[EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Amberghylles on 26-08-2008, 02:56:52</h2>
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				Title: <strong>[EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 02:56:52</strong>
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				&lt;By Trieste&gt;<br><br>Naiobe sits by her window in nothing more than a dressing robe, her delicate toes scuffing lightly back and forth across the floor as she swings her leg. She slowly sips at a crystal chalice, the wine inside of it light and cool and refreshing, especially with the breeze that comes in off the mountains through her window. Though the day was warm, the darkening night is quite cool, and she enjoys the scent of stone and smoke that wafts on the breeze toward her. She glances over languidly as the sitting room's door opens, admitting both a servant ... and her twin brothers. Half-brothers, actually, but not much difference there. Fathered and raised by the same man, the differing half of their genes is of little matter, save appearance.<br><br>Though they are about the same age, Naiobe is much smaller than her brothers, proportioned as a woman but more petite than any elf. Some have taken her for a child before, but only the truly unwary; her figure is definitely not that of any girl, size be damned. Part of it is due to her mother, an elf herself, but part is due to the fact that Naiobe was a sickly child, often bedridden and too weak to do much more than stare out the window, sulking wistfully. Not only her health kept her like this, but the human healer employed to watch over her had a hand in her invalism. Obsequious and servile while in the presence of others, he had taken advantage of his time alone with his febrile charge, having a certain liking for her pale hair and smooth skin like unto porcelain. His little doll had turned on him viciously once she was of the age and the health to do so, setting her well on her way to catching up with her kin as far as studied cruelty is concerned.<br><br>As the servant strips the limp form of her latest plaything from the bed in the next room, the half-elf turns to her siblings as they saunter toward her in disconcerting unison. "Father wants to see you," both of them drawl languidly. "He's in his study..." "... not to be kept waiting." The two of them are so alike that even their sister has trouble occasionally telling them apart, but only when they make an effort to mask those small gestures that otherwise would show one from the other. Rousing herself from the window seat, Naiobe glides over toward the bedroom, disappearing behind the thin silk of a changing screen, since it won't do to go wandering the castle hardly clothed.<br><br>"Why would he send the two of you?" Her voice is vaguely taunting, but also suffued with the languor that comes of pleasure. It's easy for those who know her to tell when she's recently had the catharsis of a good fuck; she tends to take on the lazy contentment of a cat who's filled its belly with cream.<br><br>Brynn first says, "Because we were there..." "... and we were bored," Bryan finishes, the two of them moving as one to idly survey Naiobe's silhouette through the screen. "Nothing more," they both add, each leaning indolently against the doorjamb on either side of the door between the sitting room and the bedroom.<br><br>"Did he say why?" It's unusual for the old Baron to summon anyone save his nightly entertainment this long after dinner, and Naiobe finds herself wondering what manner of lecture he intends to give her now. All of his children know better than to directly cross him, but the occasional lessons he feels the need to impart upon his progeny can be anything from mild to excruciatingly painful. She certainly hopes it's the former.<br><br>"Not a word..." "... nor a hint." Both of them don't even pretend not to have been looking as she comes out from behind the screen, dressed now. The look on both faces is smug, as both of them know their patriarch's habits as well as she does. "Have fun," they taunt as she opens the outer door.<br><br>Sending a brief sneer back at them, she hurries along the hallway, her elegant silk slippers nearly silent against the cold stone floors. Her waist-length tresses stream out behind her like a cornsilk banner, obscuring the delicate tips of her ears. Shorter than an elf's but still decidedly tapered, Naiobe's ears are yet another marker of her half-and-half parentage. Rather than the paler eyes of most of her mother's kind, hers are very dark brown; in certain lights, it's impossible to distinguish the pupils from the dark, dark irii, making them look black. Were she less protected by the powerful, she probably would have been accused of giving the evil eye to others several times now. Those dark eyes show none of the malevolence that may have brought such about, however. For now, they show only an edge of concern, as Naiobe reviews her actions over the last couple of days. Honestly, she cannot think of anything that may have brought her father's wrath upon her head, which makes the unusual visit ... slightly worse. After all, if she knows the infraction, she can usually guess at the response. With an inaudible sigh, she raises a hand, slender fingers curled into a loose fist as she raps on the door.<br><br>At his muffled acknowledgement, she opens the door silently, the deep azure of her dress standing starkly against the aged wood as she closes it behind her. Unsmiling and somber until he gives her reason not to be, she asks, "You sent for me, my Lord?"<br><br>The old man is a study in deception. He looks fragile, yet remains strong and sure in his actions. He also looks like he perhaps might be past the age when he would enjoy the company of a maid or two... but that is most certainly far from the truth. Her eldest brother seems to face the Baron without the least hint of fear, but Naiobe has yet to learn that particular trick. While she feels no small amount of affection for the Lord of the castle, said affection is mingled with a healthy dose of respect and, at times, solid fear. At the moment, that fear nudges at the edges of her awareness like the first tantalizing caresses of a lover as the Baron turns to face her. The old man studies the diminutive young woman in front of him, possibly reviewing how much she resembles him, despite the overt similarity to her mother. Her features, her bearing, the way she carries herself is unmistakable, and cast from the same mold as him.<br><br>Finally, he speaks. "Do you remember," he begins conversationally, "when I first found someone in your bed other than you?" That hollow gaze meets her eyes, and it's only by sheer force of considerable will that keeps her from flinching. This is probably not going to be mild.<br><br>"Yes," she breathes, moving closer to him, resting her hand on the back of the chair beside which he stands.<br><br>He nods as she comes to a stop close by, and sets the drink in his hand down on a small table by the arm of the chair. "Repeat it," he orders quietly, circling around behind her and resting his hands on her shoulders.<br><br>Forcing herself not to tense at the contact, she looks into the fireplace, as if the answer is in the flames, her eyes going distant with memory. "Play," she quotes, "But do not get caught." She's paraphrasing somewhat, but that was the generality of it.<br><br>"Indeed." Though he seems pleased by the answer, Naiobe knows better than to relax. "And what were the rules that I set forth?" The question is asked in the same quiet tone, though a thread of steel creeps into the undertone.<br><br>Now she tenses, getting an inkling of what the problem may be. "Se... Selectivity," she murmurs. Check. "Discretion." Also covered. Naiobe has no wish to parade her own toys through the town square like another certain, somewhat flashy someone. Well, okay, she's wanted to once or twice, but since it's banned, it's really a moot point. "And-"<br><br>The Baron's soft voice cuts smoothly through her own, interrupting. "And no nobility," he hisses. His fingers tighten on her shoulders, his grip not quite painful. "I told you to pay attention." And then he waits, for the moment.<br><br>Realisation dawns on Naiobe's face, and her breath hitches a little. She tries to turn and look at her father's face, only to be held where she is by that strong grip. "Who? I checked!" The fear that has been hovering around the edges of her awareness abruptly finds itself at the forefront of her mind, cold and growing.<br><br>"Think," he says, his voice still menacingly soft in her ear. "Dark hair. Dark eyes. He was missed three nights ago." His grip on her shoulders tightens further, becoming painful.<br><br>Chilling recognition crashes over her. She winces as his hands tighten, squirming a little where she stands. "He... He can be healed..." She pants a little, almost pleading. "He isn't... I didn't..."<br><br>"No," he nearly purrs. "You did not kill him. One day you might, however." His grip is like molten steel, and her collarbones begin to creak a little under the pressure. "Mistakes are made when you are learning, but they MUST be made with someone expendable." As she opens her mouth to answer, he shakes her a little, silencing whatever she was going to say before he continues. "If you make another such mistake, I will hand you to Brom, and instruct him to treat you as he would any other trophy. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"<br><br>A small whimper slips out of her as pain radiates from his hands, through her shoulders and down her chest. Her eyes go wide at his threat, and both of her fists clench tightly. "Yes, Father," she gasps, then finds herself slumping against the back of the chair as the Baron abruptly releases her. Rubbing one shoulder and turning to face him, the colour drains from her face as she becomes aware of another presence in the room. The eldest of the Baron's sons is wreathed in shadow, outside the illumination cast by the fire in a warm circle, so Naiobe cannot see Brom's face nor the expression that may be thereupon, but knowing that he is there, and has been quietly watching, sends a stab of deep, burning chagrin through her. Setting her jaw, she looks from her father to her brother and back again, though she doesn't dare depart without leave.<br><br>Thankfully, the old man inclines his head at her look, saying only, "Sleep well, my dear." No trace of humour inflects his tone, nor does he come even close to smiling, but she senses amusement from her father all the same. Taking a shaky breath, she mutters, "And you," before ducking her head and hurrying to the door, avoiding Brom's gaze entirely. There will be gloating later, she has no doubt. And possibly that is the worst part of all.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 03:17:42</strong>
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				&lt;Posted from IM between Trieste and Amberghylles&gt;<br><br>Head down, Naiobe pulls the door of her father's study closed behind her, taking great care that the latch falls almost silently back into place; perhaps she could have gotten away with a little door-slamming, but she likes to think of herself as a bit too mature for that anymore. Maybe. She stalks down the hallway and gets nearly to her own room before it occurs to her that the twins will be curious, and possibly hanging around, waiting. Kicking them out will prove more difficult - and more telling - than simply avoiding them, so she turns on her heel and heads toward the stairs, redirecting to the roof, and the fair-size garden thereon instead.<br><br>Dismissed with little more then a nod, Brom slips from the study as well. His feet moving along as he strokes his chin and considers where his sister will have gone. Somewhere where she can be alone if he knows her, and that would mean not returning to her rooms and the twins. At this hour, there are a few options, but knowing her affinity for the garden, he decides to start there. His booted feet take the stairs slowly and quietly as he moves up to see if he's guessed correctly.<br><br>Looking out over the side of their home toward the town underneath, she stands with arms folded and jaw set in a firm line. Lost in thought, she starts at the scrape of a boot on the stairs, then looks over her shoulder to see who's joined her. When she sees Brom, a sour expression flicks across her face, and she turns her back on him again. Like a bored child, if she ignores him, maybe he'll go away.<br><br>Brom moves across the gardened rooftop. His eyes drift over Niaobe, taking her in in a different light. He comes to stand beside her and rest his powerful hands on the stone rail to gaze down as she does. "That was careless of you sister," he comments after a moment of silence.<br><br>She sighs, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Brom, if you're going to repeat everything that I just heard from Father, I heard it the first time." Her lips twist somewhat, and she adds, "It's not as if you've never made a mistake before, though I don't recall ever being allowed to stand in on the lecture." She refolds her arms and seethes.<br><br>Brom's lip curls slightly and he turns to face her, leaning slightly on the stonework. "No, I'm not going to repeat all of it." He reaches out to brush a stray hair from her face. "You are beautiful dear sister, and I will enjoy every moment of having you under my hands. Every soft cry from those sweet lips... every look of pain and fear in those perfect eyes..." He let his voice trail off even as his hand lingered beside her face, not quite touching her.<br><br>She glances at his hand and then jerks away from it as she notes how close it it, moving away from the stonework, though she tirns to face him more squarely. "I don't care if you daydream, Brom, but you'll keep your hands to yourself... along with whatever other toys you might think to bring to bear. One mistake does not a pattern make." She shrugs her shoulders, then finds herself stifling a wince as the motion disturbs the darkening marks on each shoulder from the Baron's grip.<br><br>Brom pushes away from the stone rail and moves closer, slowly but unabashedly coming to loom over her. "But one warning does make Father's willingness to turn you over to me clear. And while I will not wish you ill fortune, I will be ready, and eager to reap the rewards of it."<br><br>She lets out a long sigh, and the anger drains from her face, replaced by a more neutral expression. She does not relax, but neither is she still wound so tightly. "Why were you in there?" She eases back toward her spot along the rail once more, still facing him, running a finger lightly along the stone.<br><br>"Because he asked me to be." Comes her answer, "Though I did not know what he intended. Only that he was going to speak to you and that he wished me present. Perhaps he wanted to watch my own reaction. Father can be hard to fathom for all of us."<br><br>She tips her head to the side, looking up at him critically. "I thought so," she replies noncommittally. "I think even he's reluctant to drag you away from whatever you've dragged back home, though." Her tone is slightly arch as she says this, and she closes her mouth with a soft snap after letting it slip, and looks back out over the mountainside abruptly.<br><br>Brom's eyebrow lifts and he once more moves closer to his sister. "Then perhaps that is why he told you he would give you to me rather to punish you himself," he says quietly, "But is that jealously aimed at me for being able to go hunting freely... or is it some other emotion? You could always come to me freely if you're tired of just watching. I promise, I might even hold back a little... if you wish."<br><br>Naiobe's brow furrows and she shakes her head at him. "Brom," she says incredulously, as if he's just cursed at her. She says nothing more than that, having conveyed both her answer and her opinion of the concept in the one word. Instead, she runs her fingers up and down her arms through the sleeves of her dress, as if to warm them. "I'm going inside," she adds quietly, moving to slip past him toward the door.<br><br>He turns and starts to reach, reflex at anyone stepping away from him. But his hand stops and he draws it back, turning as she brushes past him and heads for the stairs. "Sweet dreams Niaobe," he says as she walks away from him, "You know where to find me if the notion stirs you too much to sleep."<br><br>"You should hold your breath for that, Brom. Until I show up." The sarcastic words drift back to him from the stairwell, and then the thunk of the door heralds her departure.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 03:35:43</strong>
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				&lt;posted from IM between Trieste and Amberghylles&gt;<br><br>As the morning sun creeps into her bedroom, Naiobe stirs from inside the drapes surrounding her bed. She has refrained from bothering with too many toys lately, so that her rooms are empty of all but her this morning. She has an easy day planned, probably a long wander and, maybe, a short ride. It's the ride she's debating as she walks out into the centerpiece of her living space, a garden sizable enough that it borders on its own courtyard. She adores the way that it smells in the mornings, and generally wanders it as she thinks about her day ... As she finishes tying off her dressing robe, she tilts her head and goes to take a look at the newest - and unordered - addition to her garden. She reaches out one hand to run her fingers along the ribbon tied on the trunk, tracing the runes curiously.<br><br>The ribbon is cool beneath her fingers, but sends an almost imperceptible tingle of magic along her fingers and up her arm. "A gift," comes the voice of her father. The Baron sits on the small stone bench still cast in deep shade. His face holds a smile as he nods toward the tree and the ribbon beneath her fingers. "The warding holds her bound and sleeping..."<br><br>"Oh..." Her expression is awed at first, though it gives way after a moment to a sidelong smile. The resentment she felt at his correction has faded with the bruises, though she's not stupid enough to forget. Still, she can't resist teasing, "Afraid to let me choose my own?" She drops her hand from the ribbon and turns instead to pad toward him, sitting down next to him.<br><br>His smile was warm as he watched her move to join him. "It occurs to me that you do not have as much freedom to seek your playthings as your brothers. So I had something special found for you, and you alone. Perhaps it will help you avoid being too anxious, but more I felt you deserved something... entirely your own."<br><br>She raises both eyebrows and leans in, raising her arms. "Thank you." She leans up enough to put her arms around his shoulders and hug him tightly, then grins at him, pulling away and leaving the bench to scurry back toward the new tree. "Where did you find her?" She runs her fingers curiously over the trunk, and up toward the branches, already familiarizing herself with ... well, part of her new pet, anyhow.<br><br>He accepts her hug and reaches to return it before she slips away to explore her new toy. "I am too old to go hunting such things myself," he answers, his eyes and expression bright as he watches her, "I know a man, an old friend who keeps her mother in his garden. He assures me that she is barely more than a sapling and quite untouched and innocent. Your's will be the first hand she knows."<br><br>Her eyes are still on the tree in front of her as she runs her palm down the bark, mind churning with possibilities. The fingers of her other hand keep going from the branches and leaves to the ribbon, then back again, as if she sorely wants to pull it loose, but also doesn't want to do so quite yet. She walks in a full circle around it, then finally pauses with her front toward the bench and the tree between her and her father, so that he can see what's going on, instead of staring at her back. A small shiver runs down her spine once more as she wraps one hand around the end of the ribbon and gives a slow, gentle tug, pulling it gradually free of the bark. She doesn't quite know where or how the creature will manifest from the tree, though, so her eyes dart around the branches, and up and down the trunk, looking for signs of life.<br><br>His posture remains steady, but the glow to his eyes shows a rare glimmer of true excitement as her father watches. The ribbon slips free and the whole tree seems to shiver, trembling in the non-existent breeze. Then from trunk a faint outline of a woman's face appears briefly, but only for a moment before slipping upward and back into the tree. She moves fast enough to be also unnoticed, save for Niaobe's seeking gaze. And neither do the faint eyes that appear and peek down from the branches above miss her notice.<br><br>Naiobe's face registers avid curiosity as she watches, utterly entranced. At the first glimpse of he dryad's face, Naiobe appears to forget all about her father's presence, her attention caught by the ... girl. Holding up the ribbon and shaking it a little, she breathes, "Hello, then... I let you out." She twines the soft material around her fingers, toying with it and running her free hand up along the bark again.<br><br>The eyes slide down, flowing along the bark like a face moving beneath a blanket. As Niaobe rubs the silk against the tree's trunk, the branches tremble once more. Slowly, the dryad moves a little lower and eases out from her tree, her face and head coming into view like a swimmer breaking the water's surface. Green hair spills about her slender neck and shoulders as she tilts her head to gaze down at Niaobe with wide curious eyes of soft amber.<br><br>The hand not holding the ribbon flexes, as if Naiobe is resisting the urge not to reach out and touch the dryad, or perhaps pull her from the tree. Instead, she continues to brush the soft yellow silk against the bark, turning it so that one of the vivid red runes presses fully against one of the lower branches, wondering if they have power over her, despite not actually tying the ribbon back.<br><br>The tree woman eases lower, easily within Niaobe's reach now. And she leans further out, shoulders and upper arms as well as the upper slopes of her breasts flowing from the tree. Her skin matches the back of her tree and above her the outline of her back and her long well-formed legs can be seen in the bark of the tree. When Niaobe turned to press the rune to the tree, both it and the dryad shiver. Those soft brown-tinted lips part as her eyes widen a little more and a soft little gasp escapes them.<br><br>Naiobe reaches up, running one fingertip along the dryad's mouth, caressing one of those soft lips. She notes the way that her new plaything freezes at the touch of that ribbon... "You're very pretty," she whispers to the nymph. "Will you come out?" She runs the back of her hand over the dryad's shoulder, marveling at the texture. For the moment, she keeps her ribbon pressed where it is, though she intends to move it if the dryad shows an inclination to come out of the tree.<br><br>The dryad draws back a little from the touch of Niaobe's hand, but then her head nods. Wide eyes still on the woman, her body sinks back into the tree, only to flow once more from it as she steps free of the bark to stand before Niaobe, one hand still resting on the trunk of her tree as she tilts her head and wets her lips with her dainty tongue. Her eyes dart to the ribbon and then back to Niaobe. "Where am I?" she asks softly, her voice soft and musical and very uncertain.<br><br>"My garden," Naiobe answers simply, her eyes wandering from the woman's eyes to her hair, then downward from there. She looks the dryad over appraisingly, then lets her eyes wander back to the woman's face. Coiling the ribbon around the trunk, Naiobe ties it in place and tucks the ends off neatly. "What's your name?" She tilts her head and smiles at the dryad, though the smile isn't quite so much the friendly nice-to-meet-you type as more the pleased with what she sees type.<br><br>The dryad's eyes follow Niaobe's and she inches back from the woman and that smile. But then the ribbon is tied and she starts to tremble slightly as she looks fearfully from Niaobe over to her father and the garden and then back to the woman before her. Her arms curl about her, covering her naked form as she swallows. "You cannot pronounce my tree name," she answers softly, "And I have no other."<br><br>Reaching out, Naiobe curls her fingers loosely around each of the dryad's wrists and guides the woman's arms away from her body. "Don't hide," she murmurs, narrowing her eyes a little as she tries to decide what to call her. She nibbles her lip and reaches to run one finger through the dryad's mossy hair, testing out the texture of it, exploring the dryad with her fingers.<br><br>The nature spirit didn't fight as her arms were drawn aside. But at the touch of fingers in her hair and beyond, she drew back and pressed herself to the willow tree. Her eyes scanned Niaobe, fearful and uncertain as the woman stroked her silky green hair. She squirmed, making her well curved body shift back and forth before her captor in a very unwitting display. "What... What do you want with me?" she asked as she tried to squirm away from Niabobe's fingers.<br><br>Naiobe finds her attention momentarily caught by the squirming, and the way the dryad's soft skin brushes hers occasionally. She smiles again, admiringly this time, and releases the woman, letting her press all she would like against the tree that's been sealed against her. Naiobe herself steps back and away, glancing toward the center of the garden, where the faint trickle of a fountain can be heard. "Company," she answers with a shrug. Leaving the dryad to cower against her tree, Naiobe slips through the foliage, toward the fountain. Let the dryad come to her, if she wants back into her tree.<br><br>The tree woman watches Niaobe. Turning she gazes mournfully at the ribbon and then over at the Baron, but he sends a shiver down her spine so she quickly turns back to her tree, touching the ribbon but finding herself unable to loosen it. As she does so, the Baron rises and nods to his daughter before she slips away. "I will leave you to your present," he says before departing. It is only a few more minutes of fruitless effort before the dryad makes her way to peer out of the foliage at Niaobe uncertainly.<br><br>Naiobe keeps an ear open, but doesn't otherwise acknowledge the dryad. She gives her father a delighted smile before he slips out, then goes to stand by the fountain, reaching a hand out to run it through the water. She does ponder getting dressed, bathing, and having breakfast ... though she's not particularly interested in a whole lot of it right now. Those can come later; she has time to wake up first. As the dryad creeps closer, Naiobe turns her head toward the woman, but doesn't say anything, hardly even acknowledging that she's there... waiting to see what she does.<br><br>Minutes pass as the dryad just watches quietly. But then she starts to move, staying beyond reach of Niaobe as she starts to move about the courtyard, reaching out to brush her fingers lightly against the flowers and plants before making her way to stand before Niaobe. "They tell me that you take good care of them," she says quietly.<br><br>Glancing up, Naiobe smiles, reaching out to stroke the back of one of the dryad's hands. She doesn't move closer, nor reach for the woman, simply stroking until the dryad moves closer or pulls away. "I take good care of all my nice things," she answers. "Your tree..." She nods behind her, though she keeps her eyes on the woman. "I think you'll like it here." The small woman watches the dryad closely.<br><br>The dryad does not pull away, but she does not move closer. She meets Niaobe's eyes and wets her lips. "My tree is nice," she answers quickly, "If you take care of it... I... could like it here." Tentatively, she reaches to stroke the back of Niaobe's hand.<br><br>Naiobe smiles and holds her hand still, leaving it extended slightly so the dryad can reach it. "I intend to," she murmurs, her eyes not leaving the nymph's face. "You would have to trust that I know what I'm doing, though..." Her smile fades a touch, and she glances back through the foliage toward the willow.<br><br>"I can tell you what it needs," she answers with a nod. Her fingers move over Niaobe's hand, easing up to the wrist and back to trace and explore each finger. The trailing of her fingers makes the skin tingle after a moment, as does her other hand where Niaobe is resting her fingers upon it. "You said you wanted company? But I can feel that there are many people here."<br><br>"What about..." Naiobe pauses, distracted slightly by the dryad's light touch on her hand. She slides the other hand up the dryad's arm, trailing her finger tips toward the shoulder. "There are quite a few," she says with a smile. "None like you, however..." She pauses in stroking the dryad's shoulder long enough to dip her fingers in the fountain, letting her wet fingers drip on the dryad's browned skin as she reaches to stroke again. "What about when I have to prune your tree? It's part of keeping it healthy ... but I can't imagine you would like it, with no wind or rain to do it. Only shears."<br><br>The tree woman leans forward a little, letting Niaobe's fingers trail up to her shoulder and then visibly relaxing at the damp touch. But then she tenses and shudders. Shaking her head she looks wide-eyed at Niaobe. "No!" she exclaims. Then she looks down for a moment before adding, 'I mean, I can do that. If you... It would hurt." Her voice drops at the last, becoming almost childlike as she once more looks toward Niaobe with very wide eyes.<br><br>Naiobe reaches for the dryad's hand and draws her closer to the fountain, dipping her finger in the pool of water and trailing it along the woman's arm, her lips, her shoulder, her collarbone... She traces damp designs all over the woman's skin, watching what it does to her. "It would hurt, probably ... you would have to stay out of your tree while I did it, so you didn't pop out on one side and distract me..." She tilts her head, watching a droplet of water drip down the dryad's breast. "No one will hurt you but me," she adds after a moment, meeting the dryad's eyes. "Nobody will touch your tree but me." Her lips twitch in another smile... and this time, she makes an effort to be a little reassuring.<br><br>The dryad lets Niaobe move her, and she shivers a little as the woman traces her skin, feeling the lingering touch of the water upon her skin. She shook her head and looked plaintively at the petite woman. "It would hurt..." she says softly, "I... I don't want you to hurt me... Please...." Reaching over she turned to face Niaobe and place her hand upon the woman's shoulder. "I can do it without that," she explained, "I can sing and shape the tree without hurting it."<br><br>"Can you?" Naiobe's hand pauses, and then she reaches out with the dry hand to stroke the dryad's cheek. "What happens with your tree? If the tree gets sick, you do too?" She reaches up to run her fingers through the dryad's hair again. "Can you get sick if your tree is healthy?"<br><br>The dryad's eyes brighten and she leans into the hand on her cheek. "Yes, I can shape my tree. You would not need to prune it to keep it healthy. I am the spirit of the tree. If it is well, I am well. I do not get sick." She relaxed once more, enjoying the feel of Niaobe's fingers in her hair and smiling at her. "As long as my tree is healthy, I am made whole by returning to rest within it."<br><br>"Convenient..." Naiobe continues her slow stroking of the dryad's hair, bringing her other hand up and tracing a fingertip around one of the dryad's nipples, watching her reaction to the abrupt contact. "Does the water bother you? I would think you wouldn't mind it... but you kept twitching..." She studies the woman, her mind drifting to her brothers, wondering how long it will take them to pick up from the staff that there's a new pet running around the household. Sort of.<br><br>The dryad gasps but does not pull back from the touch on her breast. "No... I like... the water...." she answers and looks down at the fingertip at her nipple as that peaked nub reacted to the touch, waking and harding. "I also like... the way you're... touching me... it feels... good." She looks up from her breast to Niaobe and reaches out her own hand to stroke the woman's cheek lightly. "Is this... what you meant... by company?" she asks curiously.<br><br>Naiobe smiles at the dryad, though she doesn't move her hands any further. She continues tracing her finger around and around the hardening nipple, tilting her head back slightly. "A bit," she murmurs, smiling. "Do you want back into your tree, dryad?" She dangles the question before the dryad's eyes, laying it out with her tone and waiting to see what sort of answer she gets. Perhaps later, she'll see how long the dryad can go outside of her tree without getting ill or ... something.<br><br>The tree woman's breathing increases as her nipple reacts further to that teasing touch. She eases forward, pressing slightly into Niaobe's finger and strokes her cheek with her hand rather than just one finger. The woman stops at her question, suddenly looking uncertainly into Niaobe's eyes once more. "Yes," she answers, "I must return to it eventually or I will grow weak and fade. That ribbon, it makes it feel very faint, as if my tree where far away. Even if I did not return, it would feel much better to be able to feel my tree. Please, won't you remove it?"<br><br>Naiobe's smile is quite pleased. "You asked very nicely," she murmurs. "So I will... I'll keep it off of your tree as long as you come out when I call to you ... and don't use it to hide from me." She draws one of the dryad's hands to her mouth and brushes her lips against the ends of the woman's fingers. "Will you promise?"<br><br>The dryad pauses, something in the woman's pleased smile and manner sends a shiver of warning along her spine. But the soft touch of lips upon her hand is both soothing and at the same time sparking more warmth within her. She hesitated at the request, but then slowly nodded her head. Feeling the importance of it acutely, she wet her lips and spoke. "Yes, I promise to come when you call and not to hide from you within my tree."<br><br>"Good girl," Naiobe murmurs quietly, then takes the dryad by the hand, drawing her back toward the tree. She doesn't release the woman's hand, her fingers curled loosely around the dryad's palm as she reaches out with the other hand, unfurling the ribbon from the trunk. "I'm going to go ..." She pauses as a thought occurs to her. "Do you live off of your tree, or do you eat?"<br><br>The dryad follows and as the ribbon is pulled away she seems to become slightly more vibrant. "Thank you," she says with a relieved smile, "I can eat, and I enjoy it sometimes. But my tree is all I really need to sustain me."<br><br>"What do you eat?" She winds the ribbon around her wrist and tucks it into place, trusting that the magic in it won't do anything to Naiobe herself, since she is not of the wooden persuasion. She tilts her head appreciatively as the dryad brightens right up, admiring the woman's colouring. "Beautiful," she murmurs approvingly. "You're very lovely," she says a bit louder, addressing the nymph this time.<br><br>The dryad smiles at her. "I can eat whatever people eat," she said as she reached over to run her fingers reassuringly along the trunk of her tree and sigh. Then she looks back to Niaobe and turns a little to pose for her with a smile that manages to be both seductive and shy at the same time. "You're very pretty as well," she answers through a curtain of her green hair.<br><br>Grinning, Naiobe looks the dryad over once more, then slips reluctantly away from her. "Enjoy your tree... and I'll bring you food when I return." She glances once more over her shoulder, then hurries off to get out of her nightgown and ... whatnot.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 07:40:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When she returns, one of the maids from the kitchen follows her. A small tray rests in the maid's arms, laden with eggs and biscuits, and a few meats. Naiobe herself is not much of a carnivore, but that doesn't mean that her new toy isn't. Having bathed and dressed also, she wears a dark gown, the wood-brown satin looking nearly the same colour as her eyes in the morning light. She has the servant set the tray down in her bedroom, then dismisses the woman with an impatient wave. "Dryad?" She calls out as soon as the maid is gone, crossing to the door between the sitting room and the bedroom.<br><br>Standing in the doorway, she lets her eyes rest on the tree expectantly, unsure of whether the dryad is in her tree or if she's chosen to wander the garden some more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 08:25:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The nature spirit leans forth from the trunk of her tree at the sound of Naiobe's voice, and then as she appears in the doorway the dryad emerges from her tree, stepping out of the trunk slowly.&nbsp; She settles her amber eyes on Naiobe's gaze as she crosses the garden to stand before her and cock her head slightly to the side without breaking eye contact.&nbsp; A woodsy scent like fresh sap tackles Naiobe's nose as the dryad comes near. <br><br>"You called for me," she says softly as her gaze continues to fix on Naiobe's, drawing the half-elf's attention and making everything but the dryad seem ever so slightly out of focus.&nbsp; Not just in her vision but in her mind as well, the same haze starts to creep over her thoughts.&nbsp; The dryad smiles and starts to sing softly, her voice musical and wordless and drawing Naiobe deeper into the entrancement.<br><br>And then suddenly Naiobe feels something like a gust of cold wind clearing her head and blasting the haze from her thoughts, even as the dryad continues her hypnotic song it now washes over the half-elf without clouding her mind.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 19:46:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe finds herself admiring the dryad, her expression softening. She breathes the enchanting scent in as the dryad comes closer, and reaches out to brush her arm lightly. Naiobe blinks slowly as she keeps her eyes on the creature, admiring the way that her skin seems to have whorls and eddies in it, just as the wood of her tree does. And that beautiful voice is ...<br><br>... is a trap of some sort. Naiobe's expression hardens as the fog washes from her mind, then blinks rapidly. The dryad had... no. Unacceptable. Her whole body stiffens with anger, and her hand tightens on the dryad's arm, and then tightens some more, and more, until her grip becomes quite painful. Despite her size, she is not quite the delicate, fragile woman she appears to be, and her hands are strong. <br><br>"No," she says softly, her voice shaking a little with rage. "Never, never do something like that to me. You must <em>earn</em> favour, not charm it with magic." She drags the dryad toward the stone bench that the Baron sat on before, hauling the lissome body of the dryad over the top of it. Her grip slips a few times, but each time she catches it and prevents the dryad from slipping away. Forcing the dryad to kneel there over the bench, one hand firmly on the dryad's back, Naiobe leans down. "Do you understand?" she murmurs into the dryad's ear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 20:18:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad sways a little as she sings until Naiobe's grip tightens and she stops with a soft gasp of surprise.&nbsp; As the woman's grip clamps down harder and harder her soft noises of protest become whimpers of pain and she begins to squirm and tug fruitlessly at the hold on her arm.&nbsp; The dryad is not strong, but her form is slippery and flexible as she struggles to escape that painful hold.&nbsp; But despite the spirit woman's squirming, Naiobe is able to force her into place and push her full breasts down onto the cold stone with a hand on her warm back.<br><br>The dryad stops struggling then, only shifting in discomfort and mewling softly.&nbsp; "Yes," she whines, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I won't... I won't do it again...&nbsp; Please stop... Let me go..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 20:47:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why should I believe you, dryad, unless I make your first try memorable?" Naiobe leans down and brushes her lips against the back of the dryad's neck, enjoying the fragrance that wafts from her skin. For a moment, she nuzzles her cheek against the dryad's warm skin, enjoying the softness.<br><br>Straightening, Naiobe keeps the one hand on the dryad's back, keeping her pinned to the bench. The other hand drifts down the dryad's spine, toward the lush curve of her backside. Perhaps to the dryad it seems as if she's hesitating, her touch soft and affectionate ... In reality, Naiobe holds back as an exercise in self-control, drawing out the anticipation. If the dryad truly has not been touched by human - or half-human, as the case may be - hands before, Naiobe is in for a treat. She expects quite a bit of writhing. Then again, simply holding the dryad down like this appears to be punishment in itself... also delicious.<br><br>Finally, she raises her hand and brings it solidly down on the dryad, alternating sides as her palm slaps against the girl's ass. Tilting her head so that she can glimpse the dryad's face, Naiobe smiles thinly as she braces her other hand on the dryad's back more firmly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>26-08-2008, 23:02:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad squirms under Naiobe's hand and the brush of lips, trying to wriggle out from under the weight of her hand upon her back.&nbsp; <br><br>"Because... Because I know it won't work... Why would I try again... I... I..."&nbsp; Her words trail off as Naiobe's hand moves slow and softly down her back and she makes a soft moan as she fits her ass into that touch.&nbsp; "I'll... I'll be good..." she promises as she turns her head to gaze uncertainly but pleadingly up at Naiobe, wetting her lips.<br><br>But then those eyes go wide in shock as the sharp crack of Naiobe's hand against her ass fills the air.&nbsp; The woman yelps and as more blows fall she begins to writhe and thrash in earnest, her green hair flying out as she tosses her head back and forth as her tiny fists pound and claw at the bench on either side of her.&nbsp; Her musical voice rises in a pitiful wailing as she begins to sob and cry freely.<br><br>"Please!&nbsp; No!&nbsp; I'm sorry!&nbsp; I'll be good!&nbsp; I'll be good!&nbsp; Please!"&nbsp; Her begging and pleading is mingled with sobbing as she writhes and tries to escape&nbsp; Naiobe's hold.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 00:16:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You will <em>not</em> try again." Naiobe punctuates her words with more smacks. "You are not in your old garden; you're in my garden now, and no magic will work on me unless I let it." In truth, Naiobe isn't sure what washed the haze away, but it seems like a good belief to instill in the dryad. Had Naiobe been aware that the dryad even posessed magic, she might have done so sooner...<br><br>Stilling her hand finally, Naiobe looks down at the dryad. "Now." She runs her fingers lightly across the freshly spanked skin, stroking the tenderized flesh gently. "You will be punished every time you're bad, and if you try to hide in your tree from it, I'll lock you out of it for a week. But if you're my good girl..." She lets her fingers drift down the curve of the dryad's ass, toward the soft skin of her thighs. "If you please me, you'll want for nothing, and will have the best-kept tree in the world." She moves her hand from the dryad's back to stroke her hair, smoothing the green strands away from her face. "Is that clear?" <br><br>She watches the dryad with her dark eyes, having been careful about the promises she makes. Naiobe intends to keep her promises to the dryad... which means never promising not to hurt her, of course.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 00:41:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad sobs freely now, yelping with each smack upon her soft bottom.&nbsp; And as they stop she continues to shudder and cry freely.&nbsp; When Naiobe releases the pressure holding her down she lifts up, leaning on shaky arms as she turns her tear-streaked face toward naiobe and gazes at her with wide eyes.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'm sorry..." she sniffles, "I'll... I'll be your... good girl.&nbsp; Please..."&nbsp; She turns her head to look over at the tree.&nbsp; "Please don't seal me out of my tree.&nbsp; I'm sorry... I... I won't try anything like that again..."<br><br>Looking back to Naiobe, she blinks the remaining tears from her eyes and chews at her lower lip as she leans slightly into the hand stroking her hair.<br><br>"I'll try to be good," she whispers softly, like a breeze through the trees, "But I... I don't know what to do to please you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 01:06:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe runs her fingers through the dryad's soft hair, admiring the way the dryad quivers and shudders still, from the spanking. Her eyes drop to the enchanting away that the woman chews at her lip, looking very, very ... lost. Naiobe smiles.<br><br>"I brought us something to eat." She strokes the dryad's cheek lightly. "The table would look nicer with some flowers on it, though." She lets the dryad up from the bench, taking a small step back. Catching the dryad's hands in her own, Naiobe continues, "I don't want you to prick your pretty hands, though..." She turns her head, nodding toward a rosebush. "Bring me six of those, without damaging any of the petals. Clip them from the bush with your teeth, and mind the thorns..."<br><br>Naiobe releases the dryad's hands, then turns away from her, not waiting for any question or protest from the dryad. She returns to where the tray of food was set down earlier, starting to pull the bowls and plates from the tray and arrange them on the table instead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 02:31:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad rises nervously, watching Naiobe closely and trying to fathom what the half-elf is going to do now.<br><br>She listens closely as Naiobe explains what she wants and blinks at the last.&nbsp; "But... but..." she stammers as her eyes grow wide at the task before her.&nbsp; But Naiobe is not listening, or at least not answering and the girl's throbbing rear is proof that the woman's anger might not be all that far away after the dryad's attempt to charm her.&nbsp; <br><br>She turns and approaches the bush slowly, looking it over as she considers how to obey her command.&nbsp; A question rises in her mind, but when she glances over Naiobe is clearly busy with the table and she looks back to the bush.&nbsp; Not wishing to delay, she decides that how she answers the unspoken question might well be a test of some sort.&nbsp; The brown-skinned woman sinks to her knees, placing her hands firmly on the ground and leaning forward.&nbsp; A whisper and the rose bush moves slightly to offer a stem to her, preventing her from having to lean her body into it and crush its leaves and other blooms.&nbsp; She opens her mouth and gently takes the stem, whimpering slightly as a thorn pricks her gum but biting down to remove it from the bush and then lowering her head to place it on the ground before her.<br><br>Soon enough, she's gather six of them, and despite her care, she can taste the thick and sweet flavor of her sap in her mouth.&nbsp; Lowering her head, she whimpers and opens her mouth wider now, taking hold of all six stems as carefully as she can.&nbsp; Fresh tears water in her eyes at the prickling of the thorns in her lips and gums, and she cannot help but moan softly around the flowers as she turns and starts to rise and bring them to the table, sinking to kneel so that she might offer them to Naiobe with wide eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 03:17:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe has finished setting out the table by the time the dryad returns to her. She watches the dryad idly out of the corner of her eyes, taking note of the way the bush bends for her, and the care with which the dryad harvests the roses. She seats herself as the dryad approaches, and reaches to take the roses from the dryad's mouth, mindful of her fingers, and the rose's thorns. She inspects the blooms, pausing for a moment or two as if she sees an imperfection, then she sets five of them into the vase she's placed in the middle of the table. <br><br>Laying the sixth beside the vase, Naiobe guides the dryad closer, cupping a palm around the dryad's chin and running her tongue along the dryad's lips. She pauses and presses her lips to the corner of the dryad's mouth, her tongue darting between the dryad's lips to drink in a few droplets of sap before she pulls away. "This one," she murmurs, picking up the rose she set aside. Turning it over, she shows how one of the petals is showing the signs of bruising. Perhaps it was bruised before, or perhaps the dryad didn't notice that she bruised it. Either way, the dryad brought her an imperfect flower. <br><br>"You did mostly well." She smiles at the dryad. "For this, though, you get a single smack... I'll let you choose where, since you were so careful." She reaches to set the last bloom in the vase, now that she's shown it to the dryad.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 03:38:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watches nervously as Naiobe inspects the flowers, and her eyes follow the one set aside closely.&nbsp; But then Naiobe is drawing her closer.&nbsp; The dryad makes no effort to resist the kiss, and a tiny moan escapes her as Naiobe licks away the droplet of sap from her mouth.<br><br>The moan turns to a whimper and she looks down as she's told that she's to receive a smack, and moreso that she's to choose where.&nbsp; The spirit hugs herself for a moment, trying to think.&nbsp; She's never been struck except the blows to her ass.&nbsp; After a moment she looks up, her eyes full of uncertainty as she wets her lips.&nbsp; She doesn't want to choose a place that will hurt, but she doesn't want to displease Naiobe either.<br><br>"I've never been struck before," she admits, "So I'm not sure..."&nbsp; She extends her arm to Naiobe, turning her forearm to her.&nbsp; "On my arm maybe?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 04:19:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe smiles, reaching for the dryad. "Come here." She pulls the woman down in her lap, taking the light form across her satin-clad thighs. "If I want to hurt you," she murmurs, "it will happen... no matter how harmless a place you choose." She reaches out and taps the dryad's forearm very lightly, with just the tips of her fingers; hardly a very hard slap at all. "But today, you did well. I'm very pleased with you." She reaches out toward a bowl of fruit, plucking a grape from a small vine laid in the bowl.<br><br>"Are you hungry?" She wraps her arm around the dryad's waist, settling the brown bottom more firmly in her lap despite how sore it may still be, holding the grape up with one hand. Naiobe herself brushes her lips against the dryad's shoulder, her lower hand drifting along the dryad's waist, toward her thigh, stroking the creature lightly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>27-08-2008, 04:41:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad follows where Naiobe guides, settling into her lap and listening intently.&nbsp; She makes no sound at the tap on her arm, but nods.&nbsp; "I understand," she says quietly, "I'll try to be good.&nbsp; I promise."<br><br>Then she squirms just a bit as she's pulled down, but her sore rump is unable to find a more comfortable position and she settles as Naiobe's hand strokes her thigh lightly.&nbsp; "I am hungry," she answers turning her head toward Naiobe and bringing her lips inadvertently quite close to the woman's.&nbsp; She gazes at her keeper and then very tentatively leans forward to kiss Naiobe's lips before drawing back.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 23:15:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe smiles, running her tongue along the dryad's lips before pulling away and offering the grape. With her other hand, she strokes the dryad's brown thighs, then slides her hand underneath the wood nymph. Skillful fingers seek out the sore spots that Naiobe knows are there. She caresses the dryad's cheeks, poking and prodding and rubbing at the spots still tender from the earlier spanking.<br><br>"Why did you try to do that to me?" Naiobe continues to feed the dryad, plucking grapes and a few nuts from the tray to give. "I can't imagine a reason other than fear, or perhaps curiosity. Are you afraid of me, dryad?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>07-10-2008, 19:56:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad squirms at the touch of Naiobe's fingers upon her sore flesh.&nbsp; Each piece of food is taken from the woman's hand delicately, a soft brush of lips upon her fingers.&nbsp; The spirit woman is smart enough to leave her own hands folded demurely in her lap, not interfering with either the caress of her bruised skin or the feeding.<br><br>"Yes," she answered softly, "I was afraid."&nbsp; Meeting Naiobe's eyes she ran her tongue over her lip, clearing a droplet of the clear sap that welled up from one of the rose thorn cuts.&nbsp; "And now I am even more afraid, knowing that I am helpless to protect myself or my tree from you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 06:23:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The brush of the dryad's lips is wonderful, and Naiobe enjoys it quite a bit... but it isn't nearly so thrilling as the dryad's admission. With a small smile, Naiobe strokes the dryad's mouth for a moment. "So pretty." She runs her fingers through the dryad's hair, then reaches over to pick up another morsel of fruit. Her other hand prods once more at a particularly tender spot before moving on... her fingers slide further along the dryad's soft thighs, until Naiobe has her palm cupped under the nymph's soft sex. <br><br>"You will find," Naiobe murmurs as her fingers explore and tease the dryad's soft flesh, "that you have little reason to fear me as long as you make me happy... and every reason in the world to do so if you do something wrong." She watches the dryad's eyes as she says this, alert for the reaction to her words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>11-10-2008, 06:45:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad hisses softly at the touch upon her bruise and then as those fingers move to her sex the sound becomes a soft gasp.&nbsp; The muscles of her legs tense and start to reflexively close, but she stops herself and rather slowly parts herself wider instead.&nbsp; As Naiobe looks into them, those amber orbs are wide and completely unguarded and without any trace of guile.&nbsp; <br><br>"I promise," she says softly, her voice quivering in fear and catching in a whimper as Niaobe's fingers find the warmth of her sex, "I... I will try very hard to make you happy..."<br><br>Then she shifted, something new coming into her eyes as she arched instinctively into her owner's hand and thrust her breasts forward with a soft moan.&nbsp; "That feels... strange... but I... I think I like it..." she breathed softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>13-10-2008, 05:49:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe's smile is nothing if not predatory at the dryad's response. Instead of reaching for another piece of fruit, Naiobe slides her other hand up the dryad's side, her soft fingers caressing brown skin until they reach the swell of one breast. She cups her fingers around the dryad's breast, gently stroking the nipple, pinching and rolling it firmly, though not enough to pain the dryad.<br><br>"Open your legs as wide as you can," Naiobe murmurs, leaning back in her chair and shifting her fingers so that they have easier access to the dryad's soft lips. One fingertip traces a slow, steady line along the dryad's warm slit, until it reaches the subtle knoll of her clit. Naiobe does not actually touch the tiny bundle of nerves, but instead teases the skin around it, waiting to see how well the dryad listens.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>18-10-2008, 07:11:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The spirit woman's eyes follow the movement of Naiobe's hand.&nbsp; There is fear in her eyes still, yet it is tempered now and less certain.&nbsp; And as those fingers reach her breast, a soft wordless gasp escapes her lips.&nbsp; She squirms and moves to obey the command, watching Naiobe's fingers moving over her sex as she parts her thighs slowly.&nbsp; But then the half-elf's fingertip begins to explore the skin near her center and the dryad's gasp is loud as she arches and lets her head fall back.&nbsp; Her legs finish parting much faster until she's straddling the chair rather lewdly.<br><br>"Oh!&nbsp; That's...&nbsp; That... That feels... good..." she moans as she pulls her gaze back to watch Naiobe's hand.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 02:54:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe's smile is just the tiniest bit smug as she nuzzles at the dryad's neck. "Good," she murmurs, praising the dryad softly. "Keep them like that ..." She moves her finger around for another few moments before tracing her finger down along the dryad's smooth thigh, caressing the skin and enjoying the dryad's warm skin against hers. The girl is so pliant and shy ... Naiobe toys with her contentedly as she considers what she would like to make of the creature. What sort of pet does she want to make of the dryad? Naiobe smiles, turning her head to brush the dryad's earlobe with her lips. She has an inkling already, but has yet to really make up her mind. <br><br>"Tell me about where you come from," she whispers to the girl, while one hand continues to tease the dryad's sex, and the other slides over to toy with the other nipple.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>13-11-2008, 03:39:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad murmurs, shivering and squirming slightly at the knowing touches upon her skin.&nbsp; But her legs remain parted wide, proof enough of just how flexible the tree-spirit's body is.&nbsp; And she tilted her head, leaning slightly closer to those lips and making a little mewling noise at the rush of strange sensations being forced upon her.<br><br>"The garden..." she gasps softly, "It was... quiet there.&nbsp; The other trees were very sleepy and there were almost no animals to speak to.&nbsp; There was a man... he kept everything tidy and safe... He would... sometimes... watch me... I don't think he knew I saw him.&nbsp; But I let him think he was hiding as long as he wasn't close.&nbsp; He... he seemed to like to just watch me and I didn't mind since he did take care of the garden.&nbsp; Sometimes he would talk to me, but he talked to all of the trees and flowers..."<br><br>She squirmed a little and turned her head to look at Naiobe's face.<br><br>"Then one day, he came and tied that ribbon around us... and then it was dark and I couldn't see again until I was here... in your garden."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-11-2008, 05:31:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe smiles broadly, enjoying the way that the dryad squirms in her lap. "And now you have me to watch you... and watch over you." She kisses the dryad's cheek. "And punish you when you are bad. As long as you are <em>good</em>..." Naiobe smiles, kissing the dryad's neck as she abruptly pulls her fingers away. "I'll show you later tonight what rewards you get, as long as you follow me for the day whenever I am in these rooms. Even if you're out of sight of your tree, you still have to stay with me..." She strokes the dryad's smooth side affectionately. "It will be worth it," she assures the girl.<br><br>"Now ... get up." She moves to help the dryad out of her lap, having had enough of breakfast. She has no idea of the habits of the dryad, but she thought she'd heard somewhere that they tire easily. She'll have to find out how far she can push the dryad. "You'll stay with me while I water all the flowers in my rooms..." She does keep fresh blooms in the windows and whatnot, though usually it's a servant's job to tend to them. Today, Naiobe will do it herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>30-11-2008, 21:17:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad listens and shivers at the promises both good and dire within Naiobe's words and at the kiss upon her neck.&nbsp; She rises from the woman's lap and steps back, waiting for her and nodding.<br><br>"Stay with you within these rooms," she repeated softly and bit her lower lip as she clasped her hands together and looked down while Naiobe rose from her seat.&nbsp; "I... I've never... been this far from my tree.&nbsp; But I promised.&nbsp; I will try to make you happy.&nbsp; I will try to be good."<br><br>Then she looked up fearfully to the other woman's face and swallowed hard as she searched those features.&nbsp; "Shall I speak to them?" she asked softly, "Coax them to be bright and healthy and pretty for you?"&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>24-12-2008, 10:28:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good girl." Skimming her hand lightly along the dryad's side, Naiobe adds, "Another time, you can speak to them. For now I just want you to walk with me... so I can enjoy your company." She smiles, and fairly ignores the dryad after that, turning away from her and paying attention to the plants. She gradually leads the little dryad further and further from her tree, watching the dryad's expression and behaviour out of the corner of her eye.<br><br>Occasionally she pauses to water or groom or trim a plant, taking quite a bit longer than perhaps she normally might. At the first sign of distress from the dryad, Naiobe reaches out to brush a finger along the girl's haunch, or murmur some compliment to her, or point out a pretty flower to her... many small, soothing things, but she does not make any move closer to that tree, nor even stop moving away from it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>31-12-2008, 01:57:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The spirit woman nods and follows her new owner, afraid to disobey the woman and powerless to protect herself or her tree with her magic.&nbsp; Her steps are hesitant and she glances back.&nbsp; But each small gesture draws her back to her owner and while she is clearly more and more uneasy she makes no effort to disobey.<br><br>And slowly, she inches closer to Naiobe.&nbsp; Not consciously, but as the distance from her tree grows, her fear of the unknown slowly weighs in heavier than her fear of the half-elven woman.&nbsp; And as she follows closely, her hand eventually comes to rest tentatively on the Lady's shoulder. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 20:12:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe watches the dryad closely out of the corner of her eye. Chances are that the spirit is too preoccupied with watching her tree to notice that Naiobe is watching her, but Naiobe keeps her observation subtle anyway. She notes the tense way that the dryad moves, notes the way that the further they go from the tree, the more her dryad seems inclined to need her. Naiobe smiles. When the dryad finally reaches out and places one timid hand on her shoulder, Naiobe turns and slips an arm around the nature spirit, savouring the feel of her dryad under her hands. <br><br>"You're a good girl, to stay with me." She kisses the dryad's cheek lightly, then turns back to the flower she was watering. She doesn't otherwise pay any attention to the dryad, save for murmuring this or that praise in the nature spirit's ear, telling her how good she's being. Naiobe keeps edging further and further from the tree, watching the dryad to see when she might tire, and how she might show it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>02-02-2009, 06:04:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad stays close, glancing back and squirming.&nbsp; The apartments seem far to large as she's lead further and further from her tree.&nbsp; And while she clearly continues to grow agitated the longer they're out of sight of it, the spirit woman seems well enough even as they move to the limits of Naiobe's rooms.<br><br>"That's all of them isn't it?" she asks at last, intuitively aware of the plants around them, "It feels... strange to be so far away from my tree and for this long...&nbsp; I... I don't like it..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>01-04-2009, 00:22:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe can't help but grin to herself. She doesn't reply right away, watching the uneasy shift and sway of brown skin. The moment is drawn out like taffy, slowly and deliberately, while Naiobe chooses to savor even this small power over the nature spirit. She could ignore the question, and continue doing something else... Though now that she thinks about it, she's not entirely certain that the dryad would play along and get more distressed. It could be that the dryad would simply give up and return to her tree.<br><br>And then Naiobe would have to punish her.<br><br>The silence stretches out, second after second, as Naiobe ends up giving the dryad only that toothy smile. Turning away, she takes up a pruning knife, bringing it to bear on a sickly, browning stalk of one flower.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>06-04-2009, 01:07:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad watches Naiobe expectantly, shifting and squirming as she waits for an answer.<br><br>An answer that does not come even as she waits uncomfortably for it.&nbsp; Nervous eyes follow the movement of Naiobe's hand and the knife held in it as she trims the flower.&nbsp; The dryad sucks in her lower lip and winces slightly, much as a human might watching a surgeon at work.<br><br>"I... I could have made it healthy..." she murmurs softly as she continues to shift from foot to foot and steal a glance in the direction of her tree even though it's out of sight.<br><br>"May I go back to my tree now?" she asks softly, "Please?&nbsp; Just let me touch it for a moment..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>11-04-2009, 08:50:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Glancing up, Naiobe raises both eyebrows. She hadn't been aware that the dryad could make dead branches healthy again, but it's good to know for the future. The nature spirit will be helpful if someone's pet ends up accidentally getting loose in her garden. It's happened before, and the last time it happened, it irrevocably damaged one of Naiobe's favourite flowering trees. <br><br>"What happens when you touch it?" Naiobe's expression is curious. "Do you need to reassure yourself that I haven't taken it from you?" A wry smile touches Naiobe's lips, and she makes no move to release the dryad back to her tree.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>22-04-2009, 06:09:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The woman chews at her lower lip and shifts for a moment before answering.&nbsp; "I know it's still there... I can feel it.&nbsp; But it feels... strange to be away from it so long.&nbsp; I'm part of the tree..."<br><br>She stops and gazes at Niaobe, trying to think of how to explain in words what she feels.<br><br>But before she can continue, there is a sharp tapping at the door to Niaobe's chambers.&nbsp; "Niaobe Percivan, I would speak with you." The voice is high pitched and soft, like a stage whisper, and there is a faint lisp to it.&nbsp; No sooner has it finished than the tapping, metal upon wooden door, repeats.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>22-04-2009, 19:56:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe watches with rapt attention as the Dryad tries to justify her request. She looks so incredibly lost when she tries to work things out like that. Naiobe does her best to hide a slow, small smile as the nature spirit flounders and continues to get more flustered.<br><br>Then comes the knocking at the door, and Naiobe sighs. There goes her fun for now, although it's probably past time for her to emerge from her suite for the day. She doesn't try to be entirely a hermit. With a slightly annoyed look, Naiobe waves off the Dryad. "Go. Enjoy the garden, lovely." She smooths her palms down her skirts as she heads back toward the outer door of her room. <br><br>"Yes?" She doesn't bother to raise her voice. Either the person will be listening for her and hear the call, or they won't be paying close enough attention and will make themselves look like an ass. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>05-05-2009, 20:36:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The nature spirit's smile is one of simple and pure joy as Naiobe releases her to return to her tree.&nbsp; She even springs slightly on her feet, setting her naked form to quiver in a much more alluring display than the woman realizes. <br><br>"Thank you," she says with genuine gratitude as she steps closer and gives Naiobe a quick hug before vanishing to the garden.<br><br>At the door, her visitor waits quietly and when she speaks his high-pitched voice answers immediately.&nbsp; "My lady, there is a matter of great import I must speak to you about.&nbsp; Please grant me entrance to your suite." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>22-05-2009, 02:21:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe raises both eyebrows. She does not recognize the voice, and wasn't really expecting any visitors. Still, perhaps her father had decided to use a messenger of some sort. Or one of her brothers, or any of the number of other people more important than Naiobe in the castle. That thought has no bitterness attached to it, really; being not-so-important means she can pursue her own agendae.<br><br>Opening the door, Naiobe levels a somewhat cool look at whomever happens to be on the other side of the door. Or, at least, she's ready to. Who dares disturb her? "Come in, then."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>04-06-2009, 03:10:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man, or at least at first glance it seems to be a man is indeed not a personage she's seen.&nbsp; A robe of burlap covers most of him, but it doesn't hang properly for a normal person to be inside it.&nbsp; His hands are pasty white, like unbaked bread dough and thick and soft enough to add to the image.&nbsp; One hand holds and iron capped staff, no doubt what he was knocking on her door with.&nbsp; The other is empty and he lifts it to draw back his hood.&nbsp; His face matches his hands, and there's a shock of stringy white hair with a pair of red eyes squinting and blinking at her.<br><br>"Naiobe Percivan," the hunchbacked man says, "You are summoned below.&nbsp; The time has come for you to affirm the ancestral pact and take your place as a true Percivan."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 08:33:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe stares at the man. For a moment, she can say nothing, blinking slowly. He gave no obeisance, and now provides no explanation. Only an order. He would dare to order her around in her own home? <br><br>She swallows the angry reply, however, and simply looks the strange man over. She has never seen him before, and he gives her a small chill of... something. Not quite fear, but maybe apprehension. Naiobe glances behind her to make sure her dryad is still safely tucked away in the garden. <br><br>"I will come with you," she responds, turning back to him. "But only if you explain what you're talking about on the way. If I don't like it, I reserve the right to severely ruin your day for cutting pointlessly into my time." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>18-09-2009, 06:16:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughs in his high boyish voice and bows.&nbsp; "I promise you Naiobe Percivan, this matter is not pointless at all.&nbsp; Though I cannot promise that you will like it."<br><br>He turns and starts to shuffle along, moving with an uneven gait and using the staff to lean on as he hobbles along.&nbsp; "Before these lands were tamed and civilized by humans, men came to what was a wild place on the edge of the great forest for lumber and to dig into these mountains for ore."<br><br>Down he leads her then, down to the lower levels where the torture chambers and dungeons lie.&nbsp; But he leads her past these and down a hallway to a large metal gate which he draws forth a heavy key to unlock.&nbsp; "They dug here, in this very place.&nbsp; High above the rivers and land below.&nbsp; They sought the riches of the mountain..."&nbsp; The gate swung open and he shuffled past, waiting for her before closing it back and once again locking it behind them.&nbsp; He struck his staff on the ground and the tip began to flicker with a smokeless green flame that seemed to draw heat from the air rather than radiate it to light their way.<br><br>"A man led them to this spot.&nbsp; He tricked them with false divination and promises to dig deeply in search of treasure."&nbsp; He guided her down what was a far more primitive and unfinished passage than any above.&nbsp; Wooden beams were set to support the winding and uneven mining tunnel.&nbsp; From the darkness ahead came the sounds of shuffling and animal grunting.&nbsp; "But there was no treasure here and when they found what he was truly seeking, he killed them all..."<br><br>The tunnel suddenly opened up into a large cave.&nbsp; A four sided rise of black stone rose up from the floor, alien and out of place.&nbsp; It was taller than two men, and on the side facing them was a set of steps leading up.&nbsp; An obelisk of the same uncanny black stone sat at each corner, the tops burning with more of the green witchfire&nbsp; that lit her guide's staff.&nbsp; Around the edges of the large chamber were smaller caves and from them monsters large and small watched them.&nbsp; "What he sought remains atop the altar," the guide explained, "His name was Maximilien Percivan.&nbsp; He tamed this wild place and made it a part of the kingdom, and ruled it as the first Baron of Desidera.&nbsp; He sealed the pact for himself and all of his lineage.&nbsp; But in accord with laws more ancient than man or elf no innocent soul can be bound or taken.&nbsp; The Lord of Pain has watched over you, but now Naiobe Percivan, you must ascend to the altar to affirm your agreement to the blood pact if you wish to be a true Percivan.&nbsp; You must go to Him alone now Niaobe Percivan, ascend the steps and embrace your heritage and claim the full power of your bloodright."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>02-10-2009, 08:59:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe follows the man slowly through the wending, twisting tunnels, listening to him the entire way. She gives every indication of listening, though she tunes out a word or two on the way. Some people have an overinflated sense of their own grandeur. Her silent steps and wordless travel mean that she is like a small ghost, traveling down destiny-soaked halls with nary a sound. <br><br>Her arms hang gracefully by her sides as she ascends the steps, walking slowly while she considers. Whatever this thing is, it's powerful; she feels power emanating from the very air. Even a full-blooded human would feel it, and Naiobe is a bit more sensitive to such power. She pauses at the second-to-last step and looks down at the etched circle that encircles the altar and encases the raised platform. Pausing and half-turning, she says toward her guide, "What if I don't want to?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>02-10-2009, 19:49:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The misshapen man lifts his head and tilts it to the side.&nbsp; "I do not know Naiobe Percivan," he answers calmly, "No Percivan has ever refused the pact."<br><br>The top of the altar behind her was empty save the four strange light pillars and an ornate sarcophagus in the center.&nbsp; But in the space between one heartbeat and the next she was not alone.&nbsp; The power flared against her back like the heat of a bonfire and the four cold burning fires faltered and threw the chamber into darkness.&nbsp; She could feel him there behind her, the elvish blood in her thrumming suddenly in response to the presence of the fallen elven deity.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>"The worm cannot answer your questions child.&nbsp; Approach me now and I will illuminate you."<br><br>The words did not come from behind her but rather they seemed to echo from inside in the same way her own voice carried to her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>02-10-2009, 22:50:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It's as if someone lit a candle, even as the pillars went out. She feels it like a fire at her back, the sudden presence of the one to whom this shrine has been dedicated. This ... thing... has lived beneath the floors her whole life and she hasn't sensed it? How can that be? <br><br>Turning back around, she raises her chin slightly and clasps her small hands at the front of her waist. There is no way to tell what it looks like, not in this dark, but she steps forward toward the altar. She sees no harm in letting the beast talk; certainly he can do nothing else. Her father wouldn't allow it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>02-10-2009, 23:38:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The inlaid circle of mithral flares ever so faintly as she crosses it and the creatures in the cavern all creep slowly forth under the shadows, waiting silent and hungry.&nbsp; <br><br>But to Niaobe, the entire world changes in that single step.&nbsp; Sunlight spills into a forest glade as her bare feet tread on the softest grass and a warm breeze teases her hair and bare back.&nbsp; A gown of soft silk as white as snow slides and caresses her chest and legs, swirling about her calves in the breeze.&nbsp; <br><br>And before her stands the source of the power she's felt.&nbsp; Crossing the circle has removed that barrier and it is like a cloud parting to let the sun shine directly upon her.&nbsp; The sensation of power thrumming through everything is almost painful.&nbsp; She can feel it pulse in a rhythm that can only be his heartbeat and her own heart seems powerless to do anything but match it.<br><br>He is perfection, the template that all elves are a shadow of.&nbsp; A loose toga of gold covers him from shoulder to mid thigh.&nbsp; He lifts his gaze to her and his eyes piece her.&nbsp; He knows... everything.&nbsp; Sees... every moment of triumph and failure and joy and misery that form the weave of who she is.<br><br>"Niaobe Percivan..."&nbsp; Once again his voice comes to her ears from inside and she sees that his lips do not move as his words touch her and send sparks along her nerves.&nbsp; "I am Malikai."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>03-10-2009, 00:27:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe furrows her brow a little as she steps from a barren cave into a glade the likes of which she ... hasn't really seen before. Not in the harsh mountains where her family resides. The lavish gown hardly phases her - she has many like it - but she stares about her for some time, taking in the smells and the feel of soft grass under her feet. The place is certainly no part of her home. Where has he transported her? <br><br>She tears her eyes from her surroundings only after several minutes of drinking them in, finally fixing her pale eyes on the figure before her. Her eyes do not linger on the fine figure or the lean grace of him, but on his eyes. Those eyes know everything, all at once, and they are stunning. Her lips part and she has to work to remember how to breathe before she can really say anything. "And... who is Malikai?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-10-2009, 01:14:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He does not move from where he stands but he does turn slightly to face her more directly and his lips curl into a slight smile even as more of his words flow into her ears.&nbsp; <br><br>"Once I was the Golden Sun.&nbsp; I was husband to the Silver Moon, my sister Diune.&nbsp; She was the compassion that tempered my strength.&nbsp; The mercy that stayed my wrath.&nbsp; Together we guided our children and watched over them.&nbsp; But that time was long ago..."<br><br>Something unseen changed in his form, in the weight of his gaze.&nbsp; No longer simply knowing, but now judging... weighing each flaw and failure and shame like a jeweler might study raw stones for their potential.&nbsp; <br><br>"Now I lie in entombed in darkness and forgotten my children.&nbsp; Betrayed by my lover and cast down.&nbsp; I am Malikai, the Lord of Pain."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>03-10-2009, 02:16:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She absorbs his story without moving, without saying anything until he has finished. He presents himself as a god, and it's no surprise that he should. He has the flavor of a god. <br><br>Naiobe drifts closer still to the man, her hands still clasped in front of her. She tilts her head at him, her plush lips pressing into a firm line for a moment. "And what does the Lord of Pain want from me? Have you lost your flail, m'Lord? I'm not certain I would like to lend it to you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-10-2009, 22:11:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I <em>hunger</em>."<br><br>The word came with a flicker of endless need.&nbsp; It was the hunger of fire, insatiable and consuming.<br><br>"You have already given me what I want Naiobe.&nbsp; Many times."<br><br>The world around them shifted then, with the suddenness of a dream that flitted from one image to another.&nbsp; Images of Naiobe's life appeared and faded around them... The dryad bearing roses in her bleeding lips... the toy she'd snarled carelessly to earn her father's wrath... all of her playthings...<br><br>Only one remained longer than a heartbeat, the healer who'd tended her as a child.&nbsp; Standing there off to one side of the sunny glade and reaching out to her.<br><br>"You have fed my hunger well Naiobe Percivan and you will continue to do so in one manner or another."<br><br>The image shifted to a young Naiobe laying in her bed, watching the doctor approach with fearful eyes as he carried a cup of steaming tea.<br><br>"I think you found it preferable to be the flail though did you not?"<br><br>And the scene faded to an older Naiobe.&nbsp; To the day when she'd broken free of that cruel smiling old man's hold.<br><br>"Accept and I will extend my power into you as I did when I spared you from your little flower's charms.&nbsp; You will share my strength...&nbsp; and my hunger.&nbsp; This is the pact."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>03-10-2009, 23:51:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The visions that swirl around her are intimately familiar, every one of them. There are no surprises, none, save that the hated old healer is there. If the god-demon wishes to entice her with things such as this, he's not as good at reading his mark and she had thought. <br><br>And then she gets to relive the day she gained the upper hand on that man, and it's all better. She remembers that day keenly, and treasures it in her heart. <br><br>Naiobe turns back toward Malikai and tilts her head. She may not necessarily be grooming under her father's hands for power, but that doesn't exempt her from politics in the court of the Baron, and she knows well enough that taking a deal simply because it doesn't seem to demand anything of her is a fool's path. After all, it's a trick the elder Percivan has used many, many times. "I have a distinct thirst for the pains of others already, my Lord Malikai, and I am not the Percivan heir. I find myself wondering what use you could possibly have for me, and likewise what use I have for you. Pardon my bluntness, but <em>what</em> do you <em>want</em>?"<br><br>She drifts closer to the figure, her eyes following the muscular lines of his arms until her gaze reaches his hands. Silk whispers against the springy grass with each light step. She already senses that her desires, heated though they may be, are unlikely to match the hunger of this god-thing. It pulls at her, drawing her like an invisible whirlpool made of nothing but avarice. Her lips barely move as she comes to a stop within a hair's breadth of his chest. "Will you show me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>04-10-2009, 00:15:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There is no answer to her question as she drifts closer to him, drawn like a moth to his flame.&nbsp; His hand moves and touches her arm.&nbsp; His fingers are not simply warm but hot, painfully so as they trail along her skin to her shoulder and then her neck, curling along her throat like bands of red hot metal.&nbsp; His touch reddens her skin and she can feel it growing tender as he holds her throat and traces her windpipe with his searing thumb.<br><br>"Yes Niaobe," he says.&nbsp; And for the first time his lips part and the words come from without rather than within.&nbsp; The wonderful voice that has echoed along her nerves is but a pale shadow of the real one.&nbsp; It is the voice of a god and she knows somewhere deep inside that no mere man's voice will ever compare to this sound.&nbsp; <br><br>"I will show you what I want."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>04-10-2009, 01:30:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She stiffens and rolls her shoulders back as he touches her, eyes narrowing slightly. If she had her way, no man would lay his hands on her in any other capacity than pleading, but she is not the sort to stretch beyond her reach. Much. <br><br>The burning sends a little thrill through her, one of danger and power all rolled into one. Had things been a little different, Naiobe might have been one of those women who chased powerful men, drinking in their position. Had she not discovered power of a different sort, she might have been happy with civic power.<br><br>She places her hands on his hips, as intimate as a dancer poised for the first strains of music, and waits.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>04-10-2009, 02:17:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He sees how she draws back from his hands and knows why.&nbsp; But he touches her anyway, holding her slender neck in place and leaning closer.&nbsp; Heat washes over her from him and then his lips press to her forehead and his voice is in her ears again.<br><br>"I hunger..."<br><br>And she feels it then, deep inside.&nbsp; It is not a want or even a need... it is life itself.&nbsp; It is breathing and eating and the beating of the heart.&nbsp; He is fallen but still a god, and gods are made not of flesh and blood but of dreams and prayers and emotions... For a moment she shares the feeling of being sealed away and forgotten, cut off from his followers like a plant from sunlight or a man marooned.&nbsp; Left starving but as a god unable to truly die.&nbsp; It is a terrible sensation and he endured it for lifetimes here.<br><br>Then she can feel what he feels now, the flickered candles of each life around them.&nbsp; Each heartbeat echos in her ears and she can taste the composition of their souls.&nbsp; Closest are the dull creatures in his chamber, beasts and the mindless husks of women given over to them to breed more monsters.&nbsp; Past that, the castle above, she feels them all.&nbsp; She can taste their emotions... fear and pain and cruelty and love.&nbsp; She can feel her new pet, lonely and confused.&nbsp; Afraid of her but wanting her to return since she knows no other here.&nbsp; The twins move along like a pair of mirror images, seething inside with dark desires and lust as the bright and innocent soul of their younger sister moves between them trusting and unaware of how she's flanked by monsters that want her safe from all but their own hands.&nbsp; Elsewhere Brom is torturing a slave, his wild strength is glee and hunger and it is bright, it warms the aching chill inside her and dampens the hunger.&nbsp; And his victims heart hammers so hard and fast and she blazes in agony and pain so beautiful and bright.&nbsp; It feeds her and it warms her but not enough that she's not still cold and starving and wanting... needing...&nbsp; The hunger is the hunger of fire, insatiable and consuming... <br><br>Then it's gone and she can feel the smooth stone beneath her body and her cheek.&nbsp; She's laying beside the sarcophagus atop the altar in the chamber beneath Ravenroost.&nbsp; He is there, she can feel him still in the air around her and as she moves she feels the pain in her arm and throat and her forehead from where his touch has burned her skin.<br><br>"That is what I want from you Naiobe.&nbsp; I will share with you my power so that you might feed my hunger all the more but you will also share in that hunger, never free of it and never free of me.&nbsp; That is the pact, to share in both my power and my hunger."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>04-10-2009, 03:41:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It seems as if the power and the <em>desire</em> of it all floods through her and overwhelms her senses. Her eyes open wide, and yet she does not see. Her lips part, and yet she cannot breathe. All she can do for those glorious, terrible, terrifying moments is <em>feel</em>. It is nothingness, and it is everything. She sees her brothers, her sisters, the castle, the very monsters in a new light. <br><br>It could be seconds or hours later when she comes to herself, her whole body heaving, her hair plastered to her face and neck. She slowly picks herself up, pain tingling up and down her neck and hands. Naiobe brushes stray strands of hair out of her eyes and looks slowly around the cavern. <br><br>He is not being coy. He is not asking her for this. He would happily torment her for hours upon hours, until she either swore his oath or died in agony, and he would love it. Briefly, she wonders why he even asks for that oath... probably because it represents a pale shadow of the worship that he used to take for granted as his due. <br><br>Sitting there on his dead altar, she looks down at her lap, setting her reddened and blistering hands palm-up in her lap. "So be it," she says softly. The words need not be loud. In fact, they need not be audible at all. He is in her head and in her heart, and soon he will lodge himself in her soul deeper than any lover. <br><br>In all honesty, she probably need not say anything at all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>05-10-2009, 20:28:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It is the assent not the words that matter.&nbsp; And that opens her to the pressing weight of him like a crack in a jar held under water.&nbsp; There is a rush as she feels him once more.&nbsp; It is a pale shadow of what she just experienced, a candle within her rather than a bonfire.<br><br>But even a small flame must be fed and she feels the waking of her new-found hunger even as she feels an inner warmth as well.&nbsp; A lingering sense of his power flows in her, it is like that brief pulse she felt burning away the hold her pet had tried to place upon her but does not fade.<br><br>She can see the strange and misshaped man waiting still.&nbsp; He knows what burns within her and he kneels and lowers his eyes as he waits silently for her.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>06-10-2009, 03:05:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe blinks slowly, her eyes going distant as she feels the presence against her again. The lack of power does not make for a lack of intensity, and Naiobe finds herself tingling from head to toe. The rush of it is nearly orgasmic, all pain and pleasure wrapped into one exquisitely excruciating package. Her screams fill the chamber, interspersed with wordless cries and no small amount of flailing. And then there is nothing. She goes still for a moment, seeing the world around her in a new light, all shiny and full of sinister promise.<br><br>Stiffly, she slides herself off the altar. She can still feel the echo of the creatures around the cavern, and the remembered memory of her brother above them with his slave is still fresh. She walks across the dais toward the stairs as if in a fog, her mind still whirring with the weight of what just happened. She had walked in here thinking she had a choice and that had not been the case, but she doesn't regret coming. The obsequious man that kneels at the base of the stairs hardly catches her attention, but she approaches him anyway. As if in a dream, Naiobe pauses beside one of the torches that still glows with unnatural fire. She pulls it from its well with a dull scrape of wood on stone and carries it down the steps with her, as if to use it to light her way back to her rooms. <br><br>However, she now knows these caves better than she knows her own castle. As she passes the kneeling man, she raises the torch and drives its pointed base into the back of the mutant's knee, pushing it through flesh and past bone until it wedges in a crack in the stone walkway underneath. She can smell the well of fresh blood as the man lets out a screech of pain, and a small smile touches her lips when she hears him struggling to get his leg free. She leaves him, then, to await the arrival of those dark things that hover in the caves around the edges of the altar, or to bleed to death if they don't get him first. She doesn't stop, and she doesn't once look back at the live offering.<br><br>Malikai has a new vassal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>07-10-2009, 05:58:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/35/Pretty_page_break.png)</div><br>There were few moments of true quiet in Ravenroost.&nbsp; But the hours preceding dawn came close, as those that moved to insure that all was ready for the waking of the castle's nobles moved with a quiet air to avoid waking their charges.<br><br>And so it was the the dryad moved about her Mistress' suite.&nbsp; Her bare feet padded on the floors without a sound as she returned from the kitchen with fresh juice and milk gathered by those who woke even earlier than she.&nbsp; The tray was arraigned carefully, soft linen napkin set with spotless silver utensils.&nbsp; Everything was perfect, had to be flawless... The spirit woman moved to the garden and reached to one of the blooms on the rose bush.&nbsp; She leaned close and kissed it as her fingers pinched the stem and removed it painlessly from the beautiful shrub.&nbsp; <br><br>In her time here, she had breathed her gift into her Mistress' garden making it a wondrous mix of color and fragrance.&nbsp; If asked, she would not have been able to say how long she had been here, time was strange to a tree spirit, both fleeting and slow at the same time.&nbsp; Her lessons had been long, and sometimes she still had to be reminded of her place and her duties.&nbsp; Only now it made her weep not only from the pain but from failing her Mistress.&nbsp; <br><br>With the fresh rose, everything was in place.&nbsp; The dryad chewed her lip and looked to the last duty of her morning before her Mistress awoke.&nbsp; Even now, even as much as she longed to please her Mistress Niaobe, she had to force herself to obey.&nbsp; She moved to her tree and her eyes fixed upon the sigil there.&nbsp; Carved into the bark and kept fresh day after day.&nbsp; The tree had grown around it, creating a ridge of raised bark along the edges of that mark.&nbsp; The dryad reached out, tracing it with her finger and whimpering softly.&nbsp; The mark was ingrained deep and the daily ritual of it had caused it to appear upon her own shoulder, darkening over days and weeks until it was as clear as the brands burned into the other slaves here.<br><br>Then she heard the soft noise of her Mistress stirring and the dryad hurried to finished.&nbsp; There was only place she could be when her Mistress awoke.&nbsp; She lifted the knife from were it rested at her tree's base and carried it with her to the bedside.&nbsp; As always, she gazed down at the half-elf sleeping there so vulnerable.&nbsp; But it was only her Mistress that kept the hands of men at bay.&nbsp; Only her Mistress that kept them from her and her tree.&nbsp; Only her Mistress that made them stop at touching her lightly.&nbsp; Only her Mistress kept her from being torn and hurt like the others in the dungeons.&nbsp; <br><br>The dryad knelt and lifted the sheathed blade up in offering.&nbsp; She would remain so until the Mistress awoke, motionless for minutes or hours.&nbsp; Her Mistress gave so much, but there was a price.&nbsp; Only her Mistress was allowed to hurt her, and it was a right she enjoyed greatly.&nbsp; But so long as she was good, Mistress would protect her from the others... from the men... So long as she was good, Mistress would reward her and praise her and allow her pleasure as well as pain.<br><br>And so she knelt and waited for her Mistress to awaken and tried very hard not to tremble.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>07-10-2009, 08:18:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe dreams of fire. Every night since her trip to Malikai's cave, she has dreamt of hot, roaring, hungry, intense fire. It burns through everything it touches, burning Naiobe and anyone else in her dream. It burns the castle, the countryside and ... sometimes she dreams that it burns the world. It <em>is</em> the world. In her dreams, it's all that she knows. <br><br>The sunshine is always a surprise when she wakes from those dreams. It always seems so washed out now, dim and watery and inadequate. Still, she squints a little as she blinks her eyes open, stretching languorously in her bed. She knows her dryad will be waiting for her. She knows that her pet will stay there for hours if Naiobe tells her to. The dryad is so special, too precious to simply use up in a night and throw away like any other plaything. Naiobe lay there for a moment, letting the anticipation of their shared morning ritual build in her. She loves mornings. <br><br>Sitting up, she slides out of bed, her nightgown trailing behind her with nary a whisper. Depending on her mood, she sometimes forgoes the nightgown, but last night was slightly cold. Her small fingers close around the hilt of the proffered knife, and she uses the other hand to stroke the forearm of her dryad. "Good morning, my lovely," she greets softly, before turning away with the knife. "I want you on hands and knees today, dryad. Not once are you to stand upright. You're so pretty when you scramble." She smiles and pads toward the tree, knowing the dryad will follow. Like the dryad before her, she strokes the bark, running her fingers over the carven mark in the trunk. Blade in hand, she waits for the dryad to join her...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>08-10-2009, 21:25:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She hears Naiobe stir and stretch but she does not look up.&nbsp; It is unseemly and impatient to look up expectantly and try to hurry her Mistress.&nbsp; And her Mistress does not tolerate such behaviour in a pet, not even one as special as she is.&nbsp; She trembles when the knife is lifted from her hands and Naiobe's fingers stroke her arm.&nbsp; Partially it is a deep fear, those fingers have hurt her in ways she would never have imagined she could be hurt.&nbsp; But those same fingers have also brought her to such heights of pleasure.&nbsp; "Good Morning Mistress," she answers in soft whisper.&nbsp; She cannot keep the tremor from her voice, no more than she can keep it from her body.&nbsp; She knows what morning brings, always and without exception.<br><br>She hears Naiobe's command and nods.&nbsp; "Of course Mistress," she answers, "I live only to please you Mistress."&nbsp; It is true... a lesson she has learned at great lengths.&nbsp; She has seen what becomes of Naiobe's playthings when they no longer entertain her.&nbsp; But as long as she's good... <br><br>She scrambles after her Mistress, crawling as quickly as she can to keep up.&nbsp; And when Naiobe's fingers touch her tree she slows, stumbling as sensation makes her body lurch.&nbsp; More than once she has tried to explain what it feels like.&nbsp; That the tree is part of her and Naiobe's fingers are stroking that open wound upon it.&nbsp; It is like being touched inside, like those fingers are beneath her skin... it is painful and strangely intimate.&nbsp; Whimpering, she drags herself the rest of the way to kneel before her Mistress, shivering as that caress sends jolts through her.&nbsp; Jolts that coax her nipples to hard peaks and cause the swollen folds of her sex to weep.<br><br>Because her Mistress enjoys hurting her, and Naiobe has taught her body to take pleasure in what her Mistress enjoys.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>10-10-2009, 21:01:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The care with which Naiobe slides the tip of the knife into the grooved wood could perhaps be considered gentle, if she weren't cutting it. Still, she only caresses with the sharp blade at first, knocking free whatever dried sap clings to the wound from yesterday. With her free hand, she caresses the healed edges of the mark, taking a few seconds to admire it before she applies pressure to the knife. <br><br>Slowly, carefully, she reopens the gouges at the bottom, ingraining her mark deeper into the wood, making certain that the tree doesn't heal it over...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>23-10-2009, 04:51:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While the caress of Naiobe's fingers made her shudder, the tracing of the blade along her tree causes a low keening whimper from the dryad.&nbsp; Her hands clasp and unclasp as she fights to stay still and kneeling.&nbsp; This is not punishment, but if she reaches to try to stop her Mistress... punishment will come then.&nbsp; So the spirit woman does as she has been taught, kneeling and looking up at her Mistress.&nbsp; She doesn't close her eyes as the blade traces the mark like a dreadful promise.&nbsp; Mistress wants to see her eyes as she works.&nbsp; And to disobey means more pain.&nbsp; Perhaps even fire.&nbsp; <br><br>Her lips part wider and she yelps when the blade cuts at last.&nbsp; Her fingers curl into tiny fists so tight that her nails draw the sweet sap that flows in her like blood and she sways but remains kneeling and gazing up at Naiobe with wide eyes pleading and wet with tears.&nbsp; But she doesn't dare disobey by looking away or voicing her begging.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>05-12-2009, 04:45:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe largely keeps her eyes on her work, though she pauses every few strokes to glance down at her dryad. The woodland spirit suffers pain exquisitely, and Naiobe loves to hurt her. She lets the blade caress each portion of that mark, her knife sure and true. She strokes her fingers down one side of the tree, and sets the knife aside once she's finished. "Stand up," she tells the dryad. "Stand up and kiss it, then thank me for marking you." She reaches to caress the soft flesh of the dryad's shoulder as she gives her order, enjoying the way the dryad's eyes well, the little quiver that runs through the dryad's body. She finds herself pondering how to play with the dryad today, and a smile crosses her face as she debates with herself. She has a particular torment in mind, and today might be the day ...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>09-12-2009, 16:03:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She's trembling and sobbing openly by the time Naiobe finishes and her lower lip is damp with her sweet and thick sap from where she bit down on it to keep from screaming.&nbsp; At the command she nods.&nbsp; Her voice is choked and weak.&nbsp; "ye.. yes... Mistress..." she manages after a moment.&nbsp; <br><br>She rises slowly and unsteadily, reaching to lean upon her tree and caress it with her fingers.&nbsp; She aches to vanish into it and hide... but that would anger her Mistress and bring more pain to her and the tree both.&nbsp; So she leans in and closes her eyes, resting her forehead to the tree's bark a moment before pressing her lips to the freshly carved mark, kissing it softly.&nbsp; Another moment to steady herself before she turns.&nbsp; Opening her eyes once more and looking up at Naiobe.<br><br>"Thank you Mistress for marking me... for making me yours..."&nbsp; The others would be worse than even this.&nbsp; She's seen what they do.&nbsp; What men do.&nbsp; Niaobe has shown her, even let them play a little to make sure she knows how much worse they are.&nbsp; "Thank you Mistress," she says again louder before lowering her head and eyes, "For protecting me and keeping my tree safe."&nbsp; Then she sinks back to her knees and waits, trembling slightly.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>01-03-2010, 03:29:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe caresses the mark on her dryad's shoulder in passing, handing the knife back down to the little pet. "You're welcome, beloved. Now clean it, and put it away." The torment doesn't end with the pain, but with cleaning the sap off of the blade and preparing it tomorrow morning. A place for everything and everything in its place, even fear. <br><br>"You'll be accompanying me today," she adds almost casually. Added to the fact that the dryad will be crawling on hands and knees all day, the little pet is in for a humiliating day indeed. "I expect you in the wardrobe closet after you've cleaned that, so that I'm not wondering where you are when I'm ready to head downstairs. We have visitors today, I believe, though Father has not yet told me of their nature." A cool smile curves across Naiobe's lips. She hopes they're ambassadors from elsewhere. Ambassadors are trained never to call the court of another barbaric, for they are supposed to keep their goal in mind. It means that Naiobe and her siblings can make them quite uncomfortable with few repercussions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>01-03-2010, 23:09:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad's head moves, nodding as she sucks on her swollen lower lip and then forces herself to draw a slow breath.&nbsp; Her trembling hands take the knife and she shivers a little.&nbsp; The ritual is familiar enough that it is strangely soothing in its familiarity.&nbsp; The pain will come tomorrow even if she does not obey.&nbsp; Mistress has many other knives that she could use in place of this one... or even fire.&nbsp; The dryad's fear of fire is overwhelming and her Mistress knows this.&nbsp; The one time Brom teased her with a candle she was hysterical for the rest of the night, and Mistress held her as she trembled like a child.&nbsp; The dryad knows that even though Naiobe comforted and soothed her that her Mistress would not hesitate to use her greatest fear against her if she provoked her.&nbsp; <br><br>But as long as she is good that threat lies unspoken.&nbsp; The blade is cleaned of her tree's sap and sharpened quickly.&nbsp; The spirit woman even smiles a little in pride at how skillful she's become at this task as she examines the blade.&nbsp; Then it is laid in it's proper place at her tree's base.&nbsp; She pauses a moment to trace the mark etched day after day into the bark, the perpetually open wound upon her tree.&nbsp; She can feel it always, a constant dull throb to remind her that she belongs to her Mistress.&nbsp; Her hand moves to touch the shoulder that bears the same mark, carried over across the bond from her tree to her skin to scar her with Naiobe's mark so the others know that she's protected.&nbsp; The others would hurt her more... wouldn't be gentle with her when their hunger was satisfied with her pain.&nbsp; <br><br>Shaking herself from her thoughts before she lingers too long, the dryad crawls to the wardrobe to kneel and await her Mistress as commanded.&nbsp; It always makes her nervous to be away from the garden, to be seen by the others.&nbsp; She has to be even more careful not to misbehave or make mistakes around the others.&nbsp; It makes Mistress look bad and that makes her disappointed and angry.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>07-03-2010, 04:20:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe peruses her wardrobe while she thinks about whether to dress her dryad. Unlike her brothers, she enjoys adorning her pets with pretty things, and the dryad is just so lovely that it's hard not to have frilly things made for her that both humiliate the dryad and make her look ridiculously adorable. For herself, Naiobe pulls out a lovely green dress, having the dryad assist her by lacing the bodice and arranging the train. It's a beautiful gown set with opals and emeralds along the waist and cuffs. Naiobe adores it.<br><br>She takes up a box, some clothing, and a fine golden chain before closing the wardrobe. "We're going to dress you in pretties today, darling." She pads over to her bed and sits down on the edge, then beckons to the dryad. "First give me those arms..." She proceeds to place silken bracers around the dryad's forearms, settling them in place so that they adorn the girl from wrists to elbow. Matching scraps of fabric go around the dryad's thighs, clothing her without giving her any coverage whatsoever. Naiobe lovingly studs the bottoms of the dryad's brown feet with fine sapphires, creating little arabesques there. The dryad will be unable to walk today without quite a bit of pain in her tender feet, but since Naiobe has ordered her to crawl all day it shouldn't be a problem.<br><br>Her Mistress opens up the little box she's brought with her. "Kneel up," she murmurs, wanting the dryad to keep her knees on the floor but to kneel upright instead of on all fours...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>04-04-2010, 20:07:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It is an irony that of all the slaves in Ravenroost, the dryad is the least concerned about her nakedness.&nbsp; She is perfectly aware of how the sight of her draws the eyes of the others in hunger or jealousy.&nbsp; And at times she cannot help but find it pleasing to tease them.&nbsp; Never more than a little unless her mistress commands it and there are some she knows better than to taunt.&nbsp; Brom, whom even her mistress treads with care around, scares her so deeply it is always hard not to hide from him.&nbsp; And the Baron, gaunt and weathered like an elder tree.&nbsp; His eyes hold something she cannot identify when they fall upon her and she fears it would anger her mistress to be anything but proper and respectful toward him.<br><br>Helping her mistress dress is one of the tasks she's learned well enough and she smiles when they're done.&nbsp; Her mistress looks very pretty in that dress.&nbsp; She follows and obeys as Naiobe commands, giving her her arms and shifting to let her wrap and lace the silks about her.&nbsp; It's soft against her skin but still feels odd to a being used to living without modesty.&nbsp; The studs are harder to bear gracefully, bringing little yelps and involuntary squirming from the spirit woman.&nbsp; <br><br>The box makes her nervous but she shifts to rise up at Naiobe's command.&nbsp; Her eyes flicker to the box but her body remains still, arms at her sides as she waits to see what sort of decoration is coming.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>11-06-2010, 16:48:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe smiles down at her dryad, enjoying the sight of her body all dolled up for Naiobe. She reaches into the box and pulls out a pair of little golden bells topped with wrought pincers. One goes first on one nipple, then the second bell is hung on the other nipple, held in place by pinching metal meant to be quite bearable, at least at first... <br><br>Next out of the box is a length of blue leather set with a buckle and a ring. The dryad naturally will recognize what it is, and Naiobe slides it around the dryad's neck without hesitation. "That's quite pretty," she murmurs as she settles the strap into its buckle. She fastens the gold chain she'd fetched to the gold ring on the collar meant for such a thing, then nods. "You can go back to all fours now, my sweet." She pets the dryad's hair once, then takes up the other end of the lead, turning to head for the door. The soft swish of her train accompanies the soft peal of the dryad's bells, making for a pleasant little aimless melody as Naiobe makes her way down the stairs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>12-06-2010, 07:08:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad draws in a breath at the pinching metal, a tiny mewl at the sensation and the weight.&nbsp; The collar is familiar and she lifts her chin to offer her neck to it.&nbsp; Like the mark upon her shoulder it protects her from the others by showing that she is Naiobe's.&nbsp; And as her Mistress looks her over and pets her, she cannot help but smile and straighten proudly.&nbsp; "Thank you Mistress," she says softly and honestly, "I like being pretty for you."&nbsp; <br><br>She slips to her hands and knees and follows, making sure not to lag behind.&nbsp; The swaying of her bells tugs at the clamps and sends odd tingles into her, not really painful yet but she knows her nipples will be sore and tender before long.&nbsp; The stairs are more challenging to crawl down than the floor, and the edges are painful against her shins.&nbsp; The bells tinkle a bit more as she scrambles along, trying to both keep pace with her Mistress and not lose her balance and slide down the stairs.&nbsp; Not only would that be quite painful, but it would also embarrass her Mistress for her to be so clumsy.<br><br>Once they reach the hall without incident, the dryad allows herself a tiny proud smile.&nbsp; Without looking up, she can see only the feet of the others, but she arches a little anyway and makes sure to sway a bit as she crawls along behind her Mistress.&nbsp; After all, Mistress would not have decorated her so unless she wanted to show her off today.&nbsp; <br><br>"Good morning Daughter."&nbsp; The Baron's voice made the dryad tense up a little and she darted her eyes about to seek out the impeccable polish of his boots off to the side.&nbsp; She could see he was not alone, undoubtedly the second pair of fine boots belonged to the visitor Mistress had mentioned.&nbsp; The dryad started to lift her head in curiosity but caught herself.&nbsp; A good pet did not look up at her betters.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>22-07-2010, 02:51:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe finds herself pleased with the way her dryad behaves. She knows to thank Naiobe for gifts the value of which might not be readily apparent. She is pleased that the dryad takes such pains to remain graceful and very pretty. The extra swagger to the dryad's crawl does not escape Naiobe's notice, either. Such a good girl. Naiobe will reward her later. <br><br>All thoughts of the dryad leave her head, however, when she finds herself face to face with her father and his guest. The familiar face makes Naiobe's smile freeze in place, and her hand tighten on her dryad's leash. This is the company that was arriving today? What a terrible waste of the time spent decorating her dryad and dressing herself. "Good morning, Father." Naiobe curtsies shallowly, nodding to the princeling that accompanies her father. "Corwin." She turns aside, intending to busy herself with someone else, anyone else, in the grand hall. It's a blessing she's already had breakfast, or she might be stuck eating a meal with the pompous, arrogant, willful, headstrong son of a ...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>22-07-2010, 05:10:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad shivers, everything she needs to know about this Corwin is clear in her Mistress' tone.&nbsp; She can practically feel the shift in temperament and bites back a whimper.&nbsp; Even if it's not directed at her, it frightens her when her Mistress is angry.<br><br>The Baron, however, shows no reaction.&nbsp; There is a reason he did not tell her who was visiting them.&nbsp; And just as he does not miss her bristling, he's quite aware of the smirk that touches Corwin's lips.&nbsp; The boy thinks he's clever but nothing escapes the Baron's sharp gaze within these walls.&nbsp; However, it's a harmless little game and so he's willing to let it continue.<br><br>"Naiobe!&nbsp; It's always such a pleasure to see you.&nbsp; And you are certainly looking quite lovely today.&nbsp; Your father and I were just about to take breakfast, please tell me you'll join us."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>22-07-2010, 05:22:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a second, Naiobe feels caught. She hates that feeling, hates the sensation of being like a little rabbit that's been spotted by the wolf. Naiobe is not prey; she is the predator. Looking over the man, Naiobe shoves her dislike of him far to the back of her mind. Violently, forcefully shoves it back. <br><br>Smiling at him, she shakes her head. "So sorry, Corwin, but I already took breakfast. I'll let you and my father catch up since your last visit, and perhaps catch you later on this week for something." She smiles thinly. "Excuse me, please." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>22-07-2010, 05:40:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes twinkle as he catches her gaze.&nbsp; He could insist and they both know she'd be stuck at the table with him.&nbsp; Those warm brown eyes linger on her own a moment, forcing her to wait just a few heartbeats to remind her that her request really is, in this case, a request.&nbsp; Then he smiles that infuriatingly cheerful smile and sighs.<br><br>"A pity," he answers, "I do so enjoy the pleasure of your conversation.&nbsp; We will most certainly have to catch up before my visit is out.&nbsp; Perhaps we could take a ride together later on."&nbsp; He reaches then for her hand, bowing like the courtier he is and lifting it to brush his lips against her knuckles in a polite kiss.<br><br>"Until later, be well my dear."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>22-07-2010, 05:54:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The little pause between her words and his is irritating, to say the least. He grabs at every bit of power he possibly can. He's such a cad. When finally she finds herself released from his presence, Naiobe turns and walks away at a stately pace that's very fast. She all but grinds her teeth, moving out of Corwin's sight and down the hall a ways. There are always a lot of people in the Baron's castle, but it's difficult for one as remarkable as Naiobe to lose herself even in that. She waits until she's out of sight of Corwin and her father, then immediately wheels to seek out her eldest brother, questioning the servants as to Brom's whereabouts and storming off to go see him. In her ire, she all but drags the poor dryad behind her, having almost entirely forgotten about the forest spirit on her pretty leash.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>23-07-2010, 01:04:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad scrambles after her mistress.&nbsp; Even if her feet had not been studded she would not have dared to to break the command to crawl but the poor spirit woman is hard pressed to keep up.&nbsp; Hearing that Brom is in the courtyard makes her wince but she's only given a moment to dread being forced to crawl across the dirt and stones before they are off once more.<br><br>By the time they reach the stables, her throat is raw and bruised from the collar jerking and pulling her along behind Naiobe.&nbsp; Her hair is wild and her skin glistens from the exertion.&nbsp; Her breasts ache, the speedy crawl making them sway and bounce and jostle hard enough she is sure they must be bruised.&nbsp; Her nipples are on fire from the jangling bells and one has slipped and hangs from the tip of her right nipple, pinching it sharply and threatening to fall.&nbsp; Her hands are scrapped and her knees bleed as she pants and whimpers, holding herself from collapsing by sheer will alone.<br><br>The sound of her bells had reached Brom, despite the sounds of his current amusement.&nbsp; He's dressed in his riding clothes, watching as the mare-groom finishes giving his stallion what he likes to call a "proper" brushing down.&nbsp; Of course, the sheer joy in her eyes while she rubs against the beast in something more akin to foreplay than grooming is pleasing, and watching just how much of his she has learned to take into her mouth is much too interesting for him to look away.&nbsp; But he does nod as Naiobe reaches him.&nbsp; "You are just in time for the best part Naiobe," he says softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 01:02:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe sighs impatiently. "I don't care about your horse-woman, Brom." She ignores the whimpers of her dryad, folding her arms and facing Brom full-on. "Did you know that Corwin is here?" She doesn't bother to keep her voice low or her tone polite. If Naiobe is going to have to suffer that ass' presence, then no one around her is going to be happy, either. "You could have <em>warned</em> me," she adds. "You know he's rude, and licentious, and crude, and ..." She grits her teeth so hard he can probably hear them grinding. "I hate dealing with him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 01:41:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A wicked grin spreads across Brom's face and he turns to run his gaze over Naiobe.&nbsp; "You're beautiful when you're angry my precious sister," he comments as he glances away to his mare-groom and then back.&nbsp; "You're right, I could have warned you.&nbsp; But seeing you like this is so much more entertaining."<br><br>"You know," he adds with a playful wink, "As upset as he makes you, I have to wonder if your protests about him aren't hiding some spark of interest."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 01:54:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe's cheeks flush with rage. She stares at Brom for a moment, then shakes her head. "You're insane if you think that. He's insufferable." She narrows her eyes. "I would not be interested in him even if he were king and offered me an entire harem of naiads to torment as I liked." She clenches her fists, staring at Brom for another minute before she turns away from him. But she does not turn to go, oh no. Instead, she snatches a long crop from a nearby shelf, and walks toward Brom's precious stallion with intent in her eyes. Raising the crop, she brings it down harshly on the stallion's flank, then drops the crop and storms out. As she walks away, she can hear the sound of whinnying, leather and steel jingling as the horse rears and pulls at his halter, and the cries of the poor mare-woman who now must worry about dodging hooves. Brom can forget about seeing his horse climax all over her until it's calmed again. <br><br>That done, she returns to her room to sulk until dinnertime and soothe her abused, wounded dryad.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 02:44:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Brom continues to watch her with that smugly amused expression.&nbsp; Oh, he knows full well she can't stand Corwin and she knows he's not particularly fond of the preening little princeling either.&nbsp; Seeing her so riled up is just too tempting to resist though.&nbsp; And despite his relaxed posture he's tensed just in case she breaks enough to throw a punch or try to slap him.&nbsp; What he's not expecting is to have her set his stallion off.&nbsp; And he's much too busy trying to keep one prized mount from killing the other to chase after her.&nbsp; <br><br>The dryad winces at it all, and despite the effort of keeping up, she looks back and chews her lip in concern for the other woman.&nbsp; Back in her mistress' rooms she's quiet and fearful even once her mistress does turn her attentions to her gently.&nbsp; She knows this Corwin's presence has Naiobe upset.&nbsp; Just as she starts to relax the door to the sitting room opens unexpectedly and the sound of knuckles rapping upon the wood makes her jump.&nbsp; <br><br>"I do hope I'm interrupting something sensual and decadent," Corwin calls as he steps in and closes the door behind him, but despite his cocky grin and attitude he doesn't leave the sitting room to intrude into Naiobe's private chambers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 04:01:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just the sound of his voice makes her grit her teeth and want to throw things. How dare he invade her rooms like this? And he has to walk right past her dryad's tree to come toward the bedroom, which is its own annoyance, and means that she can't let her poor dryad return to her tree for rest. Not without calling unwanted attention to the spirit-woman. Naiobe sighs and straightens. "Stay here, pet," she tells the dryad, then adds as an afterthought, "You can sleep in my bed, if you'd like." <br><br>She leaves the dryad to her own devices and storms out of her bedroom into the sitting area. "I don't partake in sensual and decadent, Corwin. Perhaps you intended to invade a different room and not mine." She smiles at him icily. "What brings you here before dinner, then?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 04:32:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad's eyes widen for a moment and she tenses.&nbsp; But once Naiobe speaks she relaxes and sinks quite gratefully into the bed, sighing softly and curling up at the foot of it.<br><br>The pretty man has taken a seat in one of her chairs and leans back in it as she approaches, hands laced behind his head as he lets his gaze roam her unhurriedly and shamelessly.&nbsp; "Oh really now," he chuckles, "We both know better Niaobe."&nbsp; He grins boyishly at her and licks his lips slowly.<br><br>"I was wondering if you might care to share a bath to wash up dinner... after we spent a while getting all sweaty together." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 05:20:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The way his eyes roam her figure sets the hair at the back of Naiobe's neck to prickling. She places her hands on her hips and stands in front of him, staring. One would think she would have gotten past the disbelief at his brazen actions, but no such luck. She shakes her head vigorously after a moment, denying him. "No, I really would not care to. Get out of my room, Corwin." What she would really like to do is retreat to her bedroom and close the door in his face, but that risks him following her and she really, really doesn't want him to decide to have an interest in her dryad. And he would, too, if he figured it would bother her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 05:31:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He lets out a long and exaggerated sigh.&nbsp; "So you still insist on just playing with girls then," he says as he shakes his head, "Not that blame you for enjoying the other members of your most delightful sex but really... there are some needs that call for a man's touch."&nbsp; He rises from the chair and steps closer, not touching her and close enough to feel her nearness.<br><br>"You know, this bitchy manner really isn't flattering.&nbsp; But I forgive you, since I understand that it's just what happens when you try to deny your body what it really needs."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 07:20:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe hardly bats an eye. She's used to this sort of bigoted dreck from Corwin, and it, at least, no longer phases her. "Have you gone <em>deaf</em>? I told you to get out." She moves, but not to back away. No, instead she turns toward the sitting room door, opening it and waving her hand in a shooing motion. "I'll see you at dinner, I'm sure."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 07:31:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Corwin's eyes narrow at the coolness of her dismissal.&nbsp; "I heard you just fine," he snaps as he turns and moves to the door she's holding open for him.&nbsp; He pauses after he crosses the threshold and looks back.&nbsp; "I've asked to have us seated together," he says with a leering smile, "Do be sure to dress in something that showcases your beauty or nothing at all.&nbsp; If I can't enjoy conversing with your viper's tongue then I shall simply have to be content to enjoy the sight of your lovely body."<br><br>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>08-08-2010, 07:42:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe fights the urge to sneer for roughly the ninetieth time today. "Fortunately for my viper's tongue, you forgive me, Corwin. I'm sure I would thank you for that if I weren't so completely disinterested in doing so." She swings the door shut before he can answer, then turns on her heel and storms back to her bedroom. "You may return to your tree now, dryad," she murmurs softly, on her way to her wardrobe. She doesn't actually own a burlap sack, but certainly she has some prudishly modest dresses given as gifts. . . <br><br>With a smile, she pulls out a long, dark brown dress. It's practically a nun's habit, with a high neck and long sleeves. The only flesh that Corwin will be able to feast his eyes upon will be that of her face and her hands. Granted, she would prefer to cover these as well, but since going to dinner in gloves would be overkill, Naiobe settles for the brown dress, and sets about dressing for dinner. There will be no dryad at the table, either... just plain old Naiobe. As one final gesture of spite, she pulls her lovely tresses back into a severe knot at the back of her neck, choosing not to soften the styling at all...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>10-08-2010, 23:45:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hall is bustling as always.&nbsp; Corwin is a noteworthy personage, but a frequent enough visitor that there is still the normal relaxed air of the evening's gathering.&nbsp; And true enough, she can see that Corwin is seated beside her chair.&nbsp; Unfortunately, her father's seat is vacant, and his setting clear.&nbsp; It's not that unusual for the Baron to take a meal in his rooms, but it means she will be practically alone with her unwanted companion.<br><br>"Not even a dress so dour as that can hide your beauty my dear," Corwin's voice comes from the side, and when she turns he bows and reaches for her hand like the courtier he is.&nbsp; Beside him is an unfamiliar woman with milky skin that stands in stark contrast to the rich blue of her gown.&nbsp; It's a rich creation of silk that bares entirely more of her moonlight flesh than would be appropriate in any other court.&nbsp; The corset is cinched tight and the quiver of her breasts above it shows a lack of familiarity in how to breathe properly in such.&nbsp; Her neck has a ribbon of the same shade of cobalt blue with a dainty silver ring that is entirely decorative.&nbsp; The only color on her arms is the matching ribbons of decorated fabric around her wrists, fanciful little things that would never hold.&nbsp; But the look in her eyes is very real, pale pink orbs wide as she darts her gaze about in near-panick.&nbsp; Snowy white hair spills down her back in a long braid that reaches the curve of her rear.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>14-08-2010, 21:09:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe does her best not to gaze too steadily upon Corwin's accompanying toy. The girl is not Corwin's type, though she is Naiobe's. While Corwin bends over her hand, Naiobe has to try to keep herself from pondering how beautifully the woman's flesh would mark. Probably she already has neat little red marks from the unaccustomed corset. <br><br>"Thank you, Corwin. Who's your friend?" Withdrawing her hand, Naiobe glides to her own place at dinner, wondering with no small amount of anger why her father has left her alone with this man. While powerful, Naiobe herself can only do so much, especially as a woman. What's even more frustrating than having to rely on the men around her to do anything for her is the fact that they seem disinclined to do <em>anything</em> helpful. It's going to be a long meal. Naiobe makes certain that her wine is poured into an empty cup and in her sight, then sips from it slowly. She has no interest in conversing with Corwin. Why on earth does he persist?<br><br>Naiobe tries not to brood.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>16-08-2010, 22:17:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The woman shivers and looks to Naiobe a flicker of hope in her pale gaze that dies swiftly at the look in Niaobe's own.&nbsp; Corwin's lips brush Naiobe's hand briefly, a feathery kiss to her knuckles that does not test the limit's of propriety.&nbsp; He follows her to the table, the albino woman in tow.&nbsp; "Her name is Marissa," he chuckles softly as he seats the woman, his hands moving to brush along her shoulders with familiarity.&nbsp; The woman shudders.<br><br>"I felt it would be only right to bring a few contributions of my own to the stock this time," he says as he takes his seat, "I acquired this beauty from a roadside tavern where she was serving farmers the foulest excuse for ale I've ever encountered.&nbsp; Her father was only too happy at the prospect of her becoming a servant to a noble house."<br><br>The woman shivered and her eyes continued to dart to the half naked and marked flesh of the servants around her, unable to not look in shock and growing horror at the proof of the Percivan's dark lusts and at the same time unable to keep her gaze on them for long before having to look away.&nbsp; <br><br>"I was thinking she'd make a fine gift for you my darling Naiobe."&nbsp; And the girl snapped her head around once more, blinking in confusion and uncertain fear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>16-08-2010, 23:51:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe's fingers itch to pull the woman toward her, to explore that pale skin. The woman is lovely, there is no doubt about it, and she would suffer prettily under the lash. Naiobe looks down at her goblet, swirling the wine in there as she ponders being gentle with the girl for a time, perhaps working to make the albino girl ask for the pain that Naiobe enjoys giving. It would be fun to make the albino think it was her own choice to ask Naiobe to mark her pale skin. <br><br>Clearing her throat and sipping her wine again, Naiobe looks up from her reverie. "I think probably Brom might have an interest... maybe the twins." She sits back in her seat, back straight but relaxed against the plush cushion. "If nothing else, she'd be a nice treat for the guards. They don't get much more than run of the mill, most days." Gifts come with strings, and Naiobe doesn't like strings.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>17-08-2010, 00:43:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The girl can't muffle a gasp at the casual manner they're discussing her but it is a tiny sound and she chews prettily at her lower lip to avoid drawing more of their attention.&nbsp; Corwin sips his wine and smiles, always smiling and jovial.&nbsp; He can see the hint of interest.&nbsp; He was surprised that Brom had been willing to point out which of the girls he'd brought would be most tempting to his sister, but apparently he'd been truthful in suggesting the pale girl.&nbsp; He looked over the hall and noticed that baronette had brought his own gift with him to dinner.<br><br>"Brom seems well pleased with his own gift," he answers, "And it seems like a waste to give such a fine and delicate flower to the guards.&nbsp; I doubt they'd be able to appreciate her."&nbsp; As the servers come by and fill their plates as he leans back in his own seat, making sure that he does not block Naiobe's view of his lure.&nbsp; <br><br>"Surely you are not saying you don't find her pretty," he adds after a moment, "I mean, I've never taken your cold demeanor toward my interest personally since I knew it stemmed from your disinterest in men.&nbsp; But here I am, trying to offer you a token of my affection more suited to your desires and you seem inclined to reject her as well.&nbsp; Why, that's just unkind of you Naiobe."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>17-08-2010, 17:30:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe arches her eyebrow at the scolding manner in which Corwin is speaking to her. She takes up her fork and toys with her meal, gathering a bite of greens as she speaks. Pursing her lips, she glances up again. "All right, then, Corwin." Naiobe looks straight toward the albino woman. "Strip. Now." She waits a moment, and when the woman doesn't appear to be complying fast enough, Naiobe rises from her seat and comes around the table, winding the albino's long braid around her hand and yanking hard enough to pull the breathless woman off of her chair. With her other hand, she beckons a couple servants nearby. "Take her clothes off, hang her in the hall for dinner, then take her to the kennels after the meal."<br><br>Unwinding her hand from the pale hair, Naiobe drops it and returns to her seat, taking up her forkfull of greens and eating it with every sign of mild enjoyment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 05:18:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The woman gasps in shock and before she can really process the command she's being pulled from her seat by her hair.&nbsp; She yelps then, and squeals as the servants grasp her arms and begin to rather expertly begin peeling her silken gown away, hindered only briefly as they prove to be quite adept at unlacing a corset even when its wearer is squirming and thrashing.<br><br>"Please..." she sobs, "Don't do this... Please m'lady... I... No please... mercy..."&nbsp; The clothing goes and the marks of the tight corset do indeed show beautifully against her milky skin.&nbsp; Arms held, she squirms and tries to turn her hips to hide the snowy down of her sex as they bind her hands.&nbsp; Tears flow freely as she whimpers.&nbsp; "Please... have mercy..." she begs as she's pulled away, out through the center of the hall where the cheers and catcalls of the others rise up as she's pulled up by one of the chandelier pulls to dangle in the room's center, weeping loudly.<br><br>Corwin simply watches with awe and not until after Naiobe is eating again does he find his voice or the presence of mind to close his jaw.&nbsp; "That was... unexpected..." he manages. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 05:37:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe watches impassively while the servants strip and hang Corwin's offering. The albino begs prettily, and her tears just make her achingly beautiful. Still, Naiobe's enjoyment stays private, and her face remains a mask of indifference. "You'll likely want the dress you gave her back. There is no way that a tavernkeeper's daughter could afford such a thing." She points to the pile of beautiful garments on the floor, while the jeers from the next room over can be heard. The woman won't be allowed to simply hang there and be forgotten; she'll be molested and fondled and leered at through the meal. <br><br>"How's you dinner?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 06:02:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Corwin's eyes are eager and he can't keep them from darting back to the woman strung up for such public humiliation each time a pinch or slap or grope draws a fresh cry from her.&nbsp; Her whole body quivers from the force of her nearly hysterical sobbing and the pleading and begging falls in an unending but incoherent stream from her lips.&nbsp; The princeling shifts as discreetly in his seat as he can and looks down, spearing a bite at Naiobe's question.&nbsp; He nods when one of the servants gathers up the discarded clothing and folds it into a neat bundle to leave at his elbow.<br><br>"The food is excellent as always," he manages to answer with a calm voice.&nbsp; He drains his goblet and looks over at the half-elf.&nbsp; Her face is unreadable and he hesitates, for the first time ever in their verbal sparring, he's at a loss for words.&nbsp; And then a particularly loud squeal makes him snap his head over to see the pale beauty swinging from a particularly strong slap to her ass, the handprint already a stark red as the burly guard laughs and watches her swing and spin wildly.&nbsp; "You're not actually going to send her to the kennels are you?" he asks as he looks back to Naiobe.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 06:14:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Did I sound like I was joking?" Naiobe's fork pauses above her plate and she glances at him, shrugging. "I really wasn't. I can think of no better place for her than with my father's most prized hunting hounds." She smiles thinly at him, then sets her fork down. "I'm glad you enjoy&nbsp; the meal." She pushes her wine aside and dabs at her mouth with her napkin. "I think I've had my fill." She didn't eat much, but who is he to call her a liar? She moves to stand. "A pleasure, Corwin, as usual."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 06:52:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Corwin blinks and watches her finish.&nbsp; She's inscrutable, but clearly deadly serious about sending his gift off to be bred with the hounds.&nbsp; He can't keep from feeling angry that she's casting off his gift like this.&nbsp; He might never find another as rare and certainly she was the finest of the ones he brought.&nbsp; It's downright insulting that she's dismissing his gift like this but what can he say...<br><br>All he can do is rise when she does, since decorum demands it.&nbsp; He shifts to try and hide the erection her display has provoked and bows. "It is always a pleasure to spend time in your presence Naiobe," he answers with a forced smile.&nbsp; "I'll confess, I'd rather watch you put that pretty little thing through her paces..."&nbsp; <em>Or better yet ride you hard while you fuck that pale slut with one of those toys they whisper about you so enjoying to use...</em>&nbsp; "... but I have no doubt the hounds will make her wail most delightfully as they make her their bitch.&nbsp; You're not going to watch as well?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 07:01:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No." Naiobe shakes her head. "I've no interest in the hounds." She inclines her head to Corwin with a smile, then slips from the table. He hadn't made any demands on her for the gift... which pleases her greatly. Once out of the hall, Naiobe stops one of her servants and gives the quiet order for the albino to be brought to her own rooms instead of the kennel. While Corwin is out in the kennel looking for the pale woman, Naiobe will be in her rooms, happily marking that milky skin. Certainly Corwin won't be pleased when he finds out, but that doesn't bother Naiobe all that much, especially since the opportunity has now passed for him to easily attach strings to the woman without seeming rude. It can be done, but probably Corwin is not skilled enough to do so.<br><br>And so, about an hour later, Naiobe is sitting in her room, wrapped in nothing more than a robe, reading a book while she has her dryad lap at Naiobe's bared sex. She really does have the most wonderful pets. Hearing the door open, Naiobe glances up just in time to see the gifted woman being brought in, still tied up, and she moves aside while her servants deposit her gift on the bed. "Hello, lovely." Naiobe reaches out to stroke the woman's soft hair lightly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>18-08-2010, 08:23:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dryad doesn't pause as the servants enter.&nbsp; Not until her Mistress begins to move does she halt her nuzzling and gentle lapping.&nbsp; More like a hound than she realizes, she hunches at the foot of the large bed as the ghostly pale woman is laid out.&nbsp; Her braid has come unraveled at some point and that delicate flesh shows the bruises and marks of her time hanging in the feasting hall.&nbsp; Her face is a mess, wet from her hysterical sobbing.<br><br>Bloodshot eyes of pale pink blink up at Naiobe as she lays, arms extended above her head and too sore to try to move as she shivers in fear.&nbsp; "Please," she whispers in a voice almost gone from crying and screaming, "Please m'lady... whatever I've done... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I swear I'll make it right... I'll be good... Just... Just please... don't... don't... Not with..."&nbsp; her throat works a moment before she forces the words out, "Please m'lady.&nbsp; I'll do anything if you just have mercy and don't give me to the hounds.&nbsp; I don't want to die..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>19-08-2010, 22:16:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's a lonely few that die here that quickly," Naiobe responds. "You will not die, girl." She runs her fingers through the girl's pale hair, then adds, "I have a collection of pretty pets, and I intend to add you to it. I simply needed to jump through certain hoops to make sure you were suitably mine." A catlike, sly smile spreads across her shapely lips, while she tries to imagine Corwin's reaction when he reaches the kennels and finds there is no show. With that thought, Naiobe is reminded to instruct her guards to allow no one entry for the evening, and she does so. <br><br>Turning back toward the woman on the bed, Naiobe ignores any protests from the pale woman as she turns the albino onto her stomach. She hooks soft scarves around the albino's wrists and secures them to the head of the bed, then spreads the woman's ankles wide and ties them in place also. For a moment, she rests one small hand on the captive woman's upper thigh, leaning in to inspect the tender skin between the woman's legs. Then she moves down the bed again, opening a chest at the foot of her bed and pulling out a simple, thick whip. She does not use it yet, but pauses to savor the moment of anticipation and fear before she does.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>20-08-2010, 21:58:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Those pink eyes blink as she listens, fearful and intent on those words.&nbsp; "Pets..." she echos softly, a hint of confusion entering her expression and as Naiobe takes a moment to speak to her guards she glances over at the Dryad, kneeling and watching her with placid green eyes.<br><br>She makes no effort to struggle as she turned over and bound, though her remains fearful and unsure.&nbsp; "But why would you want a wo..." her voice is timid and nervous and her words jump into a startled squeak as Naiobe examines her.&nbsp; She's no virgin, not as pretty and exotic as she is.&nbsp; But she's certainly frightened and confused.&nbsp; This is all so very different from the rough but straightforward groping and use she's experienced before.&nbsp; <br><br>The whip, glimpsed as she squirms and turns her head to look back makes her shiver and squirm more.&nbsp; "Please..." she whimpers, "Why?&nbsp; What have I done wrong?"&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>20-08-2010, 22:18:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Nothing. Yet," Naiobe answers mildly, with a smile. "Now, I know that you can do more than babble nervous chatter at me... so be a good girl and give us a scream." She raises the whip and flicks her wrist. That's all it takes, really, is hardly more than a practiced flick. The whip comes sailing through the air, laying a vivid red line across the pretty girl's left shoulder... then comes a strike across her right shoulder, forming a V with the two strokes. Naiobe creates another two-stroke V just below it, across the girl's upper ribs.<br><br>Naiobe pauses for a moment, both to listen and to decide how many pretty Vs she wants to decorate her new toy with. Four... five... six, maybe.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>20-08-2010, 22:32:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The girl shakes her head and starts to try to answer.&nbsp; Then that first strike lands.&nbsp; She's not a pampered noblewoman, but she's never been whipped before.&nbsp; The shriek that tears from her lips is proof of it.&nbsp; She wrenches in her bonds and gasps before more screams are forced out of her.&nbsp; The sound of her panicked gasping breath fills the pause.&nbsp; She's gulping at the air too hard and fast to actually breathe.&nbsp; Tears are flowing freely down her face as she claws at the bed and writhes.&nbsp; If she could form words she'd beg and plead, but there is just the relentless hot pain in her back and the burning in her lungs.&nbsp; She tugs in earnest, pulling at her bounds as hard as she can, trying to curl up or pull away from the pain.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>21-08-2010, 02:25:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe watches the pretty thing writhe for a moment, then raises her whip again. In short order, two more pretty, livid Vs appear on the girl's back, one below the other, and then Naiobe sets aside the whip for a moment. She moves forward, smoothing her fingers up the ass-yet-untouched ass. "So pretty," she murmurs. From her trunk of toys, she takes out a plug of glass, one that is thick and then slender and then thick again ... she takes out a jar and starts carefully applying lubricant to the plug. "Calm down," she orders. "If you keep breathing like that, you'll pass out, and if you pass out you'll wake up in very unpleasant circumstances. Breathe... breathe, girl." She speaks softly, waiting for a minute or two to see whether the girl listens to her. Whether she does or not, Naiobe pins the albino down and beckons, having the dryad hold those pale cheeks apart while Naiobe presses the plug into the albino woman's ass. She forces it in despite resistance, being patient but not particularly gentle. <br><br>Then she dismisses the dryad and takes up the whip again, marking the albino with another pair of strikes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>21-08-2010, 02:39:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa cringes as far as she can in the bindings, too wildly frightened to register the light touch as something gentle at first.&nbsp; Even after the initial fear, she trembles under those fingers and the unfamiliar softness of them.&nbsp; At the command to breathe she does her best, but the fear has a firm grip on her and her heart feels like it might burst.&nbsp; The forced deep breath makes her mind stead and she turns her head to watch as best she can when Naiobe moves.<br><br>"W-what is that?" she asks but the answer comes soon enough and she hisses and whimpers in pain as the plug is forced into her clenched ass.&nbsp; The hard glass is unyielding and despite her efforts her flesh is.&nbsp; The woman gives a loud cry as the wide part pushes inside and her sore muscles clamp down on it.&nbsp; It's big, feels huge inside her and she finds she can't relax or push it out, only endure the stretched feeling.&nbsp; And even that is interrupted by more whiplashes, drawing fresh screams and renewed sobbing as she lays helpless before her tormentor.<br><br>"Please... please... n-no more... Please..." her begging is muffed by the bed and her sobbing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>22-08-2010, 15:56:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe whips the girl a few more times, until there is a total of six marks: shoulders, mid-back, lower back, ass, upper thighs and lower thighs. She sets the whip aside and runs her fingers down one of the red welts, marveling at the contrast between the albino's pale skin and the livid marks. She grins, then stretches out on the bed next to the woman. Laying her head on its side, she faces the pretty woman, the tip of her nose nearly touching that of her new pet. "Shhhh," she soothes softly. "You," she tells the woman, reaching up to stroke Marissa's cheek, "have been given an opportunity. A gift. I have a small collection of pretty things, and you are the latest addition to that." She runs those soft fingers oh so gently up and down the woman's pale cheek. "This makes you special, and protects you from torments by any hand but mine." <br><br>Naiobe leans forward and kisses the woman on the forehead. "You are protected in a place where few have that luxury," she murmurs, then smiles thinly. "I will show you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>22-08-2010, 21:24:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time Naiobe lays herself down, the woman is weeping freely and squirming in her bonds.&nbsp; She eyes the half-elf fearfully and flinches from the light touch.&nbsp; Her eyes are bloodshot and red from crying and her face and the covers are wet with tears and drool.&nbsp; She trembles hard as Naiobe speaks.<br><br>She swallows and blinks, calming slightly and trying to absorb what she's being told.&nbsp; Special... Protected...&nbsp; She feels anything but safe right now and there's pain, lines of it hot and throbbing from this woman's hand.&nbsp; There's also the plug, making her uncomfortably full.&nbsp; Her ass aches from the muscles clenching to try and void herself of that relentless sensation.&nbsp; Her eyes close as she tries to make sense of what's going on.<br><br>"Please..." she croaks, her voice ravaged by the sobbing and screaming, "I.. I don't... I just want to go home...."&nbsp; Home... how eager she was to leave that place a week ago.&nbsp; From the way this madwoman is speaking, she fears she'll never see it again.&nbsp; <br><br>Those strange eyes flutter open and she looks over and up at Naiobe.&nbsp; "I'm afraid," she rasps as her eyes gaze up wide and dilated.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>25-08-2010, 01:56:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Home..." Naiobe reaches out and strokes the pale hair of the poor woman, brushing strands out of her face. "You <em>are</em> home, my little dove." She strokes the albino's hair a little longer, then straightens up. "Poor thing. I don't think Corwin explained much to you. Did he not tell you that you were being offered to the daughter of Baron of Percivan, as a gift?" She moves out of sight of the woman, kneeling between Marissa's splayed thighs and dipping her fingers into a bowl of ice next to her. "At least you're pretty enough for it. If you hadn't been lovely, then you really would have gone to the kennels and nothing would have saved you."<br><br>She takes a piece of ice and lightly runs it over the first welt. "Hold still," she coos. "It's shocking at first... but it'll feel good." She smiles a little secret smile to herself. Many things in the castle could be described that way, really. She glances sidelong at her dryad and her smile widens, becomes affectionate. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>25-08-2010, 03:16:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa lays there, watching with wide and fearful eyes and listening to what this woman tells her.&nbsp; She shivers when Naiobe tells her how close she came to... her mind balks, not quite ready to process just what would have happened.&nbsp; Laying there, her breathing is steadier now and while she's still frightened, her heart no longer feels like it's going to burst free of her chest.<br><br>She can't help but gasp at the touch of the ice, hissing and biting down on her lower lip.&nbsp; She really can't help but obey, bound as she is but she tries to keep from flinching what little she could.&nbsp; And the cold does numb the pain, making it easier to lay still for Naiobe.<br><br>The dryad watches it all and smiles when her Mistress looks over.&nbsp; She's not jealous that this pale girl is getting her Mistress' attention but neither is she sympathetic.&nbsp; It's as Naiobe has said, if she had not taken a fancy to the girl, she'd be suffering beneath the hounds and at the hands of men.&nbsp; The dryad looks to her Mistress, waiting for her command.<br><br>The girl shivers as the ice cools her and leaves cold water on her skin.&nbsp; Her mind is spinning, soaked with sensations and trying to make sense of what's happening to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>26-08-2010, 00:13:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe eased forward as she ran ice across the girl's back. She pulled her skirt up, making sure it wouldn't get caught under her knees, and straddled the woman's backside before letting the soft material spill over the both of them. No doubt the silk felt interesting against the girl's bare skin. Naiobe positioned herself against the glass plug and then leaned forward, letting her weight grind the plug a little deeper into Marissa's ass. In the meantime, Naiobe runs her tongue along one chilled welt, lapping up the water from it and feeling the burning skin under the tip of her tongue. <br><br>She straightens a little, then grinds her hips down on the plug again... then again, rhythmically invading the woman's ass while she grinds the plug against her clit. The cool glass feels good through Naiobe's panties, and she grinds a little harder, letting her thighs brush against the livid welts across the albino's ass. "Mm," she murmurs. "I can tell nobody's taken you here before," she whispers in Marissa's ear. "I think I'm going to have you tell Corwin that, when I see him again." She reaches up and strokes the back of Marissa's head, running her fingers through the silky hair. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>29-08-2010, 05:02:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa squirms.&nbsp; Against the heat of her welts, the ice is shockingly cold and she yelps softly.&nbsp; The feel of Naiobe's skin is almost as soft as the silk but warm where the skirt is cool... so many sensations crashing into her mind all at once.&nbsp; She feels the woman's tongue and it makes her clench a little down low, but that makes her whimper as the plus pushes in again... and again... <br><br>Of course no one has taken her like this... she's young and firm... that was something only the older ones had to do, when they were too used up to please a man with their cunny.<br><br>"Nuugh... No... no one..." she mutters as the grinding gets harder, adding flares of pain from the welts on her ass and warming her strangely.&nbsp; Her body feels off, her ass aches to be emptied and her pussy wants to be filled.... And her cheeks flush as she realizes that she's grow wet from Naiobe's treatment... from a woman...&nbsp; <br><br>"Please..." she murmurs as she squirms under the woman helplessly.&nbsp; It hurts... it feels good... she wants it to stop... she wants it to continue... Tears spill down her cheeks as she whimpers because she's helpless and it doesn't matter.&nbsp; Her fate is completely under Naiobe's control.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 00:11:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Please what, girl?" Naiobe's voice is as soft as her silken dress, though so much more dangerous. She slides her hands underneath the squirming body of her captive, feeling the nubs of the girl's nipples under her palms. Naiobe toys with them, rubbing them and rolling them between her fingers, grinding harder and faster against the girl's glass plug. She enjoys the way the girl squirms under her, and the little stream of helpless tears is delicious. Naiobe pants a little, feeling an orgasm hovering on the horizon. <br><br>"Please what?" she repeats, then grins. "You should be careful what you ask for, because in this house someone might give it to you and then you'll be stuck... and it probably won't be in a way you enjoy." She pulls one hand away from the girl's breasts to stroke her hair. "You should say pretty things like 'Please, Mistress, please take your pleasure from me.' or 'Please, Mistress, may I come?'. Go ahead." Naiobe smiles wickedly, though the girl can't see it. "Try one of them, my little beauty."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 01:24:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The soft voice is unnerving.&nbsp; The men she's been sold to before always like to yell or grunt... they make gruff demands... even when they touch her gently or speak softly it's a rough and hard.&nbsp; But Naiobe's voice and touch is so soft... yet those same hands caused the throbbing pain in her back.&nbsp; That voice so calmly ordered her sent to the kennels.&nbsp; <br><br>She moans and squirms, pulling at her bonds as Naiobe grinds against her...&nbsp; fucks her... Marissa gasps as that inverted sensation of being full and empty builds more.&nbsp; She's never felt anything quite like this.&nbsp; There's a coiling and building and ache and she can feel her thighs getting damp.&nbsp; Her cheeks flush as does her neck.&nbsp; Why is she reacting like this? <br><br>"Please..." she whispers into the bedsheets, "Please Mistress... Please t-take... take your... pleasure... from me..."&nbsp; That much seems safe.&nbsp; As strange as everything here is, at it's heart it's the same.&nbsp; What this woman wants isn't really different from the drunken men that paid to bend her over a table in the back in her father's tavern.&nbsp; More tears flow as she claws at the bedding and squirms.&nbsp; The other man, Corwin, lied to her... it's just like home... prettier and stranger and both softer and harder all at once but in the end... she's still nothing but a pretty little whore.&nbsp; "Please Mistress..." she says again, louder and as clearly as she can with her voice thick from sobbing, "Take your pleasures from me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 02:59:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sound of the woman's sobbing is sweet to Naiobe's ears, and she murmurs little niceties into the albino's ear as she feels her climax overwhelm her. "Good girl, you'll make such a pretty pet." She squeezes Marissa's shoulders, panting for a moment, then climbs off of the girl. Much as she wouldn't mind making the girl sleep tied up like this, Naiobe unties her and chains the woman to the end of the bed anyway. Marissa can reach the foot of the bed, can even sleep there if she wanted to, but she cannot reach more than Naiobe's foot or maybe a leg. Naiobe undresses and sends her dryad back to her tree... She's quite pleased for the moment, and will probably end up even more pleased in the morning when she gets to view Corwin's mood...<br><br>But for now it's time to sleep, and Naiobe crawls into her bed. She wonders how the albino will take being chained and plugged all night... it's really not of much consequence, but she's curious.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 03:27:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa moves slowly as she's untied, her limbs trembling as she's chained to the lower bedposts instead.&nbsp; She sways and stands, watching as the dryad is released and the strange woman melts into a tree.&nbsp; As quiet as the other woman was, being along with the half-elf frightens Merissa, and she keeps trying to cover herself as Naiobe prepares for bed and crawls into it.&nbsp; She follows, crawling onto the foot of the bed and looks up, chewing at her lower lip and waiting until its clear Naiobe is finished with her for the night.<br><br>She swallows nervously.&nbsp; "Mistress..." that was what the woman wanted to be called...&nbsp; "Please the... um... it's still inside me..."&nbsp; She shifted as she knelt at the foot of the bed and looked up, weary and aching.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 18:10:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe smiles in the dark, having put out the lamp. "I know." She ponders, then rolls onto her side in the bed. "I'll give you a choice, just this once," she says softly. Propping her head in her hand, she murmurs, "I can either leave it there for the evening, and you can go to sleep, or I can order you whipped for five minutes and then hung in the dining room again. Will you take just a few minutes of pain, or a whole night of discomfort?" She fixed her eyes toward the woman, almost certain that she knows what the girl will choose.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 20:53:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shivering there in the dark Marissa finds the half-elf's eyes gather light to them like a cat's, making them stand out while the the rest of her is naught but shadow.&nbsp; She starts to answer but stops herself to consider the woman's words carefully.&nbsp; "Thank you for the choice Mistress," she says quietly as she considers just what that choice entails.&nbsp; It's obvious really, sleeping with the discomfort of the plug or hanging all night with more lashes than the ones still stinging along her back.&nbsp; <br><br>She looks up into those eyes and chews her lower lip.&nbsp; It's clear what she's expected to choose and that makes her angry.&nbsp; It's no choice at all, just a trick of words to make her accept her fate and be glad that it wasn't worse.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'll have it out Mistress," she says with a strangely calm voice.&nbsp; Her body shivers in fear of the pain she knows this will bring, but she meets those fae eyes and waits.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 21:22:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe had not, in fact, expected the girl to choose to be whipped, but it delights her that the girl does so. "Really," she breathes, her voice soft and predatory. Naiobe rouses herself from the bed, pulling on her dressing robe over her nightgown and moves to the next room, taking up a slender, short whip and bringing it back in along with a lit lamp. She sets the two aside and then goes about unchaining Marissa. Once that's done, Naiobe folds her arms and gazes at Marissa. "Turn 'round and hold out your arms to your sides."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 21:52:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa watches, shivering more as she sees Naiobe's joy.&nbsp; What has her moment of stubbornness done?&nbsp; As she's eased from the bed and released, she tries hard not to tremble and stare at the whip.&nbsp; Five minutes is not so long.... She's been beaten a time or two..&nbsp; <br><br>But her mind reels and she looks up at the waiting Naiobe.&nbsp; No, this is not her father in a drunken fit.&nbsp; This one knows exactly what she's about to do and she's not going to give Marissa an apology or even a guilty look in the morning.&nbsp; Marissa wants to cower or simply flee, as pointless as either would be.&nbsp; However, this was her own choice so instead she steels herself, answering with a frightened nod as she obeys, turning to face away and extend her arms out to the sides, wishing she could control the trembling that makes her whole body shake.<br><br>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 22:00:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe watches the girl shake for a moment, taking up the whip. She turns it over in her hands, enjoying the feel of the leather in her palms. "I expect you to remain upright," she says in her low voice. "If you stumble, or if you collapse, I will whip you until you lose consciousness, hang you in the main hall, and, depending on my whim, leave you there until you starve to death." She reached out to run her fingers over the back of the girl's neck, then stepped back and raised the whip. Without warning, she began to lay into the girl's back. Though the strokes were slow and soft according to Naiobe's standards, they were likely still agony for Marissa. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 22:23:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Those fingers are light and soft as they move her hair aside and brush her skin.&nbsp; That voice is so soft and sensual as it promises an agonizing death the way a lover might swear to never have eyes for an other.&nbsp; Marissa believes her, has no doubt that she would and could such a horrible thing.&nbsp; "Yes Mistr.." she begins to answer but her voice lifts into a scream as the whip lands.<br><br>She stands as the whip rains down on her, making the pain of those little careful strikes from before fade into nothing as her back erupts in agony.&nbsp; Her arms shake... her legs shake... She sways as the pain flares over and over.&nbsp; Five minutes is a lifetime under Naiobe's whip and foolishly the girl thinks nothing could hurt more than this.&nbsp; It takes everything she has to force her body to remain upright and keep her arms outstretched.&nbsp; And when a pause comes, it takes her several moments to realize the intense pain is from the lashes she's taken and not any new ones.&nbsp; She's swaying and light-headed and her arms are not hanging down but still extended.&nbsp; She gulps for air and closes her eyes, focused on remaining on her feet, repeating Naiobe's threat in her mind like a mantra.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 22:52:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Naiobe does not pause, does not hesitate, and does not stop for the entire allotted time. The whip rose and fell, rose and fell. Naiobe is impressed by the end of it, even given her threat. Not everyone would have made it through. Indeed, most would likely have crumpled. "Very good," she praised the girl, setting the whip aside and moving forward. "Kneel," she orders, and waits for the girl to do so. Likely she was grateful for the respite, and would do so quickly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 23:26:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa falls to her knees, too weak to sink with more grace than a discarded doll.&nbsp; The floor is hard and there's a jolt of pain, some part of her is dimly aware that she's going to have bruises.&nbsp; She sways on her knees dangerously close to passing out.&nbsp; But she can't..&nbsp; it's too hard to think of why but she just can't.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Her face comes up as she turns slightly to look at Naiobe with hazy unfocused eyes.&nbsp; She feels almost drunk, the pain and her heartbeat merging into a deep throbbing that fills her.&nbsp; As she sinks back onto her heels, the plug shifts and she moans as it re-enters her awareness.<br><br>"S-still inssside..." she slurs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>30-08-2010, 23:37:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The slurred little pestering statement strikes a note of rage inside Naiobe, and she reaches out, winding her hand in the girl's hair. She yanks Marissa's head back, hard, and stares into her eyes. "Clearly I should not have given you the mercy of letting you kneel while I take it from your ungrateful body," she hisses. She doesn't strike the girl, but instead boxes Marissa's ears, soundly slapping each palm over the sides of Marissa's head. Still furious, Naiobe turns and takes up the whip again, then kicks Marissa savagely in the side, knocking the already-weakened girl onto her back and laying into her chest with the whip several times.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>31-08-2010, 00:01:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa knows she should be afraid but she's too far gone to do more than try to focus her eyes on Naiobe as her head is yanked back.&nbsp; A yelp comes from the boxing of her ears and it lifts into a scream as she lands on her abused back.&nbsp; She wails pitifully as the whip strikes her chest, making her breasts bounce and dance as it cuts into her pale flesh and streaks her with welts and blood.<br><br>Weakly she squirms and lifts her arms, sobbing incoherently under the renewed assault before her body goes limp.&nbsp; Her arms fall akimbo and she lays before Naiobe, the slight rise and fall of her abused breasts showing that she's still breathing faintly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>31-08-2010, 17:39:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Still pissed, Naiobe yanks the plug free and tosses it aside, then smacks the unconscious girl's marked ass. She takes a few deep breaths, then has the girl hung on the mantle of the massive fireplace in Naiobe's room. The heat from the fire itself will burn the girl's toes mildly, but won't disfigure her permanently. However, the smoke and soot will make the woman quite uncomfortable; her eyes will water, her throat will burn, and her welts will sting. <br><br>Naiobe catches some sleep while the woman remains unconscious, but soon enough Marissa is subjected to the hard smacks of Naiobe's paddle on her welted back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>01-09-2010, 17:53:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pain...&nbsp; Even in the haze of unconsciousness it finds Marissa and she's stirred to wake by a fit of coughing.&nbsp; Her body is a maze of pain.&nbsp; The welts and cuts throb while her muscles ache.&nbsp; Her throat feels raw and breathing is painful, the smoke rasping along it and her lungs.&nbsp; She hangs like this, lost and whimpering, until the paddle lands upon her back.<br><br>The blow would have been painful without landing upon the raw welts from her whipping.&nbsp; A ragged croak escapes, and Marissa squeezes her eyes shut and squirms.&nbsp; But there is no where she can go and nothing she can do but cry out and even that makes her abused throat hurt so much she's afraid to look and see if the dampness on her lips is spittle or blood.<br><br>It is more agony than she's felt in her entire life combined and her lips tremble as she whimpers incoherently between those weak and ragged cries coaxed from her by the paddle.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [EX] Darkling Stories - Naiobe</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 21:52:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having vented her anger on the hapless girl for a while yet, Naiobe reaches up. The girl is hung from a metal arm much like those from which cauldrons are hung, and Naiobe swings it out and away from the flames with the albino still dangling from the metal. Naiobe strokes the welts that she's raised from the creamy skin of her victim, then brushes the backs of her knuckles between the girl's legs. "If you can't learn to live on your knees before me," she murmurs, brushing the girl's nether lips delicately, "then you'll at least make a pretty decoration in my hall." Naiobe teases the girl for another moment, then turns away. She slides cool metal up the girl's thighs, settling the band firmly against the girl's sex and buttocks. A few twists and the snick of a lock, and Naiobe has locked the girl against whatever abuses she might suffer in the hall.<br><br>"Corwyn will see you in there," she murmurs. "He'll wonder what you did wrong." Naiobe's lips curve into a slight frown as she slides a thick leather gag over the girl's mouth, then forces that mouth open so that she can insert the leather tongue of the gag far into the girl's mouth and partway down her throat. Locking the gag into place, Naiobe tweaks one of the girl's tormented nipples, then turns away. She'll have the girl brought down and hung in the hall, and then get herself some sleep.<br><br>While she lay there with the smell of scorched skin still in her nose, she ponders how best to avoid the princeling in the morning. Blech.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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