[2023/09/16 09:29] Crow would leash his slave without much words. As he turned he only took his gladius and left all other weapons at home. Clearly not a mind that was set to murder.
[2023/09/16 09:33] Hinder had questions but none she dared to ask as he led them through the city and to a place she use to visit often. Sh didn’t dwell on it nor look around to much. He was her focus and always was of late. She came down to her knees before him calmly and looked at him with a warm smile.
[2023/09/16 09:34] Crow seated himself in one of the benches in the deserted park of Ar. They both had an eventful evening the other day. “How are you feeling?” he asks as he would look at her pose. She had come a long way. There was nothing wrong when it came to effort. But in a way he could see that there had become some level of pride over all she showed by her nakedness.
[2023/09/16 09:38] Hinder came in a little closer., still tempted to rest her chin on his leg but didn’t dare. ” Good!” she said air with an air of happiness. she’d not put much mind to yesterday A fleeting moment of curiosity swept over her face but that smile never failed. She’d of likely in the old days have twenty questions to ask in return of that one in times gone by. ” I’m settled my Master and trying my best. Some of the girls have been helpful and others not so much.” she admit
[2023/09/16 09:40] Crow arched a brow. “Hmm…” he replied to those that did not help. “I always believed that kindness shows. If they are not kind than I do not think them very attractive. ” he would wink there. “I know you are trying and from my perspective you are doing amazingly considering you are only two hands on your knees while you have been on your feet for a very very long time.” he replied to her. “I noticed at times that there is a question lingering. Even those are mine. So speak, mine. “
[2023/09/16 09:46] Hinder nods her head to him and thought back to a certain red headed slave. ” I personally never found her attractive at all…” She said before she left the topic there. The smile soon returned as he spoke so honestly with her. ” Maybe it was time and i knew.. It’s so much less complicated when the main and only thing i have to think about if you.” She then shook her head ” There will alway be questions lingering but none that truly bother me. I just ask myself if i could do better and thats all.” She told him truthfully.” But if I’m allowed to ask freely then there is one question I’d ask..Do i make you happy and your life easier, theses days ?”
[2023/09/16 09:49] Crow would often take time to speak with his slaves. He enjoyed to pick their brain and he loved to see their view on life. His was often grim and filled with problems or riddles that needed to be resolved. “Yes, you please me in many ways. I am often proud of what you accomplish even now so new in my collar.” he replied truthful. “But for some reason I believe there is more inside of you that needs to be questioned and answered perhaps.” he would beakon her closer “Tell me what you feel at the mere command to come closer?” he asks.
[2023/09/16 09:56] Hinder felt those words and was brimming with pride. loyalty and love. “it where i want to need and be..” she gave a little shake of her head. ” that doesn’t mean I’d change the past, tho. I was special and will always be. She’d gone from calm to heart racing as he beckons her closer, there wasn’t any hesitating and she moved with ease to settled between his relaxed legs. ” I feel a need and desire to be there a close as i can be. I’ve craved to feel your touch and touch you too. My heart races when i lay eyes on you and i feel weak and at times my minds out of control and i can’t think beyond your presence… Right now, kneeling here i feel the need for you to devour every inch of me, inside and out. Some things never change just grow stronger with the freedom i feel. I’ve nothing to hide anymore. “
[2023/09/16 09:59] Crow again listens with the intent to hear and read between the lines. A small grin appeared when she spoke of wanting to be touched and touch. He had seen it and yet he had seen the restrain she held upon her self. “Tell me why have you not given in to that desire? Have I not told you not to hold back?” he asks “Of course there are things on certain times just as there are things not to do at other certain times. ” he would tug the leash for a moment “Are you afraid of punishment?” he asks.
[2023/09/16 10:04] Hinder knew questions might come, it was like the good old days. ” Because…” she said coyly before she blushed and swallowed down. ” You told me not to touch and at times not been on our side. I’ve always despised slaves who demand their owners attention in public when there are important matters at hand..My need wait.. Yours matter..” She smiled before she felt that like tug on the leash and where was a pitiful moan tumbling from her lips. She felt the tension build in the pit of her core but tried to hold it well. ” It’s not easy though to fight the battle and hold back.” She admits.
[2023/09/16 10:10] Crow nodded “Perhaps I should tell you a little story. There was once a family of urts. They lived underneath a bakery. The father urt told his children never to eat the cheese. He once had eaten from the cheese and had been caught in a trap because of it. So he told them time and time again not to ever eat cheese.” he would look if she listens to the story and would follow the direction in which it went. “So one time the kids were playing hide and seek. Ant there it was – A bit chunk of cheese. The smell was devine for the two youngsters. The piece so big that they would be able to feed themselves completely full if they dared. Their brain told them not to eat and yet everything in their being were drawn to it.” he held pause. “The spoke about it and both understood they would be doing something really bad if they would try to put their teeth into it.” he grinned. “As any child … eventually their brain did no longer stop them and these two started to eat that delicious cheese. When their bellies were filled completely they went home.” he winked. “Can you tell me what happened?” he asks.
[2023/09/16 10:19] Hinder found herself still loving his stories, she always had and always would. It reminded her of the one he’d told at the Soiree. She suspected sometimes things from the past would pop up from time to time. She was enthralled, hanging on his every word. Her eyes dancing between his lips and eye as she inched ever closer to him and until she couldn’t get any nearer. ” They eventually gave into temptation and found themselves excited and seduced by the smell and taste, Maybe they became Infatuated with the pleasure it brought and addicted ?”
[2023/09/16 10:24] Crow chuckled “They did not dare to tell their father of course, since most likely they would be punished. Yet when they sat at the table for dinner their mother and father noticed them not eating. So eventually they had to tell them that they did something they were told never to do.” he watched her as she listens. He loved how she looked and knew it important to her. “Eventually they were told to show this big chunk of cheese. As they all arrive also the mother and father take a bite and learn that it was not the cheese that trapped him but a device.” he would reach out and tap her nose “Same goes for touching me or moving to find my touch. You have to learn when it is oke to find my touch. Since the touch is not the issue. It is the situation that might not be right for the touch.” he explained.
[2023/09/16 10:33] Hinder actually groaned in defeatist as she was way off the mark and there was an actual logical answer to that, not the one rolling around in her head. ” You’ve always been one step ahead..” She chuckled when he reached close to the end. Gently she eased up just a little on her knee’s as his finger touched her nose tip. She loved the simplicity of that, it was something he continued into this new era She was inching closer but at her slow and testing pace. ” There is a time and a place for everything and I’m not someone to flaunt it, unless that is what you wish at that moment .However, I’m sure many a man is curious, its not everyday a free woman takes to her knees and shows she’s contented on them with the man who collar she wears? ” She now reached up a little. ” I’ve a secret to share it’s a bold statement that the Ubar made after he complimented me for being a real woman better than any slave and more graceful that most free women hes met who’s taken to slavery. “
[2023/09/16 10:38] Crow arched a brow “A secret?” he smiled – “You do know that such is not for you to keep.” he tells her with reason. Of course he knew that she would have secrets, but it was important that she would feel that everything was his – the good, the bad and the ugly. “I need to do an errand ((eat)). I want you to dress in a way that makes you feel as pretty as you can be. There is a trunk in which there is slave jewelry and silks, camisks and such.” he would not move away from her touch and brushed some of the hair out of her face. “It is important that it is about what makes you feel at the prettiest. Understand?” he asks. [2023/09/16 10:48] Hinder nods her head.” Not my secret but his… The timing was never right we were always in company of others or…” She didn’t finish that sentence, she got on with it. ” Firstly he complimented and admired your for the years you’ve put in to mastering my heart and mind.. He admired but at times envied you and the love and devotion i showed for most of my life. ” That bit was easy. Soon her cheeks were blushing and she was warm all over. ” He said.. he said he always had this thought of bending me over the balcony in the home stone chamber and finding out just how lucky a man you were.. But now he’d not touch or disrespect you.. When he told me, it was almost like a weight had lifted.” She found herself straying from that topic as he mad that order and she felt his .” Yes my Master… ” but she was so ready to shower him in kisses and lavish him in love BUT again she held it well and gently rose to her feet and turned to leave but paused and looked back. ” I’m the blessed one my Master, i always have been.. You’re still my world and my everything.” And with that said, she’d carry herself off home and prepare.
[2023/09/16 10:55] Crow listens and than speaks: “It might be strange. But the words have little meaning. They are just words. He never gave me anything but respect. He spoke often about you to me, in a very different manner. He is a hunter. He is build to own and have. He will hunt for your heart and yet by that hunt alone – he might have lost it.” he smiled than. “We are both blessed in many ways.” he stated. He would regard her – but as he had an errand would not press the story about the urts just yet. “I will return shortly. Than meet me at the tavern. There you will show yourself in a way that you feel truly beautiful.” with that he lifted himself to his feet pulled the leash to have her in a kiss. Than he would unleash her and slap her ass playful. “I will see you in a bit.” with that he would shush her away.
[2023/09/12 12:44] Crow would have his cloak from his shoulders. Placing his blade on the familiar spot and in reach for if it was needed.
[2023/09/12 12:46] Hinder had found that quite something and even made her way through the street naked and sweaty towards home. Had he gone to the bathes, then she’d of followed but there was some relief as he heads for heme. She’d left home in quite the hurry , her notes were all over the place. The woman had been to the library and studying things that as a free woman had no need to her. Sheets of things such as dance, obedience slave positions littered the place. she Only remembered as they were there when they returned. There had been much taken in. ” I’ve to submit to you yet..my Master.. I read that.until i do such I’m not truly yours..” . She mummers
[2023/09/12 12:49] Crow would take of his braces and although he had noted the scrolls he had ot yet spoken of them. “Ah … yes there is a position. I can imagine that the position is one for those of the caste of warriors, we of the black have little need for it. But if you believe it having value … By all means.” he tells her while he awaits her.
[2023/09/12 12:58] Hinder watched his every move but knew he was at home here. It was his home with her little touch to make it comfy. She’d hear him out and then tread towards him., stepping before him as he spoke. “You’re no warrior nor were you truly a scribe.. You are one of the wisest men I’ve ever met.. Ten warriors would never compare to you.. twenty and at times i could see you as the ubar of ar.. ” Her hand was twitching to reach out and touch his chest but she held back and lifted to lay upon her own chest, over her heart instead. ” I’m yours… always have been and always will be . She is no more and i am who I’m meant to be.. Yours “
[2023/09/12 13:02] Crow would watch her as she approached. He could tell that there were desires to which she held back. Within the home such was not needed, but outside of it there needed to be control. “Words.” he replied to her. Not in teh desire to make them less to what they were, but they held nothing if what was said not truly being felt. “I am not a warrior or scribe. I am not an outlaw but an Assassin. Something that is not earned easy.” he tells her in truth. “Did you read in these scrolls that you need to be kissed by a whip to truly feel slavery.” he asks her as ever a sharp eye upon her to observe whatever went through her.
[2023/09/12 13:08] Hinder felt a sharp pang as he said ‘ words’. ” Actions.”she breathlessly replied with a quiver to her voice and tone.Already she could feel her knee’s shake, tremor and near buckle because of this. They were no strangers.She was new to her collar and not his presence . ” You were once seen as one.. ” she didn’t allow their glory an power to take over this moment. Instead, she nods her head and prepared her heart, body and mind. ” Would you like me to bring it to you my Master?” she quivers.
[2023/09/12 13:11] Crow would regard her with the intent to see through whatever she believed he wished. In a way he knew that she would already fill in his desires and how important it was to see to these. “Actions – or meaning.” he replied to her first word. He could see whatever she believed to being there. “Yes, bring it to me.” he replied to her.
[2023/09/12 13:19] Hinder was no stranger to seeings girls bringing the whip to Marlenus or Sleen as they welcomed girls into the place. She’s never understood the drive until now. Her heart raced ad her mind swirled as she waited for his reply. ” Yes, my Master..” she replied before she knots her hands behind her back and moved to the assortment of tools close by,.. She’d see this from Gen and doubted herself for a movement but once courage was found, she reached out and grasped the instrument between her teeth There was a moment where she might of dropped it and didn’t turn back to face him until it was secure between her pearly whites so as she could pad back towards him with There was a weakness but also a confidence and release in this moment but it was never her call. Her sea green lift to meet his as her emotions take over body and soul.
[2023/09/12 13:23] Crow would watch as to how she would take the whip between her teeth and have it offered to him. He would take it from her lips as he would hold it within his hand. He felt the leather in his hand. A familiar feeling when it came to it. He had whipped slaves on number of occasions. The straps that would be used to have her whipped. were taken between his fingers. Just as another day he had coiled her hair between his fingers. He would not take her wrist and have her move to the stand. He needed to see if he could have her attached while she was not facing him but the wood she would be tied to.
[2023/09/12 13:30] Hinder had no lines to read between for once.. She was slave and he was master.That offering of the whip to him, said it all. Not a single fight as he led her to the wall. He;d always been her strength and her weakness to. The woman moved and was placed upon to the posts in the room as he tossed her hair out of the way. to give ease of access.. He could bind her physically but mentally that had already begin.- There was no resistance from her. ” Yours, mind, body and soul..” She gulped down as her true emotions took a-hold.” please my Master.. ” she adds as she inhaled and prepared.
[2023/09/12 13:33] Crow would attach her wrists and ankles as to confine her to the post. He would have her hair over her shoulder to her front to have her back completely exposed. “I know you are mine, slave. In truth I know it more than you can speak of it. It is the collar around your neck. The brand to your thigh. I know you believe you have submitted and yet you have not yet truly been tested within it. ” he would move his hand in a way as the whip would be lashed out to have it snap at her back just between her shoulders. The force mild – but the leather still sharp.
[2023/09/12 13:44] Hinder had never in all her life faced a whip. She knew it was to be brutal but also knew from the ubar and his slaves saw it as a welcoming,. It was a worthy acceptance to. She didn’t fight his restraints but the emotions took a hold and were building as he spoke. like he knew her better than she knew herself. “Pl.. Please… ” she tremors as she heard the whip lift and come crashing back down on her skin. She didn’t know what to expect and she couldn’t image the pain it borough as the leather tips came crashing down with percussion upon her unblemished flesh. and leather cut though virgin skin The woman cried out long and deeply as the leather kissed her skin. her body jolts and tenses as her mind fuzzed n lst herself in that pain.. ” Thank … you.” she gasped after a long inhale and even longer exhale.
[2023/09/12 13:47] Crow could see that the first blow had hardly made a mark upon her skin. He lifted his hand again as to have the leather end get to her skin below her left shoulder. In an attempt not to whip her twice on the same spot. The force not enough to have her skin break – but enough to have the severe pain of the impact of the sharp leather upon her skin. The snap of it without warning given. He did not make her count – not have her in the known as to how many of these would be administered to her skin.
[2023/09/12 13:56] Hinder ‘s body rode up and down the cross as she was anticipating the next blow and coming to terms with the last.. She wanted to be set free and .the pain this brought to her flesh was a quick reminder. Another lash and her bound legs buckle and the pain and his power made her surrender more. ” thank….” Was all she got out as he ripped through her skin again. She felt so free yet captive physically. She found herself needing more and as he hit her the third time exactly the same as she last. ” Yours !” She cried out uncontrollably as she lost her mind.” Pl.. pl… please..” She stutters and begs as she threw her head back and knew she was at his mercy.
[2023/09/12 14:01] Crow could see the red lash on her skin. It was an art to have a slave whipped in a way that she felt the sting and yet held little to know signs of it. Crow had mastered many but the red stripe would be there for some time. He would place the whip to where she had retrieved it. He would take the sponge from the bucket with water to cool the skin that had felt the blow of the whip. “Now you know how it feels. A slave will do whatever to avoid another whipping.” with that he would release her ankles first and than those around her wrists. “You can best stay on your belly next to me. It is time to rest.” he would not question her – but would leave her with all those thoughts about her submission.
[2023/09/12 14:05] Hinder had felt pain from branding to child birth and heartache too. This, this was different and bought the tears to her eyes as her back burned. His words were all she needed to hear and through it all they soothed and settled her. The woman body left the bindings and she stumped down into a heap upon the floor. Crawling across the floor to where they wold rest. :” Thank you my Master..” She meekly lt out but her yearning for him and the lesson learned played havoc with her mind and fo curse, her heart.
[10:29] Hinder closed her eyes an breathed in deeply as she felt his touch on her bare flesh. She relished that moment but stood with his assistance and only then exhaled. Now stood before him and she saw the leash, her chin lifted just enough but quickly she tucked it down as he spoke of the palace. She felt sick and he’s see the sheer panic on her face but a ” Yes, my Master..” followed.
[10:30] Crow would turn before he left the house “Understand that nothing is yours not even fault or guilt.” with that consolidation he would open the door and lead her with him. [10:31] Crow would point left “Heel.”
[10:35] Sleen opened his mouth to respond to the girl but there it was, before him, a sight you just don’t see every other day. He lifted his left hand and whispered to Kara. “Dismissed, beauty”. His eyes focused ahead with a mix of relief as he exhaled knowing that his hour, too, would come soon. He could recognize Serena anywhere in the world even if he had never seen her naked before. “Tal, Killer”, he said with a dipping of chin. “Girl…”, he winked at his slave.
[10:39] Crow did not want to intervene and patiently waited. As he was addressed he would step forward. If his slave would comply there would not be a yank to the leash. If she paused or resisted she would feel the yank to her neck strong enough. “Greetings, killer.” he offered – his voice no where near the sound of the Old Melchior – but the killer he had become so many years ago. “I hope the missive to the Ubar was received and part of your conversation with him?”he asked. He would now snap his fingers and point to his side – in a way Sleen would see her fully. Of course all was test – even this very moment. The slave under strict regime.
[10:40] Kara bows deferentially, and hobbles away with her fruit basket in her arms. She turns to see who’s coming and… and steps aside even faster, forgetting to wave, panic-stricken and frightened. She recognizes them. She recognizes her. She doesn’t understand a thing! Kara shakes violently and literally, limps off towards the Garden.
[10:41] Hinder carried his wise words with her. She knew this day would come and she’s kept up with him until they reached the entrance of the palace. He’d feel the resistance on the leash that connected her to him but she was no match and it was be led or choked on the way. She wanted and needed to hide behind him as Sleen came into view. Shield her naked body from the man barely peering over Crow’s shoulder when he greeted them both ” Sl..” She stopped herself in time because he’s told her to keep her mouth shut at all costs. It was the snap of Crows fingers that dragged her from her concealment and gingerly she stepped to his side and fumbled with her suddenly clammy hands.
[10:44] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia entered, holding the hand of a young toddler boy while carrying a newborn in a baby sling. “Tal.” she greeted warmly. The boy seemed to recognize his parents, though. Not knowing the entire situation herself, she gently tightened her grip on his hand. “Shhhh….” she gently hushed him. “That man sitting down is very important. We must show respect.” said she in a low, insructive, and undeniably maternal tone.
[10:45] Sleen glanced towards Lyra and noticed that she had the children. So it did have happened. “I haven’t seen Marlenus in a couple days as I’ve been arranging things for impending travel. I had a mind of sending you missive but I’m afraid it got lost in delivery”. He had sent it to the wrong address, clearly. “Good morning, Lady Lyra”.
[10:49] Crow would glance over his shoulder. A dark and grim look – clearly detached from the child she was holding. “Greetings.” he offered in kind and turned back to Sleen – as if there was no sense of emotion to the scene that was not developing. “Mine, kneel. Tower..” he commanded “You ,may greet.” he allowed her. The scene was tense to her – of this he was certain. He observed with a keen eye any development. “What kind of missive?” he asked curious “Or is it more for private quarters.”
[10:53] Sleen stated plainly as they weren’t in mixed company. “I was curious if you’d take former position regarding territory and be interested in establishing a Court. I’m going to travel for at least a year unless something happens in my mission that makes it less complicated. For that reason the Frumentarii is to be dissolved but it would be an unfortunate thing to not give opportunity of continued business to the many of us who stepped up”.
[10:53] Hinder wanted to look back as Lyra greeted but didn’t not because she didn’t dare. What she was met with would break her heart, all see was aware of was that the children had been of were being shipped to Venna. she was taken over with commands,. kneel, greet… It was a roar of instructions that didn’t compute for a moment. She was a block of tension and sheer panic in this situation and she knew he’d know it. Unceremoniously she got to her knees in panicked silence. ” Greeting … Master..:” was pushed out while trying not to make eye contact with Sleen..” Mistress.” was added after a quick mental battle with herself.
[10:59] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia thought the standing man in the black of Assassins seemed familiar, but when his face briefly turned to her, she decided she didn’t recognize it. But, she recognized Serena straightaway. She part of her didn’t want to get dominant with her, but she knew she had to now. “Tal… slave.” said she. This one hit close to home for her. Part of her wanted to be angry with her for becoming a slave. The conflict was subtle in her bespectacled eyes, but she hardened her stare that the former free woman as she composed herself. Corw, however, as most Assassins did, made a slight shiver run up her spine; Sleen didn’t because she was used to him and came to trust him. Crow was new to her. She said nothing further to him as he was in conversation with the regent, so she took a seat and helped Eustacius up next to her. Sage woke up and began fussing. “Oh, now you want to wake up and tell me you’re hungry.” she commented with a light chuckle, picking up the bottle she prepared for the baby.
[11:02] Crow liked it when business was being to the point. Why waste time in sugarcoating things when one wanted to deal with things instantly. For some reason the request got him by surprise. Clearly after recent events he figured other questions. A brow arched than. “Of course you can count on me.” he replied to the point. He would look below to his slave and noted that she tried to hide herself behind her hands. “Bracelets.” he tells her. She was new to the collar and with it needed instructions. He enjoyed to teach them as to present themselves as beautiful as they could. He felt a strange sense of pride when the slave eventually would do his bidding with a small gesture or snap of his fingers. “Your travel. Does it need any attention, assistance. You must know that in our caste some carry weight while others do not.” it was all to close to a message of comradship as it would get from Crow. He could hear Lyra towards his slave and would pay attention as to how she would deal with the scene. Clearly this must have her realize how dreadful she had been with the mother of Eustachius back than.
[11:03] Kassandra entered the room, and with a bow she gave, “Greetings, my Master, Master, Mystress.” She angled her gaze, canted it even slowly to the side with pensive brow of recognition. Only… to settle into a rather satisfied smirk. Though saying nothing. She’d totally save that for later.
[11:06] Sleen winked over at Kassandra as she appeared. “Tal, Kass. See that people are served”. He observed the entirety of the scene before him while focused on Crow. “Good, then. I’ve made point to set the entrance to private location elsewhere, barring the tunnel to the palace since the position of Regent will belong to someone else during my absence”, he explained while pulling a scroll that was stretched in his direction. It contained the names of all that were engendered in contract still or about to expire as well as the placement of new door. “I need nothing for my travel other than my brain. I am thankful for the thought, though”.
[11:07] Hinder still in;t look back even as Lyra replied. The mighty had fallen but no one would truly understand or likely ever hear the full truth of her demise. Her own ignorance to the woman presence broke when a small child was heard, her head snatched finally to search the woman out but it was her young son she noticed first. Oh did her heart break instantly and shatter into a million pieces. She was doing well until her gaze came to lay on Sage. Tears filled her eyes an she turn back away. More for the sake of the toddler seeing her, not for her own benefit If there was ever a reason to move closer to Crow, it was this right here but he broke that idea as he snapped his fingers again and barked another command. Her tear filled gaze lifted to him before she did as told and spreads those chunky thighs with resistance to move her hands from her snatch. Eventually she did and tucked them behind her back out of the way.
[11:08] Kassandra stepped over towards Lyra, and wriggled her fingers at Eustachius she smiled at the little guy. Having come to rather like the little free man despite his trashing the garden. “Would you need anything, Mistress?” She asked her, knowing she were tasked with their upbringing. She & Balder having cared for them briefly the evening before.
[11:14] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia gave a nod to Kassandra, her hands full with a baby. She looked at Hinder, although she still knew her as Serena, as the embonded woman looked, perhaps instinctively, at the sound of a baby’s cry. Such, she knew, was natural and well ingrained into maternal instinct. She then looked down at the feeding newborn, holding the bottle firmly yet gently, knowing the stomach of a baby was about the size of a walnut and she’d stop eating when she was full, she should be shortly. “A spare rep cloth. Go into my clinic for it.” she ordered Kassandra, indicating the door behind her and to the left with her head. She then listened to the goings on. “Eustachius, sit still please…” she added firmly and quietly to the toddler.
[11:14] Crow would reach out to take the scroll and have it stored in one of the pockets in his belt. “The mind is always the most important thing – It means one is never disarmed.” he replied. He would reach down and unlocked the leash from the collar. Again a test. Since as he did his eyes would be upon hers. He could see the emotion and for a moment there was perhaps that glimmer of what once was. “I will see to it and have things set. When is your plan to travel?” he asks – casual conversation ? Oh no …. just there to see if one dared to question his presence. Who ever thought something – he dared to speak when he lifted his chin in a pose of superiority. “See that you help, Hinder.” the name was clearly something he had thought out carefully.
[11:17] Sleen watched the scroll leave his hands as well as the heavy title and couldn’t help but smile faintly at the moment that was, in fact, relived for they had done that switch before, only that Marlenus was exiled then. “I’m thinking about tomorrow. I am still wrapping up some businesses regarding governmental issues before I can go with a focused mind”.
[11:19] Kassandra ran off to grab rep cloth, was absolutely positive the new one would ralph but over Lyra’s robe, only because she had suffered the same fate the day before. It was… enlightening, to say the least. She returned with as much speed as she departed with and tried to settled the cloth over her shoulder. Kassandra reached out for Eustachius and gave his head the imitating of cracking an egg over his his. Closed fingers at the scalp, and then tap at the back of the hand just to spread her fingertips slowly.
[11:19] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia looked up as Marlenus entered and offered him a courteous, respectful nod. This was her boss and arguably the most powerful Human being on the planet by her reckoning. “Tal, My Ubar.” said she. Eustachius had looked up at him, too. “Meet Sage Livia.” she offered, looking down to the newborn cradled in her arms, still feeding from the bottle of artificial breastmilk formula Lyra held for her.
[11:20] Sleen looked suddenly. “Sage, like the red headed kajirus? Strange choice of name”.
[11:22] Hinder could only heard the sound of the toddler fussing and the baby suckling ut of everything going on in the room. And the feel of him unleashing her only brought her out of that daze. She met his gaze and looked at him wth deep and raw emotion in her eyes. ” Help with…” She said in a confused and emotional tone. Lyra was testing her, not even she could be this cruel but she turned her off in her mind and wouldn’t;t rise to the bait. She valued her life, other wise she’d of taken the option of death and the cowards way out. Her eyes snap shut to take a moment to compose herself.
[11:24] Kassandra looked over herself to see the arrival of Marlenus. She bowed to him a moment whilst trying to distract Eustachius, “Tal, my Master.”
[11:25] Marlenus had finished outlining certain state changes, consolidating Imperium into the council, and disbanding departments of state authority earlier in the morning in the offices after receiving multiple sources of consulting. After having sent that out, he had gone up to the chamber of the Home Stone where he had ruminated on the direction of the Empire. Upon such time in meditation, the guards there had placed raiment about his shoulders and the golden diadem of laurels upon his brow before he descended once again to the ground floor of the Central Cylinder palace. Upon arrival, the doors were drawn upon by guards, but they did not announce his arrival with the clanging of spears due to the presence of children. Marlenus looked about and noticed first Sleen who was handing over the mantle of his position to whom he assumed to be Crow. There was a flash of a toothy smile to the Regent before he turned his attention to Lyra who greeted him. “Tal, Chirurgeon,” Marlenus said as he stepped closer to see the newborn infant in her arms. The Larl placed his fingers lightly to the infant’s crown while it ate and he said, “May the Priest-Kings bless and keep this joy, Sage Livia.” Afterwards, he winked at Kassandra who was with Eustachius. “Keeping busy, I see, hmm, First Girl?” he inquired rhetorically with a chuckle, then turned to walk towards the thrones. Only after ascending to the dais and turning to face the room did he catch the face of Crow himself and, an unveiled, naked, and kneeling slave who was once Serena. Marlenus was not surprised, for he had been warned ahead of time, so he beheld them both for a time. Now was the Assassin who stood before them, and he afforded the man such respect, “Tal, Killer.”
[11:26] Crow would turn slightly when Marlenus entered. If there was a dip of his head it was a minor gesture. Crow was nothing like the ruse of the Censor. There was no longer the friendly or charming scribe but the killer that was a sharp observer that measured different scenarios to which he needed to act. He would nudge Hinder with his boot to comply – he did not like to repeat himself. “Greetings, Ubar.” he offered – very much aware that if there was a scale of torture it reached the level of angst for his new slave. He seemed to be cold to what transpired behind him. The family man – not showing – only the cold hearted killer.
[11:29] Hinder heard that voice and if she thought her heart had broken before… now i was ten times worse. She kept her eyes pinched closed the whole time Marlenus spoke with the baby and Lyra. she had to do this, get it out of the way.. She’s explained the situation thoroughly in her own letter she’d been allowed to write, so he knew.. Slowly her teary peepers pry open and are following him to the throne.
[11:30] Sleen smiled lopsidedly at Marlenus who clearly seemed happy. “Tal, Ubar”, he said politely in front of Crow. “Now Kassandra is the First of what, considering how the Gardens became public under Cassius and no longer a part the House of Marlenus? Certainly there will be state owned palace slaves. Is she to reign upon those and organize them?”, he wondered as that was one of the untied loops before he went. He could tell that Lyra was being somewhat cruel and he nodded in her direction. “Around naked slave is no place for toddlers, Lyra”.
[11:37] Kassandra glanced over, and were slightly shocked with the news. Then of course there were the facts spoken the other day at the Throne. First Girl of One. Queen Nothing. She’d paused at Sleen’s scolding, she backed up slightly away from the. Thinking Sleen had meant her.
[11:38] Lyra Sophitia Aurelia shrugged. “The little girl’s mother chose the name.” said she. “Had it been my choice, I might have named her Cassiopeia or something.” she commented. She smiled as Marlenus bestowed his blessing on the girl. She accepted the rep cloth, placing it over her shoulder after Sage turned away from the bottle’s nipple. She used the existing one in the sling to wipe her little face of milk residue gently and then lifted her up, placing her over the rep cloth on her shoulder. She then gently patted her on the back until she burped. Eustachius seemed to watch his uncle before slipping down from the bench next to Lyra. “Eustachius, be careful. Wait until your uncle sits down.” she instructed. It had been a while since her mom-voice was heard by others outside of pediatric visits. She wasn’t being cruel on purpose. The Ubar should see his nephew and new niece, though. As for being around slaves, especially half-naked ones, her brows lofted a bit. Weren’t all Goreans exposed to such constantly from their earliest days? But, she wouldn’t argue with that. She rose. “I wish you well.” said she. “Eustachius, come along.” said she as she headed toward the clinic door, bumping it open with her hip, as her hands were full still.
[11:39] Crow would only now slightly turn. Deep within the man was something stirred. If there had been different choices. Different events. He would have enjoyed the sight upon his children. He would want a full house. With this knowledge he knew he could have it all and yet his sense of following codes and the long training of becoming what he was – made him cold to the scene. Or let us be honest – one could hardly tell there was something stirred. Although he did not wish to interrupt the conversation between Sleen and the Ubar he did – “Ubar, I understand you received my missive. Are there any questions?” he asks – certain as to face all what could endanger his position within Ar to what had transpired. [11:40] Hinder gaze slid over to Sleen as he addressed the woman tormenting her. There was relief and thanks upon her face. Even as well as she was holding it together this was cruel, even she’d kept the child the had adopted from his actual mother to try and ease her heartache. She did tho realize that in some circumstances a slave could hold much more power than a free woman. She was learning fast, mainly on the job and with each situation she was being cast into but the former free woman was picking up on things fast.
[11:43] Marlenus reached up and he unbrooched the cloak of his caste to let it fall and drape back across the throne before he settled down upon it and he looked across the room with a steady gaze before turning his attention to Sleen and he said, “Kassandra is First Girl of the state slaves of Ar. She will be their guide and their exemplar.” This was a simple proclamation, his heavy baritone easily carried throughout the room. Turning his eyes upon Crow and Hinder once again, he took in the sight. He memorized it, etched it into his mind, tattooed it into his brain. Marlenus was, indeed, in a pleasant mood, despite the changes standing in the room. “Killer -” he said to Crow, “- I give you and your caste the freedom to hold your court in Ar, and your internal affairs will not be under the scrutiny of the throne. I wish you success and much gold in your endeavors. I have no questions, if the Regent has already settled matters.” “Slave girl,” he said to Hinder, “Kajira. You are now the property of this Assassin. The woman you once were has been obliterated from existence. It will be interesting to see what duties you will be performing within the steel of a Killer. I wish for you the contentment and the happiness of your steel, freedom within it from the worries and woes of the world, and the knowledge and wit to obey in accordance to this man’s expectations.” Marlenus then lifted his hands to the departure of the children and Lyra and he called, “Don’t break too much in the clinic, Eustachius! But, here’s a tip – ask Auntie Lyra what’s a colonoscopy.”
[11:48] Crow would watch Lyra leave and turn when Marlenus spoke. “Excellent.” he replied to the point to the court and such. The fact they were not under the scrutiny of the throne was a welcome development. Of course Marlenus could still count upon Crows steel – part of his assignment had not changed. He would be here – in trust – but with the understanding of his knowledge. When Marlenus spoke to Hinder he would gesture to her as to speak freely – a gesture that was not done out of kindness. But he was a killer not a torturer.
[11:50] Sleen nodded at all the ongoings that seemed to settle situations and said simply. “It’s resolved between me and him, yes”. He went through his mental list of things to do and passed to Marlenus a singular key that would fit the collars of his slaves. “A gift to your future intended if you please”, he stated plainly as he would indeed travel very light. “I am simply now awaiting to inform Shansia but I suppose you could do that for me as well as grant her position”.
[11:51] Kassandra approached as Marlenus was sitting. She heard his declaration, but then Sleen told her to serve. So she did. “Would my Master like anything to drink, Falarian perhaps?” She asked, “A cushion for the hardness of the Throne?” She wondered really how they could sit on them for lengths at a time. She wondered for a moment if they chose no cushions purposely. The mention of Shansia had brought light to a question held for over a hand.
[11:52] Erik Typhon moves into the palace room out of boredness and shrugs at the words he hears about assassin people doing stuff, for he always thought it was a legend of some sort. Feeling it’s not really his business he lay himself into the room, simply observing while crossing his arms.
[11:52] Hinder eyes came back to lay on Marlenus as he spoke to Crow, her shoulders sagged down as the tension left the room. She didn’t dare look back, her farewells had been made to the children a few nights prior. People would judge, belittle her and relish in her situation and she’d deal with it in her own way. Likely silently not to give others the upper hand. She was a wise old fool and that would never ever change. That teary gaze homed in on the ubar as he spoke to her fully. There was comfort in those words, no judging her, scorning her or making her feel like shit as others were trying so hard to do. She needed that from him and it actually brought a smile to her face. ” Thank you. I shall do everything i can Master.” She said.. How hard she thought it was going to be to call him that, she’s made up so many dreadful scenarios but it didn’t hurt one bit.
[11:59] Kara hobbles into the throne room to join the clinic. She bows to the throne, the ubar and the people he’s talking to, deferentially… and clearly with fearful nervousness. What she sees… no, seriously, it frightens her enough to overcome the grip of her mind, still animated by joy and pleasure. She prefers to slip away discreetly, and when she sees Alcyone her face lights up with a huge smile, and she limps towards her.
[11:59] Crow gave a quick glance between both men. He would lower his gaze for the briefest of moments “Than I wish you good travel.” he tells Sleen and moved his gaze from his slave as she spoke to Marlenus “And you good fortune with the new developments.” with that he would turn and slightly take the side of the room. He would watch if the interaction between the slave and the Ubar was finalized. It was a one time affair. Eventually she would be trained to the finer art of her slavery.
[12:00] Marlenus turned his attention to Sleen and he leaned forward to take the key that was passed to him and he looked at it a moment before he closed his fingers around the key in a fist. He clenched it tightly while he stared at Sleen. “We will also take some time tonight to talk before you depart for your trip, or however many days you desire,” he said to Sleen with a faint smile. “I am certain my future intended will appreciate the gift.” He withdrew his wallet and placed the key within before he stowed the wallet away once more. He then smirked as Kassandra offered cushion for the thrones and his eyes grew mirthful, squinting at their corners. “Nothing for myself, Kassandra. And you no longer call me your master. Properties of the House of Marlenus have been transferred to the state. Now all men of Ar are your masters.” Marlenus turned his eyes back to Crow and to Hinder and when the girl said she will do everything she could, he gave her a slow nod of his head. He turned his attention to Crow and said to the Assassin, “The page has turned, and a new chapter begins. Before anybody starts with some kind of bureaucratic nonsense, your caste are exempt from all tithes and taxations, and your court and its environs are provided freely with no ties and no obligations, Killer. Assassins have the right to exist and ply their trade.” He gave Crow a nod of his head as business was conducted and then he saw that Erik had approached. He lifted a hand to beckon the man forward.
[12:04] Kassandra nodded to him simply, “Yes, Master.” Said she. Words regarding caste and such were over her consideration so it were like fluid through her mind. In one ear and out of the other. She glanced between the two. Marlenus & Sleen, a thought. She turned thinking to go help Lyra with Eustachius and Sage.
[12:05] Hinder tears seemed to stop now the children were out of the room and there was acceptance to her siltation by those who did and still do matter to her. She was interested in this news of an indented but of course kept it to herself. As Crow moved, automatically she did too. Closer to him, to find the comfort she craved and far closer than she’s ever been as Mel and Serena.
[12:07] Erik Typhon moves forward when beaconed over, quietly, looking at the women fleeing toward the palace corridors, then toward the three men at the throne. “Tal Ubar. I heard the crier speaking of a lot of changes in the city.” he tries hard to resist the urge to scratch his butt.
[12:07] Crow would reach down and have the leash attached to her collar. “Come mine” he offered – He did not say his farewell. He had done his business and with it he was done. He would move further to leave the room. There was something he needed to do now she had faced this scene in a way that was commendable.
[12:08] Sleen nodded at his request to speak before he would leave his position. “Of course. We will talk before I go”. He listened with gratitude the leeway granted towards his Caste even if no longer tied to government. He dipped his chin politely as Erik was summoned forth, simply listening for the time being. [12:09] Hinder gave one more fleeting look to Marlenus and a offered a smile to Sleen next.” Safe travels Master..” She uttered to him before they took their leave.
Crow (melchior.wardell) had stood there for a long time. A perfect spot where he would see who was about and who was in the house or near it. Crow had waited and contemplating what he should do. He could not take the risk and would sneak in by using the back door. The act done in silence as he kept aware of his surroundings. The dark of course covering his presence as he was in all black.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra): me had come home at the first opportunity and in the thick of the night, carrying Sage there so as they could both settle and rest. She’d hardly slept but Sage had now been fed and lay peacefully asleep in the crib as her thoughts and worries tormented her. She stood there, looming over the child in the silence of the normally busy home. With Lucrezia and Eustachius off in Venna and Mel not home all night, the place really did feel empty and she’d not felt this alone in a long time.. Maybe some tea would help or even a large glass of wine to send her to sleep, not drunk. She moved out of the bedroom and padded on bare feet towards the kitchen but froze on the spot close to the dining table. Her heart raced and her stomach lunged. Her biggest fear was Mel walking in the to the news that she’d left the hospital, not anything else. There were no words, not a single one as he/ a figure was spotted, stood there in his black garb, no longer a figment of her imagination nor the man she truly loved. She couldn’t be sure but something in her heart told her it was him. ” No…” She broke the eerie silence with.
Crow (melchior.wardell) eyes narrowed as he had seen the ligt come within the room. He could have guessed that she had hurried home with the child. Perhaps earlier upon this day he would have questioned this moment. But with the murder still fresh and the adrenaline of it within his system there was no way there was any consideration to who and what this moment was. With a quick response he leaped towards her and would hold her in a way she was smothered by the hand before her mouth. The voice no longer the one of Melchior but the dark one of the killer Crow. “Be quiet.” he demanded. Even the tone of his voice held dominance if his physic and attire had not yet done that job. Where Melchior had been unarmed, Crow held many weapons upon his body. No softness but cold steel and leather. “Can you be quiet?” he asks near her ear. His breath one she might have felt and yet there seemed to be no hint of passion or warmth within it.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) didn’t even get a chance to look over her shoulder to where the newborn slept. He was to quick for her, she knew he always but at times tested him and believed that at times he allowed her the upper hand. Before any words could leave her mouth his hand was already covering it. She held her breath, closed her eyes and then nods her head a few times. She couldn’t comprehend any of it but no matter what, his touch was still a familiar touch that she knew, even if more powerful and determined. ” Yes..” She mumbled into his hand as his warm breast trickled over her flesh. Slowly she opened her eyes again to try and get him back in her sights.
Crow (melchior.wardell) would keep her in a firm grip as he would set the ground rules. “I will release you, but remember. If you so much shout or cry – this will be a short lived story.” there was no need for a special tone of voice. His words held truth and nothing that could be interpreted as a suggestion. “You are gonna sit down on a chair at the table.” he added. “If you think this will be conversation to how things can be resolved, do not fret. This will not be a pleasant one.” he would only now release her to allow her to take a seat on one of the chairs. With an eye of a killer he would see every move she would make. He was not stupid. This could turn in all kind of directions.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) knew he was like a spider who had spun his web, he’d lured her into his lair all theses years ago and there was no escape. She’d never wanted one but nor had she wanted this day to come. His foreboding presence felt like it grew ten degrees colder suddenly. Her breath quickened and she wet her suddenly dry lips as he held her in that tight and firm grasp.. She was at his mercy, fearful and scared but deep inside her there was still that man she loved and adored. His words were painful and sicking to her stomach, so as he released her, she stepped back away. Wanting and needing that space between them ” How does the story end? I don’t know ..” she mummers as she moved to take up her seat but not without a glance to the door where the small child slept;.She was looking at him as he was looking at her but she was not foolish enough to make any stupid move. ” You’re … You’re farewell last night left me empty.” She admits quietly.
Crow (melchior.wardell) watched when she seats herself. Her words and her emotions seemed to stop a few inched before him and dropped dead before they would reach him. In his eyes there was only this darkness. A predator that was on his mission and held himself to strike. “The story ends today.” he tells her. “How it ends is a very rare thing I will give you.” he started. “Something I have never given anyone.” he added. .There he would slowly move towards the table as to regard her intently and with the intent to strike if there was any need for it. “You will have a choice.” he offered eventually. “This choice is given to what once was. But it is a test also.” he spoke slow and in a way he truly wished her to hear.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) had noted the weapons he carried, each one that could be seen noted. She inhaled sharply, her nostrils flared, a shaking breath then followed as he spoke again. She opened her mouth several times, though no sound came out as he gave his reply to the ending. Each step he took as he made his way to loom counted quietly in her head. That woman who’s mouth was normally so ripe and sarcastic, couldn’t think of a single word, let alone a sentence to say. She met his gaze and nods her head a few times. Her life could of easily flashed before her eyes at that moment – The good, the bad and the ugly too but all she could managed was to focus on him. ” Tell me please…” She finally broke another long silence with.
Crow (melchior.wardell) watched and again took time in silence. Perhaps she considered him contemplating, but that phase had gone already “The choice is death. And with that choice your life is ended quick and swift. The children will be taken care off by relatives and enough funds to have them live in one of the highest cylinders for more than a lifetime.” he presented the first option, before he would place the collar upon the table for her to see. It wasn’t the delicate one he used as Melchior but a sturdy one – clearly one without all the fanfare but that of a low slave.”Or your submission.” he would lift his hand before she was to speak “Consider this wisely. In that collar you will no longer have relatives. You are nothing, but a beast. I can do with it as I would see fit.” he would now shove the collar – black – before her. “That is the choice you can make – Death or your submission. Any questions?” he gave her that – he wanted her to be very sure of the choice she had to make.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) couldn’t work out what was going to come out of his mouth next, no matter how hard she tried. She in the back of her mind could still envisage the father, the family man and her one true love. How easily he shattered that imagine when he finally spoke again. Tears filled her eyes he spoke so coldly about the family they had but worse still it was the fact that he could take her life like it meant nothing to him. She knew she wasn’t invincible but a mother too. She took both on board and stared over at the door where the latest family addition slept and her gaze hung there for quite a while. She only looked back as he pushed the collar her way and she stared at that with the same lengthy consideration. She felt physically sick by the two choices he gave, so bad that she could easily of vomited on the table and burst into tears. ” i… I have always loved you and i always will..” came trickling out meekly when she finally looked up again. ” I’ve lived with this fear for the best part of my life and i never wanted it to come.” She’d no idea what had changed so suddenly, so soon after the birth of their daughter but he always had good reasons, which she didn’t always question.” Could you truly live the rest of you life without me, could you really take my last breath and watch the life drain from my eyes ?” she asked him genuinely. She was still thinking all through as those questioned were posed.
Crow (melchior.wardell) did not expected her to make a choice immediately and she did not disappoint. The question one he had anticipated. “You loved a ruse. A man I am not.” he tells her. Unsure himself if it was all a lie, but he would not give her his doubt. “The ruse is no longer needed. For it has done its job.” he would not tell her to which extend or what he had done. The man clearly not a friend of the family. Yet important enough to have the city officials to see what and who was responsible. “If you truly love me, the choice would seem to be easy.” he tested her with his sarcasm. “As to what I am capable off. I doubt you wish me to elaborate.” he suggested.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) knew she didn’t want to die but also didn’t want to watch their children and granddaughter from afar if he even allowed that. There was so much turmoil all condensed into her mind and heart plus hormone, so the tears soon begun to fall. ” i gathered such..” She replied as she listened to him dance around her question while playing with her heart.” I’ve always loved you and i always will . even stood here looking like this… giving me the ultimatums, there is no hate just fear.” She said as she lifted one hand up and waved it out to him. That hand soon lowered and she reached out to curl her fingers around the collar. He was asking so much including giving up her life and position in Ar but the freedom he once spoke of always played its part to. ” The children and Lucrezia will never want for nothing- ever ? Sage will be sent to Venna to her and her mother ?” She asked while still trying to put things into prospective but she’d noticed he’d not answered her questions directly too.
Crow (melchior.wardell) held up a scroll. “This scroll will be delivered to the palace. In it are instructions. The children will indeed go to Venna. So will all your jewelry, and richness that was once that of you and the ruse of Melchior.” he replied to the point. There was another thing he put upon the table. “This will go with the children.” it was clear that the large pouch was filled with coin. “They will never have to live in poverty.” he added. If Serena would consider the past she would know that even in his business he could see that others were well taken care off. “When you take this collar. Everything will be erased. Every fault, mistake, or error also.” he added. There was nothing in his demeanor that gave away that he disliked what he was doing In fact it was as if he just had ordered muffins at the bakery.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) rolled her fingers over the rim of the collar and then let it go, pushing it back across the table towards him as he spoke again. She drew in a few more deep breaths and looked from the scroll and to the coin that he placed. She had no doubt that the children would want for nothing between him and her many priceless trinkets, they would all live happily ” Let me come to you please..” she asked as both hands rest upon the chair to lift herself up. She still wasn’t in full form having only had the child last night. ” Marelnus…” She adds under baited breath as he filtered into her mind now the place had been mentioned. How could she ever look at him again or learn to accept his eyes on her in a different way than as a brother. ” please…” she adds again with a few nods of her head as he spoke of erasing the past.
Crow (melchior.wardell) didn’t allow her to stand or come to him. From now on things would be on his conditions only. The man that had been trained to remove all feelings from his being. The one that had killed more than he could count. The man that even considered not giving her a choice and kill her to be done with it. Of course the fact he had given her one – was perhaps the simmer of a soft spot. “He can not help you now.” he replied. “His word or his desires are not considered or measured. You have that one choice – No other.” there was no warmth or empathy as to the hard choice she had been given. “We seem to be on a point in which I do not wish to repeat myself.” he now did give some pressure on the fact there was no other choice but those two.
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) was like a moth to a flame even as her life hung in the balance. Her heart was telling her one thing and her mind another. She was wise and always would be and no matter how often she’d battled him in the past his word and guidance always counted. ” No he can’t and he will tell me to do whats right, accept my fate graciously and continue on.. I know it. ” Her hands left the chair when he didn’t knowledge or accept her plea. Her heart was so heavy that she felt like she could hear it pounding in her head . Her hands were sweaty and her mouth was dry. She knew he could of just come in and killed her on the spot, so this choice he gave held much meaning. She now tho understood how that woman felt when she’d handed her child off to her friend. ” I’ve always be yours and i always will be..” She admits as she looked briefly past him and to where the baby slept. ” i can’t just give up and die my world.. We haven’t come this far for it to end this way. I can’t die knowing that its my blood on. your hands” she might of been deluded but believed he loved her to and that was a heavy price for even a man like him to pay. [06:32] Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra): been yours *
Crow could see the questions, the consideration of all what was presented before her. He pondered on the fact she still held on to the thought of love. Crow was incapable of it. He had not been the killer for this long if he had no control over that part of himself. Still there was no emotion in his eyes or the tone of his voice. “It is not up to you to give up – it is only a choice. A choice between life or death. The life will be on my terms. ” he did not explain to her that her alive as a freewoman would still have risks he did not wish to take. When she was his slave – she had become nothing. No word she would share would be questioned to his. She would only be a beast or a corpse. “So be sure. Is it live or death?”
Serena Livius (dirnali.muhindra) felt the pang to her heart, not once or simple twice, she’s lost count of how his coldness had hurt her so much. She sat there shaking and trembling as he pressed her for the answer one way or the other. She looked to where Sage slept once again for a lengthy amount of time. Death hadn’t been an option to her, she was no coward and that felt like the cowards way out. She loved him to much but noticed the lack of it in return. Where Mel would of filled those voids and smothered her beating heart with love, he showed none. ” Life.. I chose life.. ” She gulped back as she sucked in the tears and the reality of it begun to flow through her veins.
It had been a long time. A long time being the scribe that everyone liked. He even managed to get in a position of status. Everything for that one moment. The moment in which he could kill and get away with it. He was taught well and knew that much came to being patient. The target a man that had been a magistrate in number of cases. His life was paid for in plenty of Gold.
Crow had taken the identity of a close family member who died at the hands of Crow. The body was buried and he had taken all his papers, wardrobe and credentials. It had been good that Crow had a high caste upbringing and loved to read and write. In his ruse none could truly fault him on his lack of knowledge. He had taken his time – studied long – and had eventually reached a position in which he would be trusted at his word.
Serena had helped him. With her he was just a gorean man with a companion – a family – a member of the society. She perhaps could have guessed certain things, but never really all things. There were always secrets. Perhaps there was some regret now the time had come to finalize his contract. All would come to an end. A ruse of the Censor of Ar. The former Preator of Ar. The former magistrate of Ar.
In all these years he had studied the man that had hired several guards. The man was well known for contracts that had been paid for and since several assassins had not been able to end it – they had taken it to Crow. He had taken the contract but had never promised a timeline. He would end this contract successfully but when it was the right time.
Just before the baby was born he had made an appointment with Garardus of the House Hoveruis. He had discussed the new line within the laws that would put a different perspective on the law of Ar. Garardus liked his power, liked to be important, held a certain jealousy towards Melchior. But with it held a fondness for exclusive wines. So when the appointment was made – Garardus had not ever considered this outcome.
When the time had come, the man Melchior had undressed. He would undo his ruse. The hair would be coloured back to black. He would no longer shave himself as he had done so often as Melchior. His jewellery would be put away and with it he would take his black livery and dress himself. With each layer the cold killer would resurface. The coldness, the detached sense of self, the calculated man he had trained to be. When he would draw the dagger upon his forehead and take his helmet he knew that there was an end to an amazing story. A story of all kind of things Crow was not. It could be perceived as an intense love story or a story of a man he wished to be. But when he would position himself in the office of the Censor – Crow knew there would only be one coming out of it alive.
Garardus had been surprised when the office of the Censor was so dimmed with light. The voice of the man he knew carried to him as he moved towards the cabinet with the finest of wines. “Censor, I can see you have a new addition.” The man laughed – clearly pleased with the idea of tasting the most expensive wine he knew. It was now that Crow would show himself from the shadows. The cloak still hiding his black livery and different physic. “I hope you enjoy the taste, Garardus. Just as others would enjoy us meeting at this moment.” And with that Crow would take his concealed dagger from its sheath and move towards the cabinet also. The voice of Melchior – made the man unaware of what was to come.
Garardus took a good gulp of the wine when suddenly he felt a something more close to him than he had expected. But his greedy taste of the wine – made him unable to speak or call out. There was only one choice left – to spill or to swallow the wine. It did not matter for what was to come. With one firm slice he would cut deep within the mans neck. Crow could see that the cut the two carotid arteries that run up the sides of the mans neck. The slice immediately made his kill a bloody mess. But with the severe bloodloss the effect of the man being unconscious and unable to call for help or act effective. Crow who had held the man from behind now slowly would release him to the ground. Within a minute or two Crow knew that the lack of blood to his brain, would have his total body to falter in his functioning. The heart would stop in a cardiac arrest. The blood was all over the cabinet and would colour the wall and floor. None would have learned if it weren’t for the silent witnesses of the blood spatters and the dead corpse upon the floor.
Crow knew that he had entered unnoticed – in all these years he had been able to get into his office without being seen. Next to it who knew the man Crow when they had seen Melchior all that time? With the death of the mark – his ruse and the need for it was over. There was only one last thing he needed to do.
Crow would head ‘home’ confront his former life and for once give a woman a choice. Her life or her submission. From there it would be – Gold and Steel.
The last rays of light reflected over the water as he sat himself down near a fire. The flames warmed him. He had need of the warmth. He felt cold to the bone. Thoughts about his age, his past life, his experiences made him feel old. Perhaps it needed to make him feel wise too.
As he looked into the flames he could see his childhood. The playfulness of a young child that played with wooden swords. That played kite with his brothers. How much had changed since then. He had experienced the sense of freedom when he was with his tarn up in the sky. The rush of adrenaline when faced with combat or battle. The pain when hit by an arrow or cut of a spear of blade.
And although he had become a pariah for many due to his profession, he still felt they judged him wrongly. He never took a contract for the sake of gold. He never took a contract for the sake of his personal revenge or agenda. In all his time he had tried to be the one that would bring some justice when the laws within the city could not do so.
He valued life. He valued the beauty of his world. He always tried to be respectful to freeman and woman. He had loved deeply and still did. He had a treasured love for his girl Starling. How she had awakened something he had considered dead and buried.
He thought of her at this moment. How she only seemed to see the goodness in him. All the while he tried to bury it underneath his cold and calculated exterior. He knew that his life depended on his wits. He knew that any sign of weakness could make him vulnerable in this life.
He knew he had many weaknesses. Thankfully they were well kept secrets. Perhaps the only one that truly knew there were some was she. She who had made his winter to spring. She whose touch was so soft as velvet or silk. Her smile that could turn a dark day into one of warmth and laughter. Her look could see further than to what most would see. Perhaps she even knew to hide her knowledge even for him. She was aware of the danger of knowing him truly.
For a moment, he turned his eyes to the sun that seemed to dive deeper into the water. Would she love him in fear of her own death? Did she love him, because she was simply bounded to his will? Did she submit to him, simply because she had no strength to fight him? The mere thought that she might be all of this because he once had obtained her, scared him. He wished and hoped that she was the only one capable of seeing him for the honourable and strong man he was. Even after all his time of murder.
A deep sigh escaped him as it turned darker and only the flames were there to cast their shadows.
And with the last ray of light gone, the song of the Starling seemed to dim in volume as to the silence of the night.
ᵛᵉʳʳ stopped dead in his tracks at the voice of the unknown killer, feeling the man’s eyes latching onto him despite his constant motion. He knew immediately they were trained eyes that belonged to a trained killer. “Hau,” he returned the greeting in a red savage manner, “Tal, sir.” A red savage man is without caste, and he was reminded of the full weight of the cities of men he called scabs on the face of the Gor.
Caith eyes assessed the man “Perhaps you could be of help.” he stated to the man “I was once told a story of an urt that wished to pass the street where many carts passed. The urt came to an end. The man sharing this story asked me to find the one telling it.” he said as to ensure that if he was facing the right one – he would know – that he himself was no imposter. “A bird with dark feathers told me while he had learned the story of a verr.”
ᵛᵉʳʳ pursed his lips and looked utterly dumbfounded. His practiced habit — one honed and fine-tuned over many seasons — continued and his awkward shuffles and stretches seemed to lull as the weight of the killer’s words sank in. His gaze passed about their surroundings and he pursed his lips out of routine habit when he thought deeply before speaking, “Tal, Killer. I am familiar with this story. It is a custom amongst the red men of the Barrens to gift a story to an honored friend. One might say a blood brother. I’m told in exchange a story was gifted upon the verr… a riddle describing Murder.” He assessed the man before him and he saw in this killer a reminder of an old, honored friend. “I just may be able to help you after all.”
Caith had ensured them to be alone as he didn’t wish to have some bystanders as he inclined his head “I was once given this story in hope to find the one sharing it to continue a legacy that might have come to an end when the man Crow would leave for his rest in the city of dust. I came with purpose to find the killer Verr and see that the ties that once were between my mentor and him to be restored. Perhaps join forces as in to better the caste. I know him and this killer to be of a same caliber and I am honoured to face a man if so.” he spoke humble and soft as to not have his voice carry far.
ᵛᵉʳʳ ahs, and then nodded with solemn expression to the Killer. “Then perhaps, as is my way, and my custom in the caste of the cities, I should call you brother and comrade,” he said matter of fact and in a quiet tone he felt would not carry to unwanted ears. He stepped into the shadows of the narrow alley, leaving his back to the wall. “Perhaps we can discuss these things in deeper shadow and where my savage dress won’t have the city’s Free Women choking on their veils from gasping at such barbaric culture?”
Caith smirks and nodded “I would be honoured to be called such.” he answers while he waved his hand in a gesture that he would follow him. “I have been roaming about but mostly in those hours they dare not venture out. I do not think I even met one of the ladies of this Port.” he left out that he had come with a woman called Joanna. He hadn’t met her since she set foot in this port. The last perhaps for the best.
ᵛᵉʳʳ dipped his head respectfully and gave his thanks, “Ashoge. Howo.. follow, please.” He would lead the killer to the heart of shadows, in Brundisium — the Black Court.
Caith had been in here a number of times even met one lad that wished to be tested. “Impressive build for such as the caste of assassins. I guess the people of brundisium pass might fear our caste to bestow us with such hmm …” he jested.
ᵛᵉʳʳ nodded in agreement, “It is a mystery to me, truth be told, Killer. I have not seen the likeness to it anywhere else in all my many years. Perhaps it stands as it does now, as it did when it was first built many seasons and perhaps a lifetime of men of the black caste long gone to the Cities of Dust?”
Caith nodded quietly “Perhaps … ” he answers in agreement “Crow told me that you might need help with trainees “Crow gave me the legacy of his guild the Sang Noir, which basicly says black blood.”
ᵛᵉʳʳ allowed himself in this environment a small and genuine smile. “Indeed. There is much work to do here in Brundisium Pass. Much of what my spies have uncovered is that there is some great unrest in the city of Brunidisium Proper. It would appear this man Djoran has significant investment in this section of the city that has been victimized by the will of the Merchant Council. I also understand this ship-builder is not without his own influence with this Council but what is unclear is his place in it. As it stands, the caste itself is disorganized and fragmented. Indeed there is much we can and should discuss.”
Caith nodded slowly “I learned of this, although I have not yet ventured to deep into it. I had some messages to deliver when word came that Crow was killed. But as it stands most are delivered and I would like to commit and see that his work will be continued. I can only hope that you wish me to do so. I would understand if you try to test me. No killer just goes on a word.” he reasons. Perhaps he hoped that the story would atleast give some of his credentials, but again he was a killer and didn’t fear the test that might be given to him.
ᵛᵉʳʳ seemed in that moment a very simple fellow and some might consider him even sloppy in his work, but that would only better serve him to keep others assuming that to be the case. “You wear the livery. You speak words known only to one man — The Killer Crow. And so you find yourself at odds with your own words, comrade. No Killer just goes on a word and yet you find yourself here, speaking to Verr, once of the caste in Ar in the time of Pa Kur… on what? The words of a Killer.” He often enjoyed such logical sparring with Crow, and he looked forward to carrying on that tradition with this man. “There are the Codes. There is gold and steel. But there are many things that far to many who wear the livery like to forget.” He grinned crookedly, a slight challenge revealed in his expression here in the shadows of the Black Court. “We, killer, can certainly do business,” he said with utmost confidence in his tone.
Caith grinned at the words given in counter “The words of a killer should be taken as the honour of him to be a man of caste. Those that only think the caste if for some bunch of killers with no mind clearly have no idea with whom they do business.” he replied. “Excellent, Killer. I am looking forward to that business and join forces so the caste is one that is respected for the right and not the wrong.” he stated confidently. “As you might have witnessed there is a seeker. I have him blindfolded.” he stated.
ᵛᵉʳʳ nods, “Han. Yes. The touch of your mentor didn’t go unnoticed either. As I recall he was fond of creating new and exciting ways of making The Wait an experience the lads would curse him for but thank him for much later. As I said, the caste here in this city is fragmented but I am of the mind that here, in this place more than any, tradition will carry on to those who will serve the caste when I have taken my final steps into the shadows and the Cities of Dust.”
Caith offered his arm in final “Then let us vow that the legacy does continue.” he stated with that sinister undertone that for others might look as if it was a pact of the devil itself even if it held the honour of a given word between two of the caste of Assassins.
ᵛᵉʳʳ pursed his lips and felt the weight of the other’s words. “So it is said, so it will be done. This I swear,” he said with little hesitation. He dipped his head low and touched his fingertips over his heart, then to his lips and to his forehead which was for a him a tradition passed to him by his mentor so long ago, and to the attentive it was a gesture found most often in the far south and the desert sands of the Tahari, and not unknown to the Killers of his earliest years amongst them.
Caith always walked with stealth so when he noted the seeker, he paused silently to see what he was doing before he would make himself known.
Berick Firelight yawning he shook him self awake the warm central fire baking his skin he pressed up and stood stiffly he then stretched his muscles cracked and shifted bring the relief of the body’s natural lubricant. He then listening leaned back to the stone enjoying the sound of the morning, the fine russle of leafs and the smell of food cooking in the city
Caith moved his hand to the hilt of his gladius and ensured that the metal of his bracer would colide with it. It was to see if that little noise would reach the mans ears and how he would reply as he had no idea who it might be that stood there to observe him.
Berick Firelight’s spine stiffened, his hands clenching he would know the sound of sword being drawn any ware being blind the sound was more clear the smooth easy sound of steal leaving leather… he did not care he would rather see his enemy then die blind he tossed the blindfold to the side and let out the cry of the kataii warrior he with fist raise hoping the cry would startle the man, he advanced on him then stopped short cursing as he recognized his teacher…”im sorry Master”… he said bitterly as if he wished he did not discard the fold so quickly
Caith regarded him unimpressed with how the man had replied to the sound. When the man would see him – he would see that he hadn’t drawn steel but merely touched it with his bracer. “You part very easy with that blindfold.” he stated tonelessly while he assessed him critically. “To part with it could be considered defeat.” he added as to taunt the man further. In his caste there was no room for men that acted on whim or ego, they were known to be calculated and thoughtful. “I would pick that up if I were you … or is it that these days you learned that the path to the caste of Assassins doesn’t suit you ?” he challanged him mockingly.
Berick Firelight he cursed he then kneeling down taking the blind fold slipping it back on he stated more calmly now…”no Master i it would suit me fine and i did not think of it as defeat for it was instinct of a man who walked the plains where one such a sound mean death comes for you i will keep such a lesson in mind for times to come and not think like of of the savage plains again I ask your favor in this regard Master
Caith arched a brow “I told you that to enter the training you have to part of anything that was your past. It matters not as to what once was … in fact it would serve you best if you considered yourself nothing. Do you think that training is easy ? That you can pass it only because you fight well ?” he shook his head “A killer will not act on whim or on recklessness. It considers, listens … and only acts when one is sure. Nothing less than being sure.” he said quietly. “Tell me how did you exploring go ? I see you still on your feet so no splinters of the wood of the wharves … ”
Berick Firelight he shook his head and mutters he then wiped his hand on his stained tunic his pants where ripped , he hand some cut on his feet and hands his legs bore a impromptu bandage and one could see claws of the sleen down his leg, he also had meany bruises of his face from falling and his body was also bruised his angles where swollen his nails on his toes some broken some had caked dried blood… “ decide some issues like turning a corner of a market and knocking over dishes angering a sleen by the sound, I manages to stay alive these last few days by seeking employment in the tug and rub where I was put to work the men seemed to decide to tie me up and drag me over here now I have little idea where I am in the city sense where I last left off is the market place
Caith regarded him and smirks hearing what he had encountered. “Alive for several days without eye sight or weapons could be considered quite an accomplishment. Scars heal and I doubt any of them were lethal enough.” he stated. Perhaps some compliment could be read in to the words although his voice remained sill and detached. “Tell me without eyes …. what do you see ?” he asks.
Berick Firelight he thought for a long moment as he moved his left hand to his right arm he rubbed it still feeling a bit stiff as he stated….”with out eyes all anyone can see is the unfiltered truth of are world for we with are own eyes paint a picture of what we want to see how others have trained us to look at the world around us the example of me attacking you,, I was not lessening first. I did not hear the sound of a attack but listened to the training instilled on me so with out site you are blind to the lies the world offers you
Caith paused while he considers his words and would give them value – or not. “Many think that we live in our shadows to leap from them for that one act of murder. They think that for a reason … to learn the darkness and train your other senses could even make you aware of much without the ability to see. I once met a blind slave. She was bred that way, because she was able to be used to recognize people even if they were well disguised.” he shared. “Can you see the value of the lesson I tried to give you – even if you are only in the wait ?”
Berick Firelight he nods solemnly and stated simply….”i do understand Master even i might be raised wild man on the plains it is clear i could be more then a simple brute
Caith nodded “So take this lesson and truly try to study the lay out of this port. Blind so you know your way with your eyes shut. Find every nook and hook … my test will be to plant you somewhere and you will know how to get back to me based on your other senses. To cheat is defeat … so when you take off that blindfold the wait will be over … by your leaving or by me accepting you into training.” he promised.
Berick Firelight he nods his understanding he turned his head hearing footstep of leather boots he stated calmly…”tal and i understand Master and will do what is nessary ”
ᵛᵉʳʳ bound up the steps in a nearly careless manner. It might seem that the tavern was what he was after. He heard a muffled sound of a man’s voice, and he seemed to take up a nervous shuffle. Two men, one in the livery of the dark caste, and the other unknown with the look of one from the wagons. Perhaps he was intruding. He glanced at the old stones and was careful to ensure his awkward shuffles and nervous habit would not cross with the shadow of the killer. He dipped his head in a slightly humbled manner and made as if to skirt around these men. He knew well the saying that men never dabbled lightly in the affairs of Killers.
Caith nodded and dismissed the seeker “Don’t let me keep you then. One can never be sure when I will test it.” he turned to the man that fitted a picture he was once given. “Tal.” he offered while he turned more fully to him. His brows somewhat knitted together as in recognition to who he might face.
Caith regarded the man with piercing eyes. “Tal.” he offered simply while he assessed the mans stance and weaponry.
Berick Firelight he steped off the boat, his heavy boots could be heard moveing along the planks as he steped off then moveing on the ground, her turned his head the clear scars on his face , he looked around the port his eyes looked to the man in black he tilted his head in question he observed the mans wepionary
Berick Firelight: ..”tal sir I am berick this is a interesting Land.. I am a outrider in search of the assassins
Caith noted the scars but gave little consideration to them. Each men of Gor might carry them. “One could tell that to be a dangerous occupation, Berick.” he replied with some sarcasm. He moved closer to him as to not have their voices carry far “why would you wish to find those of the dreaded black caste ?” he asks.
Berick Firelight he stood his ground his dark kataii skin was in clear contrast to the sands around him he looked from Mans sword and crossbow to the mans eyes as he stated calmly….”it is my wish to seek such a path the life of a outrider has told me much and i seek a more …. refined path per say i know some about the men in black but being one of the wagons my experience was around them it is my attentions to leave my people behind and forsake my kind for the lonely road of gold and steal and the tool of priest kings
Caith frowned at the admission as to weigh the words carefully “Are you sure ? To forsake all is a lot. Next to it only very few are able to truly get that far. Did you know that only one out of ten can don the black because he earned it and surpassed his training ?” he asks. The question was serious and his tone betrayed that this was considered deadly serious to him. “What is it that you leave behind ? A slave a woman ? A past ?”
Berick Firelight he nods solemnly then looking to the man he spoke in a carefully measured voice….”I leave behind my people being one of the wagons it means quite a bit, to walk away from them for one does not leave the heard lightly but. I leave my heard i leave my birth right now, i have courage scare for a woman and a slave so. I leave the woman who i sought at a time in my youth, the sights of a young man that wanted a family, and yesi I would leave my past and happiness behind to do what must be done.. nothing is safe in for and maybe one of 10 even live on a day to day bassos so it to me is no different then riding the plains where I was alone offend
Caith eyes him sharply when he speaks “You think I might judge you based on what you leave behind ? I do not weigh that, but I am sure you will every single day if you truly wish to go into the shadows. For months you might secretly wish not to take these directions for what you leave. Perhaps you might even beg to be killed because being alone with gold and steel is a pretty lonely life. An Assassin is feared, looked down upon. He is almost the lowest of caste and yet he must be able to work to surpass even the well guarded gardens of an Ubar for one purpose.” he stated. “What do you think to gain by choosing this path ?”
Berick Firelight he looked to the man his eyes looking into his eyes his chin was turned up and proud… he nods listening to the man his eye brow twitched when the man stated about begging to be killed…..”i do not expect you or require you to judge me on my past it is only the start of the path any path … perhaps your right in such things, but in all things we sacrifice even in my old life….I seek to gain training and a clear understanding my self and my inner nature I think not to gain much for all there will be is gold and steal nothing more if I was to live threw the training I know I will have no friends so I gain I think solitude
Caith nods once but even that seemed to be a movement he had given thought. “When one starts in this dark path, a man will have to deal with what we consider the wait.”he started. “The wait is a period of time were you are to proof that this is truly your path. It will take away all what you own. So I will take away all your weapons and boots. To disarm as a man might feel uncomfortable but it will be nothing considering what will come in training. You will be beaten, tested severely. If you once dare to fall out to me …. I will slice your throat and have you disposed, without blinking an eye or any remorce.” he paused as to give these words the heaviness of their intent. “However in that time you can still walk away whenever you feel like it. During the wait you are not yet in training, after you are able to proof yourself during the wait you will be posed with that question. If you remain then you can’t leave anymore besides in a bodybag or as a killer – is this understood ?”
Berick Firelight he watched the man he shifted a bit uneasy as if he was a bit uncomfortable to be with out weapon to defend him self other then fist,he set his jaw as he nods…”the time things take its time i am not worried about and i would take any scars or beaten that would come to me and i will not a fall i my however tip an fall but you will see i will always stand back up and i do understand and if the ones of the black do decide to take me into the path then i would give what i have
Caith regards him and could guess how the man felt by leaving all that behind. “That the most important lesson you already get now. No man of the caste is ever disarmed. Do you think Steel is our only weapon ?” he asks sharply. He moved his hand to his temple “Your mind – that is the most important part of you – do not forget it nor make the mistake that a man without a weapon is no threat.” he held his hand out “It is up to you now …. give me your boots and weapons …. and consider me your Master in a path to the caste.” he stated with that natural authority.
Berick Firelight he laughed the great kataii laugh of his people…. he shook his head a bit chuckling to him self he unbuckled his belt that had his quiva, sword, and bola then with his other hand he unstrapped the crossbow he set them on the down finally he slipped his boots off as his dark skin kissed the stands he then bent over scooped them all up and in his arm he offers them to the men…..”yes that is true you are correct in such things and i consider you my teacher as you say
Caith watched the man laugh and for a moment seemed to make this wager – how quick that one would fade if he would undure the first of the tasks he would set before this man. He took his belongings which he would keep under lock and key. “You will call me Master. You will do what I say and as you are in the wait must consider what failure might represent.” he stated. “Next to it during your training you will refrain yourself from any pleasure. Can you tell me why I demand such ?”
Berick Firelight he girted his jaw hes stance was defiant his resolve his stance was defensive suggesting that he was perhaps a proud man..”yes I understand as to the lack of pleasure that is simple enough things as alcohol woman can made a man unfocused and at time lose there focus lose the discipline”… he said simply not stating much more just standing there his armed crossed his stance guarded clearly unease
Caith nodded “Aye, these things can cloud your judgment and as this is a period in which you will be tested you better have all your senses sharp.” he stated. “Remember that you are not in training yet nor have me as some guard to see to your needs. You will have to survive in this Port pretty much on your own devices. Perhaps you have to charm a slave in giving you a free meal, perhaps have to come with a good excuse why you are bared footed or bleed from your nose.” the last seemed to be a promise. “You must be creative in whatever is demanded by me. Since I am the one that can grant you the desired path you seek. Is this clear ?” he asks intently.
Berick Firelight he winced hearing the man but he set himself to the task at hand he stood tall looking to the man, he shifted his hands putting them on his hips..”then its simple i will put the skills i have come here with to use”.. he smirked and then tilted his head as he considered the mans words….”I will do what i must”.
Caith nodded while he suddenly gives motion to his right elbow in aim to the mans face. As he had been training a lot to give a good blow even when carrying things the force would be considerable and perhaps this attempt to wipe that smirk of the mans face. “Next to it – you call me Master when you have answered me and are done in your reply. Is that clear – Maggot.” the last of course his attempt to bruise the mans ego – anything could be a test as to see how badly this man wished to become part of the caste. It wouldn”t be a first that a man couldn’t take the verbal beatings and turned from it path because his ego could not deal with it.
Berick Firelight stood there and did not move the pour kataii that he was, he watched the arm move and then feeling his head jerk back he looked darkly to the man then chuckled and spat the blood from hims mouth, his eyes looked admired as he was called worst in the plains.. he stood there the blood trailing down his lip he licked it before saying the amused grin on his face as he consider the man in a new light …. as he said in a voice that spoke pleasure not anger for the most part…and even chuckling as he spoke….”your actions are almost worthy of the wagons”….he then girted his teeth as he had to force the last part out stating in a bitter hate what expressed his deep seeded resentment to having to say it clearly bugging him more then being called maggot….”i understand” he spat out the last part….”Master”
Caith watched the man take the blow as a man and saw promise in it – even if it was little at this point. “I have been in places that have made me earn several scars.” he stated matter of factly. “Now take this.” while he handed him a blindfold. “You will have to wear this untill I tell you to take it off. During this time you might not take it from your eyes. It might make you feel vulnarable but consider a complete guard with their blades drawn and this will be a piece of cake. You will explore this port blind, you will endure the pain of tripping – I could care less. But you will know and learn every hook and nook in this port – is that clear ?” he asks him again sternly.
Berick Firelight he hearing the mans words, his face turn totally cold all traced of humor forgotten he snarled and looked to be close to loosing his temper and attacking the man, the shaking his head he forced his self as he looked directly into the mans eyes…”i understand then”…………his face contorted again as the humiliation of the deg ration was clear as he stated….”Master” … he slipped the blind fold over his eyes and waited his world going black
Caith nodded and watched how he blindfolded himself “Well I would get started – worm.” he urged him while he would take the mans belongings to his own space where he would hid them well.
Crows Murder 