooked to early and the slave didn’t allow the meat to truly die.” he muses to the topic of food and other delicacies.

Lethea was trained to trust a killer without thinking… So that’s just what she did. With a little cry, she let go of the rope hand over hand, and grabbed the offered end of the spear. She held on for dear life, her muscles straining in her arms, as the man pulled her ankle. “Jarl.” she whispered softly, before blowing her hair out of her face. The man’s grip on her ankle was hurting her now.

Grey Wolf nodded in silent reply and snapped the reins to make the sturdy beast pull more of the chariot up the slope. There he paused and leaped down from the platform and onto the ground at which point he yanked the creatures forward and guide it on foot. “It is a shame when good meat goes to waste, but meat delicate as leem is good raw as well. You only need to grind it till it has the consistency of cream and then you mix it with some raw eggs so it holds together.”

Grey Wolf : “I’ll tie the critter at the side and make sure it has some hay and food and then will join you promptly. Just please dont let the man die while Im gone”

Zee of Ar slowly felt his body move up and onto the planks as the Jarl lead the Thalarion forward.

Crow chuckles and nodded to Wolf, while he now turns and grabbed the girl with force and perhaps would pull both to land. He didn’t bother himself with how the lad would do. The girl was slightly lifted so her skin wouldn’t be scraped by the wood, while the lad might loose quite a bit unless his clothing might protect him. “I think I might keep him … but feel free to test him Wolf for if I might not be there. ” there was some sarcasm in his voice.

Lethea felt herself tugged up first by Ron’s towing move, and then further by Crow’s strong arms. Lethea was a little white lipped for all the strain and effort that she’d just been through, and she could only think at this point, of falling at Crow and Ron’s feet. She merely waited for the man to just let go of her foot! ” Thank you, Jarls.” she says, meaning it.

Grey Wolf nodded again to Crow, then eyed the man who was pulled up. There was no love in wolf’s gaze, not after the fellow risked Leathe’s life. The matter would be left unaddressed for now though as the killed left to see to his beast first – a well trained thalarion was worth much more than a slave and certainly more than some peasant or a seeker.

Zee of Ar felt his body bruised and scraped from the wooden planks. Looked up at the sky feeling thankful yet somehow still had his hand tightly grabbed around the girls foot. Letting go he saw dark growing bruises from the sheer grip on her ankle “Sorry” he muttered and then looked to the man who’s final yank had assisted. Lieing still on the bridge “I guess today is not the day to cross” he pulled himself up observing his tattered clothes.

Crow cuffs the slave across her cheek “That is for approaching while not asked.” he snapped to her. Than turning to the seeker. “Beg your life with her … seeker … for it is her choice to let you live or die.” he would test humility instantly. He didn’t wish to waist time to arrogant bastards.

Zee of Ar realizing his luck lied more in the slaves hands he again turned to her “I owe you a life, girl”

Lethea could only gently pull her foot back as he released his painful grip. Before she had a chance to kneel at Crow’s boot, she felt the sting of his hand across her cheek. While she itched to cover the cheek with her hand, she knelt instead at Crow’s boot, and rested the injured cheek on the leather of his boot. “Forgive me, Jarl.” She begs softly, hating to disappoint him. She lifted her face and looked at Crow, addressing him directly after the seekers words. “While he hurt me, Jarl, I am only a bond. He showed a will to live, and I think that he shall continue to do so, should it please you Jarl.”

Crow glances from the girl to the seeker “Than you have a task, slave … ” he tells her. “Make sure he is naked, store his belongings in the trunk of the tent and see that he wears the rags that are in the bag beside it.”he tells her. He didn’t even look at the seeker, he was nothing at this point. “Make sure it isn’t to comfortable for him … and I want him to tend to the fire as if his life depends on it … for it will. Is this clear ?” he asks.

Zee of Ar looked from the girl to the black clad man who he still did not know of his name. But he seemed to have the feeling that what the man was telling the girl was an acceptance of his training, well a certain part of it. “I will not let you down” he said directing it to the man. Even if he didn’t look at him or pay him any attention.

Lethea nods, understanding perfectly. This man was a long way from being the first seeker she ever looked after. She says “It will be exactly as you wish, Jarl.” She rose to her feet then, and stood a little gingerly on the battered ankle. “If you’ll follow me, Seeker, I’ll direct you to where you must be.”

Zee of Ar nods to the girl “Lead the way”

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Position of slaves

Posted in Mastery on September 17, 2011 by crow1971

Gwynnith had been wandering, hoping to find a place to sleep, and had seen a tent off in the distance. As she cautiously approached, the flicker of a fire caught her eye, and then the sound of a man’s voice. She hung back, listening to him instruct a girl. She couldn’t see a way to get to the tent without him seeing her…plus, it was likely his.

Crow (melchior.wardell) noted the girl “If your life means something better approach !”

Chirp (alenanoelle) took in what he said and then as he asked, she moved so that she might too stand, her turned her head to the left and lifted her chin slightly, making it easier for him to access her collar. “I would move like this” she replied, “So that you would not have to put too much effort into reaching for my collar and leashing me.” Chirp then moved her hands behind her back and crossed her wrists. She attempted a smile, though catching movement in the distance Chirp startled. She broke the position for an ihn before retaking it quickly. She did not wish to get beated while learning. She smiled then as Crow addressed the one lurking.

Crow (melchior.wardell) brushed the other girls head slightly “Yes it is the only position where turning your back is demanded.” he tells her while he lifted himself up to wait how quick the girl would comply before he would act upon the other girl, securing that what he wished without consideration to the girl (Gwynnith.)

Gwynnith had thought the man’s attention had been focused on the girl and thought the bushes had been hiding her. So when his voice barked out, she jumped and gave an involuntary little yelp. She hesitated, then approached him cautiously…”greetings, Master. Didn’t mean to disturb you. ” and she knelt near the fire.

Crow (melchior.wardell) pointed before his feet, which of course made him able to do anything to her. However not complying would have the same considerable risks. His eyes travel over her and he noted no collar, which suprised him, but than again he had seen many things in his lifetime. ”

Chirp (alenanoelle) smiled as she felt Crow brush her head. She saw teh girl approach and as she heard her, Chirp moved back and out of the way of Crow. She quickly learned not to mess with this Master and she watched the girl to see what might happen. Slowly, she sank back into the tower positon behind him, knowing this might take several ehn. She, of course, kept quiet.

Gwynnith saw his gesture, and she assumed he was directing it to her, though she could be wrong as another girl was standing there. It was probably better to take no chances though, so she moved forward quickly and knelt once more, keeping her eyes lowered. “i was just…looking for…” and her voice trailed off, realizing she shouldn’t probably offer up anything he didn’t ask for

Crow (melchior.wardell) noted how perfectly Chirp put his lessons to use and now focussed on the girl before him, his hand reached out to her hair were he would take a good grip upon a lock which abled him to secure her and use some leverage when he questioned her. “I am not interested in what you were looking for … I am interested why you … a slave that wears no collar is here.” he says, feeling there was a distinct difference between his or her wishes “So … before this gets bloody … Tell me who owns you … and what made you think you could simply walk into this place … Didn’t you notice the banner or the skeleton of the other slave that wandered into here ?”

Chirp (alenanoelle) could tell Crow was not happy about this girl being here. She quietly moved and put a few logs in the fire. Automatically, her eyes narrowed towards the slave as she waited to hear her reasoning. The banner and skeleton made Chirp tremble each time she saw them, even though she was used to being here now. She chewed on her bottom lip and waited for the bosk dung to be flung. She, of course, watched for his blade and if it was drawn she would be well out of the way. Chirp too did not want to see another’s death. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

Gwynnith had looked over to the other girl, and her lips turned up in a shy smile. But then her attention was quickly diverted back to the man as he suddenly reached for her long blonde ponytail, tangling his fingers in it roughly, and another yelp was heard before she was able to bite down on her lower lip to stifle it. She wasn’t really sure which question to answer first and her mind was racing a million miles an hour, as she realized she had put herself in danger. “I didn’t see a banner, Master. Or…a…sk…skel…eton..” she stuttered and would have looked around her to try to spot it, if her head hadn’t been held so firmly. “my owner…he disappeared, Master. I have tried to look for him. I will go, Master, and I didn’t mean to disturb your peace, I only was looking for a place to sleep.” her words speeding up in to a rush, as she tried to explain herself.

Crow (melchior.wardell) hadn’t yet pulled her hair only grabbed it but now he did pull it backwards so her throat would be exposed fully. It made her perhaps feel vulnarable. “You will go ?” he asks with some sarcasm “Are you such a slave that thinks she can run up … say her piece and than leave ?” his eyes narrow, clearly to get through to her thorougly. “It shows that you are a worthless beast if you pay no attention for someone that is looking … and miss the banner and skelleton …if it weren’t for their horrid looks it would be the smell.” he tells her “What you meant … is not how you come across so I would if I were you …” he than paused kicking her knees together “start with telling who your disapeared owner was ?” his voice held that sinister undertone as if he was searching for a reason to just slice her throat and have this waste of time over with.

Chirp (alenanoelle) heard the tone Crow used and having heard it enough from the others, she shrunk back. She really had no concern over this slave, but she did not wish to catch his eyes and have him angry with her as well. She canted her head to the side and then wiggled her hips slightly as he kicked the girls legs together. She was glad she was not the only one he might prefer to tower.. Chirp suddenly got very busy with the fire, pretending not to listen as she poked it and added kindling as was needed.

Gwynnith’s head was tilted back by the large hand tangled in her hair and she was now looking up to him, and what she saw frightened her badly. She had been so tired, and hungry, she wasn’t really paying enough attention to her surroundings, that was clear. “no, Master…I just meant…I didn’t want to disturb you anymore than I had already. I beg your forgiveness, Master.” And she tried to swallowed hard, as he called her worthless. “I was not paying enough attention, Master” and her mind cast back to her time in Saphronicus, before the man had disappeared. “his name was Aiden, Master. He was…is…was…a slaver in Saphronicus, Master.” and then as his boot kicked at her legs, she slammed her thighs shut, so that they made a little smacking noise as they hit

Crow (melchior.wardell) listens as if there was something to read in them which she might be unwilling to say. It was his way of paying attention, all was considered and addressed in his mind. His lifeless expression remained the same while he regarded her, still the firm grip on her hair that didn’t allow her to lower her eyes and having her neck exposed. He could see the vein he could cut to let her life drain out of it quickly “Much is to say about a girl that doesn’t pay attention and uses the word – No – You think that will make me more considerate to you or the predicement you find yourself in now ?” he asks. He now glances to Chirp, to see if she was paying attention, in all things there were things to learn.

Chirp (alenanoelle) bit down on her lip hard as she heard Crow. She glanced up to him and caught him looking to her. It was now that she trembled, she knew the girl had messed up and perhaps too much to save her own life. Chirp parted her lips as if to speak then simply wet them and continued toying with the fire as her body felt as if it might shake the joints out of place.

Gwynnith tried to shake her head, wanting to explain herself, as the man had scared her badly and she wasn’t very coherent. “I meant, Master…not that I was saying ‘no’ to you…that I didn’t mean I thought it was my choice to leave, that’s all.” and her eyes rolled towards the other girl, almost looking for some sort of comfort, as there was not going to be any from this man, that was clear. “I mean, I know it is your choice when i leave…or if…I was just being polite, is all.” Poor Gwyn was in way over her head, and her hands and hands of wandering had done nothing to help her think straight. “I do beg your forgiveness, Master. I never meant to offend you.” her voice going low and nearly defeated now, as she surely wasn’t quick enough to talk herself out of this mess

Crow (melchior.wardell) used the lock of hair to tangle it around her throat, while she used a lot of words that hardly contained what he wished to hear. But than again such would be hard to guess. “Chirp take all she wears from her and fetch a good size rope from the tent.” he says to her, as if he had completely ignored the girls plea or explenation. His attention cuts back to the girl before him “You see that banner and skeleton … they are a sign … Can you guess girl as to what sign they might be giving for those that still continue their way in this direction ?”

Chirp (alenanoelle) moved to the girl and bent low. She actually liked what she wore and simply snapped her fingers at the girl to remove her clothes as best she could. Chirp, knew the Masters might not care to buy clothes for their beasts and might appreciate this if it had been washed properly. She bent down low to the girl’s ear and barely whispered, “beg” it was the only comfort Chirp could or would give her. As she spoke, she tugged at the girl’s clothed to help her remove them.

Gwynnith could still not see a banner or a sign, and now with her hair around her throat, she was even less able to move. She looked over at the other girl as he gave her instructions, knowing the girl had no choice, but still, she somehow hoped something would happen to help her. “I think it probably means…don’t come this way, Master.” was all she said. She had already told him she didn’t see them, and further explanations would likely anger him. “I won’t make that mistake again, Master.” and she vowed to always keep her eyes up, rather than on her feet, even if she was exhausted and starving. As the other girl came close, she reached up a shaking hand to pull the knot on her top, then tugged at the little bow on her skirt, silently handing her clothing over, and the girl’s whisper was heard. She looked up at the man again, her eyes filling with tears. “please Master…I can learn and won’t make the same mistakes…please don’t kill me.” because she was now realizing that was the option her. “please, Master…

Gwynnith: i beg you…” as one tear slipped down over her flushed cheek

Crow (melchior.wardell) arched a brow at her “You will not make that mistake again .. of that I am certain.” he stated while he now held her naked and overly exposed “I will ensure it.” he added as in an afterthought “But the banner and skeleton … could be considered warnings … as to those that pass might not return … ” he tells. He now waited untill Chirp would get the rope he requested “Now shut it … I am not interested in your begging … nor in any word you might have to say on all of this.”

Chirp (alenanoelle) reached down and took the item off of her leg, pulling it into her hands with the clothes adn then reached to break the necklace off. Chirp shook her head and then moved to get the rope from the tent. She placed all of the clothes in there before turning with the long rope in her hand and walking back towards Crow. She hesitated and then knelt, placing her cheek to his boot as best she could with the other girl so close. as she too handed him the rope. She could tell the girl was pretty and smart, though careless. Chirp knew Crow would do as he wished, and she waited to see if he might kick her away and take the rope or address her.

Gwynnith began to cry in earnest then, but quietly, just tears slipping over her cheeks, falling unchecked onto her small bare breasts. Apparently, begging hadn’t worked, and she wondered if the girl had purposely told her to so something that would not help her. Gwyn had been wandering for such a long time but had never run into trouble like this, and she could see now, she had been very lucky up until now. As he told her to shut her mouth, she now had no way to try to tell him that she was only so tired and so hungry, and was not normally a careless girl. She was just lost.

Crow (melchior.wardell) took the rope from Chirp and as the teacher he complimented her with a small brush of his hand over her cheek while he turns to the other girl. He released her hair and made a loop in the rope that would fit over her head. He made sure the knot was one that when one would pull the rope it would become tighter. He slipped it over her head and pushed the knot close to her throat. The loop could be felt but didn’t take her breathing or was yet overly discomforting. He than lifted himself up “Chirp get her some water and some bread … I think there where I will put her she might need it.” he says. He looked down on the girl, knowing that she feared her life which was quite reasonable considering his profession and the impatience he had with wandering slaves. “Now … I will put you in a spot so you will be able to observe the banner and skeleton from very close. ” he turns to Chirp “Now .. get it Chrip so we can get this beast in her place.”

Chirp (alenanoelle) moved back to the tent, she breathed deeply as she now was confused whether this girl might live or die. She quickly got a piece of stale bread and poured some water into a broken bowl for the slave. She moved back towards Crow and attempted to smile at him. She held the items in her hands and waited for him to lead her to where he wanted her to give the food to the girl. Chirp moved close and watched Crow intently, trying to discern his temperment and how best to help this kajira.

Gwynnith felt the rope slip over her head and nestle around her neck and more tears streaked over her cheeks. At this point, even the offer of water and bread didn’t help, not when she listened to his words. She had no idea what to do now, but since her fate seemed to be nearly sealed, she hoped that perhaps speaking up one more time would not make it any worse. Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper. “Please, Master. I was careless. I was just so tired and hungry, that I didn’t look up, I was only looking at the bridge. Please, Master, I can be useful, and work hard. Please don’t kill me.” this last part was just a breathless squeak.

Crow (melchior.wardell) pulled the rope that would become now tighter around her throat. “Shut it … I said.” he tells her “I am not known to say things I don’t mean or will not enforce.” he warned her. He snapped his fingers “On your feet … both of you.” he says and it was clear that this wasn’t a request either but an order. He still held the other end of the rope and could kick her from the ridge so she would hang and most likely break her neck. “Now !” he urges for them to comply instantly.

Chirp (alenanoelle) moved to her feet and as she saw how the Master held the rope, she trembled, “Please Master, I beg you” Chirp couldn’t help it, her fear overtook her senses and she gasped as she quickly moved to her feet. “I..I” she stuttered and then took a deep breath, “please” she whispered once more. There never seemd to be enough slaves around to help with work, and she constantly got sucked into serving in the tavern. Chirp knew too, that this girl might be useful to Sun or even the Master of the Pit. She braced herself for if Crow wished to hit her, realizing it never a good idea to interfere when one like Crow had his mind made up.

Gwynnith got shakily to her feet, gasping for breath as he tightened the rope, the harsh fibers chaffing on her pale skin. She knew the other girl couldn’t help her, but she couldn’t help but cast a pleading look in her direction. What she thought she could do was a mystery, but Gwyn was desperate. She stood there, wrapping her slender arms around her torso, trying to keep from shaking into a million pieces. If only she had been able to find her Master…but she had long ago given up hope. As the other girl spoke up, she looked over to her gratefully, trying to let her see her gratitude in her eyes. She hoped the girl would not be hurt for trying to help her, and her eyes went to the man, watching for his reaction. Gwyn was a good girl, and a hard worker, when she wasn’t starved and weak. And when she wasn’t dead.

Crow (melchior.wardell) cuts a glance to Chirp, of course noting her compassion something which was good if there was indeed a new slave added to the chain. However he hadn’t allowed her to speak and clearly not when a slave was on her feet. “Seems a lesson on when a girl may speak is needed.” he muses to himself while he now started to walk leading the girl with it and ensuring Chirp was heeling too.

Chirp (alenanoelle) bit down on her lips as she heard him musing. She felt tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked to the girl. Lessons, it seemed, were not often given well when a kajira made such a blatant mistake. She followed him towards the bridge, her nose wrinkling at the smell of the carcass. She dropped to her knees, “I beg forgiveness” she breathed when she had safely landed. she would, of course wait until he ordered her to give the food to the other slave. Chirp now fell silent and waited.

Gwynnith saw that the girl’s words did absolutely no good and she started to pant, panic starting to overtake her. She stumbled after him, the rope tugging painfully at her throat and as they approached the bridge, she now saw what he had been talking about and she gave a strangled moan of pure fear. When she had crossed the bridge, she had focused on her feet, and the boards, not wanting to miss a step and fall to her death. She guessed now that that might have been quicker and less painful. She no longer dared to speak up, but her lips were moving silently, as she begged…”please, please, please, please…” her face wet with tears, her whole body shaking in panic and terror

Crow (melchior.wardell) again glanced to Chirp “I believe I taught that how lower you are … the more you give effort into your desires.” he tells her. He than turns to the other girl and pointed towards the banner and skeleton “Just so you know I didn’t make them up.” he said with sarcasm. He than started to tie the rope around the tree, perhaps just in the way the other had experienced in such a way he could pull the rope and have her dangling to a branch. “Chirp since you care so much … take the other end of the rope he demanded.”

Chirp (alenanoelle) gasped as the Master instructed her to take the end in his hands. She placed the bread and bowl to the ground before grasping it firmly in both of her hands. She had no idea what the Master had in mind and so she moved to get her body as low to the ground as possible with out hanging the girl, “Please Master, I beg you” she pleaded, horrified now.

Gwynnith nodded…”yes, Master. I see them now. But I was watching the bridge, there are gaps and it was scary, Master! I didn’t lift my eyes!” she couldn’t help but offer up on last explanation. She groaned as he tied he to the tree, keeping her eyes averted from the body hanging there. She didn’t want to look at it closely to see if it had been a man or a woman. Gwyn had always been a well behaved slave, so this turn of events shocked her to her core. She had never even been whipped, the need never having been there. Although one man had punched her once, but for something she hadn’t even done.

Crow (melchior.wardell) was past the state of wishing an explanation and watched the rope and how Chirp was holding it. “Now girls …” he started “When Raven comes … You – Chirp – will tell her about what has happened. You will only than release the rope to her and see if she feels this girl worthy to be accepted in the chain she holds in desire of her owner. If she does not … feel this girl worthy … tell her how far the girl was … Is this clear ?” he asks Chirp.

Chirp (alenanoelle) simply began to cry as she heard his instructions. She knew Raven travelled often with the Master. “And, and if it is days until she returns or even ahn, Master? Then the fire will be out and I will have lost the grip.” Chirp knew the dead fire meant she would be soon to follow. She trembled as she thought and ihn and then tied the rope to her wrist. Her hand held above the knot and the other above that, “If it is what you wish, Master yes perfectly clear” She tried to shake her own fear from her body.

Gwynnith heard the man speaking but barely could comprehend the words as her legs gave out and she slumped onto the damp grass. She huddled there, hands lifted, and fingers digging little furrows into her cheeks. She tried to understand what he was saying, but her mind just refused to make sense of the words, and her eyes lifted to the other girl, hoping she understood. She didn’t understand what he meant…’how far the girl was..’ As she heard the other girl say this person was likely not to come by, her heart sank as she had now doomed the other girl to sitting here in the cold and damp, for odin only knew how long. “I’m sorry” she mouthed to the girl, her eyes sad, her lips downturned in misery

Crow (melchior.wardell) glances to Chirp “Are you questioning my judgement ?” he snapped to her. “You wish to be leashed and have the other girl hold your end ?” he seemed to ask. “I am certain that many will pass this spot … You both can beg anything for those that pass … But only to the Masters you serve Chirp … is this clear ?”

Chirp (alenanoelle) trembled, “I would not Master, please forgive me. I am only a kajira” As she heard his words, she felt tears stream down her cheeks, “Y…yes Master” she replied. Chirp now could care less about the girl but did not wish to see her own life ended.

Crow (melchior.wardell) nodded “Good since I can’t deal with this now … I have to go but will return and check up on Raven .. Is this clear ?” he asks Chirp ((sorry to be this rude and not waiting but I am already 12 min. late ))

Gwynnith sort of faintly heard them talking, but she was too frightened and miserable to really even hear them. If only she could have found her way back to Saphronicus, but she had been lost for so long, she had no idea which direction to even turn. Her head popped up though, as the man said he was leaving and suddenly there was a tiny spark of hope in her heart.

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Stealth

Posted in Black Caste on September 16, 2011 by crow1971

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