Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: BlackStone on 17-08-2015, 05:35:45</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>17-08-2015, 05:35:45</strong>
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				Wintersend was a time of celebration in the capital of Alera Imperia.&nbsp; &nbsp;The end of the long months of long nights and the start of the planting season, the end of cold days and bitter nights, the end of snow in the northern cities along the Shield Wall, was it any wonder that the Citizens and Freedmen of the realm marked this time with feasting and celebrations.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was no coincidence that the Maesters of the Academy timed their final examinations to end right at the start of the festival, and the academ's were then well motivated to shed away the months of stress and increased workload to enjoy the two weeks of freedom.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>Not all academ's were free however.&nbsp; &nbsp;Not all of them had finished their examinations and for them there was no break.&nbsp; &nbsp;In fact it was the various celebrations and gatherings that served as the means for these select individuals final examination, certain tasks that needed to be done and accomplished before the of the holiday.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a simple examination as they go.&nbsp; &nbsp;One either succeeded or one failed.&nbsp; &nbsp;Success meant a continuation of their training.&nbsp; &nbsp;Failure was merely that, failure, and was not rewarded.&nbsp; &nbsp;So for these few academ's, Wintersend was not seen as a source of solace or relief, far from it.&nbsp; Who where these select few?&nbsp; &nbsp;They were the future Cursors of the realm.<br><br>Aquitainus Decimus Meridius, second son of the High Lord Aquitaine, was one of those select few.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was not a hard decision for him, despite the difficulty of the training.&nbsp; &nbsp;He wanted to serve the realm, and with his brother, Casius, being the heir to the house, Decimus wanted something more than to merely serve in the legion, rise to being Captain of one the the Aquitaine Legions.&nbsp; No, Decimus wanted more from his life.&nbsp; &nbsp;He wanted to be challenged and despite the accusations being leveled at him by many of his fellow students, he was not looking to have everything handed to him in life, or provided by his family.&nbsp; &nbsp; Still, as Decimus wandered about the feast and celebration hosted by the Count of Capula, seeing a number of half lidded eyes of what he was certain more than willing female eyes, he wished that Maester Brutus had used something else besides Winter's End for their end of term of examinations.<br><br>Decimus' task was perhaps easy enough.&nbsp; &nbsp;Up to this point in their training, it had been one on one instruction with Maester Brutus only.&nbsp; &nbsp;There had been no contact with other of his fellow Cursors in training.&nbsp; &nbsp; That would change with the next term.&nbsp; &nbsp;It did make his task difficult as his task was tonight was to find the other Cursor assigned to infiltrating this feast, and to be certain that she accomplished her task.&nbsp; &nbsp;What that task was, he did not know, and who this Cursor to be, he did not know.&nbsp; &nbsp;He did not know if it was even a male or female.&nbsp; Yes, just a simple examination in which his entire future would be decided.<br><br>Welcome to Wintersend. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>17-08-2015, 06:40:23</strong>
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				A year or so ago, Helena would have said that she looked ridiculous in this fancy dress she'd been made to get used to and wear to the party. It was pale shades of blue had lace and frills that were the fashion of the area, and was cut to showcase her fantastic curves made even more so by the tight corset that encapsulated her body. As she looked into the reflection of the still water at the edge of the celebration hosted by the Count of Capula, she felt much more comfortable in her guise. <br><br>For guise it was.<br><br>She was the daughter of a freedman originally. She was no real citizen, not like the people who glided past her like everything was a dance. No one here would be able to see her real heritage – or that was the idea. Even if they'd seen her face before at the Academy, they would be hard-pressed to recognize her. She had been spending a lot less time in the sun. Her normally bronzed complexion paled over the year as she wiled away the hours more inside than out. Beyond that, Helena had just enough water crafting in her to subtly change the already pretty features of her face into something just different enough to be hard to recognize. That, combined with dark dyed hair that used to be pale burnished gold, could cause a childhood friend to pass by her unaware of an acquaintance being so near. <br><br>Helena wasn't here to look pretty. She was here to pass a test. Which just so happened to be easier if she was as beautiful as she could make herself. This wasn't anything like she thought she would be doing when she signed up to train as a cursor. She thought she would be flying around Alera delivering messages to anyone who needed them. The freedman's daughter soon found that she was to be so much more than that. At first it had been daunting. Now, she was determined.<br><br>The girl did her best to float across the grounds of the celebration like all the other women at the party did. Her eyes subtly searched each of the people's faces. She was looking for someone in particular – the son of the Count of Capula. He was her target. She was to sweet-talk him out of valuable information for her superiors. Why was all this money being spend? How did they get the resources for such a celebration? Who provided all this? It was her goal to find out.<br><br>There was another person she was told to look out for, a helper. She was just as unaware of their identity as they were of hers. Helena supposed that this was part of the test as well. It would be useful in future to be able to recognize a fellow cursor just by their demeanor. She didn't worry too much about who that may be. The deciding test was whether she could seduce a Count's son.<br><br>If she didn't, she was gone. Poof. A whole year and several lifetimes of family savings gone. No pressure.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>19-08-2015, 07:38:44</strong>
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				Decimus had circled the crowd once and he was none the wiser as to who his fellow Cursor might be.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were few faces familiar to him, fellow class mates of the Academy, but none of them felt right to him.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was not going to be that easy, that obvious.&nbsp; &nbsp;Also it was the character and rive of his fellow classmates.&nbsp; &nbsp;They were...courtiers, playing the games of nobles at the Academy, making contacts, forging alliances, outwitting enemies.&nbsp; &nbsp;To Decimus it all seemed...petty, superficial, a waste of time to be honest, even more than a bit childish.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Oh Decimus was not so on a moral pillar that he would kick out of his bed a hot bloodied woman hoping that bedding him would earn favor with his family, but he never went as far to make promises he could not keep.&nbsp; &nbsp;His decision to be a Cursor was actually likely to earn him disfavor with his father, for there were a number of favorable matches that could be made by more than willing noblewomen.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus took heart that if he did fail in his test that there was always that to fall back upon, but he still had enough ego and pride in himself to be more than a stud bull to a noblewoman of higher rank them himself, to produce children to carry on both of their legacies.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus could not put his finger upon it, but there was an itch in the back of his mind that he was meant for something of import, that the realm was on the precipice of something.&nbsp; &nbsp;He did not know what, but he knew it was going to need dedicated, passionate people such as himself.<br><br>Decimus set his wine down.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was approaching this task with the wrong approach.&nbsp; &nbsp;Everyone here looked happy, that they belonged here, as their right and privilege.&nbsp; &nbsp;His thought trailed back to the advanced application of water craft.&nbsp; &nbsp;A pool of water could look deceptive, calm and placid on the surface, but underneath there could be deep currents that could pull one under, a whole another environment entirely.&nbsp; &nbsp;Such was the case here.&nbsp; &nbsp;He needed to find what did not belong.&nbsp; &nbsp;So Decimus settled himself, and opened up his water crafting senses and once more began to circulate the room, this time searching for the oddities that did not belong in the festive situation, and he hoped that he could endure the emotional backlash long enough to complete his task.<br><br>---------------------------------------------------------<br>For Helena her task at the outset was far easier than that of Decimus, for all of the money spent to attract influence and people of wealth and power to this celebration, there was a marked lack of a military presence.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was not military influence the Count was looking to court here but political and financial.&nbsp; &nbsp;As such there were very few in full Legion dress uniform present here this night.&nbsp; &nbsp;Not more than a handful and of those present, many were the ranks of captain or senior tribune.&nbsp; Finding the silver braids of a sub-tribune was not that difficult of a task for one with a sharp eye for detail as Helena had.<br><br>Helena's attire it seemed had passed the initial test and people there did treat her as if she belong.&nbsp; Perhaps too well as more than one of her boorish classmates saw her, and even with her limited water crafting she could feel the burning hot lance of lust that went through them when they gazed upon her, and a the iron will of determination.&nbsp; Despite the distractions of those strong emotions that were directed at Helena, it only took her ten minutes of moving about the crowd to find who she was looking for.&nbsp; Titus Lucius was standing about some courtiers, laughing at the conversation they were having, and drinking deeply of the wine.&nbsp; &nbsp;The first objective of her task was there at hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;Now, what was she to do?
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>20-08-2015, 05:52:47</strong>
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				There were several faces that she recognized in the gathering – all people from the Academy and none of them part of her meager circle of friends, for what sort of person who could afford going to one of these things on their own coin would mingle with a freedman's daughter. It was for the best in this situation, for no one was likely to care enough to recognize her and call her out for being here. One such face, a son of Aquitaine – Decimus, she thought his name was - stuck out to her. She didn't think such a person would stoop to going to a celebration of a citizen who couldn't even fit all these people on his own property. Then again, she could have been entirely wrong in that assumption. Perhaps it wasn't all that uncommon, or perhaps this particular man enjoyed parties. Helena did have a lot to learn yet. Whatever the case may be, Helena had to remember that observation for later and focus on her true task.<br><br>She did her best to ignore the emotions regarding her. Helena wasn't really used to that sort of thing. She'd gotten better since she left the life of country bumpkin, sure, but even after a year of being in the city she wasn't often exposed to determination and lust being directed at her. Not, at least, when there were also a whole bunch of other people walking around feeling their own feelings that she had to block out as well. Even a month ago it would have been a major distraction, except by that time she's gotten a little practice of being seen as someone to lust after in a crowd of people – though that had been only by citizens who passed her on the street. At least it didn't make her blush and titter as it would many girls of her age and experience. She was well enough trained by that point to not indulge in that nonsense unnecessarily. Anyway, she had to save it for her target.&nbsp; <br><br>Her sigh of relief was subtle, but visible to the trained eye when she finally spotted someone who looked very much like her intended target. Since there was no other men who really fit his description, she made the gamble and pegged him as her target. Now all she had to do was get his attention somehow. The cursor in training couldn't just walk up to the group of people. She didn't know a soul there. No, that would be impertinent for someone of her ilk. If only there was someone to introduce the two of them. Damn her lack of contacts in this circle. Perhaps that was what this second cursor was for.<br><br>Helena's eyes darted around the fury-lit pavilion in search of an idea. Her hand reached out to grab a glass of wine from a passing tray. It may look weird if she didn't have such a glass in her hand. She would try to catch Titus Lucius' eye. If only he would look her way, she could blush and let a small smile turn her lips upward as if his gaze alone had given her pleasure. Maybe then his interest would be piqued and he'd come to her. If not, she could always come up with something more inventive while she drank her wine and waited. The night was young and Lucius would only drink more wine and be easier to manipulate as time went on. As long as some other woman didn't get any ideas about her target, Helena still had a fair amount of time to succeed.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>22-08-2015, 23:44:29</strong>
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				Decimus nearly gave in.&nbsp; &nbsp;The task before him was hard, extremely so, and the feedback he was getting from his water crafting far more intense than he believed.&nbsp; It was like he was wading through a bath with near rancid oil dumped in it and covering the surface.&nbsp; &nbsp;If it were just one person, one emotion, he never would have noticed or experienced it, but when it was all location in one location, with so many people.&nbsp; &nbsp;He could not believe it was possible.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus was never one to be overly moral or righteous, but when in the face of such corrupting emotions, it was an eye opening experience.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>He nearly buckled under it all, stumbling into a table after an particularly intense sensation of greed, vice, gluttony.&nbsp; As he did so, he came in contact with metal tray that was upon it.&nbsp; &nbsp;That was when he curse himself for bring so stupid.&nbsp; &nbsp;It had been explained in his lectures on applications that in order to prevent one from being overwhelmed by the emotional feedback of water crafting one needed to draw upon the stability and resilience of metal crafting.&nbsp; Decimus did so now and as he let his metal crafting flow through him and as he did so, the emotional feedback diminished significantly.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus breathed easier, and he he used his water crafting to cool his body down and to draw the sweat that was on his forehead back into his body.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>With the feedback lessened, Decimus once more cast his senses about the room, better able now to conduct his search.&nbsp; &nbsp;There was a sea of greed, lust, ambition out there so even though the metal crafting created the barrier needed to wade through it all.&nbsp; &nbsp; He almost missed her because of it.&nbsp; There was one stunning woman off by herself, sipping absently upon a glass of wine.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her emotions were different than the others about.&nbsp; There was a premeditated calculation about her, a determination of purpose absent greed or lust.&nbsp; &nbsp;It had a bit of ambition in it, but is was overshadowed by a sense of purpose.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>It was the only lead that he had so he focused on it, dropping his water crafting with a sigh of relief and letting go of the metal tray.&nbsp; &nbsp;Now if he only knew what her purpose here was so he could aid her.&nbsp; He studied her now, watching her every move as if to determine what the focus of her attention was.&nbsp; &nbsp;His own focus was such that he did not notice the woman coming up to him, and did not sense till it was far too late the lust radiating from her, or the clear intention that before the night was through, she meant to have Decimus, anyway she could.<br><br>As Decimus was about to be confronted by the Count's daughter, fate seemed to smile upon Helena as Lucius move to try to catch the attention of a servant for another glass of wine, an instead his eyes fell upon her.&nbsp; &nbsp;His eyes focused upon her and his gaze raked Helena from head to toe and back again, finally settling upon her face and lips.&nbsp; &nbsp;He excused himself from the group he was with, and walked towards her.&nbsp; As he came closer Helena would feel his lust and interest coming off of him, perhaps making one task of her mission tonight that much easier.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>23-08-2015, 07:45:02</strong>
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				When her target neared her, light blue eyes looked back up from her cup where they had been staring downwards into in affected coyness. Her first flirtatious glance seemed fruitful. Apparently the arts of the back country worked just as well in a capitol. She stood when he drew near enough, but not before he had a good chance to peer down at at her daintily rounded cleavage from his excellent vantage point of being the one standing and she the one sitting. Helena dropped a calculated curtsey, again putting her breasts on better display for that moment. She hoped she wasn't being too obvious.<br><br>“Forgive me for staring at you earlier – only I couldn't help myself. You are Titus Lucius, are you not?” The lust that came off of him made her slightly nervous. She let the emotion color her cheeks. Let him think that she was a blushing girl whose only thought was to be wooed by a handsome count's son. In reality she wanted both much more and much less from the man. It was a subtlety she seriously doubted he would pick up on. Shame she couldn't gather enough lust within her to direct it back at him. She had no idea whether his water crafting enough to pick up on emotions, but it would have been a nice touch.<br><br>Her gaze darted to the side for a moment. That man that she had seen earlier seemed to be approaching her. On that path he was waylaid by a woman Helena didn't have to be anywhere near or even use her water crafting to sense the lust that radiated off of her. Some women were simply too <em>obvious.</em> Helena thought he seemed just the man to fall for it as well. It would be hard for a man not to with all those golden curls, healthy display of bosom, and slim figure. Actually, the woman had a bit of the look of Lucius about her. Must have been the sister. Helena couldn't take too much time studying her. All her attention needed to be on her target.<br><br>---<br><br>“Aquitainus Decimus” The voice of the count's daughter purred. “So good of you to join our little celebration.”<br><br>Aviera was a pretty woman, and was clearly well-aware of the fact. Heavy eyelashes that partially covered dark brown eyes fluttered at the man before her, whose heritage was more important than his looks. Sure, he was only a second son. But sometimes first sons died. Not that she was thinking that far into the future at that moment. She was more thinking about how tipsy she was and how nice it would be to get into the good graces of House Aquitaine. And that she would have liked a little fun – after all, her brother seemed about to enjoy himself very much with whomever that little tart was had been giving him the eye.<br><br>One of Aviera's hands rose to gently caress Decimus' elbow as she hit him with one of her most dazzling smiles. That usually stopped a man in his tracks, which was exactly what the Count's daughter wanted. "Tell me, are you enjoying the festivities so far?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>27-08-2015, 05:28:23</strong>
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				Lucius smiled a warm and inviting smile, and his eyes swept over the stunning and curvacious form of Helena, more than once.&nbsp; &nbsp;Despite the lust coming off of him that was difficult fr any water crafter with a bit of talent to ignore, at least the man did not settle his eyes upon Helena's charms that she had upon display at that moment.&nbsp; &nbsp;He instead focused on her eyes.&nbsp; &nbsp;As he did so, Helena began to notice how attractive Lucius was.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was every bit a high noble and the way he wore his uniform made certain that he commanded a presence in the room.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was no wonder the man had a throng of gathers about him despite only being a sub-tribune.&nbsp; &nbsp;He took Helena's hand and she could feel her skins start to flush, her skin itching to be touched, and her nipples hardening to stones and sending lightning bolts of pleasure to her sexual core with every rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed.<br><br>Lucius raised her hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss upon her knuckles, his eyes never once leaving hers.&nbsp; When he was done with the kiss, he rubbed his thumb lightly over her knuckles, but the look in his eyes, and the sensations coming off of him made it clear that he wished it were Helena's breast in his hand, and his thumb rubbing lightly over her nipple.&nbsp; &nbsp;He spoke, and his voice was as smooth as silk, and as arousing as hot silk dragged over ones skin, her inner thighs, her breasts, her nipples, everywhere.&nbsp; &nbsp;Perhaps he was employing an earth crafting, but if her were, it was deftly done and extremely effective.&nbsp; <br><br><strong>"I do say it is a rare thing, to see a stunning beautiful flower such as you that I have not noticed before.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am Titus Lucius, heir to Capula, and Sub-Tribune Tactica to the Second Kalre Legion.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is an honor to meet you and I do hope I might be able to convince you to dance with me.&nbsp; I mean it would be cruelty incarnate to temp me to you only to flutter away without giving me a chance to get to know you?"</strong>&nbsp; He stepped in closer to Helena, and his other hand moved, it started at her hip and dragged slowly over to the small of her back, touching her in a spot that he knew would make many a women purr.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was counting on his skills to seduce and entice her, and he was indeed skilled at the game.<br><br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>At the sound of the voice, and the sensation of lust that washed over him and hit Decimus as hard as any practice blade did in the training grounds.&nbsp; Inwardly he cursed.&nbsp; &nbsp;He knew that voice.&nbsp; &nbsp;Titus Aviera, the daughter of the Count of Capula, and while Decimus was not one to cast disparaging names upon his noble peers, but "slut" would be as an accurate character description for Aviera as any.&nbsp; &nbsp;What is more she did not care, telling one and all when she did settle down to marry, her husband will be gaining a woman well versed and skilled in the arts of sex, thus never needing to stray from her bed to seek carnal bliss or satisfaction.&nbsp; &nbsp;From what he had heard from some of his friends, the woman was indeed skilled, with a rare blend of earth and water crafting.&nbsp; &nbsp;Enough water crafting to be certain she would never catch disease, and to always keep her body young and desirable, and skilled at earth crafting to drive her partner mad with lust, and unless Decimus was deft and skilled, he would be her latest conquest.<br><br>Decimus turned and did his best to project false emotions of surprise and cheer towards Aviera.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was certain he was strong enough in his water crafting to do that.&nbsp; &nbsp;At the same time he used his metal craft to have the tray part with section of metal tray to aid his metal crafting to keep the emotional buffer a bay, and if need be ward off the earth crafting lust about to come upon him from Aviera.&nbsp; &nbsp;He took her hands and that was all he took.&nbsp; &nbsp;He did not want to give the woman more of an opening by pressing her, he had to admit to himself, enticing body against his.&nbsp; &nbsp;He kissed her hand in greeting and spoke.<br><br><strong>"Aviera, I had hoped to greet you tonight, but to be honest I thought you would be too busy with your role as hostess of the party, with your mother back in Capula.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is a splendid event and if you had a hand in it, you should be commended.&nbsp; Among the better Wintersend gatherings I have attended." </strong>&nbsp; Mind you Decimus had only attended two gala's at Wintersend but she not need to know that.&nbsp; &nbsp;He hoped that reminding her of her duty as Hostess would blunt her desire, at least long enough for Decimus to accomplish his goals.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>28-08-2015, 08:11:50</strong>
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				The thing about earth crafting – at least as far as Helena was concerned – was that it was really hard to care that someone was subjecting one to it even when one knew it was likely happening. After it was over and done with, Helena would always view using it to seduce someone else as cheating. Perhaps this was because she had no earth crafting of her own to fight back with. For now all she wanted to do was bask in the pleasure and heat that Lucius sent her way. She wanted to pull him away to some secluded maze and let him have his way with her. She did have metal crafting to help steady her. There was even metal touching her skin the the form of flexible steel boning in her corset. That at least kept her from immediately falling over the clever bastard. <br><br>There was still the primal reaction of dilated pupils and slight shortness of breath that he would be looking for in the wake of his crafting. Her eyes were likewise trained on him and watched his every move in what she hoped looked like the rapt attention of a woman willing to please and be pleased. Helena let a smile bloom across her pale features and kept that blush that graced her cheeks to try to play the part. In reality, she was being cautious and alert. <br><br>“Civellus Rosentia, from House Civello.” She responded with a slight curtsey after he was done with his introduction. It was actually a minor, mostly unimportant house from the area she came from, and the woman was someone who existed within that family. With her dyed hair and generally similar description, Helena passed well enough for the woman. It was extremely unlikely that anyone here had met the true Rosentia, as she had only recently reached a good age to start parading herself about and was a bit of a shut-in besides. Previous to this day, however, there were convenient rumors spread about her spending the season in the capitol. The rumors were entirely false but unlikely to be discovered as such.<br><br>Helena let her smile turn coy. “Do you suggest we dance here, sir? Or should we make our way to where the music plays?” She asked in reference to the hand that had slipped around to the small of her back. They were currently at the edge of the gathering and not near where the rest of the people danced. Of course, as part of the family who threw this celebration, he could do as he pleased.<br><br>---<br><br>As Decimus feared, Aviera let her subtle earth crafting flow through their skin-to-skin contact much as her brother had when a similar action was made towards Helena. She was more subtle even than Lucius, as Decimus was a known son of a high lord, someone who had to know the tricks of the capitol. <br><br>“Why thank you.” She said with pleasure when he complimented her on her job as hostess. He must have attended gatherings that even she was not privy to. It was quite the compliment he'd paid her. “I must admit, I am quite busy with all these goings-on. But a woman must stop and enjoy her own party from time to time.” She said with a slight pout to her bottom lip. “And I cannot think of any person more enjoyable than you.” Her eyelashes fluttered at him softly, but the affected innocence of it was belied by the slight naughty upturn of her lips. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>30-08-2015, 18:03:43</strong>
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				In part Helena's attire was working in her favor despite being the victim off a talented earth crafter.&nbsp; How gown and the corset underneath had her charms on display that Lucius was paying close attention to with every rise and fall of her breasts, and when she dipped down into a curtsy.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was also a weakness and limitation of earth crafting lust that the one doing the crafting is near as susceptible to lust as the one he was crafting.&nbsp; &nbsp;While he was not privy to the guest list, he did not notice anyone with Helena's alias upon it, but that in itself was nothing to draw large concern from.&nbsp; It would not be the first time a noble trying to grain influence and to make a name for themselves managed to gain entry to a celebration they were not invited to, and besides the fact, she was a new and fresh face with a hint of innocence about her, but with more than enough wicked curiosity to seduce, at least to ensnare her to a point where if she did object it would be far to late.<br><br>Already Lucius could see her gagged and bound, writhing in pleasure and pain, unwilling yet willing at the same time.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was going to take a bit of deft crafting and finesse to get her to that point, but Lucius was nothing but proud of his earth crafting skill.&nbsp; The only one perhaps with more control than he at earth crafting was his sister, but she could not handle the raw strength that he could.&nbsp; &nbsp;Still, even if his crafting was not the razor sharp precision that his sister's was, it was more than near any other Citizen in the realm, and more than enough to seduce this woman to the type of sex play that he enjoyed.&nbsp; &nbsp;Still he had to move through the steps of the seduction.&nbsp; If there were a reason for her to be at this celebration, she could use that to fight his crafting.&nbsp; &nbsp;He could not leave, not yet.&nbsp; &nbsp;So he smiled and with one hand upon Helena's back sparking all the erogenous zones there, of which there were many, he guided her to where others were dancing.<br><br>At her comment he did laugh, and when augmented by his crafting, his laughter was of such of a rich and dark sensuality the turned a woman's core into liquid heat and her sex ache and pulse with her own heartbeat.&nbsp; <strong>"We will move to the others.&nbsp; My father says I already cause enough spectacle about myself as it is, though in truth I do not hold a candle to my sister.&nbsp; Still since this is his celebration I will not try to draw his ire so let us dance and join the others.&nbsp; &nbsp;I must profess a bit of a lapse in memory, to which I blame the wine, but House Civello, might I ask where they are from?&nbsp; &nbsp;I would want to say Parcia, though I am likely wrong on that account." </strong><br><br>Lucius then pulled Helena into a tight embrace as they reached where others were dancing.&nbsp; &nbsp;One hand went to her right hand, holding in a gentle yet firm grip and holding her arm out straight.&nbsp; &nbsp;His other hand went to the small of her back where he once more stroked and caressed all of the spots there he knew aroused a woman.&nbsp; &nbsp;He also used that hand to press Helena against his body.&nbsp; While he was fairly fit as many in the Legion, his build and height were about average and while it felt like she was pressing against something hard and unyielding, it was more the armor of the dress uniform than anything else, but still hard for her aroused body not to react to, which was perhaps part of his plan to seduce her.<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------<br>Decimus felt the lust hit him, and he swore inside to himself about allow this woman to touch him.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had heard of her when he first arrived at the Academy and he had managed to stay clear of her.&nbsp; &nbsp;Aviera was not one to chase when there was easy conquest readily at hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was at hand now, and long had he been denied to her, and she seemed determined to have him.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was all he could do not to ravish her right here in the shadows, and furies be damned if anyone heard him.<br><br>It was the metal that saved him, and allowed him to put it off enough to think through it.&nbsp; &nbsp;He witnessed the woman he was certain the one he was to aid move away with Lucius.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ah, he was more certain than ever.&nbsp; &nbsp;He knew that his supposed fellow Cursor in training was here for information, and that this celebration was hosted by the Titus family.&nbsp; &nbsp;Hosted, but that did not necessarily meant funded, and in his own surveillance of the guests here Decimus noticed several powerful and influential political figures present.&nbsp; &nbsp;More than the Count of Capula could lure away.&nbsp; &nbsp;Could that be the reason the other Cursor was here, to find out who funded House Titus.<br><br>Decimus had to think because even if he managed to deduce why his unknown classmate was here, he would be of little use to her if Aviera spirited him away.&nbsp; &nbsp;Fortunately (or perhaps counted upon), Decimus knew Lucius tastes.&nbsp; They lined up in line with Decimus, if perhaps taken to a bit more further than Decimus was want unless he was teaching the girl a lesson.&nbsp; &nbsp;He would not stay here if he found his conquest tonight.&nbsp; &nbsp;No he would spirit her way to the Hell that catered to men of their temperament and tastes.&nbsp; &nbsp; He would leave soon, and he could use that to his advantage.<br><br>Decimus let his hand slide up Aviera's body, being even so bold as to run his hand over her left side and breast with his hand as he reached out to cup at her chin.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a risk, but she likely heard the rumors of Decimus, and if she wanted him, then it was going to be on his terms.&nbsp; &nbsp;He slowly let a thumb rub against her lips as his hand held firm to her jaw exerting a little control over and and giving her a taste of her own earth crafting as he did.&nbsp; &nbsp;He then leaned in to lightly kiss her on her lips as his right hand boldly cupped her breast through her gown, teasing and flicking against her hard as stone nipples.<br><br><strong>"True, but the type of enjoyment I wish to have for you cannot be done at such a public outing as this, for fear of both of our reputations.&nbsp; &nbsp;See to the remainder of your guests, and then you and and I can leave for a party of our own.&nbsp; &nbsp;I promise you will not be disappointed and I promise you more dark and forbidden pleasure then you ever thought possible.&nbsp; It will certainly give you tales to tell ans whisper about.&nbsp; &nbsp;How say you?&nbsp; &nbsp;A bit of denied pleasure now for the promise of something greater later?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>01-09-2015, 08:57:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Attica.” She corrected him with a smile on her face. Helena didn't expect him to have even heard of the name. Surely no one was expected to know every name in Alera Imperia, let alone the whole of Alera. At least she couldn't imagine being able to do so. She was of course familiar with the major houses of the lands in addition of a few from whence she came, but beyond that it was quite hazy. To admit such a thing would likely get her in trouble, but to be fair all this politics business wasn't her specialty. If she were able to face a small force of people on the battle field she would have chose that over this in a heartbeat.<br><br>She let herself be led to the dance floor proper and then tried her best to melt into his tight embrace. It was nice, she had to admit. He was firm in all the right places - and oh, that stroking touch on her back. Helena called to her wind fury to add a lightness and grace to her step that she did not otherwise have when dancing. It brought her skill level up to the other citizens who'd been dancing these steps since they could walk. Sure, she could dance with her sword all day an not have any reason to be ashamed of herself, but add music and another person in close proximity who wasn't actively trying to harm her, and it was as if she was in a whole new realm<br><br>At least this seduction business was proving to be quite easy. She had thought that she would have to actively pursue Lucius, not the other way around. But all she needed to do was smile and flutter her eyelashes a little, and he seemed all for the idea. Actually, this seemed a situation where things could easily get out of hand. If she wasn't careful, she would be the one who ended up giving this man all her secrets and left lying in bed naked wondering what the hell had happened. Then she would be written up as a failure and sent home to the nothing life she would have lived if she had not come to try to be a cursor. That would be completely unacceptable. Helena steeled herself – literally. By the Great Furies, she would get through this even if this... courtroom seduction wasn't her strong suit. <br><br>“This is quite the celebration.” She commented to him with wonder in her features. Helena tried her best to seem a girl fascinated by the luxuries those in Alera Imperia could afford, a girl who had not yet had a chance to go to many such events. Seeing as that pretty much defined her at that moment anyway, it was not a difficult act. She hoped her words would open him up to a bit of bragging. That was the only path she could think of that would lead her to discover how his family managed to afford all this.<br><br>---<br><br>Aviera's eyes widened slightly when Decimus' hand cupped her chin. It was not a displeased expression, it was merely surprised. Her lips pulled upward in a catlike grin. She did so love a man with initiative, and it seemed that this particular man's reputation for it was not unfounded. Her body curved towards him in sinuous motion, almost – but not quite – rubbing her soft form against his. Yes, she definitely knew what she wanted once the party came to a close. She didn't even care that he was likely fighting fire with fire – or, in this case, earth with earth.<br><br>Her lips parted in anticipation even before he moved in to kiss her. The way his thumb pressed against the soft part of her mouth sent shivers down her spine and a desperate flutter to her heart. Eyes fluttered shut when he moved in to connect their mouths in light kiss. She even moved her upper body towards him when she felt his hand on her breast. Perhaps she should have been angry at his impertinence. The only emotion she could feel, however, was an almost desperate lust for Decimus. It was something she let herself express by pressing back at him with her dexterous earth crafting, a little stronger, a little more apparent this time around. Not much point in being secretive now: they'd already kissed. <br><br>Curses. It was clear that she should have come to him while the party was dying down, not while it was in full swing. He was right, of course, about her needing to attend to the rest of the party before indulging in what she – and he - <em>really</em> wanted to do. Now she she had the privilege of walking around playing hostess while this nigh undeniable heat and wetness in her undergarments. She was supposed to impress everyone and make her family proud despite her recent... indiscretions, not flounce around like a bitch in heat.<br><br>The curve of her breasts swelled as she breathed a heavy sigh of regret. “I will talk to you later, then? When I have said farewell to my guests, I will be at that bench there.” She nodded and smiled at the seat that Helena had occupied recently. “We might be able to have a far more... interesting conversation then.” One side of her mouth quirked upward. There was a sort of gloating victory in her eyes at the conquest she'd assumed she'd made – or was about to make before the dawn of the next day. The second son of Lord and Lady Aquitaine. She had half a mind to try to keep him.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>04-09-2015, 04:03:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius smiled a warm and flirtatious smile at Helena as they danced one of the faster reals that was a favorite of society at this time, pure enjoyment on hos features as the fast danced caused her to rub against his body all the much more, and getting pleasure out of the feel of her enticing form as they danced.&nbsp; &nbsp;When the danced changed to a slow tune, Lucius' fingers moved from her hand up her bare arm, earth crafting, subtle but powerful and strong following along in its wake, up to her face where hey moved a lock of hair out of her face so he could see her better.&nbsp; &nbsp;His hand then cupped her chin, a thumb rubbing lightly at her lips before he moved his hand down and kissed her.<br><br>The kiss was soft at first.&nbsp; &nbsp;He did not attempt to pry open her lips.&nbsp; No he was too skilled with women and instead lightly licked at them with his tongue and only entering her mouth if her lips parted for him.&nbsp; &nbsp;He kissed her before the need for air was strong, and he broke it off, the kiss and the physical exertion from the dance before had his breath slightly labored, as well as the lust rising inside him, which Helena could feel keenly when he pressed his midsection tight into her.&nbsp; <br><br><strong>"You dance very well, Rosentia, extremely well.&nbsp; You could be the equal of any trained dancer here in the Capital here.&nbsp; &nbsp;I have not had such an accomplished dance partner in quite sometime."</strong>&nbsp; Lucius leaned in to whisper into her ear as his hand moved down to caress her sides, his thumb touching and rubbing against the side of her breast as he did so.&nbsp; <strong>"And that is a good omen for what comes later tonight.&nbsp; &nbsp;I wish I could whisk you way now, but my father wants my presence with him when he meets friends this evening.&nbsp; &nbsp;As much as he wants to claim this night is all his, it is not, and talking with political blow hards are the price.&nbsp; &nbsp;Still that is not till later this evening which means we can have...fun...till then."</strong><br><br>His free hand went to a breast and he shifted his hips so his muscular thigh between her legs.&nbsp; &nbsp; Once he had done that he anchored his hand to the small of her back and began to rotate his hips, earth crafting pulsing with Helena's pulse as he continued the dance.&nbsp; &nbsp; It was as if he wanted to have her climax right there on the dance floor, in front of everyone.&nbsp; &nbsp;His skill as such that it would be difficult to resist.&nbsp; &nbsp;His eyes were bright with his own lust as he ground his thigh between her legs.<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------<br>Decimus was holding onto the metal he had so much that it actually cut into his hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had to split his concentration between his metal crafting and water crafting.&nbsp; Sweat was forming a bit on his head as he held firm and not giving into to the lust Aviera was stirring inside him.&nbsp; &nbsp;All he wanted to do was to drag Aviera to a dark corner, lift up her skirts and fuck her against the wall,&nbsp; have her breasts bare so they rubbed up against the stone wall with every thrust inside her.&nbsp; &nbsp;He could not give in, nto when he needed to complete his own assignment and it was so far in sight.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>He nearly breathed a sigh of relief when she relented and he took her hand, kissing it as his eyes remained upon hers.&nbsp; &nbsp;He spoke in that smooth and sensual voice of his, and put a bit of promises to come tonight.&nbsp; <strong>"I will be there after you have finished your duties, and whisk you away from here when that happens.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think I will take you away to the <em>Midnight Silks</em>.&nbsp; &nbsp;I have heard how much you enjoy it there, and I promised to cater to every dark fantasy that you can conjure in your mind."</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;He knew that he had many.&nbsp; He had heard the tales, and after potentially costing him his assignment, he would make her work for her pleasure.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had no qualms at all making her scream in pain in the pursuit of pleasure for getting in his way.&nbsp; &nbsp;He almost toyed with the idea of breaking her, but he did not want to deal with her following him about like a needy child.<br><br>Decimus watched as she went away, and then looked about for that one woman from before.&nbsp; &nbsp;He continued to grip the strip of metal as he reached out with his water crafting, to buffet against the sheer amount of emotions in the room.&nbsp; &nbsp;He found her eventually, dancing with Tittus Lucius, the heir of the Count.&nbsp; &nbsp;That could not be a coincidence, for despite the lust he as now sensing inside her, he doubted that she was going to toss it all away for a fling and fuck of a noble heir.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus watched and waiting, to see when he could be the best help to her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>06-09-2015, 08:00:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena was in danger a really, truly enjoying herself as they danced to the fast-paced music. It made her loosen up a little, and not worry about getting the steps exactly perfect. Out of the confines of her mind, her body moved with all the grace and dexterity afforded to a wind crafter. Some of her movements were creative and spontaneous, but not at the expense of her partner or the people around her. She really did deserve the praise that Lucius gave her a bit later about her dancing. Her eyes shone with the thrill of it. That is, until the music became slow and her dancing partner used that comparative lull to make his next move. There was no wondering what he was going to do next when she felt the pad of his thumb press and rub softly against her lips. The pink flesh was supple and yielding to that digit. The motion of her lip caused her to open her mouth very slightly in anticipation for what came next. <br><br>She found herself wanting very badly to taste him – the earth crafting affecting her strongly, no doubt. It was probably a bad idea to let him kiss her so soon after their initial acquaintance, and in front of everyone. She couldn't seem too eager to hop into bed with him. No, let him do some convincing first. Let him really try to impress her. One little kiss couldn't hurt too badly, though. So she kissed him back with soft gentleness. Helena did not part her mouth to let him in, though that teasing tongue at her lips very nearly convinced her to do so. That, and the evidence of his lust pressed against her was enough to drive a lesser woman wild.<br><br>A pleased smile spread across her lips at Lucius' compliment on her dancing. She had been worried before this night that shoddy dancing would give her away. Clearly it had not – mostly because her dancing hadn't been so awful after all. Next came the heat that washed from heart to core when he commented that her good dancing was a good sign for things to come. Helena doubted that all the metal in the world could have saved her from both natural and fury-born unnatural attraction she had with to man. But his next words were in line with something that she actually needed, something that she had attended this whole damned thing for.<br><br>“Your father must know a lot of very important people.” She observed with all the force of her country girl wonder coloring her words. Helena did her best to make her words sound innocent and not at all prying. She was pretty good at that sort of act for the short-term, and short-term was all she needed that night. <br><br>“Oh!” She said with very real innocent surprise when she felt his thigh in the fork of her legs. Her face flushed a very bright pink for just a moment before she got herself back under control. Well. This was a new experience. She said nothing more, and bit her lip to look up at him with eyes that responded to his lust with pleasure. Suddenly she was warring with herself not to let him be too successful in his apparent endeavors to make her climax. She had to at least wait it out until she could get some sort of useful information out of him. For the time being, with the help of the metal-boned corset, she was able to resist temptation.<br><br>---<br><br>Aviera had the decency to blush brightly when Decimus mentioned the name of one of her favorite spots to go for a little late-night entertainment. Had her tastes been so widely talking about it they were common knowledge? She wasn't going to complain about this particular man knowing about it, however. She dropped a low curtsey, smiled a naughty smile, and disappeared back into the crowd. <br><br>No one could find her again for a good ten minutes. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>08-09-2015, 23:38:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius was also a skilled dancer, an extremely skilled one, especially with the dancing he was partaking and indulging now with Helena.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was enjoying himself as well but there was a wicked edge to his look that told he was pushing and testing Helena to see if she was indeed the noblewoman he wanted to waste his time with this evening.&nbsp; &nbsp;As such the effort, and crafting, he put into the dance was considerable, not only earth crafting but some wind crafting as well, and because of that a fair number had noticed whom the Count's son was dancing with and there were a number of hidden smiles and speculative looks on others faces as they either danced close by, or watched from afar.<br><br>Lucius let his hand move up the length of Helena's arm to trace down her side to her hip in teasing slowness.&nbsp; &nbsp;It seemed like a trail if fire was being ignited upon her skin, but the fire of passion and desire, the need to be rid of clothing and to have bare naked flesh rub and caress against bare naked flesh.&nbsp; &nbsp;His hand did not stop at her waist but moved up again as he maneuvered her to the outer edge of the dancers to where some privacy lay, and when that semi-privacy was reached his hand moved up to cup a breast through her gown, his thumb circling about where her nipple was and stimulating it as he spoke.<br><br><strong>"Oh there are a number here, but I am hesitant to tell you for fear you will leave me for one of them if I shatter the illusion here that this was all wrought by my father's influence and cunning and nothing else.&nbsp; &nbsp;I might be persuaded to tell you, but only after our evening is over.&nbsp; &nbsp;There is another place I want to bring you to tonight to experience.&nbsp; &nbsp;Come with me and I will tell you all you wish to know."</strong><br><br>Lucius ended it with a kiss, this one equal parts commanding and teasing as he searched out her mouth, and a rush of desire and heat radiated from him.&nbsp; This caused him to grind with a bit more force and skill with his thigh between Helena's legs, and his hand squeezed and massaged her aching and swollen breast with the skill of an accomplished rake that knew very will make his target loose herself to his advances.<br><br>Decimus could feel it where he was watching, even more convinced now after focusing his water crafting on Helena he had completed his mission.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was able to breath easier with Aviera no longer pressing and crafting at him, and restore his sense of self and ward off the lust and desire flowing about him.&nbsp; &nbsp;Oh the woman had her fair share of desire, more than a bit to be fair, but also in that mess of emotions from her was calculated cunning and more than a fair bit of innocence, far different than any other guest present.&nbsp; &nbsp; Now, how to continue to observe the two without drawing attention to himself.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>10-09-2015, 05:28:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius' wandering hands elicited a soft sigh from Helena's lips. As close as she was to him, the breath whispered across his neck and lips. She let him have complete control over the situation. Helena had a feeling that he'd want it that way. She didn't notice that she had been maneuvered to the edge of the dancing group of people until she was already there. Helena was glad of the modicum of privacy. She knew now that there was no resisting what would come – or, more specifically, <em>who</em> would cum. Rosentia did not deserve this spot upon her reputation, poor girl. Not that she was likely to leave her home for long enough to hear about it.<br><br>Helena let herself press a little more firmly to Lucius' frame. The action, however, was not for his benefit – or her's, really, beyond gaining the ability to look more closely at the eyes that she felt upon her. There he was again, the man she had taken note of before. She had noticed his attention on her once or twice before, but until that point it could be explained away by casual glance or curiosity. Lucius was, after all, being quite a bit more forward than what was commonly expected as polite in high society. Now she was quite certain that this watcher cared less about the nigh wanton display of sexuality and more about Helena herself. She had been told there would be a watcher, a helper. Helena now suspected this second son of Aquitaine was this person. For the time being, she was annoyed with his watchfulness. This situation was well in hand. It was probably the earth crafting talking in this case, however. Somewhere far in the recesses of her mind, Helena was quite aptly afraid that she was in danger of being thrown far out of her area of expertise. <br><br>“When it comes down to choosing prestige or fine... <em>dancing</em>, I know which one I would choose.” Helena managed to respond when he was done kissing her. She looked up at him with meaningful eyes, implying that it was him and the latter to be her pick. She wondered again if she might be coming on too strong, but still she felt that Lucius was the winner of that sort of... exuberance. “Your -mmm- association with them only makes <em>you</em> look all -ah- the better, my lord.” She managed to say with something near rapt adoration. Her words were interspersed with very soft, very pleased noises for only him to hear as he drove her nearer orgasm.<br><br>When finally she realized that temporary defeat was at hand (was it defeat, when it felt so damned good?) she let herself truly feel the pleasure he was determined to give her. Perhaps it would clear her head some? That was what she told herself, anyway. It was mere seconds after that when she gripped at him a little harder to keep herself mostly upright. Her beet-red face buried itself against his fancy clothes. Her would be able to feel her shudder, to feel her legs try to clamp down against his expertly rubbing thigh. <em>Furies, she actually just came in front of all these people</em>. How many were staring at her, laughing at her? Somehow, that did nothing to sour the experience. If anything, it sent a new thrill of pleasure to her core. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>15-09-2015, 01:05:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius felt her climax through his connection to her, and it was all he could do to hold off his own.&nbsp; &nbsp;To be fair he had more metal craft and metal to draw upon than Helena did so he was able to hold off his own sexual crisis.&nbsp; &nbsp;It did give him a sense of pride and accomplishment that he manage to have her do so, at such a public venue.&nbsp; &nbsp;It boded well for his plans with her this night.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was the perfect noble for him,&nbsp; a new face in society, and one with a reputation of being a recluse.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had heard the rumors of Civellus Rosentia, at happened, but he had not heard that she was beautiful.&nbsp; He could not let her go, not when she could give him the release he was looking for.<br><br>At her words, when she had calmed herself, Lucius reached out and caressed her face, his thumb rubbing at the edge of her lips.&nbsp; <strong>"Well now, I am pleased, very pleased, both by your charming and flattering words and by your actions now.&nbsp; I can offer you more, all the more to give you fodder needed for boasting to others of your circles.&nbsp; &nbsp;Any questions you want answered that I can answer I will.&nbsp; &nbsp;You merely need to be with me the rest of this night, no matter where my feet may wander.&nbsp; &nbsp;What do you say, my lovely Rosentia, do you consent?"</strong><br><br>---------------------------------------<br>Decimus had the good grace to turn away when he felt the building crescendo of lust and no stop within Helena.&nbsp; &nbsp;He found a noblewoman that was lacking a dance partner and he asked her to dance.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a challenge to keep at bay his new dance partner's earth crafting, for what woman did not want the chance to bed Aquitanis Decimus?&nbsp; &nbsp;Perhaps he could use this to his advantage, to play this woman off of Aviera so Aviera would be willing to do whatever Decimus desired that night, and after the night he had he was planing on being extremely demanding if not more.<br><br>He kept to the fringe and continued to observe.&nbsp; He sensed a building irritation from the woman he suspected of being his fellow Cursor, but Decimus was not certain if it was at the situation she was in or at Decimus' interest and focus on her.&nbsp; &nbsp;He supposed that his continued observation would determine what the scenario he was dealing with.&nbsp; While Decimus was certain he had enough to complete his assignment, it was not absolute, and that did not mean he was willing to leave a fellow Cursor to fend for herself, even if it was not his assignment.&nbsp; &nbsp;So he continued to dance, and observe, and wait. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>17-09-2015, 22:42:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her face was still quite flushed when Helena managed to gather her wits and look back up and Lucius. Her whole body felt deliciously weak and shaky. All she wanted to do right then was find a place to lie back, a place where she could just enjoy the pleasure Lucius seemed so eager to give her. It was a dangerous desire; Helena had work to do. She was not here to enjoy herself. She fought to at least clear her muddled head enough to pay attention to what her dance partner was saying and react appropriately. Lust-filled eyes watched his face as expressed his pleasure and desires for the rest of the night. A slow smile formed upon her lips at the prospect of spending the rest of the night with him. If she got more of the same treatment, this would prove to be the most interesting night of her life.<br><br><em>No, Helena. Think. You are falling into his trap.</em> You <em>are supposed to trap</em> him.<br><br>The voice of reason deep within the recesses of her mind warned her to be cautious. This was too easy. She would not even be considered as cursor material if she wasn't at least a little cautious by nature even after being treated with far more pleasure than she had expected. There had to be a reason why he seemed to be trying so hard to put her under his spell. Something told her that it would be more prudent to leave and find another way to extract this information. But hadn't he said that he was to meet some very important people? And now he was asking her to be by his side at every step – presumably also while he was meeting and talking to said people. This could very well be her best chance. Her choice was made not even a second after he made his request.<br><br>Under the pretense of deliberation, she bit at the corner of her kiss-swollen lower lip. Too much eagerness would be suspicious. Too little would be self-defeating. Finally, she stood on her toes to brush a soft whisper at his ear, “I will be at your side, then.” Her face disappeared from his direct view as she did this, which gave her eyes a chance to search the crowd again for her watcher. She caught him not staring at her so intently, instead he danced with another noble woman. Good.<br><br>---<br><br>Aviera, as was likely intended, witnessed Decimus dancing with the other woman. It caused a frown of annoyance to form on her pretty lips. The group of people she had been chatting up for her families' sake expressed their concern for her. The frown quickly got replaced by polite smile. <br><br>As soon as she was able to gracefully depart from them, she walked nearer the dancing people. It would be quite rude to cut in on their dance. If Aviera snubbed any important person on accident her family would be very displeased. So she waited at the edge of the spinning couples and did her best to give Decimus a look that smouldered enough for him to want to abandon the woman he was with and to go to Aviera, the woman who promised with her eyes alone all manner of nightly pleasure.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>22-09-2015, 01:01:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The only chink so far in the smile and the social mask that Lucius had put forth before Helena was at the pause to think.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was clear this was a man used to getting his own way far more times than being denied, and Helena's seeming reluctance was giving him concern, enough so that for the first time this evening he employed a sloppy and very overt earth crafting to in response, and the surge of lust and desire rose tenfold, if at all possible.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was so deep into his earth crafting that his skin started to become cold, and take on a slight contrast to that of rich, dark marble, and his grip upon her started to border upon the painful.<br><br>When Helena finally did give in and agree, Lucius' earth crafting backed off significantly, and his skin returned to a normal hue, and his grip upon Helena no longer painful.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lucius continued to dance the remainder of the dance as if nothing had happened, but he did give Helena a linger, passionate kiss that had a hint of fire crafting mixed with earth crafting to give it that titillating sensation before he used his free hand to stroke the side of Helena's cheek with the back of his fingers in a surprisingly intimate gesture.<br><br><strong>"I am glad that you said yes.&nbsp; &nbsp;I can sense inside you a deep wellspring of passion and desire you have yet to let loose or experience.&nbsp; &nbsp;I shall be your guide this night and have you experience pleasure as you never have before.&nbsp; &nbsp;Since I do believe my family duties are done here, by the look of my sister having that impatient look upon her face, I think we are near finished here and will retire to the <em>Midnight Silks</em> shortly.&nbsp; &nbsp; Can I get you any wine as you wait, it shall not be long I can assure you."</strong><br><br>Decimus had noticed Aviera departing her group and moving to the edge of the dancers.&nbsp; &nbsp;Inwardly he sighed as he had hoped she would not be clingy and that he would take him at his word and to honor his promises.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was going to pay for that later, though she might enjoy that, but Decimus would figure out a way and means to have the bite of punishment.&nbsp; &nbsp; He turned to the woman who was dancing with him.&nbsp; <br><br>He almost felt sorry for the woman as she had no earth crafting of her own to draw upon.&nbsp; &nbsp;She would need to rely upon her beauty to so entice a male suitor, but then again with her beauty it would not be too difficult for her.&nbsp; She had water crafting of some significance as Decimus had to foil a few of her water crafting sendings, so it would not be beyond her to mold and change her appearance to that of whatever her suitor desired, and the water crafting could only aid her in determining what that should be.<br><br>Decimus had enough water and metal craft upon him to keep her from seeing his true feelings.&nbsp; He also had enough practice to school his emotions after many "interrogations" with his mother as he was growing up.&nbsp; &nbsp;It should not be shocking at all that Decimus had what he called an active and memorable childhood.&nbsp; While perhaps it had some difficulty, he did manage to let the noble woman, the daughter of the Count of Calderon he believed, that he was indeed attracted to her.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was the polite thing for him in this situation he was in, at least.<br><br>When the dance ended, Decimus bowed to his partner and kissed her lightly upon the hand before he moved with a predator's or hunter's grace to Aviera.&nbsp; When he reached her he was not polite in the least, and he grabbed at the base of her hair and crushed her body next to his, exerting his dominance over her early to put her in the proper mindset before her earth crafting had him tossing over her skirts and rutting with her right there.&nbsp; &nbsp;His voice had that steel core of command along with the darkly sensual allure of dark promises to come.<br><br><strong>"Naughty girl you are my dear, that will cost you later.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am a man of my word and you are the one I will be taking to <em>Midnight Silks</em> later, no one else.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am still a scion of my family and I really do not wish my allowance cut off because I have snubbed some noble's or senator's daughter and they complain about such to my parents.&nbsp; &nbsp;Now, are you here because your duties are done or because you are afraid of someone poaching me from you?"</strong> Decimus added in his own mixture of earth and fire crafting, enough that he was certain he just made the inside of Aviera's thighs slick and her sex pulsing and throbbing so much that it bordered on pain instead of sweet torment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>25-09-2015, 08:07:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Something akin to fear gripped her amongst the torrent of earth crafting Lucius subjected her to during the moment it took for her to tell him her answer. It was a mere small, wailing cry at the back of her mind drowned almost completely out by a landslide of arousal. The crafting made her shake even harder than she had been from her recent climax. She was still determined to take him up on his offer for the mission alone, but now more than ever she had to fight her wariness towards him so that it would not outwardly show. Why did he want this so damn bad? Surely she wasn't the only woman to try to entice him that night. His family was respectable – now more than ever after this party. Helena didn't know, but she had the feeling that she would find out.<br><br>He was all kindness and passion when she finally gave her answer. It was as if it never happened, save for the dull ache she had in the spots where he had gripped her a little too tightly. At first she met his following kiss with more hesitation than she had all night, but with fire and earth guiding her she was again back to doing her best to seem eager and enticing.<br><br><em>Midnight Silks.</em> So that was where they were going. She had heard of the establishment insofar as she was familiar with the name and nothing else. Judging from context, it was a place for nobles to go to enjoy themselves and very likely their bodies. Helena could not be sure about that last part, but she was reasonably certain. By its name, it certainly sounded like a place of luxury. <br><br>Helena let a small pout form on her kiss-swollen lips when Lucius said that he would not be long. “Do you go now to meet your father and his friends? And I to stay here to wait for you?” She asked. Her eyes casually swept along the crowd to catch sight of the people in question. “Only- I had thought that you wanted me to come with you wherever your feet may wander.” That was exactly what he had said, in fact. She bit the bottom corner of her lip and looked up at him with wide, questioning eyes. She sincerely hoped that she seemed like a woman who did not want to be separate from the pleasure he gave her and not someone who wanted to gather information about his father and friends. Such nuance could be tricky, but she liked to think that she was faring well so far.<br><br>---<br><br>Aviera's eyes danced with a mixture of amusement and arousal when she saw Decimus finally come stalking towards her. Even when he took hold of her hair and crushed her to him she had the look of a woman who had someone right where she wanted them. It was a look that was at odds with Aviera's body, which seemed to melt into his and become pliable, submitting. Her smiling lips parted to let out a soft gasp of pleasure and pain from the way he gripped at her.<br><br>The grin on her face faltered only slightly when he hit her with that crafting combination. When she opened her mouth to reply, her voice was slightly higher pitched and breathy. Furies, it was enough to forget her entire reason for coming over here and instead let herself be dragged away somewhere. But no, she was quite determined now. “Perhaps I came here to dance with you. It is true that my hostess duties are now almost done, but I wanted to properly enjoy the music before it is gone. I had thought I was waiting patiently at the sidelines...” But, according to his reaction, she might as well have just barged in between him and whoever that girl was. She wasn't complaining about the effect it had on him, though.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>29-09-2015, 01:29:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius gave a wry smile and a shake of his head, and at the same time put a hand to his chest in a mock gesture of being wounded.&nbsp; &nbsp; He then moved as such to put himself at Helena's side, offering up his arm to her as a proper escort.&nbsp; &nbsp;When she takes his arm, he puts his other hand upon hers as they stride forth at a sedate pace off of the dance floor and towards where many guests have gathered about the food in drink in small cluster of groups.&nbsp; &nbsp;This was where much of the political machine that was Alera moved, or at lease the grease for its inner workings were supplied, at gathering and celebrations such as these were whispered and frank conversations could be had.&nbsp; &nbsp;It made sense now why finding out who might be the money behind this event was such an important piece of information to the crown.<br><br>Lucius smooth voice cut through the din as they moved towards one of the groups.&nbsp; <strong>"And thus I am reminded of promises if not stated out loud, at then at the very least promised implied.&nbsp; I am indeed a man of my word, and I will admit I so do love my ego stroked with having such an attentive and stunningly beautiful woman such as you on my arm.&nbsp; &nbsp;Ah, here we are."</strong> <br><br>Lucius stopped before mostly stout man.&nbsp; &nbsp;He might have once been fit, but age and time out of the Legion had let his former hard muscle go soft form too much wine.&nbsp; &nbsp;Indeed the man's eyes had the semi-glazed look of a man already more into his cups.&nbsp; &nbsp;Two older men that merely looked more seasoned then men gone to flab were attending the stout man, and a young female with a slave collar about her neck yet dress in fine if revealing clothing was at the stout man's side.&nbsp; &nbsp;A pleasure slave or courtesan by the looks of her, which would not be too out of sorts for a celebration such as this.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lucius had stopped purposefully before the fat man and bowed to him.<br><br><strong>"Father, I merely wished to stop by to let you know that I would be leaving the celebration and retiring.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a splendid success and I was glad you were able to arrange with the High Lord to allow me leave to attend.&nbsp; &nbsp;Oh, before I do leave, I did make a promise and it would be very ignoble of me not to keep my word.&nbsp; &nbsp;M'Lady, please allow me to introduce to you my father, Lord Titus Flavius, Count of Capula.&nbsp; &nbsp;Your Excellency, this is the lady I am escorting this evening, the Lady Civellus Rosentia of House Civello, from Attica."</strong><br><br>The man turned and looked down slightly at Helena, his chin (what little he had of one at least) disappearing into the rolls of fat on the man's neck.&nbsp; &nbsp;The slight haze the man seemed to have about his eyes lifted and sharpened as he turned his focus upon her.&nbsp; &nbsp;There was a light of appreciation in the glance as they lingered over Helena's curves before they turned their slightly beady eyes back upon Lucius.&nbsp; <strong>"Well I do suppose there is no harm in such now.&nbsp; &nbsp;Much was accomplished this night.&nbsp; &nbsp;I know many will be pleased.&nbsp; &nbsp;Enjoy your sport son, I know I intend to."</strong> <br><br>The pleasure slave at his arm did not even blush, but give a rich and soft chuckle and pressed her form into Flavius' bulk, and sent a knowing wink Helena's way.&nbsp; The other two men said nothing but inclined their heads politely towards Helena.&nbsp; &nbsp;Introductions for those men were not offered, and Lucius did not offer any in turn, as if the men were beneath his notice.&nbsp; &nbsp;The men did not let their eyes linger as the Count did over Helena's body and in turn returned their focus back to the Count with a patient air about their person.&nbsp; &nbsp;With his father's backhanded blessing to leave, he started to turn to leave.<br><br>-----------------------------------------------<br>Decimus only backed off a little on his crafting.&nbsp; &nbsp;He wanted Aviera in the right mind frame for later as he was planning on doing his best on taming the woman.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a double edge sword as going that far would likely make her a hanger on always trying to get his attention for a repeat, but Decimus would be the first to admit that he was not always rational when he ire was raised, and she did raise his by distracting him from his observation of his target.&nbsp; &nbsp;He did not want to loose her as he was determined now to see this through the end and to go above and beyond the assignment given to him.<br><br>His eyes spot the woman with Aviera's brother, the bore Lucius.&nbsp; Decimus knew Lucius and a Tribute Tactica the man was not, and was another example on how corruption was ruining Alerian society.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even through Decimus himself was a product of privileged upbringing it did not mean he supported it or thought he was better than a man not born into wealth or a title.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lucius was a strong earth and fire crafter to be certain, but the man could not think beyond the moment and could not adept well.&nbsp; Those two traits alone made him the wrong choice.&nbsp; What was worse is that the man would cost lives of his fellow Legionares with his mistakes.<br><br>Decimus tried to reign in his anger.&nbsp; It was the danger of crafting fire as he did.&nbsp; &nbsp;From the look of the situation it seemed like Lucius was bidding his father goodnight.&nbsp; &nbsp;This worked well as he did not want to put off Aviera for long, and he also knew Lucius was a man of habit and of specific tastes.&nbsp; &nbsp;He would be taking the woman to <em>Midnight Silks</em>.&nbsp; &nbsp;That meant he did not need to stay about here any longer and could meet back up with Lucius and whom Decimus suspected was his fellow Cursor in training.<br><br>That look took less than a couple of heartbeats and his attention was all back upon Aviera once more and he purred at her as he boldly stroked her body and sent waves of lust over her body that was to be his thing to play with, his reward as it were.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus nipped and bit down upon her lower lip and let his powerful hand cup her breast and toy with her nipple doing its best to strain the material confining it and stretching it out as he spoke to her again.<br><br><strong>"We both know your intention was for me to notice and come to you.&nbsp; I did so not because you desired it but so as to set you straight the course for the rest of this evening.&nbsp; You are mine, my toy, my pleasure slave, to do with as I wish.&nbsp; If you wish for this to be a pleasant experience and for them to be done to your person, you had best keep me pleased, for you know I have no qualms about and tying you up and letting of the the pleasure slaves at <em>Midnight Silks</em> pleasure me while you are forced to watch.&nbsp; &nbsp;Are we going to be a good toy for me now?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>03-10-2015, 07:51:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena smiled when her companion held out the crook of his arm so that they may be connected while they walked. She thread her arm through his elbow gently and let him lead her to where he wanted to go. She hoped that he would be leading her to information. Her hopes were... well, not all that well-realized. She didn't much care to be presented to the father of this man. With every person she was formally introduced to, she ran the risk of being recognized as an imposter. This was especially true for the older generation of nobles who presumably had time to hone their skills at crafting and could therefore see through any crafting she might be able to do.<br><br>Lord Titus Flavius looked to be the sort of man that Helena could not even force herself to like. Perhaps it was the pleasure slave at his arm who was forced to press herself into his bulk and pretend that she liked it. Or maybe it was the look he gave her when his son presented her to him. It could have also been her simple dislike of a noble man letting himself become fat. She couldn't be sure that it was at the expense of 'lesser' people such as herself, but she couldn't help but be reminded of people very much like Lord Titus who raised themselves upon the pedestal of the weak, starving, and dead. She definitely didn't like the sharpness of his eye when he focused on her, especially not after he previously seemed slightly vague from drunkenness. Helena couldn't be sure if this was because the appeal of her body was enough to draw his focus, or if he was trying to look past her body and into the creature that lie beneath. Could he see the imposter within? If he could, he gave no indication.<br><br>Despite all this, she gave him her best winsome smile and respectful curtsey. Helena still had to play her part as a creature that, while new to this social circle, still very much belonged. At his dismissive words that told his son to enjoy his sport, Helena let a very real blush form on her features. It was more out of indignant feelings that rose to her breast. <em>She</em> was not 'sport.' She was nothing like the woman who pressed herself to him in that sexual manner. Or was she?<br><br>With that disturbing thought in her head, she followed Titus wherever he chose to lead her. While they were still in the party gathering, she scanned the crowd for her presumed 'helper.' She saw him with a woman who matched the description of the sister to Lucius. She could see hands in places where she, until this night, had thought downright impolite to venture in the middle of a crowded party. Helena could tolerate that much from a man who she'd come specifically to seduce, a man whose only duty was to enjoy a party. But this man who was supposed to be her guardian looked instead engrossed in another woman. Well, it was his own damned loss if he failed his cursor test because he couldn't keep his hands off a pretty woman's tits. Helena was sure that she could do this without him despite her subtle feelings of trepidation. <br><br>---<br><br>A wide grin spread across Aviera's mouth when Decimus' lips departed from hers in order for him to speak his admonishment and intentions for the evening. She did not even try to deny his explanation of her true motives. The woman didn't even look guilty about it. She knew damned well what she was doing, and it was just as much preparation to get <em>him</em> in the right mindset as it was for her. Aviera liked them a little angry, a little demanding. Her grin faded as continued to inform her about her role for the evening. The words alone made the fork of her legs tremble with heat as well as any earth crafting might do. It made her teeth catch the bottom edge of her lip again. All the while, her eyes stared up at him with partially lidded arousal. There was a playfulness, too, at the corners of her lips. This was a game to her.<br><br>“I'll be an excellent toy for you, my lord.” She breathed. Her hand came up to caress the fabric at his chest. “Just whisk us away from here, and I can be all yours.”<br><br>All thoughts of actually dancing fled her mind entirely. She had actually sort of wanted to dance with him, to get a taste for how he moved before she was carried away to their favorite den of pleasure. The onslaught of crafting had been far too much in the end. His described scenario of her being tied up and forced only to watch as her partner for the night was pleasured made her want to cry out in dismay. Or perhaps it made her tempted to exert her own brand of power and turn the tables on him. No. That wasn't in the cards tonight. <em>She</em> was to be <em>his</em>, not the other way around. Otherwise, she would have approached a very different person.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>06-10-2015, 02:52:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was either fate,&nbsp; coincidence, or divine providence that events set up the way they did.&nbsp; &nbsp;As Lucius was leading Helena out of the pavilion to where an air carriage, the only one left at the time, was waiting was the same time that Decimus was escorting Aviera out as well.&nbsp; They both arrived at the same coach and there was laughter to be had by Lucius, but there was a shiver of frustration that came from the man that Helena picked up upon from her minor water crafting.&nbsp; &nbsp;The reason became clear as he gave Decimus a deep bow and made a gesture towards the air carriage.<br><br><strong>"M'Lord, it looks like there is only one, but in honor to House Aquitaine, I am willing to wait for the next one, especially if you are wooing and courting my sister.&nbsp; &nbsp;I know my father would very much approve of such a match.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am certain the next carriage will be along shortly." </strong>&nbsp; Lucius did his best not to grind his teeth, and to keep his crafting under control.&nbsp; &nbsp;He continued to caress Helena at the small of her back, knowing how to touch her there with his earth crafting to keep her lust and her interest honed to a razor's sharp edge.<br><br>Decimus was not putting any earth crafting into Aviera, needing none in his mind to keep the woman's attention and desire upon his.&nbsp; Decimus made a sweeping gesture of his own to the air coach.&nbsp; <strong>"There is no need, m'Lord, this carriage is more than big enough for us all, and there is not telling when the next carriage will arrive.&nbsp; I am certain that our destinations are not too far out of the way for either of us.&nbsp; We are heading to the <em>Midnight Silks</em> and yourselves?"</strong>&nbsp; <br><br>Lucius blinked a bit in surprised, but in honesty he should not have.&nbsp; &nbsp;He knew how hedonistic his sister was, and that the <em>Midnight Silks</em> was very well a place she would frequent, and with all of the earth crafting that had been flowing about the celebration his sister was likely in the same state that he had crafted Rosentia.&nbsp; He also would not have put it above Decimus to use his own earth crafting, but he could not recall from his little knowledge of the man if he had any great talent in the craft.&nbsp; &nbsp;His hesitation was more over being observed as he had wanted to have some of his way with Rosentia in the carriage then over as seeing his sister wet herself over a man.&nbsp; &nbsp;Their relationship was not close one and if she threw herself at the man and experienced pain this night, so much the better, for he was certain that Decimus was not a man to yield.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Lucius did his best to put on a smile on his features.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was going to need to accept the offer.&nbsp; &nbsp;Things were in a balance tonight and his father would never forgive Lucius if he jeopardize it all by risking a slight against House Aquitaine, which would happen since they would undoubtedly run into one another at the <em>Silks</em>, if his luck ran true to form.&nbsp; &nbsp;With that Lucius started towards the carriage.&nbsp; <strong>"It seems we heading to the same destination after all.&nbsp; &nbsp;After you and my lovely sister, m'Lord."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>06-10-2015, 20:24:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Somehow, Helena wasn't surprised about the turn of events involving the carriage. Perhaps her watcher, this Aquitaine, had orchestrated this. It would be very clever if he did. Or the Great Furies had seen it fit to throw the four of them together. It didn't much matter how it had happened; the siblings Titus and undercover cursors would travel together this night.<br><br>Helena dropped a polite curtsey towards Decimus. She had a part to act, after all, and starry-eyed Rosentia might be dazzled in the presence of this son of a high lord. Helena was quite proud that she had the presence of mind not to give away the fact the she suspected a connection between her and Decimus. The amount of earth crafting being pumped into her was making her feel dizzy with arousal. It would have been annoying, but she couldn't really feel any emotion beyond what the night unbearable heat in her loins caused. Her cheeks were flush with it, and her heart pounded so that she felt it might break from her chest. What she could feel was frustration – why couldn't they be there already? Why couldn't they have the carriage to themselves? Why was the sister of Lucius staring at her with that knowing look in her eyes?<br><br>“Brother dearest.” Aviera said sweetly once they had all piled into the single carriage. “I do believe you're about to make that poor girl's head explode. Or, you know, <em>something else</em> explode.” The young daughter of Titus actually looked quite amused by the predicament of whoever that young girl was. Did she know what was about to happen to her when they reached <em>Midnight Silks</em>? Aviera found it highly unlikely. Maybe it was for the best that her brother kept her in such a state. Otherwise it was quite possible that the poor dear was going to have a very bad time. Aviera was vaguely aware of her brother's tastes.<br><br>'The poor dear' bit her lip at the other woman's observation. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to respond to that. To be fair, Helena <em>did</em> feel like she was about to explode. All that earth crafting was unnecessary; she would have gone with Lucius either way. He seemed a man who was used to getting what he wanted, and used to using her power to ensure it. If she had been in her right mind, his crafting might have scared her away. But she wasn't in her right mind, and that was kind of the point.<br><br>Aviera let out a throaty chuckle very much colored by her own constant arousal that didn't need any help from earth crafting to keep alive. “Oh, don't worry, darling. This will be <em>fun.</em> I am Aviera, by the way, since our men utterly failed to introduce us.” The words were said kindly and without censure in her tone. Aviera was aware that the men had other things on their minds, and didn't fault them for it. She held out an elegant hand to the woman in front of her. Aviera was very curious to find out who this unfamiliar person was. She thought she knew everyone worth anything in Alera Imperia, but this girl was a new face.<br><br>“Civellus Rosentia.” Helena managed. She was almost proud that she could remember her cover name in her presently addled state. She took the other woman's hand, and the friendly introduction was complete.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>10-10-2015, 01:52:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus turned an eye to Aviera and raised an eyebrow that promised retribution later.&nbsp; She was being a bit feisty, perhaps so as to stoke his ire and his passion to well and truly use her.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had heard that Averia loved to play rough.&nbsp; &nbsp;No so rough that she needed a serious water crafter close by to heal her, but when she played at the <em>Midnight Silks</em> she wanted to feel the welts and the soreness the next day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Decimus was up to the challenge, and risk of turning her into a mewling puppy that followed him about begging him for more be damned.&nbsp; &nbsp; He was frustrated to all hell, possibly done purposefully by Aviera, and she was going to get far more than she bargained for.<br><br>Decimus helped Aviera into the coach first, then turned and took Helena's hand, and tried to loan her some of his metal crafting to help her think a bit more clearly through the earth and fire crafting that was coming her way from Lucius.&nbsp; &nbsp;He had to do so in such a way so as not to let the man sense a break in his crafting, creating a circuit that would go from the man right back into his sister.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus thought it was rather apt for him to do so, and a playful smile played over his features as he leaned down to kiss Helena's hand.<br><br><strong>"Do forgive my appalling bad manners, Lady Civellus.&nbsp; &nbsp;The wine and the crafting has made me a bit light headed and forget myself.&nbsp; I am Aquitainus Decimus Meridius.&nbsp; &nbsp;I can assure you despite the Lady Titus' words that you are quite safe, and in for quite a night.&nbsp; &nbsp;While there is a rakish air of the taboo about our destination, it is quite safe and everything that happens there will be at your request or consent."</strong><br><br>Especially now that Decimus managed to help clear the fog of lust and passion away.&nbsp; &nbsp;Since his sister called him out on it, Decimus was certain that Lucius stop, or scale back the channeling.&nbsp; &nbsp;He would not be able to bring near as much to bear upon her at the <em>Silks</em> as their were guardians in place to be certain a woman or a man, had been crafted to the point were she was well beyond the mental capability to give consent.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was far from perfect, but he could only protect this Rosentia, if that was even her name, so far.<br><br>Decimus entered the coach before Lucius, and had his hand in Aviera's hair, craning her head back to kiss along the length of her neck, then to her ripe lips, yet at the same time pinning her against the corner so she could not escape.&nbsp; &nbsp;He pitched his voice low for her hear and no one else.&nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">"You made me look the fool girl.&nbsp; &nbsp;Know that I only had a certain number of times I was going to allow you to climax tonight.&nbsp; &nbsp;That number has been reduced by one.&nbsp; &nbsp;You had best hope I had allowed you more than one, or it will be a very long sexually frustrating night for you..."</span></strong><br><br>Lucius entered into the coach next, and noticed how Decimus was manhandling his chit of a sister.&nbsp; &nbsp;He hoped he made the bitch scream tonight.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was the least the little tart deserved.&nbsp; &nbsp;Once inside, Lucius brought up a small wind crafting to give them privacy,&nbsp; &nbsp;Just because he wanted his sister man-handled did not mean he wanted to hear and see it.&nbsp; &nbsp; He instead turned his attention back to Rosentia and pulled her into his lap.&nbsp; &nbsp;She would feel his erection through the soft leather breeches of his dress uniform, and the solid surface of his breast plate that was pressed against her back.&nbsp; &nbsp;It also gave Helena more metal to touch to draw upon for her small skill of metal crafting.<br><br>Next Helena felt his hands start at her hips and move oh so slowly up her ribs to cup at her breasts.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lucius whispered into her ear as he caressed and kneaded the woman's breasts with no small amount of expert skill.&nbsp; The man knew his way about a woman's body and how to arouse her and to get her panting even with no earth crafting after the coach took off into the air.&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">"Do not worry, they cannot see or hear us.&nbsp; &nbsp;You could scream out a climax and they would not hear.&nbsp; &nbsp;In fact, my sister was right, I have been cruel to you, perhaps a small one, to take the edge off, hmm?&nbsp; I will be certain that your attire is properly in place when we land."</span></strong>&nbsp; With that, one hand left Helena's breast, and moved down lower, past her sternum, past her navel, and lower still.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>13-10-2015, 06:38:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena's light eyes met Decimus' with a bright, curious expression beyond the lust that burned in her. But she felt the strength he lent to her and clung to it. She would not be angry with him for clearing some of the fog in her mind. Her hands squeezed his in the only indication of her thanks before she turned to sit within the carriage. The way he immediately went to Aviera made her blush bright with a confusing mixture of anger, arousal, and confusion. She could not hear what Decimus said to the woman but she could sort of understand the gist of it. <br><br>The daughter of Titus gasped and moaned when she found herself pinned to the corner of the carriage. His lips on her forcefully exposed neck felt heavenly. Her hand rose to brush back against his thigh – she figured that she might as well enjoy touching him as long as she was free to do so. She had a feeling that she could have precious little freedom once they got to their destination.<br><br>Aviera let a slender eyebrow quirk upward on her forehead when her partner proclaimed that she had made him 'look the fool.' Yes, she had been teasing him. Yes, she had been feisty. But she couldn't see what warranted such a strong reaction. It was only her brother and some inconsequential lady that they had been in the presence of, and it was <em>her brother</em> who should have been in charge of introduction as the eldest son of the family whose party was currently being hosted. In fact, Decimus' reactions to her in general had been just a little too emphatic than the situation called for, by her estimation. She couldn't help the slightly narrowed look of suspicion that briefly crossed her face. Either this man was quick to anger or there was something else going on here. <br><br>The momentary suspicion melted from her features, and she artfully and delicately caressed him with her earth crafting. It was probably nothing, and it was definitely not something she should worry about. Aviera felt safe at <em>Midnight Silks.</em> Among other things, that was what that place was there for. <em>Safety.</em> “Please, my lord. I'll be good.” She purred at him. That potential of a long, sexually frustrating night sounded abysmal indeed. <br><br>'Rosentia' herself was on the verge of throwing up her own light-bending wind wall. She of course was versed in its crafting as a cursor in training – though to tell the truth she discovered the use of such a thing long before coming here to the Capital to hide her own activities of just this nature. Lucius managed it for her, for which she was thankful: one less thing for her to concentrate on. It turned out to be a good thing, too, for when she was pulled onto her partner of the night's lap, it was hard to concentrate on anything that wasn't, well, his <em>hardness.</em> <br><br>“That would be nice.” Helena found herself gasping in response to his question. She let herself lean against him. Her hand came up to brush light fingers at the back of his head. While completely prepared to draw upon the metal of his breastplate (in addition to her metal-boned corset) if she felt more aroused than she should be, Helena felt it harmless to indulge in what pleasure he wished to offer at that time. She would pump him for information later when his mind was in a cloud of satisfaction and triumph. For now, her body arched sinuously into him, inviting him to touch her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>16-10-2015, 05:30:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oh there was a deep purr of satisfaction from Lucius as he heard Helena's words.&nbsp; &nbsp;His own words become darkly and richly sensual as he responds to her.&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>"Since you asked me so nicely, how can I refuse such a woman that has teased me so all evening.&nbsp; &nbsp;I cannot wait to have you bind and wondering what next wickedly delicious thing I will do to you next.&nbsp; &nbsp;You will enjoy tonight.&nbsp; In fact after tonight, all other sex will seem plain and dull to you."</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;Lucius whispered that into Helena's ear before he brought his mouth down upon her earlobe softly.<br><br>In the air, Lucius did not have access to earth crafting, as he finally touched Helena he proved he did not need access to it to make a woman writhe in pleasure.&nbsp; &nbsp;His hand pushed down her gown to expose her breast.&nbsp; &nbsp;His hand caressed over the bared flesh to slide under it, then he cupped it in a strong grip to give Helena the edge of pain and pleasure.&nbsp; &nbsp;His fingers left red marks that faded after a few moments, but they did have enough force to mark her so.&nbsp; &nbsp;He then moved to take her nipple into his fingers, twisting and tugging upon it as his other hand moved down between her legs to rake up her inner thigh under her gown.&nbsp; &nbsp;She could feel him grind against her ass as his manhood strained against his breeches, a shaft of pure heat bisecting her buttocks as he whispered to her again.&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>"Now, let me hear you..."</strong><br><br>On the other side of the crafting, Decimus did not let go of Aviera's hair and with his free hand he took his time to disrobe her.&nbsp; &nbsp;As he did so his hands caressed and touched her everywhere, as if familiarizing her body with his touch.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus had to admit he was looking forward to this.&nbsp; &nbsp;While it was not something he indulged in often, he so did enjoy taking an arrogant noblewoman like Aviera and breaking her.&nbsp; &nbsp; It was the risk he was going to take for even if she did start to get clingy with Decimus.&nbsp; &nbsp;Aviera could feel Decimus harden underneath her as the last of her gown was removed.<br><br><strong>"You are going to be my plaything for the evening.&nbsp; &nbsp;I promise you it will be a hard evening for you I fear, but the end will be worth it.&nbsp; &nbsp;All the other men had fallen short to contain and control you.&nbsp; I am not then and at the end of the night you know what it truly will mean to be used and owned by a man."</strong><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>18-10-2015, 22:36:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena felt her concentration skitter away at the sound of Lucius' words in her ear. A rush of heat washed through her as good as any skilled earth crafting, though she knew the air would finally block him from such a tactic. There was fear there, too, when she heard that he intended to bind her. Decimus and Aviera had merely hinted at what happened at Midnight Silks, and before that she had only heard that it was a place of noble extravagance. That fear she felt somehow did nothing to dampen her arousal. Somehow, the thrill of it only made her ache for his touch. She had never done something like this before, but she was willing to try. The fact that it also helped to further her mission was quite the bonus.<br><br>The disguised commoner gasped when she felt her breast revealed and fondled. It made her arch her back just a little bit more, made her ass grind back against him in time with his motions. She could not quite contain the gasps and moans of pleasure that escaped her lips, though she wasn't trying all that hard. He had said he wanted to hear her. If the people on the other side of the air crafting could not sense her noise, why should she remain quiet?<br><br>Her instinct was for her hands to roam across his body, to give back as much pleasure as she received. But in her current position, the only body she had easy access to was her own. Her hand slid over the top of his, just to feel – not to impede - how he moved to manipulate her breast to mix pain with pleasure. Furies, it was like a line that shot to her cunt to make it ache and grow damp with arousal. If he wasn't careful, she'd make a mess of his trousers with her wetness.<br><br>Aviera's earth crafting faded as they took off into the night, but it was clear that she wouldn't need it anymore. He did not need the crafting either; his promises were quite effective in making her breath quicken with excitement. She had gotten far more of his attention than she anticipated. Not that the Lady Titus was complaining. The noble woman would enjoy this clash of wills. There was something that attracted men like him to women like her. They thought to control her just because she had a stronger personality than most. He <em>would</em> control her. For a night. And it was only because she was going to let him.<br><br>"I submit myself to your expert hands, then." She responded with breathy arousal. There was something... mocking in her eyes, though. It was as if she did not believe that he could succeed in his promised task.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>20-10-2015, 22:38:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whatever actions that Helena was doing with her hips and ass being pressed against Lucius was clearing bringing him pleasure as he did not one loose the hardness in his shaft pressing through the soft leather if his breeches. Indeed to the Capula heir the little minx was quite skilled and he was beginning to think that she might be more experienced at this then she lead him to believe, which was not a bad thing truth to be told. It added another layer of spice to the game between them.<br><br>Lucius was also encouraged by her sounds and the actions of her hands. He took her hand and placed it on the one bared breast, closing her fingers about it as he whispered into her ear. <strong>"Here, play with this one my dear, and you are doing well, you make such nice moans and noises for me, do not stop. Continue and you will be rewarded, I promise you. You will climax like you never had before, just to give to give you a little taste of what is ahead of you tonight in my hands."</strong><br><br>Lucius was not idle and bared her other breast and manipulated her hard nipple, even giving it a bit more pinch and twist to see how she responded to a bit of pain. His other hand finally reached its destination under her skirts of Helena's sex. He merely rubbed it right now, marveling at how wet she was already and the heat he felt there. She was ripe and ready and it would not take too much at all to put her over the edge. He did not want to, not yet so he did not trust fingers inside her by merely rubbed the near soaked silk over the folds of her sex, and the pearl of flesh there that was swollen and wanted his attention he could tell, but he only lightly brushed there, dragging out this carnal seduction of her.<br><br>Decimus was not thinking about Aviera's comfort or pleasure as he stripped her out of her clothing till she was nude. He even took her sash and taking the opposite corners, spun it into a cord and tied it about her neck like a lead. He wished he had a collar for her. The presence and weight of it would help reinforce her roll here this evening, allow the feelings of submission and subjugation to sink in.<br><br>about her neck where if he jerked it hard enough it would start to choke her would have to do.<br><br>He pulled on this lead now to put her to her knees before him his free hand opened his breeches and released his manhood. The little strumpet had been teasing him far too long and he did not want his mind clouded with lust when he put her through her paces tonight. He wanted his mind nearly clear as he methodically broke her will to his. To take that edge off he was going to see if her too cute and too clever mouth was of any other use.<br><br><strong>"There is no need for clothing for you. You know your purpose is to be my sexual toy so I do not see the need to mess with pretenses. Let all see you, and let others be envious of you for being sexually liberated enough to acknowledge your desires where others are too cowardly to do so."</strong><br><br>Decimus hand gathered her hair at the base of her skull and he attempted to use that hold upon her, he now being physically stronger than she was with no earth crafting involved, to rub her face against his achingly hard member. <strong>"Now, suck me and please me and how well you do might determine if I will fuck you at all tonight. Might.."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>22-10-2015, 22:08:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena thought that she could not be quiet even if she wanted to at that point, so his request that she make her pleasure audible was not a difficult one to follow. Her hand caressed her own breast eagerly enough, and echoed the movements he made upon its twin. The slight, twisting pain he inflicted upon her made her groan. It was near the edge of her tolerance for the unprecedented abuse of the sensitive flesh.<br><br>Lucius' hand against her netherlips forced a whimper through partially parted mouth. She forced herself not to grind against him harder and more desperately. Had she had her choice, he would be furiously pumping his cock in and out of her. But this man seemed to know what he was doing, and hinted at greater pleasure at his hands. His motions had only given her evidence that he knew what he was talking about, so she let him keep this teasing pace for a time.<br><br>“Furies...” Helena breathed with a good deal of desperation in her voice. <br><br>The Lady Titus submitted to his impromptu collar. She knew full well that he could and would choke her if he deemed it necessary or amusing. It did not seem to concern her. On the contrary, the slight pressure on her neck made her shudder not with fear, but with arousal. Her pink tongue darted out to caress full lips that spread into a very catlike smile. Aviera's body became that much more compliant. She let him move her as he wished without protest. Her mind was another matter entirely. It was clear from her features the hunger and amused defiance she felt. Her head tilted very slightly to the side in attentiveness when he let her know how their entrance was going to play out.<br><br>So that was the game they were going to play? She was going to be paraded naked through the courtyard and inner chambers of <em>Midnight Silks</em> for all eyes to see - including her brother? So be it then. <br><br>Aviera was not aroused by the prospect, but neither was she particularly embarrassed. Decimus was entirely correct about her level of sexual liberation. Her nakedness was no degradation. People would see her body and revel in it's perfection. She would instil jabs of envy towards the man who'd stripped and collared her. Though her dress was corseted, it did not need to mould her body into its lovely form unlike so many other, less lucky women. For her hourglass figure was soft and noble, young and well-formed. Her breasts were more than a generous handful, but showed no signs of sagging. Her nipples had been hard and attentive since before they entered the carriage. Those hard mounds were sensitive now, having rubbed against the fabric of her dress for as long as they have. It felt wonderful to finally be free of her restrictive dress. There was well-trimmed thatch at the fork of her legs that matched her hair. For the time being, it hid her soft pink folds now nearly drenched and swollen with the heat of her arousal.<br><br>When she found her view full of his cock Aviera smiled and purred against the soft flesh that encased turgid arousal. Her nostrils flared for a moment to take in the scent of him. She wished he would not grind her face to it so when he also apparently wanted her to mouth him. Aviera worked much better when she had full range of movement. Oh well; his loss. <br><br>She braced herself with one hand against the bench, and the other came up to caress his balls – whether that be directly or through his trousers, whatever place they currently lie. Her tongue left her mouth to circle his member as best she could while her face was pressed to his crotch. It made the next part easier, when her lips parted to accept his head. That nimble pink tongue was not dormant once he was inside her mouth. It undulated and caressed as she sucked him deeper. She only let him brush against the back of his throat before she pulled him almost all the way back out and then in again – unless, of course, he forced her to take him deeper. She could do that, too, but didn't quite enjoy it as much.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>26-10-2015, 05:26:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Again there was that rich chuckle from Lucius as he watches Helena play with her breast, mirroring his actions with her other breast in his hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is not gentle with it, wanting now to test some of the limits to her pain tolerance.&nbsp; &nbsp;If she were some commoner or slave he would not are.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was not like she could not sue for justice against him.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even as a minor noble that she was the courts would likely dismiss it.&nbsp; It would not be the first time he had played so with a pretty woman to catch his eye.&nbsp; However he was going to the <em>Silks</em> and to play with this woman as such with utter disregard save for his own pleasure and amusement would be costly, and money was not something that he had readily on hand, nor did his father, and because of such he needed to be mindful and play with her in a way that she would enjoy as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>That mean finding out her acceptance of pain which was why he was being rough with the pinching, the twisting, and the tugging of her nipple.&nbsp; He was not gentle at all and he wanted to gauge her reaction.&nbsp; &nbsp;At the same time he wanted her pleasure to override the pain so he angled his other hand in such a way that the base of his thumb ground against her sexual core with every thrust of his hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;When his fingers were inside her, that wet, slick, heated flesh; he made little "come here" motions over a spot of sensitive flesh inside her.&nbsp; He then would pull out and repeat the action all over.&nbsp; &nbsp;He also was not quiet performing his actions, grinding up against her ass that he could not wait to fuck later as he whispered into her ear.<br><br><strong>"That is it my dear.&nbsp; &nbsp;Louder now, grind and thrust those hips for I promise you this orgasm you can have on your own with no restrictions or strings from me.&nbsp; That will not be true the rest of the night as you will earn what pleasure you have.&nbsp; It will be that determines if you have been a good enough toy for me to climax.&nbsp; That is for later however, for now, roll your hips more as you are.&nbsp; I knew there was a wanton and lustful creature inside.&nbsp; Flood my hand with your sweet nectar and show me that I am right."</strong><br><br>Across the carriage, Decimus let up a but on the force he was using to press Aviera against him and let her have movement of her head and neck again.&nbsp; His body shuddered a bit as he felt her tongue lick upon the length of him.&nbsp; &nbsp;His other hand was not idle and he moved it down to cup her breast and merely massaged it for now.&nbsp; He did not do so in a rough or painful manner.&nbsp; No, that could come later tonight as he was taming here.&nbsp; For now he wanted her to enjoy his body, to worship his cock, to have the need of it inside her to be so strong that she would not be able to deny it later, and to use her sexual denial as well as her need to feel him inside her to tame her to heel.&nbsp; So he let loose and let her have her way as she drew him inside her warm, sweet, and skilled mouth.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was indeed skilled of which Decmius was thankful, and he voiced his enjoyment of her skill to encourage her more.&nbsp; He was going to enjoy this, and let that enjoyment fuel her sexual indeed into something more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>26-10-2015, 20:22:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As much as she could, Aviera kept her dark eyes trained on the man whose cock she serviced. She hummed in pleasure when he reached forward to take her breast in his hand, sending the vibrations of her mouth through his member. It was a trick she repeated a couple more times after that, as if his dick in her mouth alone gave her pleasure. The Lady Titus worked him diligently and quickly; she knew that they would land soon, and that it would definitely work in her favor if she managed to get him off right there in the carriage. At least that was her impression from his orders. <br><br>Her hand left its brace against the bench when she felt steady enough to do so. Cautiously, that hand brushed down the exposed flesh of her own body down to the upper folds of her womanhood – just lightly caressing herself. Aviera didn't think she had the time at this late stage to make herself climax, but that wasn't the goal anyway. It was more about keeping herself warm and ready. If he directly ordered her to stop, she would do so.<br><br>Lucius' rich chuckle brought Helena a strange sort of auditory pleasure. It sent a thrill down her spine and made her bite her lip momentarily. That more than anything made her aware how much control she was giving him in that moment. She felt like an instrument – like, as he would say moments later, <em>a toy</em>. Had she been in her right mind, Helena might have been offended by the idea of just being an object of pleasure to him. In the moment, however, it made her feel strangely... free. Like she had little choice but submit to the wonderful things he made her body feel.<br><br>The commoner in disguise responded to the pain Lucius inflicted upon her breasts as well as one might, not being used to the sensation. Helena was unused to the concept of pain being a part of pleasure beyond the occasional quick, sharp smack of her ass when someone took her from behind. It made her shift and squirm, hiss and groan. The hand on her other breast stopped trying to mirror his actions when the sensations he inflicted upon her grew too overwhelming. Instead, she simply held the soft flesh in a gentle embrace very different from what was happening to the other side. She might have even made him stop, but the work of his hands quickly distracted her from the pain.<br><br>Helena gasped when she felt Lucius' fingers slide easily into her core. She'd been wet enough to allow him easy entry for what seemed like an eternity. Oh, he knew what he was doing, and he knew it far better than any clumsy young farmboy she'd been with. It was clear by her reaction how much she appreciated his skill. Now that her clit was attacked from both sides, Helena didn't think she'd be able to hold herself back if she tried. Her sexually pleased noises increased in frequency and volume, and it felt to her as if her whole body was flushed red. Then her breath caught gloriously in her throat as the sudden burst of pleasure made her forget to breath, forget to blink, forget to do anything other than <em>feel.</em><br><br>“Furies, Lucius...” She breathed once the fire abated and her mind returned to the present. He was right; that was a better orgasm than any man before him had been able to engender. And it was the second one he'd given her that night before either of their clothes were even properly off. All-in-all, it was a good sign for the rest of the night. All she had to do was remember that she had a mission, and there were questions he promised to answer when all this was over.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>28-10-2015, 23:50:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius grinned wickedly and bite down on Helena's ear in an attempt to make her body shudder more in its post orgasmic bliss.&nbsp; He did what he could to extend out her climax as long as he could.&nbsp; When it was clear she was finished, he chuckled and slowly removed his fingers from her sex, leaving her feeling empty as he did so, and hopefully her body would crave to be filled again.&nbsp; While her orgasm was intense, he knew it was not the kind that would have a woman near senseless for a period of time.&nbsp; No, this type he gave her was he hoped the right type, the one to wet her appetite and wanting more from him.&nbsp; He planned on giving her more, but for the rest of the night she would need to earn them.<br><br>Lucius took his coated fingers and slowly started to lick them clean, savoring the sweet and tangy taste of her sexual honey, beaming a wicked smile she she could see.&nbsp; Once he was done cleaning his fingers he moved in to kiss her, to share the taste of her on his tongue with Helena.&nbsp; At the same time his hands were moving to restore her gown to some measure of propriety.&nbsp; He took his time both with the kiss and the gown, teasing fingers over breasts and nipples both in an attempt to keep her body at a high state of arousal and prime for more.&nbsp; When he broke off the kiss, he gave another wicked chuckle before speaking.<br><br><strong>"That is but a taste of what I hold for you tonight.&nbsp; I do love how responsive you are my dear, and that you enjoyed the bit of pain that helped send you over the edge.&nbsp; That pleases me greatly and means we have so much more in store for you.&nbsp; Before the night is done your world willshrink to only me, what I am doing to you, and how you can please me so you will get to climax again that will chase all thought for your mind."</strong><br><br>Decimus was caught a bit off guard with just how talented and skilled Aviera was with taking a man's cock into her mouth, and this without an ounce of earth crafting available to her.&nbsp; He did detect perhaps a bit of wind, but of all the furies, air was by far the one he was the least skilled in, followed very closely by wood crafting.&nbsp; Metal was his strongest and after that his water, earth, and fire crafting were all near equal to each other, and stronger than most he had met.&nbsp; Aviera had more skill than he did in earth crafting, if not raw power, but in the end they were perhaps close to one another, but she was the only noble encountered save for his own parents and brother that could come close to him.<br><br>If Aviera was using wind crafting or not, the result was still the same and she had him spilling his seed into her mouth well before the carriage came to a landing.&nbsp; Decimus' climax was intense, and had his body shuddering as she licked the last traces from the crown, his member sensitive that touching it was like sending lightning through his body.&nbsp; He removed himself from her mouth and set his breeches to right before he pulled Aviera up into his lap, touching her and cupping a breast, his thumb rapidly flicking over her nipple&nbsp; He kissed her, for he was the type of man that if he had a woman pleasure him by the mouth he would at least do that and not insist she wash her mouth out. As he did he spoke to her in his own darkly seductive tone.<br><br><strong>"Great Furies alive, your mouth was worth all I endured tonight before we left.&nbsp; I will be certain to reward you.&nbsp; I had thought piercing these..."</strong>&nbsp; He again thumbed and twisted her nipple before continuing.&nbsp; <strong>"Think on it.&nbsp; With my water crafting you would be healed before you could cry out.&nbsp; Then we could have more fun as I could make them vibrate, turn cold, turn warm.&nbsp; The possibilities are endless.&nbsp; Yes I think I will..."</strong><br><br>Before Decimus could say more, there was a bump that was felt by all inside the carriage, followed by a banging by the lead flyer against the side of the coach.&nbsp; They had arrived at their destination.&nbsp; Decimus moved Aviera from his lap and across the way Lucius did the same.&nbsp; Decimus opened the door first and stepped out and took his improved leash and aided Aviera from the carriage.&nbsp; &nbsp;The backside of Aviera's nude form as she stepped out of the carriage.&nbsp; &nbsp;Lucius only smirked at seeing his sister so humbled and moved out on his own, holding out his hand to Helena to help her out of the carriage as well.<br><br>Before them stood an opulent structure white marble and dark blue silk banners trimmed in gold.&nbsp; The doors to the building were of a rich reddish wood and also had gold worked into its surface.&nbsp; There were a number of people about, some as nude as Aviera was and being led about by leashes, heading towards the doors where a man and woman in near sheer robes stood.&nbsp; They bowed to patrons as they arrived and opened the doors for them.&nbsp; Beyond the doors only darkness with a bare flicker of light could be seen. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>31-10-2015, 21:42:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena indeed felt that strange sensation of only wanting more from Lucius even as her body recovered from the burst of pleasure he gave her. It had been very similar back at the party, in the middle of the dance when he had ground his leg against her cunt until she lost control of herself. Her womanhood still felt hot and swollen, demanding to be rutted. That sensation only grew when she turned to look at his grinning face and saw how he cleaned her essence his fingers. She did not seem to mind much when next he pulled her into his mouth to share in her taste. It was a somewhat new experience for her, but it was only fair when he had done so much to please her thus far. Besides, Helena enjoyed kissing. This was no exception, though there were unfamiliar flavors involved – unfamiliar, but not entirely unpleasant. When their lips parted, she gave him an answering smile. Her expression was more dreamy than wicked in the wake of her recent orgasm. <br><br>Wind crafting was indeed quite useful during the art of fellatio. Aviera learned quite quickly that it was hard to breathe normally with a dick in her mouth. Lack of air was a distraction that she did not need while she was trying to drive a man wild with her mouth. So she called on the aid of what skills she had in Wind just so that she could breathe more easily. Lad Titus did not hesitate to let him spill himself in her mouth and down her throat. She even made a conscious effort to clean every last bit of his essence before he put himself back in order.<br><br>Damn, she loved when she could make a man shudder despite himself.<br><br>Lady Titus regretfully removed her fingers from her clit when her master for the night pulled her into his lap. She did, however, seemed pleased to be kissed and fondled by him one last time before they left the carriage. The words he said next actually surprised her a little. She was about to make a quip involving her skilled by oh-so-worth-it mouth, but he went on to say that he wanted to pierce her nipples. Could she let him make such a permanent mark on her body? This was only supposed to be for one night; it was a lot to ask for a one night stand. She didn't have much time to contemplate it, for they had landed and it was time to leave.<br><br>The cursor-in-training's hands joined Lucius' to get her clothes back into how they were before – the were adjustments necessary for comfort's sake. For whatever reason, it was thrilling to be able to put herself back in order in time for the carriage to land. It was as if she had just taken a risk, and the risk had paid off. Apparently, that same risk was taken and lost by the other couple in the carriage whom she had forgotten entirely about until the wind crafted privacy screen was lowered. It was hard not to notice Lady Titus naked with a sash tied around her neck like some sort of slave's leash. But there was something about the noble lady's eyes and body language that made Helena feel that Aviera had Decimus right where she wanted him. It still made 'Rosentia's' face brighten even past the dimming afterglow. She shot her fellow would-be cursor an incredulous, disapproving look.<br><br>Aviera caught sight of the strangled expression of the young Civellus Rosentia when she could finally see what the other half of the carriage was doing. It made her genuinely laugh. It was a rich, sensual noise completely void of embarrassment. “You are <em>adorable.</em>” Aviera informed the other woman. Her hand very briefly brushed against Rosentia's arm as she got up to be helped from the carriage. “I think I envy you, brother.” She said over he shoulder. <br><br>The sister did not miss the brother's smirk. He thought her humbled, did he? By the way she strutted across the courtyard, one could think that scarf-made-leash she wore was the greatest of finery the world had ever seen – and shame and embarrassment for all who did not realize that what she wore was at the height of fashion. Aviera winked at her brother on purpose in the hopes of making him uncomfortable. He'd always been so bloody hostile to her. She wondered if she had stolen away one of his playmates at one point. That may explain his disdain. “Like what you see, brother dearest?” She asked for good measure, laying on thick the sultry, suggestive tone.<br><br>She still made a show of deference towards Decimus, even as she pestered her brother. No need to make him feel like it was necessary to haul her around by the neck. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>06-11-2015, 05:02:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus did not tug or yank hard upon the improvised lead he had about Aviera's neck.&nbsp; He did not wish to press the matter besides, she was soon to be bound and at his total mercy soon enough.&nbsp; He knew what buttons to press with her and arousing her and denying her spread about with the right stimulation should work for her.&nbsp; &nbsp;She might think she can hold out but after several hours of sexual denial he was certain she would bend to his will.&nbsp; What was far more interesting was the flare of emotion he picked up from her brother.&nbsp; There was bad blood there beyond the normal sibling rivalry going on he was certain.&nbsp; He wanted her humbled and broken, he could tell.&nbsp; He might not be perverse to fuck her, but then again he might.&nbsp; What could be more humiliating than being forced to fuck her sibling and being made to enjoy it?<br><br>It was something to consider and watch for in the future.&nbsp; With Rosentia by Lucius side Decimus doubted that scenario was to happen tonight.&nbsp; &nbsp;The doors opened and Decimus did not need directions, giving a brief greeting to madam of the house as he entered.&nbsp; He smiled and kissed her hand before he spoke to her.&nbsp; <strong>"Lady Celia, you are as beautiful and charming as ever.&nbsp; All I need is a private room that is stocked and prepared for those that enjoy the sharper pleasures, as well as a collar and lead for my toy for the evening if you would.&nbsp; You know the collar."</strong>&nbsp; It seemed that Decimus did not merely dabble if he was asking for the collar.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a variation of the discipline collar used to keep slaves in line, save this collar could be removed at will with no ill effect to the wearer.&nbsp; However she would be bound to him during the time that she wore the collar, and that included limiting or taking away her ability to craft, and the driving need to please him.<br><br>As Decimus waited for the items to be brought, Lucius stepped forward and smiled as well to Lady Celia.&nbsp; He too bowed to her and spoke in a respectful tone.&nbsp; Like a lord to a prized servant, but still respectful.&nbsp; <strong>"There is a party that already arrived before us.&nbsp; I am certain they have one of your fine suites reserved with entertainment prepared."</strong>&nbsp; Lady Celia bowed in turn and gave a smile in turn back to Helena and Lucius.&nbsp; <strong>"Of course m'Lord, Kalarius Remus Minorius is present and had sent word that others would be joining him.&nbsp; &nbsp;If you would follow me please, I will take you to where they are entertaining this evening in my fine establishment."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>10-11-2015, 18:55:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lady Titus' eyebrows rose slightly when her partner for the night asked for a collar. She was not unfamiliar with its use in this particular setting with people who were not actually slaves. Aviera had been on both sides of that situation, though generally there was more trust involved than was currently between herself and Decimus. But damn she was horny, and trusted the staff of Midnight Silks to keep her save in case she sorely misjudged this man's character. So she let him collar her as he wished. In their personal chamber, she was the proverbial blade of grass that could bend without breaking. The noble woman displayed a playful sort of stubbornness only carried to the point where he would be satisfied with his 'break' of her. It was a pleasure denial that went both ways. Unless he did something to figuratively yank that blade of grass from the ground, Aviera would walk away from this place much the same as she was going in earlier that night. Just far more satisfied and pleased with herself.<br><br>Helena, on the other hand, looked near aghast when she heard something about a Collar being used. She hid the expression quickly and lowered her eyes to the floor. Combined with the very pink glow to her cheeks, she hoped that the people present would merely interpret her sudden gasp as a scandalized outburst from a noble women not yet used to the pleasant debaucheries of this place. In reality, it went just a bit farther than that. She hastily calmed herself before people sensitive enough could tell that the red in her face was from horrified anger. How could they use that object of such terrible oppression as a mere... toy? <br><br>Her attention was finally torn from that subject that horrified her when Lucius walked up to 'Celia.' Something that hadn't quite occurred to her as possible hit her now. The answers to her questions could very well be more directly gained here than she ever expected. Kalare was here? Was it because Remus and Lucius were just friends? Or did it go a bit further than that, politically speaking? Being in a room where they relaxed together would likely be the best way to find out. She hoped she played the part of a horny but air-headed, young, and very <em>minor</em> noble woman well enough that they felt comfortable talking about more than just the weather.<br><br>Wait... did this mean she and Lucius would be carrying on with his promised pleasures in front of other people? Furies, what had she gotten herself into? Whatever. She wasn't going to question it. At least not until she fully understood the situation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>16-11-2015, 00:16:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celia lead the couple deeper into <em>Midnight Silks</em>.&nbsp; There is a storm of sounds and scents and emotions swirling about that caresses over Helena like a lover's caress that even her water crafting skills can detect.&nbsp; Enticing scents like jasmine, nightshade, sandalwood, and leather all mix together into one intoxicating scent.&nbsp; The sounds of women and men enjoying themselves like she was in the air carriage drift upon the air, as well as the sounds of flesh impacting flesh, from a hand striking against one's buttocks, or a man's hips slapping into a woman, and the sharp cries lend support of a man using a woman and using her hard, and her enjoyment from it.&nbsp; Flesh striking flesh are not the only sounds.&nbsp; There were also the sounds of leather striking flesh in the air, and the the cries of pain, and something more carnal and intense, ringing in the air.&nbsp; Was one of those cries Aviera's?&nbsp; &nbsp;If it were not for the feeling of enjoyment and lust that was near overwhelming, one might be concerned, but it was clear that any cries of pain in <em>Midnight Silks</em> were intentional, and consensual.<br><br>Celia's lush and willowy form swayed as she walked, drawing male and female attention alike as she passed by couples and more in the open areas of the house.&nbsp; Her dress seemingly of silk, conformed to every stunning curve.&nbsp; Through the material it was clear that she had some form of piercings at her nipples, and the reading that Helena got from the woman was controlled yet total carnal sensuality.&nbsp; This would be a woman that a lover could loose herself easily too.&nbsp; &nbsp;Celia finally stopped before a door and opened it for the two of them.&nbsp; <strong>"Here we are m'Lord, m'Lady.&nbsp; Do enjoy and please let Lord Kalare know that anything he desires from the house is at his disposal...for the right negotiated." </strong>&nbsp; With that she stepped aside and and returned the way she came, desire for her radiating strongly as she swayed away.<br><br>Lucius looked after her with a near hungry expression for a few moments before he shook his head and muttered softly.&nbsp; <strong>"Great Furies her earth crafting is beyond belief.&nbsp; How did she end up here and not a Knight Terra for the Legion?"</strong>&nbsp; Another shake of his head and he turned his attention back to Helena, letting his fingers trace down her cheek as his own form of earth crafting started all over again as he whispered to her.&nbsp; <strong>"Now my pretty little flower, it is time for me to see what you have been teasing and taunting me with all evening.&nbsp; &nbsp;Strip for me."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>20-11-2015, 20:58:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena followed the other two people in an almost awed silence. She hadn't known really what to expect before entering this strange establishment, but it wasn't exactly <em>this</em>. How did she feel about the fact that she very well may be joining in on those screams and groans that ran the scale between agony and ecstasy? It scared her and fascinated her in equal measure. It also absolutely convinced her that the rich and high-powered citizens of the land were a corrupt bunch who had far too much time and money on their hands. For a brief moment she felt that old resentment burn in her gut for a people who lived&nbsp; in luxury on the backs of the truly important people of the realm: the laborers. But it was not something that she wanted or even <em>could</em> dwell on for long. The feelings her water crafting picked up could overwhelm her if she wasn't careful.&nbsp; <br><br><em>And the way that woman, Celia, swayed in front of her...</em><br><br>The disguised commoner also watched Celia as she left as if transfixed on her form. What was that Lucius had said? Earth crafting? Right, that made sense. Helena usually wasn't the type to ogle other women as she was doing at this moment. <br><br>Her attention finally fell back on her partner for the night, the man she was supposed to pump for information. She felt her arousal almost irrationally heighten – he must have been using earth crafting on her again. Thankfully, she had her metal-boned corset to draw upon and keep herself moderately centered... except she wasn't going to be allowed to keep that on, was she? She blinked when he told her to strip. Her eyes darted across her surroundings as if to check if they were alone. But it didn't matter if they were or not, did it? Helena had to play along. She hoped her sudden embarrassment could be explained away as a young and inexperienced lady trying to cope with the new situation. The truth wasn't too far away.<br><br>The young woman's arms twisted behind her back to start undoing the buttons of her dress there. It didn't seem too difficult a task for her. She didn't ask for help. The fabric of her dress soon pooled at her feet, leaving her with her breasts mostly bare but supported from underneath by her corset. Her bloomers came off next, revealing her womanhood. The fur there was neatly trimmed and perhaps a shade lighter than the hair on her head. Helena had, after all, dyed her hair, but failed to do the same below. At least it wasn't too unnatural of a contrast. Perhaps he wouldn’t notice, or would think her vain. Finally it was time to remove that last bit of security hugging her body. She pulled on the middle ribbon tying her corset closed and then proceeded to loosen the garment enough to pull it off of her. That, too, went on the ground. She assumed that there would be someone around to pick her clothes up and keep them safe for her.<br><br>Now she stood in front of him, no garments to mask the shape of her body. She wasn't as perfectly curved and feminine as Aviera. Helena was lightly built and naturally thin, and her time spent training for her desired role in the realm left her slightly muscled. Her breasts were large enough for her to complain about being in the way now and then, but at least they were well-shaped and perky. Her ass was something to be truly proud of. Helena was well-aware of this, and did a slow circle for him. When she was done displaying herself, she looked up at him through her eyelashes and affected a more self-conscious look than she felt. She let her hands fidget as if she was sorely tempted to cover herself up again. It wasn't a hard thing to fake; Helena did want her corset back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>01-12-2015, 07:46:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius eyes burn anew with hunger and desire as he watches Helena strip off her attire.&nbsp; He only aids her when it comes time to remove the lacing if her corset.&nbsp; &nbsp;When Helena is bare to him, he circles her slowly, his hands caressing her enticing and bare curves upon display before him.&nbsp; The start at the hips and move about, raking over the small of her back as Lucius walks about her with that predatory type grace.&nbsp; &nbsp;When Lucius moved behind her again, one hand pressed in and moved down from her navel, over the silk like patch of hair upon the mound of her sex, to move and thrust into her sex.&nbsp; The other hand moved up to cup at Helena's right breast, fingers taking her hard nipple in hand and twisting it, to give that thrill inside her that sends a raw current of lust straight to her sex.&nbsp; &nbsp;As Lucius played with Helena's body like an expert artisan playing his instrument, he whispered again into Helena's ear, earth crafting reaching a near fever pitch.<br><br><strong>"Stunning, absolutely stunning.&nbsp; The great furies have favored me indeed tonight.&nbsp; I will be the envy of Attica, Forcia, and Kalare.&nbsp; I do not know where you have been hiding all of this time my dear, and why I do not notice you before.&nbsp; Perhaps I left the Academy far too soon, but I do know you put all other ladies at the celebration to shame, even that of my spiteful sister.&nbsp; Now when we are there, you are to obey me in all things, and trust in me.&nbsp; It is very important for you to do so my sweet pet. Understand?" </strong><br><br>Once he had her word, the door opened into a large, circular chamber that was dimly lit, the scent of sensual and exotic incense.&nbsp; There is light in the very middle of the room where various benches, crosses, and chains are on display.&nbsp; &nbsp;Already two women can be found there, one bound and bent over a padded bench, and a man vigorously fucking her from behind.&nbsp; The power of the man as he thrusts into the woman sends shock waves of rippling through her flesh, to send her breasts swaying as they hang in the air, with weighted pincers clamped upon each nipple.&nbsp; &nbsp;The woman's face is known to Helena as one of the Count of Calduron's daughters, and the look upon her face is one of pure and sure ecstasy and she cries out in pleasure every time the man behind her, the hair to Forcia, thrusts into her and brings his hand down upon her ass.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>The other woman in the middle is hanging from a bar suspended in the air from chains.&nbsp; Her arms are wrapped and bound upon this metal bar to hold her in the air.&nbsp; Chains come from the floor to leather cuffs bound about the girl's ankles and thighs, pulling her legs wide apart so her sex and ass are vulnerable and exposed.&nbsp; This woman Helena cannot tell whom she is, as there is a leather hood upon her the prevents one from seeing&nbsp; her face, and muffling her screams as her body jerks in a mixture of pain and pleasure as the crack of a whip resonates in the air, and the sounds of leather striking flesh echos in the room.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>About the perimeter of the room are plush and comfortable cushions laid about the floor.&nbsp; The heir to Kalare is there, a woman's head bobbing up and down as Helena can see the man's impressive shaft enter the woman's mouth as far as she can take it.&nbsp; One hand is wrapped about the base a she moves it up and down in twisting and circular motions, her other hand between her thighs as two fingers enter her open and eager sex as she balances herself on her knees.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is over to this scene that Lucius brings Helena, a broad smile upon his face and a teasing tone upon his voice as he calls out.<br><br><strong>"Ho Kalare!&nbsp; Could you not wait for me at least!&nbsp; It was not as if I could leave my father's celebration early."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>05-12-2015, 20:30:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She stood, silent and still – except for her eyes, that followed Lucius' path as he walked around her to take in the sight of her nude form. Her face was flushed, but that could just as easily be attributed to arousal as embarrassment. Helena found it just a bit strange to be so naked while her partner remained fully dressed. It must have been part of this sexual play that she was yet unfamiliar with, but would soon begin to learn. She won the fight with herself not to pick her corset back up or cover any part of her body with her hands. Instead, she clasped her hands together at her stomach while he did his initial inspection. Those hands moved when she felt the warmth of him behind her, and then the molten heat of his touch at her navel and then downward. She thought she might climax then and there with the sheer amount of lust he pumped into her in what must have been the strongest pulse of earth crafting he'd subjected to her yet.<br><br>Had she been of her right mind, had her body not been aching for him to near unbearable levels, she might have rolled her eyes at his excessive praise of her. Helena was indeed a beauty, but she didn't think she could compare to some of the women who could watercraft themselves to perfection. Even that aside, she wasn't as curved and feminine as a noble woman should be – which made sense, since in reality she was common as dirt. <br><br>“You flatter me, sir.” She responded softly, then she went on to respond to his question. “I will do as you say.”<br><br>Then the scene within the room they were to stay was opened before her. Helena's eyes bulged, and her teeth caught the edge of her lower lip. It might have been the near overwhelming earth crafting she had been subjected to, but the sight that probably should have disgusted her fascinated the young woman instead. She stared at the carnal pleasure before her, a more lewd sight than she had ever seen in her life. But Lucius was hailing someone on the edge of the room, and she had been told to follow. She did as she was asked, though not as immediately as she could have. And who could blame her when such fascinating scenes were acted out for all to see?<br><br>Kalare was there at the edge of the room, just as the receptionist said. There were other names Lucius had said; Attica and Forcia. Had he been speaking in abstract, or were these people literally here? And did they have a part to play in the funding of a party Lucius' family should have never been able to afford? There was nothing to be done but wait, listen, and, quite possibly, enjoy herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>14-12-2015, 03:58:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man looked up from the woman kneeling before him and bobbing her head up and down now upon his naked shaft that glistened in the light of the room giving some evidence that she had been at work at what she was doing for some time.&nbsp; There was a wicked and arrogant smirk upon the man's features and while Helena had not been formally introduce to the man, she had seen him from afar, a bit far more clothed than he was now.&nbsp; The man being serviced was indeed&nbsp; the heir to House Kalre.&nbsp; &nbsp;He stretched and rolled his hips up and down while pressing one hand to the back of the girl's head, giving her no choice at all as he forced his shaft down her throat.&nbsp; <strong>"You were taking far too long, and this one here could not wait any longer.&nbsp; How could I deny her when her goal and mine were the same."</strong><br><br>That brought a chuckle from Lucius, and he started to disrobe.&nbsp; &nbsp;All about Helena were the sounds of sex and more.&nbsp; Cauldronus Rivia cries reached a crescendo of carnal delight.&nbsp; Her body shook and shuddered in its bonds, the ligaments and tendons on her arms and neck standing out as she struggled against her bondage, her climax so intense that she could not let her limbs be still.&nbsp; She then slumped against the bench, but that only lasted for a few moments as the man behind her, the heir to House Forcia, gathered up Rivia's hair and used that as well as his hand upon her hip to increase the speed of his fucking her if that was at all possible.&nbsp; &nbsp;Rivia's eyes went wide for a few heart beats as she weakly tried to protest.&nbsp; <strong>"No...please...N...oh by the great furies!"</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;That was when her eyes rolled up into her head and the only sounds from her mouth were guttural and animistic sounds of pleasure and rutting.<br><br>Next Helena felt Lucius hand in her own hair as he used that as leverage to pull Helena own to her knees.&nbsp; <strong>"Now, you had your release but I have not.&nbsp; I think it is time to balance those scales.&nbsp; You can either pleasure me with your mouth here, or I can put you on one of these benches with crafted ivory cocks to fill your cunt and ass so you can climax as well.&nbsp; Of course I will have a riding crop to use upon your helpless body.&nbsp; So what will it be my toy, your mouth and no climax, or you having the possibility of climax yet I get to play with your helpless body as I desire?"</strong>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>17-12-2015, 21:00:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena's could not help being drawn to scene with the bound Rivia. She tried her best not to stare – it still seemed lewd to be in the room while others were fucking with such wild abandon. Lewd and incredibly arousing. The pink flush to the young cursor face had little to do with embarrassment. Her attention was also drawn to the man they were with, and to the woman energetically fellating him. And her partner was disrobing now, too, which she very much wanted to watch. Between all that, Helena clearly didn't know where to look. In the end, her gaze fixated on the daughter of Calduron as she pleaded with the man coupling with her.<br><br>She was surprised, then, when she felt her hair in Lucius' hand. Helena got to her knees quickly enough when she realized what was happening. Wide eyes stared up at him, wondering with nervous arousal what was going to happen to her. He was going to give her a choice, apparently. Get lashed to one of those things that Rivia over there was experiencing such agonizing pleasure, or suck his cock. The first option was both terrifying and enticing – she'd never done anything remotely like what he described: never was whipped for sexual pleasure, never had two cocks in her at once, never had sex in front of other people. The second option, however, was the obvious choice despite any feelings she might have on the matter. There was a reason she was here, after all, and that was to pump Lucius for information. If they sat here while she pleasured him, he might be inclined to talk to Kalare, and she might find out if he was part of the reason why Lucius' family could afford that party.<br><br>“I wish to pleasure you, my lord.” Helena decided aloud. “You have been so graciously focused on me this night. Please, let me return the favor.” She said, ever acting the young but eager noble lady who had only so recently come out into society. The act was beginning to grate on her, if she was honest with herself. She didn't like acting so eager to please, especially not towards a man she barely knew and didn't particularly care to see again after the night ended. Not that she let it show in her face. No, her mission was too important to her to let such a petty thing ruin it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>28-12-2015, 03:00:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kalarus Invidicus, heir to the city state of Kalare and the next high lord, thrusting one last time into the woman's mouth was before him with a groan of carnal pleasure.&nbsp; &nbsp;He pulled out of the girl's mouth, no one that Helena would recognize, and the last bit of his seed exploded forth from the crown of his cock onto her face.&nbsp; He leaned back and then grabbed a hold of the woman kneeling before him with a firm grip.&nbsp; The girl cried out in honest pain and her eyes went wide with shock and surprise at the grip as Invidicus channeled his earth crafting into strength.&nbsp; He gave the kneeling woman a critical eye as he spoke to her in a voice that was lust inspiring to hear it from such a near perfect example of male physique.&nbsp; <strong>"Did you hear her, my strumpet?&nbsp; She is more eager than you to to please than you were, and I paid your master for this night.&nbsp; That will cost you.&nbsp; &nbsp;String her up and prepare her."</strong>&nbsp; <br><br>The woman looked on in shock at the words then she started to plead with Invidicus as two of the men in the room took the woman by her shoulders and into the darkness.&nbsp; Invidicus turned and then watched as Helena took Lucius' cock into her mouth and started to pleasure it.&nbsp; Luciys tossed his head back and let out a groan of pure pleasure as he did.&nbsp; Whatever Helena was doing was met with satisfaction from Lucius.&nbsp; &nbsp;His hips moved with her mouth, as if there were two dancing once more save in a far more carnal and erotic movement, yet in perfect harmony with one another, Lucius pulling out slowly as Helena raised her mouth off of him, and then her mouth meeting his cock as it thrust inside her waiting mouth, the iron grip on her hair making it so she had not choice but to accept his cock into her.<br><br>Invidicus continued to watch with a hungry look of a predator.&nbsp; &nbsp;All about them the sounds of sex and more were happening about Helena.&nbsp; The sound of leather striking flesh echoed and picked up in the room, as well as screams coming from the woman, the courtesan slave, mixing in with that of Rivia's cries of guttural pleasure.&nbsp; <strong>"I think perhaps Lucius that I might need to share your women with you, only fair since it was my father's money that has kept your father from being so far in debt that you and your sister would be put in slave collars yourselves to pay for the debt.&nbsp; I perhaps should have ignore my father' orders and picked up a woman at your gala yourself.&nbsp; &nbsp;Your sister in fact.&nbsp; I heard she does not mind at all being like the lovely Rivia here and treated like a slave courtesan.&nbsp; Where is your sister, I thought she would never pass down a chance to be here at the <em>Silks</em>, especially if she did not have to pay for it."</strong> <br><br>Lucius' hand tighten more and a bit of Helena;s hair was pulled near out of her scalp from it.&nbsp; He did not let her remove her mouth from him no matter what her reaction, and his strength was such she could not move him.&nbsp; There was a flash of hard anger and spite from Lucius that was quickly covered before he put up a friendly tone, if underscored by lust and his rising climax.&nbsp; <strong>"She is here, but she staked out who she wanted to have her use her, and I fear it was not you at all, Invidicus.&nbsp; &nbsp;As for this lovely girl here, of course you can use her.&nbsp; I think she would very much enjoy having to men such as us inside her, be it mouth, sex, or ass."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>05-01-2016, 07:54:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If her face hadn't been full of cock, Helena would have winced at the other woman's fate. The disguised commoner hadn't meant to show up the other woman and earn her punishment. That was just... how it happened. And Helena instantly felt bad. Not bad enough, of course, to stop her act. It was too late. The damage had been done. It was a sad reality of people from her station and below. Sometimes bad luck befell them in the form of another person just a little bit more willing and eager to do their jobs. All 'Rosentia' could do was pray to the great furies that they would have mercy on the woman whose life she'd unintentionally made difficult.<br><br>That, and continue her work on Lucius' member. She had begun with the usual formula: tease and kiss and lick from balls to head before finally mouthing the shaft, sliding it across a cradling tongue until no more could be taken. Helena was nowhere near as good at it as Lucius' sister, but she'd hoped her prior eagerness to please would make the experience better. That wasn't to say that Helena was bad at it. No, she knew how to please a man. Her head began to bob up and down on him for a while before her hand joined and stroked alongside the motions of her mouth. This was especially helpful when her partner began to thrust back into her mouth. She was able to service more of him without much discomfort on her part.<br><br>Meanwhile, the other two were talking about the exact thing she hoped they would discuss. The money. It was Kalare; they were funding Lucius' father. Why, when they were so clearly bad with money? But she did hear the first part of Invidicus' words, the part right before the information she needed. He wanted to <em>share</em> her? How dare he?! Helena didn't know whether to smile in triumph or frown in indignation, but yet again her expressions were restricted by what she was doing. That worked in her favor, actually. She merely had to concentrate on fellatio and not on letting her emotions reveal who she truly was. It also meant that she spared the sight of Invidicus as he watched her with that predatory gaze. <br><br>For the time, she would continue her work on Lucius. Perhaps she would stay just a bit longer after that. Helena had always been taught that often, when one stays and listens, even more complex plots could be revealed. But it was becoming increasingly clear that she needed to wrap things up and get the hell out of there. Otherwise, the two of them might decide to get creative. Helena didn't think she'd like 'creative.'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>10-01-2016, 06:59:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Invidicus moved about Lucius and Helena like a predator.&nbsp; &nbsp;He stroked Lucius shoulders, raking his fingers over them that left faint pink lines on his sun-kissed flesh.&nbsp; His mouth followed the path of his fingers, giving evidence that it was not only merely women that aroused and excited the heir to Kalare, at least when in a group.&nbsp; Possible information that could be of use.&nbsp; His eyes did not leave Helena's&nbsp; as his hands played with Lucius.&nbsp; If Lucius objected to this at all, he did not show it.&nbsp; Indeed he moaned at the touch as Invidicus hands moved down to caress and stroke the base of Lucius cock, fondled the heavy sacks of flesh of his testes.&nbsp; There was a cry of pleasure and pain at that from Lucius which caused him to thrust harder and deeper inside Helena's mouth.<br><br>That was when Invidicus hands moved and now brushed over Helena's cheek, and then over her hair.&nbsp; &nbsp;He walked the length of Helena, his fingertips caressing her flesh, lighting a path of fire of lust and heat wherever he touched Helena.&nbsp; His darkly seductive voice was near equal that of Lucius and Decimus as he purred over her kneeling form.&nbsp; <strong>"That was not supposed to happen, Lucius.&nbsp; She was to be my play toy this evening.&nbsp; That was my price for my support this night, and for my support of you gaining the rank and position in the Legion.&nbsp; You owe me that, and I will take a bit more beside.&nbsp; &nbsp;You strung up for me later for my amusement and pleasure&nbsp; For now though...."</strong><br><br>That was when Helena felt the head of Invidicus's cock rub up and down the entrance of Helena's sex, the tip of it being coated with her wetness.&nbsp; Invidicus felt larger than Lucius did.&nbsp; All he did was rub and put the head of his shaft inside her, as if teasing Helena, but with his hands upon her hips, it was clear he was not far off from thrusting into Helena and claiming her.&nbsp; The sounds of sex, of pleasure, of pure carnal lust seemed to rise in the room as Rivia' cried out, another climax, her fourth since Helena's arrival, sounding close.&nbsp; Her voice was threaded with pain and pleasure at so many orgasms so close together. <br><br>Lucius seemed in capable of speech as he thrust faster and as deep as he can into Helena's mouth.&nbsp; The tendons and ligaments of his neck standing out in stark contrast with his skin as his head tossed back, his hair no longer neat as it was at the celebration.&nbsp; The taste of him was not thick upon her tongue, a clear indication of his impending climax.&nbsp; He let loose his own carnal cry, but even that was drowned out by Invidicus's words as he leaned over to speak so the both of them could hear.<br><br><strong>"...for now I will take this one and make her beg for me not to stop!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>10-01-2016, 21:19:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena couldn't see what the other man was doing to Lucius, not when she was so busy making sure the person she came with was enjoying himself enough not to question her identity. But then Invidicus' hand came into her view. Her expression would have been bemused if it was not so full of cock. She moved her own hand that was assisting her mouth out of the way of the second man's digits to let him... do whatever it was he wanted to do. Lucius' resulting sound of pained pleasure made her shiver with unexpected arousal. <br><br>Combined with his words, Kalare's actions reminded her of a more dominant beast toying with a lesser male just because he could. And, by the sounds of it, Invidicus' house definitely made Lucius' house its bitch. The heir to Kalare was saying that Aviera was meant to be <em>his</em> for the evening, as if sexual favors were as much a commodity as anything else among Houses. Helena wondered what this meant for Decimus, who had taken Invidicus' prize. Did Aviera know about this arrangement? Did she seduce Decimus on purpose to escape the heir of Kalare?<br><br>It was all information to be filed away for later, since it was difficult to contemplate anything while Lucius was thrusting into her mouth and Invidicus was running earth-charged hands down her body. She had had her reservations going into this, what with all the people to watch what had always been a very private act for Helena. But her body seemed to be all for this. Her back arched to expose more of her sex to Kalare, and she very light leaned back against him in clear invitation. Not that he was the sort to need further encouragement. His cockhead against her cunt was a nice distraction from the thorough fucking her mouth was receiving. <br><br>Lucius' dick was incredibly overwhelming, and began to hit uncomfortable spots at the back of her throat. She had to employ her skills at water craft to keep tears from streaming down her face and ruining her artfully applied powders and paste that decorated her eyes. Helena knew very well that he was about to burst – there was no mistaking it. She didn't try to pull away, though. If he was going to cum, he might as well do so down her throat. It wouldn't give Helena much pleasure, but she figured that he would prefer it that way. <br><br>She would let him climax, she would let herself be fucked by Invidicus, and then she would get the hell out of there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>21-01-2016, 02:48:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucius was close, so very close and he had held out as long as he could, but Helena was far too skilled with her mouth for him to hold out.&nbsp; As Invidicus thrust inside her offered sex, Lucius pulled out a bit at the same time.&nbsp; Lucius tossed back his head and the tendons in his neck stood out in stark contrast to the rest of his skin.&nbsp; He let loose a carnal cry of pleasure and satisfaction as his climax finally hit him.&nbsp; His body went rigid for a few heartbeats, then it started to shudder in pure pleasure as wave after wave of his orgasm hit him.&nbsp; As it did, he filled Helena's mouth with his seed.&nbsp; <br><br>To Lucius the orgasm seemed to last forever, but in reality it was perhaps for a minute, if less.&nbsp; When the shivers and shudders of pleasure left him, he pulled out of Helena's mouth.&nbsp; He caressed the side of her face with his hand, his voice heavily with the tone as satisfaction as he spoke to Helena.&nbsp; <strong>"Good girl, I am well pleased."</strong>&nbsp; To physically demonstrate his approval of her, he leaned in and kissed her, to show he was not adverse to the taste of his own seed as he plundered her mouth while his hands cupped and fondled her hanging breasts, tweaking her nipples as Invidicus thrust inside Helena again and again in an effort to get her to cry out from pleasure.<br><br>It was Invidicus' voice that Helena heard next, his voice laden with effort as he continued to pull out and thrust back into her eager sex.&nbsp; A hand came down upon Helena's upturned ass.&nbsp; The blow was not harsh or hard, but i was enough to add an edge to the pleasure, to heighten it a bit more than mere fucking alone could do on its own.&nbsp; &nbsp;One of Invidicus' hands moved about her hips to touch at the sexual core of Helena, to play at her pulsing and aching pearl as he increased the pace that his shaft penetrated her.&nbsp; &nbsp;As he rubbed at her and took her, Invidicus' head raised and looked at Lucius.&nbsp; <strong>"Lucius, I think our lovely toy will need some wine after I have her climax.&nbsp; Do bring it to her please."</strong><br><br>After he spoke those words, Invidicus used all of the skill that he knew to bring Helena to that climax.&nbsp; He angled his hips so the crown of his cock would rub up against that spot inside her that a mere touch would have many women curl their toes.&nbsp; He buried himself as deep as he could inside her, and then ground against her, to pinch her clit between he rubbing fingers and his cock.&nbsp; Again and again he repeats his, hsi own head tossing back as his own climax is close.&nbsp; It would not take much to send him over the edge, and that event was likely her climax when it finally hit her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>29-01-2016, 06:25:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena dutifully swallowed the spurts of seed spent down her throat as Lucius cried out in pleasure and climax. Not that she was paying too much attention to what was happening with the man in front of her. No, the man behind her had earned more of her attention when he finally thrust inside of her. It made her groan with finally realized anticipation. The commoner in disguise didn't realize how much she had wanted that cock which had been pressed into her sex until she was filled with it. Her whole body went temporarily limp with the primal satisfaction she always felt when initially filled by a man. She was not limp for very long, however. Very soon she was arching her back and rocking herself against him in time with his thrusts, actively participating in the carnal activities of the room.<br><br>She gave Lucius a dazed, pleased look when he leaned down to press his mouth against hers. She kissed him back and let herself be caught up in the fervor of the moment. Despite what the proper behavior might have been in that moment, the commoner let her tongue dance against the noble's – and even ventured forth to explore his mouth even as he explored hers. The taste of cum at her lips wasn't all that present after she'd let him spend himself mostly down her throat – not that Lucius seemed to mind, to Helena's fascination. <br><br>How easy it was for Helena to forget all about wanting to get away as soon as possible!<br><br>Invidicus was quite skilled, Helena soon found out. She barely registered his suggestion that Lucius should bring her wine after this particular bout of rutting was over. Instead, she focused on the touch of his fingers against her clit and the skillful delve of his sex into her core. Her head dropped and her eyes squeezed shut. Noises of pleasure escaped her open lips. Soon – so very soon, she felt the inevitable warmth in her gut, the prelude to glorious climax. And not long after that, she heard herself begging for Invidicus to continue, to go hard and fast. Then, after what seemed at once a moment and an eternity, her core shuddered against him.<br><br>Helena was oblivious to the world as her body seized with wave after wave of pleasure. A drink of wine would be carelessly – even eagerly – consumed if anyone were to bring the liquid to her lips, cautiousness be damned. If she was treated to more of this exquisite pleasure, then she could stay here all damn night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>03-02-2016, 06:46:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yes, Helena's climax was exactly what was needed to push Invidicus right over the edge.&nbsp; His fingers dug into her skin, hard enough to leave bruises as he thrust in one last time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A sensation of heat and more flooded into her as he tossed his head back in his own.&nbsp; He used his own crafting to prolong his pleasure as long as possible, even if doing so made his body shudder and quake.&nbsp; Sweat began to coat his skin, drops splashing down upon the perfect shape of Helena's ass.&nbsp; Invidicus gave one last little thrust inside her and let loose one final sigh.&nbsp; His words resonated in the room, but had a tone of a man that only had a bite of a feast he meant to enjoy.&nbsp; <strong>"Oh yes, Lucius, you have done well.&nbsp; I cannot wait to hear her scream for us some more.&nbsp; The wine, now."</strong><br><br>Lucius brought forth the wine and held the lips to Helena's lips.&nbsp; &nbsp;The scent of the wine was rich, decadent, the finest that the realm had to offer.&nbsp; So subtle was the aphrodine in the wine that it's scent was not detected, its taste not noticed till it was too late.&nbsp; &nbsp;By that time Helena had already drained the goblet that had held a good bit of the wine.&nbsp; &nbsp;Invidicus had slipped out of Helena's sex and Lucius was caressing her face, an almost...pitting expression upon his face.&nbsp; &nbsp;He whispered to her so softly that only she heard it.&nbsp; <strong>"I am sorry, it is my family at stake."</strong>&nbsp; By then though the aphrodine had hit Helena's system, and everything was awash in sensations and feeling, pleasure and pain and more as the void closed in....<br><br>The next thing Helena noticed was something pressed to her lip.&nbsp; It was not wine, no.&nbsp; It was water.&nbsp; In fact the scent of water was strong, all about her.&nbsp; &nbsp;As more and more sensation returned to her she felt water all about her, all up to her neck.&nbsp; A garment clung to her, wet and heavy, and covered her from her next to her ankles.&nbsp; She was not nude, not anymore, and the sounds about her no longer sounded like <em>Midnight Silks</em>.&nbsp; A voice, a familiar voice, was using a gentle and coaxing tone, as if it were aware Helena was returning to consciousness.&nbsp; <strong>"Drink, your body needs water as well to remove the rest of the aphrodine from your system.&nbsp; Drink, please.</strong>&nbsp; When Helena opened her eyes, she would notice that it was Decimus tending to her in a modestly decorated room, and she herself was immersed in a healing tub. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>10-02-2016, 20:32:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just as the two men with her desired, Helena didn't even suspect that anything was wrong with the wine they gave her. This was supposed to be a safe place, wasn't it? They wouldn't let a young noble woman imbibe a tainted beverage. But Helena had overestimated the safety such a minor name as the one she'd stolen. A Titus she could handle – he wasn't all that far above her affected station. He would be in deep trouble if any of this got out. Invidicus, however... well, she might as well have been a sparrow caught in a hawk's talons. Or something like that. She stared wide-eyed at Lucius in the brief moment between her realization what his apology meant and that dull warmth that spread over her body. <br><br>She was like clay in their hands, to be moulded and abused without too much protest.<br><br>Then, another drink was brought to her lips. This one smelled clean – but then, the wine had seemed innocuous as well. Helena made a soft noise in protest. She couldn't be drugged! Not again! She needed to get out of there! <br><br>But... where had the sounds of carnal pleasure gone? She was... she was in a healing tub. Helena wasn't even naked anymore. And she felt too damn sluggish and weak to adequately refuse the liquid that was already at her lips. So she drank the water, and could feel the relieved little trill of her weak water fury. The world around her became much clearer after that. That is, the present world became clearer. But she couldn't for the life of her remember how she got there. The last thing she saw was... and her memories skittered back in horror of the wicked memory that lurked within her mind.<br><br>Now she just felt upset. She couldn't recall what happened to her, but she knew that she probably didn't even <em>want</em> to remember. Helena likely would have begun weeping then, but that same fury that help cleanse her drugged body kept the tears from her eyes. She would keep what dignity she had left.<br><br>“Where am I? How did I get here? What time of day is it?” Helena asked her fellow cursor in training. Her voice was soft and weak.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>14-02-2016, 02:54:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As her awareness of her mind and body came back to Helena, she noticed that there was a difference to her body besides the <em>aphrodine</em> leaving her system.&nbsp; Every time she breathed she noticed it, a tingling sensation as her nipples brushed again wet fabric of the gown she was wearing.&nbsp; The water of healing tub warm, so there should be no reason for her nipples to be hard, or aroused, for that was the sensation happening to her now.&nbsp; Despite all that had happened that Helena could remember, her body was still becoming aroused.&nbsp; That was when the piercings were noticed, each nipple and the pearl of her sex, tingling and vibrating with arousal but nothing more.<br><br>That in itself was odd, for what little she did remember of the previous night, Helena should be in pain near everywhere about her body, and inside her sex and throat to the say the least.&nbsp; There was a vague sense of an ache, but a pleasant one, and hunger, which was always was a by product of extensive healing performed by a water crafter, thought not as much as there should be.&nbsp; &nbsp;It either meant that the injuries inflicted upon her while under the influence of <em>aphrodine</em> were not as extensive as her clouded mind imagined, even with the piercings, or that the water crafter that had healed her was very skilled indeed.<br><br>Decimus took away the cup of water and moved over to pick up several bundles of cotton towels.&nbsp; There was a brief channeling of fire, and a low heat radiated from the toweling with the strong scent of the soap that the towels had been washed in.&nbsp; Decimus set the towels by her and as he did, he spoke to her in a calm and friendly voice.&nbsp; <strong>"You are in the healing chambers in my family's estate in Alera Imperium.&nbsp; I am so sorry. Aviera confessed only at the end in a moment of weakness as I had exhausted her that the reason she why she seduced me was that she overheard earlier during the week bartering her body to Kalarius Invidicus.&nbsp; While she does not mind her sex rough, she had heard tales, and did not want to be bound and at his mercy at all.&nbsp; So she made certain her brother would not be able to give her to Invidicus.&nbsp; Unfortunately that meant that Lucius has to find a replacement, and for that he chose you."</strong><br><br>Decimus sighed and he ran his head through his hair in a nervous gesture.&nbsp; There was a sheen of sweat and Decimus looked exhausted as he sat down.&nbsp; In fact he looked as if he was going to keel over at any moment.&nbsp; <strong>"I did was I could for you.&nbsp; The <em>aphrodine</em> was the worst, other than the piercings.&nbsp; I do not know why he did it, perhaps to marked that he had you,&nbsp; Whatever the reason, I am afraid they cannot be removed.&nbsp; Some fire crafting was used to seat them in place.&nbsp; To remove them would disfigure and mutilate you, which I am certain was the intent."</strong><br><br>Decimus leaned in and reached out to touch her hand as he continued.&nbsp; <strong>"Do you remember anything at all about last night?&nbsp; I do not say this to be cruel and have you relive the experience, but so perhaps to see if there is any legal action we can bring against him, something that could be used in the courts instead of him claiming it was only your word against theirs and claim the <em>jurius macto</em> as their right."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>20-02-2016, 08:08:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena slowly got out of the healing tub, feeling tired and a little bit weak. Likely because of how hungry she was. That feeling, for the present, overshadowed any other odd feeling she had about her body. But with every movement, every breath, she did realize that something was... off, and even then it was mostly subconscious. The sensation wasn't fully realized until she was completely how of the warm, comforting waters that she was healed in. Finally, as she looked down to grab one of the towels so generously warmed and set aside by her apparently healer, she saw it. Helena saw the odd shapes of the points of her nipples.<br><br><em>Fuck.</em><br><br>Then Decimus explained to her the nature of those piercings. She wrapped herself in a towel and sat down beside him heavily. To have her permanently marked... That... didn't even make sense. It shouldn't even be possible. And yet, the same could be said for those abominable collars some servants wore. There were some things that were as awful as they were mystifying in Helena's eyes.<br><br>She looked down at her palms that were open, and resting lightly on her lap. The sight of Decimus' hand touching her own made her still, made her almost jerk back from him. She let out a shaking, steadying sigh. He wasn't the enemy here, and she didn't have the energy to put up a petty fight simply because she was disturbed by what had happened to her. “Remember anything?” She repeated, softly, and more to herself than to him. Yeah, she remembered a few things. Not enough to piece together the whole night. But there was something there. Pain. Heat. Arousal. Fear. Even thinking about it made her feel hot. It didn't help that every breath, every movement seemed to manipulate the tender flesh that had been pierced so recently. Furies, how was she supposed to function with that constant heat?! <br><br>After a moment, she cleared her throat. “Yeah. There's a couple things. From before I was made to drink the wine.” She had imbibed it willingly, in fact, but she wasn't about to reveal that particular mistake. “I knew that Invidicus expected Lucius' sister. He said that Lord Kalare bailed his family out. Invidicus also admitted that he supported Lucius in the Legion – helped him gain rank and position.” She wasn't sure if that was common knowledge or not, but she figured she might as well mention everything she remembered. “It was Invidicus who made Lucius give me the wine, even though Lucius seemed to regret it at least a little. Invidicus seemed very...” She paused to search for the phrase she wanted ”...sexually dominant over Lucius. I wouldn’t be surprised if he...er... <em>practiced</em> some of his techniques on Lucius in the past.”<br><br>“After the wine, though...” Helena sighed, and looked down at where she knew those wicked piercings lurked under cloth and towel. “I certainly didn't agree to having <em>that</em> done. I think. Great Furies, I don't even remember.” Which was true enough. But there were other things that she remembered. It made her shift and cross her legs to try to stop that uncomfortable arousal. All it accomplished was a leg brushing against her third piercing. She began to turn a brilliant shade of red, and looked exceedingly unhappy about it.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>21-02-2016, 21:24:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus listened to the woman's recounting of events, an eyebrow raised.&nbsp; He really did hope that this young woman, not much more than a girl to his eyes but that might be her water crafting having her look like she was in her late teens, was the other Cursor in training.&nbsp; If not then he really did have more of a mess on his hands then he knew what to deal with.&nbsp; &nbsp;He moved next to get her a warm change of clothing.&nbsp; It was a lovely and rich gown of blue and crimson that used to belong to his sister.&nbsp; He laid out the gown for her next, and then he moved to sit, running her words through his head once more before he spoke in a sympathetic yet careful tone.<br><br><strong>"That information is impressive, extremely so and there is more going on with the Titus family than we were lead to believe, especially for a count that does not owe any fealty to Kalare at all.&nbsp; The implications behind it are...staggering."</strong>&nbsp; He stopped for a moment before he continued.&nbsp; <strong>"Before I continue here, might I know you name.&nbsp; I know from last night that it is not Civellus Rosentia, and since you did not supply Titus Lucius with your real name, that you are my fellow Cursor in training, sent to the celebration to see what information you could discover, yes?"</strong><br><br>As Decimus waited for conformation, he moved now to pour some wine for the two of them.&nbsp; &nbsp;He reached out his hand so she could touch his wrist.&nbsp; <strong>"I sense you have a moderate if not significant talent for water crafting so you can tell that I am not lying to you when I say that the wine has not been tampered and it is only wine, and to further prove that fact I will drink it with you.&nbsp; It is only to help ease any nerves you may have.</strong>&nbsp; To put truth to his words, he took one o the goblet and drank deep from it as he waited for her to respond.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>25-02-2016, 19:02:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“I am who you suspect.” Helena confirmed. She had known – well, more accurately <em>assumed</em> – that he was the second cursor in the previous night's endeavor. He had apparently been far more useful than she thought he would be. Presumably. Helena couldn't seem to remember how she got to the room she was currently in. It could have been a setup for all she knew. Helena rubbed the back of her neck. Of course, that was extremely unlikely. She wasn't worth that sort of effort, not yet. “My name is Helena.” She told him after only a brief pause.<br><br>If she was completely honest with herself, the sight of the bottle of wine he pulled out next gave her a moment's worth of panic. Of all the things that happened to her the night before, getting drugged was most decidedly in the negative category of experiences. There was not a single thing she liked about that, even if it made her body feel sort of pleasant at the time. He must have anticipated that reaction, or at least noticed the subtle change in her features when her eyes fell upon the bottle. She focused more of her attention and power than she would have liked to admit when he touched her wrist and told his truth. Helena could feel to honesty of his statement, and visibly relaxed. Then she took the second goblet and drank a moderate amount.<br><br>After her first drink, Helena placed the goblet back down and grabbed the clean change of clothing offered to her. Then she looked for a screen to step behind. If such a thing was not present within the room, Helena would motion for Decimus to turn around to give her some privacy. Either way, when she acquired that privacy, she began to peel off her wet clothes. Helena found herself wishing that she could take her time and inspect the changes made to her body. But that was for another time. So she dressed as quickly as she could in her tired, hungry condition.<br><br>“What happened after...” She began to say as she dress. Her words trailed off as she realized she didn't know how to finish that sentence. So she started again. “How did you get me here?” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>29-02-2016, 09:16:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a dressing screen in the room, a landscape scene of the Feverborn Jungle that borders Aquitaine that covered four full panels.&nbsp; Still even with the coverage of the dressing screen, Decimus turned away.&nbsp; At the party he had thought that Helena was attractive, far too so to end up in the hands of Lucius.&nbsp; In fact it was because of her beauty and a certain...inexperience that he sensed that almost caused him to doubt that she was a Cursor in training such as Decimus, but then again she stayed with with and now Decimus could see that the reason for that was to gain information.&nbsp; <br><br>He frowned slightly at that realization.&nbsp; Either their trainers were fairly cold blooded and sent in two barely trained operatives into a highly dangerous situation, or there was far more going on here than any information had led them to believe.&nbsp; Decimus knew there would come a time when he would need to sacrifice for the Cursor's, for the First Lord, for the very ideal of Alera and all it stood for, but he really wanted to believe that such was not needed or even called for his second year into the Academy.&nbsp; On the same note he wanted to believe that using their bodies to sexually to gain information.&nbsp; Decimus knew there were Cursors who were trained expressly for that purpose, but he also thought that such training was done far later in their training.&nbsp; For Helena to do what she did, with no training, all because she thought that might had been required of her...well it gave Decimus pause and while yes, she was still extremely attractive, more so than Aviera, but for now he could not look at her with anything but sympathy.<br><br>Decimus turned around when her heard her voice, and did his best to try to calm himself and clear all emotions from him.&nbsp; She did have minor if sensitive amount of water crafting and he suspected the last thing she wanted was to feel pity or sympathy from him.&nbsp; He knew he would if it the cases were reverse.&nbsp; He was not such a misogamist to think that such was a thing that only men did to women and it was deserved.&nbsp; &nbsp;Decimus knew there were plenty of noble females that treated the freedmen at the Academy near the same as Kalare did with Helena, as inconsequential&nbsp; and disposable.&nbsp; In this case what Kalare did was far far worse, he treated Helena, who he thought as minor nobility, as if she were a slave.&nbsp; it either mean to things, that Kalare knew who Helena was at the start, or the man was insane.<br><br>Decimus gave a little shake of his head to clear his thoughts a bit and to answer the question put before him.&nbsp; <strong>"It was Aviera.&nbsp; She was hiding something and she could not hide that from me.&nbsp; While I do come from a wealthy family, and to be a bit immodest, and I know the effect i have on some women, but in the end politically, I am not a ideal marriage match for her at all.&nbsp; My brother and sister would inherit before I would.&nbsp; It would be a drain on Titus coffers.&nbsp; Her attention upon me, and wanting to be with me tonight above all others seemed to be out of place.&nbsp; When I had her to a point where she was weeping and begging, I questioned her and that is when she confided in me that she singled me out as she thought I was not too intelligent and so she would not be given like some slave to be marked and fucked by Kalare."</strong><br><br>Decimus spread his hands and continued.&nbsp; <strong>"At that point I suspected you might be in danger, and confronted and threatened Celia.&nbsp; She did not take it well, and I fear if I ever go near her again, it must be under a water crafted disguise.&nbsp; A half hour later she returned with you in a robe and in your current state.&nbsp; She told me nothing, and at that point threatened me with her own guards.&nbsp; I had no choice but to leave with the small victory I had.&nbsp; I free it was too late to have saved you from what happened."</strong>&nbsp; Decimus cursed slight at that and muttered softly.&nbsp; <strong>"Aviera was far more resistant to sexual torment than I gave her credit."</strong><br><br>Decimus looked at Helena and gave voice to some of his thoughts.&nbsp; <strong>"When you introduced yourself this evening, I can only assume you did so under a false name, and only gave me a first name as you are not nobility?&nbsp; If that is the case could you perhaps been recognized as such by anyone there, by Kalare himself?&nbsp; It could explain his reaction to you, and as far as I have heard he has never tried to do something as...abhorrent as to mark a noble woman as if she were nothing more than a slave." </strong>&nbsp; Decimus picked up his own goblet of wine again and took a sip as he wait for her response to his questions now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>03-03-2016, 19:13:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena continued to quickly dress and quietly listened to the man's explanation of what had happened on his end of things. Aviera thought he wasn't very smart, did she? In the end, Decimus' intelligence hadn't really mattered either way. Still the Lady Titus was able to spend her evening without being marked by Kalare, all because she was able to seduce Decimus instead. If Helena had to choose knowing what she did now, she, too, would have chosen to spend her night with Decimus instead of that other, uncontrollable man. So while Aviera had an indirect hand in Helena's downfall the night before, the cursor in training couldn't bring herself to hate the woman. Not when Aviera only did what anyone with half a brain would do.<br><br>Halfway through his explanation, Helena was most done pulling on the borrowed dress. She walked back around the screen with her arms bent awkwardly around her back to get the last of the ties there secured. That more than anything she did was fairly damning evidence that Helena was no daughter of a rich or noble man. No self-respecting lady would even try to do something as awkward as securing the laces of her own dress, let alone be as good at it as Helena was. Normally, a servant would do it. But Helena seemed to think nothing of it. That done, she softly smoothed the fabric over her hips. She wished she could have been wearing trousers, impropriety be damned. Helena much preferred being able to run, <em>to fly</em> at a moment's notice. Neither could be easily accomplished when all this fabric hung around her legs. She quickly quelled her petty annoyance – hopefully before Decimus felt it off of her. She knew she should be grateful that she didn't have to wear soaking wet undergarments.<br><br>“No. I am not noble.” Helena admitted. “I am a <em>cursor.</em> My heritage is irrelevant now.” She continued with a flare of determination and passion. “Either way, he shouldn't be able to mark <em>anyone</em> who doesn't want it.” Then she sighed, and collected herself. She realized was acting as if he had been trying to insult her and her former station in life, when in reality he was just trying to figure out what was going on. Exhaustion and hunger were taking their toll on her mood. <br><br>“I have no idea whether Titus or Kalare knew. If they did, then they played along with the farce. They never accused me of it. But... my part was of the daughter of a very minor house. Perhaps Kalare assumed he'd be able to cover it up if I tried to make an issue of it.” His house certainly had the resources for that sort of thing. She clenched her fist, and that determination was back. She didn't even bother to try to quell it. “And I <em>will</em> make an issue of it.”<br><br>“...as soon as I eat something.” She corrected after her stomach made a disturbingly loud protest. “Please tell me there's more here than just the wine.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>06-03-2016, 00:21:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At her heated words, Decimus raised his hands in a placating gesture.&nbsp; Decimus was not one of the nobility and citizenry that looked down upon freedmen and women.&nbsp; In fact Decimus firmly believed it was a Citizen's duty to give back and serve society, not to have society to serve him.&nbsp; A rare enough believe among the nobles and citizens of the realm, but it was there.&nbsp; It was one of the primary reasons why he wanted to be a Cursor.&nbsp; As the third child in his house, he was not due to inherit much, so he might as well strike out and make a name for himself. <br><br><strong>"Please, I did not mean to imply that I think you anything less than the remarkable and inspiring woman that you are.&nbsp; I am not one of the nobles that look down their nose upon those not Citizens.&nbsp; However, in the eyes of the law you are a not a Citizen, and unless we have incontrovertible proof, direct testimony from those that are Citizens, then you do not have much legal recourse.&nbsp; I cannot testify as I was not a witness.&nbsp; Everything I say would be second hand and hearsay.&nbsp; As such, without that proof and testimony, Invidicus can claim the <em>Jurious Macto</em> and challenge you to a duel.&nbsp; Of course if you believe you could defeat him head on as such, I will gladly support you."</strong><br><br>At the moment, Decimus heard Helena's protesting body, and called upon his metal crafting to keep his features smooth.&nbsp; The last thing this proud woman needed was for her to think that Decimus was laughing at her rather than the situation at hand, or that he thought of her anything less than a fellow Cursor in training and a peer.&nbsp; &nbsp;So at that Decimus rose and opened the door, trying to keep his tone light an inviting as he spoke to her again.<br><br><strong>"Yes, there is food downstairs here.&nbsp; Quite a lot of it as I know how taxing water crafting can be on a person."</strong>&nbsp; And upon the person performing it.&nbsp; It were not for his skill with metal crafting Decimus himself likely would be dead to the world as he slept for days to regain his strength.&nbsp; It was something that he could not ignore, yet he also did not have that luxury to sleep for days.&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>"Come, let us eat and we can discuss plans on how to stop Invidicus and make him pay for his crimes."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>13-03-2016, 08:32:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“I know, I know.” Helena said irritably after his speech about why she shouldn't be insulted about the questions he needed to ask her. And she did very well know what all of this meant. Part of her training so far had been getting familiar with how citizens – especially the richer houses – operated. She still had a lot to learn, but she did know enough to realize how little the law cared about her. “There isn't any way I can take Invidicus down by myself. And I'm sure our teachers wouldn't find such grand gestures funny. I can get sacked strutting around all high-profile like that. Someone like me taking down a Kalare in honorable combat?” She made a scoffing noise in her throat. “I'd be the talk of the century.”<br><br>She exited the door to the rooms and followed Decimus down the stairs more eagerly than she would admit even to herself. Not that there was any shame in being hungry after all she went through. Just... well, her sense of dignity was quite damaged and very sensitive. It was a good thing that her healer endeavored to keep away such odious expressions as amusement and pity. <br><br>When they finally got to the dining room, Helena wasted no time in sitting down and eating enthusiastically. Her noble act was well and truly dropped for the moment, which likely made her quite the peculiar sight with her noble attire and not-so-noble mannerisms. “We should probably go back to Midnight Silks. Wasn't the matron lady – I forget her name – supposed to make sure that no one was forced to do something they didn't want to? Or was all that a lie to get me complacent? You noble folk are good at that sort of thing.” She said sourly.<br><br>“-I mean, uh... You seem nice, though.” Helena quickly corrected when she realized she was getting very close to insulting the person who rescued, healed, and now fed her. The cursor-in-training's face colored slightly, which she attempted to hide by taking another big bite of the food in front of her. "Anyway, we need to talk to that bitch. Maybe bring down the whole place if she's going to let noble daughters be abused as I was."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>14-03-2016, 14:41:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus walked side by side Helena as they headed to the dining area where the food awaited them.&nbsp; Even Decimus' own water crafting and control over his body could not hide nor hold back his own hunger.&nbsp; Decimus blushed, and not merely because of his hunger, but also because of her word and the emotions radiating from her.&nbsp; If it was not for Decimus' own metal crafting to blunt the edge of it, he would be overwhelmed.&nbsp; It managed to be reduced to something bordering on mere painful.&nbsp; He could understand the emotions that he was feeling from Helena.&nbsp; Even Decimus was at times embarrassed by the Citizens, and the lack of same basic rights and privileges granted to them and not freedmen and women.&nbsp; The steadholders were the backbone of the realm.&nbsp; Without them there would be no food, no trade, no commerce in the realm.&nbsp; Yes, Decimus had more than a sympathetic ear to the plight of non-citizens in the realm.<br><br>Decimus did get a smile as he watched Helena eat and he too loaded his plate with food, and his manners were far from posh and proper either.&nbsp; He was hungry and it was all he could do to resist the urge to devour food as quickly as he could.&nbsp; He smiled back at Helena as he took a linen cloth to wipe his mouth.&nbsp; <strong>"Tis alright I am hungry as well so there is no need to stance on ceremony here Helena.&nbsp; Please eat.&nbsp; As for challenging Kalare, if your channeling was equal to his, or if I thought that doing so would not lead to your death or worse, I would be your second and to damnation of what the nobility thought."</strong>&nbsp; <br><br>Decimus poured some water for the both of them and handed her a cup of it before he drank his.&nbsp; It helped relieve some of the weakness within him.&nbsp; Decimus poured himself another cup before he spoke again.&nbsp; <strong>"You might be right at our instructors having more than a cross word at us if we were to attempt that.&nbsp; &nbsp;Still it is not a route I would recommend unless you for certain had a path to victory.&nbsp; There are worse outcomes in the Macto besides death.&nbsp; He instead could make a slave of you." </strong>&nbsp; Decimus reached out to touch at Helena's hand.&nbsp; <strong>"That I would not wish to ever happen to you, to be put in a discipline collar and be at his mercy.&nbsp; Not ever again."</strong><br><br>Decimus returns to eating and he washes down again with a cup of water, listening to her as he refilled his cup.&nbsp; <strong>"Honest, I am not offended, there are more than enough so called nobility out there that does not deserve the title or the privilege.&nbsp; As to Celia, I do not think what she did was purposeful.&nbsp; In fact what happened to you was unheard of at the <em>Midnight Silks</em>.&nbsp; It was why I was not worried about you, otherwise I would have tried to get you from Lucius' clutches.&nbsp; &nbsp;However you are correct, we do need to start with her, but once more, so as not to earn the ire of our instructors, we need to do so in a way that would make other Cursor's envious of us, do you not agree?" </strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>22-03-2016, 02:20:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena looked up at Decimus as she chewed thoughtfully at her food. Then she swallowed. “Anybody ever tell you that you talk a lot?” It was definitely not the most polite of things to say, but it was either that or start breaking down under the weight of how nice he was being to her. All that apology threatened to cause her eyes to go all misty. Not that tears would actually fall, what with her water crafting. But it was the principal of the thing. Emotionally, she was delicate enough that devolving into melancholy was a very real concern. And it was a weakness that she couldn't afford to have at the moment, not when she had such an important mission as making that Great Furies-damned noble pay for what he did to her. Thus, her less than absolutely polite treatment of the man who was being so kind to her so far. When she thought about it that way, Helena felt less embarrassed about it.<br><br>Helena looked over at her water and quaffed it eagerly. Then it was set down with a hearty <em>clunk</em> against the table. “But yeah, like I said; I wouldn't be able to beat the guy if I wanted to. He's older. More experienced. So it's the smart, devious way for me.” Her lips twisted in distaste. Two devious missions in a row? Helena almost wished there would soon be an excuse to use her blades. She was so much better at that sort of thing. But then, she supposed that was exactly why the academy was putting her through this. It was worthwhile to have a well-rounded cursor. <br><br>“So... any ideas about that? You said that... what's her name, Celia? Yeah, that was it... wouldn't appreciate you coming around again. And she likely saw through my disguise in the end as well. So I'm thinking it's new disguises for both of us. Something she wouldn't expect until it's too late and she has to answer our questions.” The ghost of a smirk crossed her features, probably the first genuine positive expression Decimus had ever seen in her. “You're usually the dominant one (or whatever you call that), aren't you? I think she'd have a hard time recognizing the both of us if we did a little role reversal.” It was that concept of switching up expectations that seemed to amuse her so. “That's an option. Or would that be too risky for your reputation?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>24-03-2016, 06:21:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus did his best to keep a hold on his crafting.&nbsp; When dealing with a woman that Decimus found difficult he normally used a blend of crafting to sway the woman to his line of thinking, or a compromise that he could live with.&nbsp; &nbsp;He could not do that here.&nbsp; Helena already felt violated and manipulated from what happened to her, and if he attempted to craft here, all it would do would be to alienate her and turn her against him.&nbsp; So Decimus filled her water cup again, and refilled his own before he drank from it, using it as a means to calm himself and to gain control of the furies about him that wanted to act, to be used.&nbsp; When he felt that he was once more centered, he spoke again to Helena.<br><br><strong>"At times, but never as a complaint I assure you."</strong>&nbsp; Once more Decimus used his warm and inviting smile on Helena to hopefully make a connection with her.&nbsp; <strong>"Your idea has merit.&nbsp; I still do not think that Celia had any willing hand in what happened, which means there is coercion on some part happening here.&nbsp; If we had that evidence, it would be the foundation of a case against Kalare that he could not simply challenge someone to a duel to get out of.&nbsp; &nbsp;As to your idea, my pride is not so inflexible that it is not willing to sacrifice for what would be the greater good.&nbsp; &nbsp;I can be a submissive play toy, even masquerade as a slave, for you." </strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>04-04-2016, 21:36:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, you talk a lot. And you seem to like repeating the obvious." Helena observed with a casual shrug. It was definitely not the polite citizen thing to say to someone she'd just met the night before. Again, it was either pick at his flaws - imagined or not - or be forced to focus on her own situation.<br><br>Helena leaned back in her chair with a look of satisfaction when Decimus claimed that his pride wasn't so inflexible. Walking around with a man on a leash may not have normally appealed to her, but at that moment - after the night she had – a little bit of control that that situation would afford her seemed wonderful. Then she sighed, and her satisfied faded. Perhaps she was making things more complicated than she had to simply for a personal thrill. That wouldn't look very good at the academy. The realm was supposed to come before her own desires. <br><br>“So that's an option.” She said. “But what if I just... went back as myself? How do you think Celia would respond if I got upset in front of her and ask why she let it happen to me? Would she try to defend herself, say that it wasn't her choice? Or do you think she'll just turn me away? Furies, if you think she is being coerced, she might just open up if we simply go up to her and tell her we can help. Unless she's under some compulsion that prevents her from saying what's wrong... I don't know – you're the one who goes to these sorts of places. What do you think is the better option?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>09-04-2016, 11:32:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Helena spoke, Decimus listened, eating at the same time as he was famished from the intensity and duration of his crafting to heal Helena.&nbsp; The food would help Decimus, but in the end only rest would restore Decimus back to his peak strength.&nbsp; Rest however did not look to be coming anytime soon, so nourishing food would have to suffice for the moment.&nbsp; Decimus frowned slightly at her comment of him talking too much and stating the obvious.&nbsp; He thought that statement a bit petty on her part, considering all that Decimus had done for her, but it was only a momentary flash of emotion that he quickly tried to subdue in his mind.&nbsp; Helena had been through something traumatic and it was only understandable she would have some frustration and anger inside her, and Decimus was a target for that at the moment.&nbsp; He could suffer it if it aided her in recovery, for a little bit that is.<br><br>After she had proposed the second course of action, Decimus finished chewing what he had been eating and shook his head, getting some water and washing it down before so he could speak again.&nbsp; <strong>"I believe that is a course of last resort, after we have had a chance to observe her and see if she is being watched, and influenced in some way.&nbsp; Not knowing that, if she is being watched, she would likely deny what had happened, or worse, say what happened was done with your consent.&nbsp; If she did that, it would hurt any case we attempt to build against Kalare, or worse, tip him off that we are onto him and cause his security and vigilance against us to increase.&nbsp; I think your first suggestion of being disguised with me as your subservient partner has a greater chance of yielding information."</strong> <br><br>Decimus laid down his utensils and spread his hands in a placating gesture for Helena, his voice even yet he did his best to keep sympathy or concern from his voice, knowing that such emotions were not what she wanted at this time, and could cause anger and resentment towards Decimus to flare up again.&nbsp; While he was willing to endure such outbursts from her, it did not mean he was trying to actively trigger such outbursts from her.&nbsp; <strong>"It is up to you, Helena.&nbsp; If that is not something you are comfortable with, we could always enlist more of our fellow Cursor's in training to put Celia under observation.&nbsp; That is another course of action we can take, but we would need to convince them why they would need to do so."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>09-04-2016, 20:55:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena shrugged, and took another bite of her meal. By that point, her plate was almost completely empty, she'd gone through several cups of water, and drained the wine he'd given her. She was fairly satisfied with the exception of being almost ridiculously tired, just as it was for Decimus. Before responding to what he said, she swallowed and put her utensils on her plate. “I think I can handle acting dominant for one night, Aquitaine.” Helena claimed. “And it's not like I'm going to actually <em>do</em> anything to you.” She assumed. That had not been her goal even in the slightest when she made that suggestion. Her mind was completely on the mission, not on more sex. Not after the night she'd just had. <br><br>“Only...” He face colored with embarrassment, which she didn't look too happy about. She was realizing that that whole plan was probably going to be more awkward than she anticipated. But it was the best one they had; a little awkwardness could be ignored and overcome for the sake of the realm. “It would probably be worthwhile to coach me at least a little bit before going in. I wouldn't even know what to <em>wear</em> for that... sort of thing...” Her words were cut off by an enormous yawn, which she tried and failed to cover with a hand. “And I'm going to need a nap before any of this goes down. You think there's time for that? It's still morning, right? 'Midnight Silks' stuff seems best done at, well, <em>midnight.</em>” <br><br>Just as Helena was beginning to indulge in happy thoughts about a warm, safe bed, she groaned when she realized something. “We're going to have to report in first, aren't we.” She stated as she slumped down in her chair. Her terrible posture probably looked ridiculous in the lovely, expensive dress she was wearing. Not that she cared in the slightest; she didn't have to act like a refined citizen in front of her fellow cursor-in-training and would-be-partner. He knew the truth.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>13-04-2016, 04:10:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Between the two Cursors in training, there was little to no food left on the table, the bottle of wine gone, and the majority of two large water pitchers were empty as well.&nbsp; Enough food and drink to keep near eight Legionares taken care of and the two of them near decimated everything before them.&nbsp; That told a tale to Decimus if nothing else did.&nbsp; Decimus draided the last of the water pitchers refilling both his and Helena's cup as he listened to her words.&nbsp; <strong>"I have full faith and trust in you Helena.&nbsp; It is why I did not hesitate a moment in offering myself to you in this ruse in an effort to gain more information on our target.&nbsp; I am glad you did not shy away from it.&nbsp; Once we are rested, and fed again I think, both of us will be recovered enough to attempt this covert action on our part.&nbsp; There is nothing much else for us to do.&nbsp; It is the day after Winter's End and you know how the city is after the celebration.&nbsp; Nothing will be open till near the setting of the sun at least, which is several hours off yet.&nbsp; We might as well put the time to good use resting and recovering."</strong><br><br>Decimus took another long drink from his cup of water as he looked at Helena with a curious look at to her sudden groan and change in demeanor.&nbsp; When she explained the change, Decimus understood.&nbsp; Perhaps she feared that how event splayed out invalidate her further training as a Cursor.&nbsp; It was the same sharp and sudden fear that Decimus was experiencing as he failed to keep her safe, as was his assignment.&nbsp; Decimus features became a bit serious as well as he regarded Helena.&nbsp; Perhaps it was a time to forge a path where success and results would be looked at rather than any misstep or failing along the way.<br><br><strong>"If we do with what we have right now, it might mean the end for both of us as Cursors I think.&nbsp; Maybe not so much for you as you completed your mission by getting the information you were sent to accomplish.&nbsp; I however, failed.&nbsp; I was supposed to assist and aid you, and I did not.&nbsp; I let you get into a compromised position and get harmed.&nbsp; If you want to touch base with the Academy before we had more information to give them, I understand and will support you.&nbsp; If you are up for playing out our operation against Celia before we return to the academy, I will support that as well.&nbsp; Since you are the wronged party in all of this, I will let the decision be yours."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>17-04-2016, 08:41:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena heaved a great sigh of relief when Decimus decided that he'd rather not report to the academy quite yet. “No, no. I'm not going to report if you don't want to.” Helena responded quickly. It was true; she had gathered the information that was required of her. She would likely be able to keep her place as cursor in training, even if Decimus couldn't. But her objections for reporting immediately were more out of the bone-deep tiredness that was beginning to rear its ugly head after she filled her stomach with such wonderful food. So it wasn't really for his benefit, but at that moment she was all for letting him save face. She didn't know if she had the energy to even crawl to the nearest bed before she passed out.<br><br>Speaking of which... “Uh, you don't happen to have a spare room that I can use? It can be servants quarters – anything that keeps me from walking back to my own bed.” She was taken by a yawn that she couldn't quite stifle before she could finish what she was saying. Finally, when she was able to talk again, she claimed, “I'm not picky.” It was probably a terrible imposition, but she was too tired to give a damn. “It will give us more time to plan better after we wake up.” She added to perhaps better persuade him to let her stay.<br><br>“Oh, and the food was good. Compliments to the cook and all.” At least she was pretty sure that the food was good. There wasn't much opportunity to taste it with how fast she had shoveled it into her mouth. It did fill her up and make her feel good, so it must have been at least decently made. Her praise likely was given to the wrong person. She made a mental note to find whoever made the food and thank him or her later.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>19-04-2016, 07:49:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus let loose his own sigh of relief, in more ways than one as it turned out.&nbsp; First was the obvious in the fact that Helena agreed with him and that they wee not going to the Academy and their Cursor trainers first, for as Decimus thought about it, the more likely it was that the instructors would rule that Decimus had failed in his task and that would be the end of Decimus' goal of becoming a Cursor.&nbsp; The other relief that Decimus felt was that Helena was finally feeling her exhaustion, which meant that his duties as a host would be at an end and he himself could get some sleep as his body was screaming at him.&nbsp; Decimus drained at the last of the water and stood up, making a gesture towards the deeper into the villa.<br><br><strong>"I will be certain to let our chef know the mean was well received.&nbsp; I do enjoy simple and hardy fare myself.&nbsp; The fancy and I guess what they call artful fair i find lacks sustiance, and more often taste.&nbsp; As for a room, you are more then welcome to rest here.&nbsp; My sister is not in the city at present and her chambers I believe would be the most comfortable.&nbsp; If you will follow me I will take you to them and we can speak when we both feel refreshed.&nbsp; When you do wake up, feel free to take advantage of the bath if you wish.&nbsp; All it takes is a bit of water crafting to have the water flow start and stop."</strong>&nbsp; Decimus then moved deeper into the villa, and it took less than a minute to stop at the door before a door.&nbsp; He opened the door and what was inside was a lovely chamber with a large down stuffed mattress and pillows.&nbsp; It there was feminine presence to the room that perhaps made the room feel more comfortable, certainly more than the room Helena regained consciousness in.&nbsp; &nbsp;The comment about the bat made sense as attached to the room was a bathing chamber with a bath built into the floor.<br><br>Decimus smiled and moved to step out of the chamber.&nbsp; <strong>"Please feel free to treat this chamber as your own.&nbsp; My sister is not due in the capital till the coming of spring.&nbsp; Sleep well and we will talk again when you waken.&nbsp; If by chance I am still asleep when you waken, feel free to have me woken up, please.&nbsp; Until then..."</strong>&nbsp; With that, Decimus waited to see if she had any parting words and left.&nbsp; It was entirely possible she would wake before he did.&nbsp; While it was true there were injuries and a drug in her system, the healing process had a more draining effect upon the healer than the patient.&nbsp; With Helena taken care of and perhaps asleep already, Decimus walked the few meters to his own chambers.&nbsp; It did not take long for him to strip off his clothing and fall flat upon his own down mattress.&nbsp; He was asleep in less than two minutes, a black, dreamless sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>20-04-2016, 18:13:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Al-alright...” Helena said when she was offered his sister's room. She wasn't about to complain about a comfortable bed – furies, she was just grateful that it was a bed she didn't have to walk across town for. But it did seem a little strange to her that he would so casually offer a family room instead of a guest room. For whatever reason, Helena had this idea in her head that families as rich as his were rife with extra bedrooms to impress equally rich guests. Or something like that. It was only a moment's pause for Helena; she couldn't be bothered to think too deeply into it, tired as she was. <br><br>“It looks great, thanks.” She told him. Her words were sincere, but her haste to simply flop onto the bed and sleep rendered her thanks quick, tired, and not really grateful-sounding at all. She didn't even notice the 'feminine presence.' There was a bed, and that was all that mattered. Helena stepped into the room, turned to him, nodded her understanding at his parting words, then shut the door in his face. He was probably worse-off than she was, so Helena figured he'd understand. Then, finally, sweet nap time.<br><br>Helena didn't know how long she had been asleep, but she could still see some manner of daylight poking through the drawn curtains and she didn't feel quite so tired anymore. Ideally, she would have a full night's rest and maybe take the day off besides, but at least now she felt mostly functional. Real rest would have to happen later. For now, she would settle for a bath. Decimus had told her to take advantage of it after she woke up – probably to give him some extra time to sleep – and full advantage she took. Between the soak she had in the healing tub and the scrub she had that moment in the bath, the dark dye of her hair began to fade from black to a dark coppery brown. Her true hair color was blonde, so she still had a bit to go. For now, she hoped that it would make her a bit less recognizable that night. <br><br>Naked and not so distractingly tired, Helena couldn't help but notice the alterations that had been made to her body. With tender hands and a frowning face, she inspected her piercings properly for the first time. The pain had apparently been healed away, but she could see now how removing them was not really an option. Even if they didn't permanently disfigure her appearance, there was a chance that that extra damage would irreparably dull or even kill sensation to what were supposed to be sensitive, arousing parts of her body. Helena wasn't willing to risk losing that. She would just have to get used to the odd brush of fabric that accidentally sent heat to her core, and the looks she would get from every man she was intimate with from then on. Things weren't all bad; perhaps having the metal in her body would help with her crafting? More experimentation was necessary. But not at that moment. <br><br>Bath done, she put on the only clothes she had available: his sister's clothes. She wondered if his sister knew how generous she was being. She exited the room refreshed, but realized that she had no idea which room was Decimus's. It <em>could</em> have been the one he'd healed her in. Not wanting to wander the house and risk knocking at wrong doors, she instead wandered the house until she found a servant. “Sorry to interrupt your work, but can you have Decimus woken, please?” Helena asked, and was a great deal more polite to the servant that she had been to Decimus at that point.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>24-04-2016, 04:44:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The servant, Hector, had been sweeping the hallway, his hand hovering in the air and making motions away from himself to sweep the dirt and dust and away from him.&nbsp; Helena could feel the wind crating the servant was employing and it was perhaps surprising the strength and delicate, fine control that he demonstrated.&nbsp; With a small gesture, Hector dismissed the wind fury and turned, bowing to Helena with a elegant grace to it.&nbsp; He smiled warmly as he did, and if he was at all perturbed at being disturbed at his chores, it did not show at all and indeed to did not seem the man had a deceptive bone in his body.&nbsp; <br><br><strong>"Ah good day to my lady, I hope your rest was well?&nbsp; I will be happy to see the <em>Dominus</em> awaken.&nbsp; I will bring him to the dining chamber.&nbsp; I will also let the staff know you are awake a it should not be long at all to bring out&nbsp; the stew, bread, and cheese we had awaiting in anticipation of you both?&nbsp; If you wish I can escort you to the dining hall if you are not familiar with the way?" </strong>&nbsp; Hector made a gesture down the hallway and waited to see if his escort services were required.&nbsp; If she took Hector up upon his services or not, it was not long till the hearty and savory scent of a beef barley stew and fresh bread filled the dining hall, and a freshly bathed and much more refreshed Decimus entered the hall.<br><br><strong>"Good afternoon to you Helena, I do hope that your rest was as restorative as my own?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>26-04-2016, 00:52:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“My rest was great, thanks. No need to lead me. I can find my way there.” Helena told the servant confidently. She had a good memory for places. She had to be; a cursor who easily got lost in a house would not be a very good one. At least, that was what she felt. When Decimus entered the room, she was already sitting in a chair and was slowly pulling apart an already half-consumed loaf of bread. Even after the big meal only a couple hours before, Helena couldn't wait for her host to arrive. She justified it in her head by telling herself it was just bread, and she was just snacking. So it didn't count as eating dinner before it was polite. Probably.<br><br>“Best bed I've ever slept in.” Helena responded honestly. A freedman's daughter didn't usually get to sleep in quite so expensive rooms. Not that particular freedman's daughter, anyway. “I feel so much better.” And that was the only thing she said for a while, since she began enthusiastically eating at the very moment it was no longer rude to do so. It was actually rather shocking that she'd be able to eat as much as she did while still retaining her figure. She couldn't exactly be called slim, but she still had a body than many women envied.<br><br>When she slowed down, she finally looked up at Decimus. “So, uh. I know our plan was my idea... but I have <em>no idea</em> how this is supposed to work.” She told him, obviously feeling a bit awkward about it. But it was the awkwardness of unfamiliarity. She was still confident that, with a little advice, she could pull it off. “If you can give me... tips, I guess? Teach me some of the language used?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>29-04-2016, 01:31:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As if the servants had a sixth sense of their own, they arrived into the dinning hall with fruit, cheese, more bread, and two steaming bowls of lamb stew.&nbsp; They were smiling warmly and looked relaxed, in place and happy with their position.&nbsp; There was even a saucy wink from one female servants in Decimus direction that either she thought would not be noticed, or that she did not care in present company.&nbsp; Decimus had the good grace to blush at least before he reached over for the bread, broke off a good hunk of it and dipped it into he stew, letting out a sigh of pleasure at the taste of the stew.&nbsp; He closed his eyes to savor the taste of it before turning to the servants.&nbsp; <br><br><strong>"Delicious beyond description please do thank Kaia for me and please, enjoy yourselves to the meal as well.&nbsp; I do not think we are both so ravenous as before that we will consume everything."</strong>&nbsp; The servant's smiles grew to display deep appreciation and fondness to Decimus, as if they had been a part of him for a majority of his life.&nbsp; There was affection towards the young lord as they inclined their head in respect and thanked him before leaving Helena and Decimus to themselves and privacy to talk.<br><br>Decimus turned his attention back to Helena as he finished another bite of the stew dipped bread, washing it down with water before he spoke again.&nbsp; <strong>"I am glad that you have recovered.&nbsp; I was not certain that my skills would be enough when we brought you here, but I am glad that they were.&nbsp; While I am the top of my class in water crafting, healing is a complex ordeal when we are speaking of trauma to the body.&nbsp; The added complexity of aphrodine in your system."</strong>&nbsp; Decimus shook his head at the memory.&nbsp; <strong>"Filtering the drug from your blood and your body, that was far more difficult than anything we did in class.&nbsp; Difficult, but not beyond me.&nbsp; Still there was always the nagging fear that I might not had been skilled enough, that I may have done more harm to you than healed you.&nbsp; I am very relieved that did not turn out to be the case.</strong>&nbsp; <br><br>Decimus did not share that if he had brought her to a skilled and experienced healer, the piercings now a part of her might had been removed.&nbsp; It was a decision that would perhaps haunt Decimus for years to come.&nbsp; It was a judgement call at the time, and perhaps the wrong one.&nbsp; At the time Decimus thought that he was thinking of Helena's best interests, virtue, and reputation.&nbsp; All of that would be at risk if he had brought her to a public healer.&nbsp; It might also have jeopardized her training as a Cursor.&nbsp; Decimus knew that those that trained to be such were not people that were merely chosen, they had actively sought it out and at least to Decimus it was more than a fling, it was a calling.&nbsp; <br><br>If Helena felt even remotely about the Cursors as Decimus, then being cast out of Cursor training would be devastating to her on top of every she had endured that night.&nbsp; So much so it might have destroyed her.&nbsp; At least that was what Decimus thought at the time.&nbsp; He knew that it would destroy him.&nbsp; After having been with her as her true self and not an act in a Cursor operation, he admitted there was a core of inner strength to her that might bend, but it would never break or shatter.&nbsp; It was causing some self doubts now in Decimus and his decisions, that perhaps his choice held far more selfish intentions, and that it was more Decimus' standing and reputation, his continuance in Cursor training after letting his charge come to harm.&nbsp; It was a chilling and sobering thought, a millstone upon his soul.<br><br>Decimus gave a quick shake of his head to rid them of such deep reflection.&nbsp; There was a time and place for them and now was not the time.&nbsp; Self doubt and recrimination had no place before an operation, as such invited the path to failure, and the two of them could not fail tonight.&nbsp; Decimus took another bite of bread along with another sip of water before he continued on, addressing her other concern, a thoughtful look on his expression as if considering his words first.&nbsp; <strong>"While I have a very respectful relationship with my servants, I know that is not the case with other nobility.&nbsp; Think of our fellow classmates, the ones that are arrogant, and emulate them.&nbsp; Act like I am nothing more than a possession, a thing, a valuable piece that you do not want to be parted with, but worthy of no more respect than an object.&nbsp; You have had training with your Cursor training on how to change your personality to fool those about you.&nbsp; I saw that last night at the celebration, and in the wind carriage.&nbsp; I have confidence in you that you could do the same but with a different role this time."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>03-05-2016, 20:57:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Yeah, I feel fine. Still kind of tired, but fine.” Helena assured Decimus. “A more practiced crafter probably could have done better if what you say is true... but then there would be questions.” Her lips turned downward in a small frown of distaste, leaving it clear how she felt about that subject. Helena's mind went down a very similar path to Decimus's, though she didn't know it. She didn't say more on the subject, only fell to her own moody musings about what could have gone wrong and what could have been done better. So for a while the room was filled with sullen silence and the occasional rattle of utensils and plates. Sulking could not stop Helena from eating.<br><br>Decimus was the one to break the silence. The beginning of his explanation sounded suspiciously boastful. It caused Helena to quirk an eyebrow, but she let him keep talking without interruption. And he did seem respectful enough. Generally, though, the truly respectful didn't call attention to themselves being a decent human being. Or at least that was what Helena thought. It was her turn to shake hyper-critical thoughts from her head and attend to what Decimus was saying. <br><br>“I can do haughty noble.” Helena said. She then put down her bread, took a deep breath that seemed to inflate her entire body as she actually sat properly in her chair, and cleared her face of all expression beyond slightly narrowed eyes and lifted chin. It gave her expression some semblance of disdain. It wasn't quite the complete transformation one might have hoped. Her face naturally had a softness to it, a certain... approachability. She had been perfect for the role of Rosentia, the wide-eyed beautiful young noble eager to make a good impression on handsome, important men. “I'm thinking if I can get this expression down and add a little makeup to make my features look sharper, it'll take a bit to recognize me...” She trailed off as a thought occurred to her that would make everything so much easier. “Are masks a thing at Midnight Silks? Seems like the sort of place people don't want to be recognized at.”<br><br>Stomach pleasantly full, she stood. "I'd also like to talk over our plan once we get in there, assuming we aren't recognized. Probably not a good idea to wing it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>06-05-2016, 04:26:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus normally was far more observant, his water crafting giving him the edge up in that regards.&nbsp; He was among the more powerful water crafters that his instructors had ever seen, along with a strong metal crafting discipline that enabled him to screen out the negative effects the empathy that strong water crafting evokes.&nbsp; Decimus must be leaning on some of that metal crafting unconsciously to combat some of the fatigue he was still fighting, or the fact that he was to occupied with his own internal emotions and conflict over the decision to heal Helena that he did not read at all any of the emotions coming off of Helena.&nbsp; Then again, perhaps deep down he really did not want to read Helena's emotions for fear of recrimination, blame, or more from her.&nbsp; Decimus shook his head and was silent as he dug into his own meal.<br><br>At her words, Decimus raised his head from his food and gave her a critical and appraising look.&nbsp; Again he was struck by her beauty, even more so than she was the previous night when he witnessed her at the carriage and at <em>Midnight Silks</em>.&nbsp; Again he could hear her voice threaded with lust and desire, pair that with her nude body, even with the piercings, and Decimus for a moment could not get out of his mind Helena in the throws in passion.&nbsp; For a brief moment, there was a flare of pure rage towards those responsible for her assault, not only because of the attack and violation of her her body and person, but for the fact that they got to experience her, if for only a little bit, Helena's pure and honest passion and desire, something that Decimus was certain that he never would get to have, not after his admission to her.&nbsp; <br><br>Decimus had to again berate himself mentally.&nbsp; This was once more not the time and place for such thoughts and emotions.&nbsp; They were present to undo his mistake and how to bring those responsible for Helena's assault to face justice.&nbsp; All of that would hinge upon Helena to be able to perform in the role.&nbsp; Helena was a striking and stunning woman, and Decimus could see that she could pull of any role.&nbsp; Yes, this could work, especially given her additional question about guests coming to <em>Midnight Silks</em> in some form of masque or subterfuge.&nbsp; They in fact had, from what Decimus recalled, and it would not be the first time that noble brought a slave with them to participate. <br><br>Decimus swallowed his food with a drink of wine and cleared his throat slightly before answering.&nbsp; <strong>"The are not uncommon at the establishment, no.&nbsp; I believe your suggestions, along with a mask, would be perfect for the role.&nbsp; I can use my water crafting to change most of my features, hair color, my height.&nbsp; I know I can be certain they will not recognize me, especially if you have me in the role as a slave with a collar about me.&nbsp; Even at the <em>Silks</em>, they do not even bother to look at slaves.&nbsp; Now, I think we should wait till tomorrow night before we attempt this.&nbsp; It still within the time frame before our reports are expected, and will allow both of us to be at our peak.&nbsp; However, if you feel strongly that we need to go tonight, I will support you of course."</strong>&nbsp; Decimus took another sip of wine, and waited for Helena's decision.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>08-05-2016, 03:28:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Impressive.” Helena commented when Decimus was done giving her his opinion. “Your water crafting, I mean. I can manage really small changes, but I have to rely mostly on mundane dyes and powders.” And generally she didn't casually pick up on other people's emotions when she didn't want to (she was oblivious to Decimus' at the moment). Except, of course, at that party the night before. That had been a little much, even for her meager abilities and the bolstering strength of her much more powerful metal craft. Now that she'd experienced it, however, she would probably fare better the next time she was at a noble party. If, indeed, there would be a next time. There was still a chance that she would ruin everything with this mission and get kicked out. Not a pleasant thought.<br><br>Onto the next point. “Tomorrow would probably be safer for the both of us. I feel better, but still tired enough to make stupid mistakes. It is sort of pushing it when it comes to reporting in... But if I had to choose between being nearly late, but thorough or getting in early and missing something, I would definitely choose the first one.” Helena decided.<br><br>Still, she was on her feet and wanted to get something done that day, if it was only prep work. Lying in bed throughout an entire day never sat well for the young freedman's daughter. In her old life, there was always work to do. If work wasn't done, then somebody might not get to eat. “Do you have masks, or do I need to procure some? Also, outfits. Your sister's dress is nice, but it doesn't scream powerful dominant woman to me. Not that I really know what that looks like. All you rich folk seem powerful and dominant to me.” Where she planned to get those things was beyond her. Decimus probably had the money, but she wasn't going to presume that he would lend some to her. There would be no way for her to pay it back. Perhaps the Academy? No, that would be an awkward and embarrassing conversation. She would probably resort to 'commandeering' them, for the sake of the realm. <br><br>“Another thing: If we're going to work together, we should reveal our skills and crafting abilities to one another. Unless you skills are a secret.” Her's weren't. She was proud of what she could do. But there were those who liked to retain some mystery so they could completely shock people later on. It was a silly practice when one was among allies. Silly, but not uncommon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>11-05-2016, 15:58:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus took a huge hunk of the bread and used it to mop up the remainder of his stew, listening to Helena as he polished off his food.&nbsp; He considered her words and thought that his sister had masques since when she was in the capital she attended such celebrations and galas, even those that Decimus was not supposed to know about and he knew for near certain that when she went to the parties that had an orgy planned she did so with her identity obscured.&nbsp; Her...liberated and spirited social revels had landed her in trouble with father in the past and he had threatened to restrict her stipend if she put the House at risk for scandal or worse.&nbsp; So the masque should not be an issue, but the dress, yes that would be an issue for Helena and his sister were of a different shape, not radically so, but enough so that nothing would fit Helena well.<br><br>Decimus drained the rest of his water so as to clear his mouth, and then responded to Helena's questions.&nbsp; <strong>"Masque should not be an issue, but the dress, yes that we will need to acquire.&nbsp; After we finish here we can go look for one.&nbsp; I do know the seamstress that my sister employs when she is planning to frequent an establishment like the <em>Silks</em>, or attend one of the illicit galas not spoken about.&nbsp; It will be no issue at all to have you attired as we need you to be.&nbsp; Not that it will take much mind you.&nbsp; I can see why now that the instructors were keen to have one such as you a Cursor.&nbsp; I spent more than half the night attempting to discover who my assignment was at the celebration the previous night.&nbsp; You are quite good indeed."</strong><br><br>Decimus reached over for a grape and tossed it into the air, catching it with his mouth, swallowing the sweet bit of fruit before continuing.&nbsp; <strong>"About our crafting abilities, you again display peerless logic and if we are to work together for this to take down Kalare and his accomplices.&nbsp; My primary strength is water crafting, but my metal and earth crafting are near equally as strong.&nbsp; I have a little talent with wind crafting, yet not with any ability to fly I must say.&nbsp; Enough to speed up my movement that when combined with my earth and metal crafting make me fairly deadly in combat.&nbsp; I have no skill or ability in fire or wood crafting, which is why my father believes I will be of little to no use to him in politics, which is also a reason for my drive to become a Cursor." </strong>&nbsp; Decimus took another grape and bit into it, making a gesture with his other hand towards Helena as if saying it was now her turn to be forthcoming.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>16-05-2016, 02:44:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Alright. You'd better send for the seamstress right away, then.” Helena responded with a nod. “I'm not entirely sure how these things work, but I understand it takes time to get a dress together. She probably won't appreciate the short notice as it is.” She didn't comment on his compliment of her skills, but a proud smile flitted across her face, and her cheeks turned slightly more pink for a moment. Decimus could probably feel the spike of innocent pleasure coming from Helena. More than being complimented on her looks, Helena enjoyed it when people noticed her skill. Especially when that skill was something that she'd been uncertain about. She <em>thought</em> she did an okay job at the party last night. And one of her peers just agreed with her. Now all she had to worry about was keeping up the good work so that her mentors will tell her the same.<br><br>The peerless logic bit was a little much, though. Partners being open with their skills – at least, those who could trust each other – was one of the core things she had been taught both at the Academy, and in her previous life. She was dangerously close to rolling her eyes at him, but was thankfully distracted by his explanation of power. Helena was really, truly interested in finding all that out – as anyone would be, in any situation. Knowing what people were capable of was one of the most important things when one wanted to stay alive. So she watched him talk, and nodded her head in understanding when it was appropriate.<br><br>“My skills are at least a little similar. But for me, water is my weakest. Like I said, I can barely change my features at all. But it's enough to get by. And I don't have earth, fire, or wood. My air and steel crafting are my strong areas. I can fly – though I'm not the best in the lands. I prefer to use it more in conjunction with steel. Some say I'm shaping up to be on of the best swordsman of the era.” She leaned back in her chair when she said this, her arms behind her head. Yeah, she was boasting. But she also wasn't lying. It was a shame she had no earth crafting in her. Then she could be <em>the</em> best, not just <em>one</em> of them. “That's how I managed to get into the cursor program. Otherwise, I would have been stuck on that farm forever.” Her nose upturned at this; obviously a lifetime of farm work didn't sound like a good life at all to her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>20-05-2016, 09:39:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Decimus listened to her explanation about her abilities.&nbsp; Personally he thought she was underselling her crafting ability a little bit, from what he had witnessed.&nbsp; Decimus had found in his travels and visiting the various steadholds under his father's purview.&nbsp; He had found the freemen had a stronger connection to their furies than most citizens he knew.&nbsp; If that was the case here with Helena, then her skill and power with wind and metal crafting must be impressive indeed.&nbsp; Due to Decimus' noble heritage he was exempt from many first years courses, which was why he likely had never encountered Helena before now.&nbsp; So if he wanted to get a gauge her skill, he would need to spar with her.&nbsp; <br><br>Decimus inclined his head in agreement about the seamstress and before proceeding with his thought of a duel, they should take care of that detail first.&nbsp; As he stood to go fetch a servant to call for the seamstress, another idea came to him.&nbsp; A slow smile graced his features as he turned towards Helena.&nbsp; <strong>"No, a whole new dress would be difficult to get in the time frame we desire, but there is another option.&nbsp; We could alter one of my sister's dresses to fit you instead.&nbsp; &nbsp;That would require far less work on the seamstress' part, still meet what we need.&nbsp; My sister is cut from the same cloth as myself, and she enjoys dominating her sexual partners.</strong><br><br>One of the servants arrived, perhaps having a sixth sense of their own when needed, or more than likely they had enough wind crafting to listen in and take their ques from the conversation when their presence was required.&nbsp; <strong>"Ah thank you Doralei, if you can send for the family seamstress, we will need her legendary skill here for what we need to accomplish in the time allotted us."</strong>&nbsp; Decimus then turned towards Helena and made a gesture leading to the far interior of the villa.&nbsp; <strong>"Shall we return to my sister's room and see which dress will work for you, my dear?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>29-05-2016, 04:31:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Yeah, that would probably be better. Less expensive, too.” Furies, how was she supposed to pay for even a seamstress to do the work of fitting a dress, let alone having a whole new one made for her? Helena's outfit the night before was compliments of the academy, but it was the only expense that they were willing to make for her mission. It was a test, after all, and part of it had to be how to adapt despite lack of knowledge, funds, and resources. In this case... well, it looked like she was going to have to impose on a fellow cursor in training. Who was also a noble. That she was about to lead around like some sort of pet. At a carnal sex den where women may or may not have been receiving genital piercings without their consent. Suffice to say, things were starting to get surreal. <br><br>Starting to? Hell, she felt like she was in some sort of weird dream ever since the party.<br><br>Her attention turned back to Decimus when he gestured deeper into the villa. Since they began talking of not executing their plan until the next day, she had sunk back into her chair at the dining table. Now it was time to get preparations started. She stood, and followed him where they needed to go.<br><br>The next day and a half was filled with preparation – whether that meant getting Helena fitted with a dress befitting of a dominatrix, practicing how the both of them were going to act, or even engaging in a quick couple of spars to get a more accurate feel for their strengths in crafting. Decimus had a better variety of skills and crafting at his disposal, but it was Helena who was better suited for winning those quick fights. Her entire skill set was focused on the blade and on speed. So it was that the freedman's daughter bested Decimus. But she knew full well that he would win if it ever came to a battle of endurance. His water crafting would heal small wounds, and his earth would lend him strength. When she was out of energy or got too many wounds, she was pretty much done for. Still, it was nice for her ego to be able to beat someone from a high house. <br><br>Though that hadn't exactly been the intention at the time, that ego boost allowed Helena to more easily fit the role of the haughty, domineering noblewoman. After the afternoon spar on the following day - and a quick nap to rejuvenate their bodies in preparation for whatever was going to happen that night - the seamstress had completed the necessary alterations and outfitted Helena with her new costume. It was a tight, heavily cossetted affair in rich crimson and black colors. Helena felt every bit like the sex queen she was supposed to be. She was already a well-shaped woman, but this made her look all curves and cleavage. It came off in layers, depending on how practical and agile its wearer needed to be. One never knew what sort of acrobatics even a dominatrix needed to perform. <br><br>With the light of mischief in her eyes, she got one of Decimus' servants to hold the coat that went over the whole thing, that she may blend into society en route to <em>Midnight Silks.</em> But she didn't want to blend in just yet, not in the comfort of the villa. She wanted to knock on the nobleman's bedroom door and see the look on his face when he saw her costume. It had certainly been amusing thus far to observe the covert looks the house staff gave her when they thought she wasn't looking. So she stood with haughty posture and expression directly in front of Decimus' room. Her gloved hand rose to rap her knuckles firmly against his door. <em>Knock. Knock. Knock.</em> “Are you <em>quite</em> done yet?” She said in her most 'noble' voice. The effect was only spoiled a little by the grin she couldn't quite keep off her face. Helena may have been enjoying this a little too much.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>10-06-2016, 20:24:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The door opened and one of the female servants that Helena recognized, Aria, was there with her hands flecked with black and gold paint and a fine paint brush in her hand.&nbsp; She all but giggled and seemed to have a light of near sisterly conspiracy in her eyes.&nbsp; &nbsp;She stepped out of the way and made a gesture deeper into the chambers for Helena to move into.&nbsp; As she did, Helena would find a nude Decimus standing in the middle of his room, with his skin cast like it was in bronze, and gold and black lines in bold, exotic designs painted over his clearly nude form, and it was an impressive display of male nudity.&nbsp; As he looked over his shoulder, there perhaps was a fair trickle of embarrassment that Helena would feel from Decimus as being on display.&nbsp; &nbsp;Growing more so as he took in the sight of her, and he had no control over his body and his phallus went from half erect to fully erect as he took in the sight of her.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>To give the nobleman a little credit, he did not cast his eyes down and simper like a girl, but met Helena's stare with his own rich blue eyes, though he did try to keep his eyes up upon hers and not over what it was she was wearing.&nbsp; Already visions of it being her head in place of Aviera's head, her lips inside of Aviera's lips wrapped about his shaft.&nbsp; It was Helena's body with her dark hair spread like an ocean wave across his bed as she was bound and writhing in her bondage, the pleasure so intense that she could not help but to move, but the leather cuffs and the chains attached too them giving her little room to move, and that in itself feedback onto her and made her pleasure that much sharper.&nbsp; In fact so strong what that image that Helena could not help but sense the sharp stab of lust in the air and directed only at her, for Aria did not react at all.<br><br>Decimus cleared his throat as to try to banish the imagery from his mind, but it was difficult to do with how...desirable...Helena looked in her current attire.&nbsp; Once he felt he could speak without his voice carrying the husky edge of lust, he tried to do so.&nbsp; Decimus did not know if he was successful, and his phallus did not ebb an a moment and remained steel hard for all to see.&nbsp; <strong>"No, not quite done yet.&nbsp; I think Aria is taking far too much pleasure and enjoyment in painting me up as a male pleasure slave for someone's amusement.&nbsp; I was starting to think you might have had a hand in this with as much detail as she was paying attention to so as to make me a feast for your eyes.&nbsp; Is that so?"</strong>&nbsp; He asked with jest and his own amusement in his eyes, but those same eyes continued to drink in the sight of Helena as if he was a man dying of thirst and she the first cold cup of water had in days.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>15-06-2016, 05:39:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Helena didn't know what she was expecting, but it certainly wasn't <em>that.</em> She blinked rapidly in surprise that one didn't need to have water crafting to see. Her eyes couldn't help but take in the impressive sight of his bronzed nude form before they snapped back up to his face. A blush bloomed across her cheeks – furies, her whole face felt hot, actually. Scratch that, her whole body was beginning to feel hot. That was <em>before</em> she noticed that the sight of her attire had caused Decimus to go erect and send uncontrolled stabs of lust directed only at her.<br><br>The freedman's daughter found her imagination going wild now that it was provided with such a sight. Mostly, it was of a bronzed 'sex slave' Decimus getting tired of taking orders. Images flashed through her head of him taking back control, overpowering her, and tying her helpless body to the bed to use as he pleased. The first part of that fantasy was commonplace in Helena's head. But the bit about being tied down? That was a new one. She dismissed the thoughts before Decimus could sense her answering emotions. But it was too late. Already a quick jolt of equal parts lust and embarrassment shot towards him before she calmed herself.<br><br>Tonight was certainly going to be interesting.<br><br>“What?” Helena asked in surprise when she was asked if that body paint was her idea. “No. Of course it wasn't! I barely knew what to wear myself. I mean, I imagined someone going as a slave would at least be partially undressed, but-” She made a slightly distressed noise before taking a deep, calming breath. Her eyes remained fixed on his, because it really didn't seem safe to look anywhere else. She would have looked away but... well, it was good to get used to the sight now, or she'd have no idea how to behave at Midnight Silks. She was already going to have a bit of a problem.<br><br>“Wouldn't – er...” She began to ask, but then realized she didn't know how to put her question into words. “Wouldn't all that, you know, smear? Make everything a mess? Or is that the point?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>30-06-2016, 05:50:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The servants of the house did not outright snicker at Decimus' current situation, but there were smiles and knowing wings to one another that he caught and gave a mock frown too before he raised his eyes back to Helena.&nbsp; Her response was too strong for her to hide, not from a water crafter of his skill.&nbsp; It did cause a spark of excitement&nbsp; to run through him, one that he could not suppress his bodily response.&nbsp; His breath quickened, his chest rising and falling.&nbsp; In reaction to that, his muscles rippled and dance, a rather enticing view with him all painted as he was.&nbsp; It was not his normal indulgence in lust but it was having a marked effect upon him, perhaps because it was so different than the norm.<br><br>After several heart beats he realized she had asked a question, so caught up was in her response, and his body's own response in kind.&nbsp; Decimus gave his head a small shake to clear his mind of the growing lust inside of it and smiled in turn to Helena, making a gesture to painted body as to draw her attention to it.&nbsp; <strong>"I do believe the smearing of the paint was purposeful.&nbsp; When a nobleman or woman has ordered up a particular slave, they want proof from the start of the contract that said slave has not been touched at all by any other hands other than their own, or so I have been told.&nbsp; In all honestly I was teasing you before and asked for this to be done in a further layer to disguise us.&nbsp; Now all they will see is the painted slave and the stunning mistress with the cruel mischief in her eyes.&nbsp; They will not remember anything else, and certainly nothing use to tie to our real identities."</strong><br><br>One of the servants had arrived with the travel cloaks, and in his thin sandals of leather, Decimus walked over to the man and took the cloaks from the man, putting the first mantle about Helena's shoulders before draping the second one over his.&nbsp; Once cloaked, Decimus and Helena really looked no different than any other noble of freedman traveling about Alera.&nbsp; Decimus made a gesture with his hand towards the doorway before he continued, and bowed deeply at the same time to Helena, his voice tone changing from authoritative and commanding to subservient.&nbsp; <strong>"Our carriage now awaits us, Mistress.&nbsp; Shall we?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Asminen</strong> on <strong>06-07-2016, 20:02:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a moment that Helena felt as if she was teetering on the edge of the precipice of reckless abandon. Both of them were water crafters, both could feel the lust emanating from the other person, and both were more aroused by the fact that the other was aroused by them. It was a dangerous loop that could have aborted the mission at its very start if they gave into their lusts and couldn't even leave the villa due to them mauling each other. That was Helena's worry, at least. She had no idea what kind of struggle Decimus was having. Judging by his dick... No, she really needed to look somewhere else despite all his explanation and gesturing towards his body.<br><br>Helena was glad for the cloaks that covered their bodies – especially his – even if she felt far too warm already. “Yes. Let us get out of here.” She agreed. Then, walking with as purposeful and commanding step as she could muster, she made her way through the villa and into the carriage that awaited them. <br><br>As the carriage got moving, Helena was silent and contemplative. In her head, she was running through all the things that even had a remote chance of occurring, and trying to decide how she would handle it. Even more than the party she had attended a couple nights ago, this would determine if she was ever allowed to work as an official cursor. All her dreams would come true if she did, and all her nightmares if she didn't. Suffice to say, the freedman's daughter was in very real danger of being nervous. At least she was trying to deal with that here in the carriage instead of at Midnight Silks.<br><br>“One more time: So the plan is, I walk in and reserve a private room for us? Should I try to have a causal conversation with Celia about how she runs things, and see what happens from there? Then we, what, try to observe what's happening in other rooms?” Helena blew out a nervous breath. This may have all been discussed before, but her nervousness made her want to repeat herself and double – even triple – check the plan. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Codex of Alera: Cursor's Duty (Blackstone and Asminen)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BlackStone</strong> on <strong>30-07-2016, 08:23:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cloaked though Helena was, her shape and the way she was dressed was still a firm vision in Decimus' mind as he walked the end of the lead she held in her hand to the ring on the collar buckled about his neck.&nbsp; As such he had a fairly unobstructed view of her from behind, and even the cloak did nothing to hide how...nice...Helena looked from behind.&nbsp; How had he missed it that night?&nbsp; Helena was far more stunning than Aviera.&nbsp; Had he been so far lost in his task at hand, and Aviera's mouth upon his cock, that he had failed to notice.&nbsp; Of course much of it was likely that she was with Lucius, and Decimus could not stand the man.&nbsp; &nbsp;In fact he was likely counting down the moments till he was out of the man's presence, and of course in part of the reason how he failed Helena and they ended up where they were at.<br><br>Decimus shook his head and did his best to use his water crafting to keep his lust and desire for Helena masked and under control so she could not sense it.&nbsp; It was a distraction neither of them needed, and perhaps it was unwanted on her part.&nbsp; She after all had displayed no interest in him that night, or during her brief stay save when she saw him in his attire, and that was likely an unconscious reaction, much like a man has when an attractive woman is put in front of him.&nbsp; Still the way they had been feeding off one another near caused their mission to be delayed, which was another reason for Decimus to mask his attraction and desire for Helena till their task at hand was finished.<br><br>As they climbed up into the carriage and made their way to the <em>Midnight Silks</em>, Decimus tried to focus on anything other than the image of Helena.&nbsp; It was possible that her current attire made her even more attractive then when he had seen her nude in the healing tub, though to be honest and fair, how well her body looked was the farthest thing from his mind at the time as he did his best to heal her.&nbsp; He had not completely disclosed how injured she was.&nbsp; The bastards had dosed her with far too much aphrodine, and it had damaged her body, her nervous system.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was in part why she took so long to heal, and why he could do nothing about the piercings.&nbsp; <br><br>It was more than likely no one could have done anything about them.&nbsp; They had been designed and crafted not to be removed after all.&nbsp; Decimus suspected that fire crafted had been used after they had been placed in Helena's body, enough to connect the metal to her her body so that trying to remove them would cause the damage that they would.&nbsp; He could had removed them, if he suspected that Helena never wanted to enjoy sex again, but he had a feeling that was not the case.&nbsp; It did make Decimus wonder the effect her piercings had on her body, and if that explained the sense of arousal he sensed about her these last two days.&nbsp; In a sense Decimus could see the appeal of them and how they could be used in the type of sexual play he enjoyed.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>His thoughts were interrupted by Helena's words and he did his best to try to focus once more on the task at hand, and not on how Helena would look spread and bound, with him using crafting upon her piercings to sexually tease and torment her.&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>"Hmmm?&nbsp; Oh yes, though I will not try to focus too much on casual conversation with Celia, though it might be worth asking how much would it be to secure her for the night.&nbsp; If she agrees, then we can perhaps turn the tables on her, bind her, and tease and torment her so to the breaking point, then turn the tables on her and actually interrogate her.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is something I had not considered till now.&nbsp; In all likelihood she will refuse, and we are no worse off, and will sneak out to see if we can find anything of the sort of activities that happened with you.&nbsp; Any heavy use of aphrodine, or any spark of true fear will be things for us to investigate."</strong>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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