To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: FallenRanger on 28-04-2013, 14:56:58</h2>
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				Title: <strong>To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>28-04-2013, 14:56:58</strong>
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				The desert was unforgiving to mistakes. It was unforgiving to mistakes and it was uncaring to the weak. If you were poor in your planning and lacking knowledge about the dunes that surrounded you then the sands would be your grave. Corpse-birds often had clean picking of fools and that was exactly how Tanesha felt as she sat within the slave quarters of some distant, desert palace. How she had been captured was a sun-bleared memory but she had been bought to be put to work in some farm. The details were lost within Tanesha's sun-scattered brain but the thing she could remember was the blood of the handlers that she had managed to silently ambush in the fields. With the large river that carved its way through the desert a source of irrigation was found. Fields of food for the populace stretched along the side of the river but lately those fields had been running red with blood. <br><br>One day her secret killings had been discovered. Guards had been fetched to end her life and all Tanesha had to defend herself was the sickle she had been given to cut the crops that slaves before her had planted and tended to. The fight had taken the better part of an hour since Tanesha was light on her feet and had resulted in half a dozen dead guards. She didn't fight straight up against superior numbers. Instead her Keshali training had taken over and like most warrior-scouts of her people in unfamiliar territory against superior numbers she used her surroundings to hide and ambush lone guards. However her run had to end with her being subdued. She had been spared for another purpose; entertainment. <br><br>If daily sweat and toil wasn't enough to break her animalistic warrior spirit then perhaps the Arena would harnessed it for the purposes of entertainment. Stinking sweat-stained rags and a sickle had been replaced by steel armour and a blade. Beneath the raging sun blood was spilled in the name of glory and regal satisfaction. Giving a Keshali a sword was a good way to lose your life. Most of the slaves that fought there had been deemed unusable or untrainable and thus were disposed of in a fashion that at least made their gold-price worth their death. Such people were amateurs with the blade and easily shed their blood to Tanesha's blade. To make herself more fearsome she would paint her body and face with the crimson liquid that spewed from their wounds, snarling and cursing as she sliced, stabbed and battered. <br><br>Some slaves had been brought into the Arena for that specific purpose and were trained for glorious and gory entertainment purposes. Ex-warriors, mercenaries and slave-soldiers soon found themselves dying to Tanesha's blade. She was light on her feet. Sometimes not enough as a few slashes and cuts&nbsp; to greet her belly or arms. Pain was forced down until she walked to her cage to tend to her wounds. One day someone came and took her sword and armour away. Off to the palace she went. A place she loathed more than the fields. Tanesha's new bed was soft. The air around her filled with strange scents and perfumes. Yet she did no work and only snarled at the guards and when she did grudgingly do her tasks she did so with her customary snarls. <br><br>Now she lay on her bed with her bluish-black hair matted and sweat stained. Her feet were bare and blistered from the stone floors. Tanesha's nails were long and jagged, blood from scratching the guards still underneath them. A cloth eye patch covered a burn-healed empty socket where her right eye should be and unlike the other Palace slaves who wore linen and find gold-coloured sandals she kept her dirty rags around her breasts and hips. Nothing could change the wild light that was held within her glowing blue left eye. Tanesha drew her knees up to her chest and sighed on the bed. Praying to the Death Goddess did nothing but give her some form of stability. There was only one real solution.<br><br>Escape.
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>03-05-2013, 12:12:09</strong>
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				<br>Akiriath the Seventh, Holder of the Keys of Ascension and Empress of the Taraki reclined on her golden chaise deep in thought and pinching the bridge of her perfect nose. It was not the trade agreements with the Jillian that disturbed her thoughts, or the whispers of those who plot against her position on the throne. It was the disagreeable tone of her Chamberlain who proceeded to whine about the most recent collection of pets brought to the palace for entertainment. <br><br><br>"Your Imperial Majesty they are the worst sort." his voice a nasally whine that did not compliment his regal serpent lineage." I do not understand your fascination with this ...filth..they are outlanders, savages at best..." he almost spat at her, barely getting the words out when she moved with such a frightening speed that he never saw her or the blade from her robe.Both appeared out of no where none the less and he was on his knees with the bone blade to his pale scaled throat. Even the personal body guards were taken aback as the Empress herself had apparently not become soft in her reign, even these last 10 years and 6 children. Akiri was as sharp as the day she took the throne, beating out her siblings in the ritual trials. <br><br>Pulling the Chamberlain up by his collar, she hissed at him, her forked tongue snaking out and tickling over his skin, tasting his fear. "You forget yourself Lord Chamberlin Sekath, I will find a way for our people to become part of the world at large." Her tiny form held monstrous strength as her body almost coiled in dragging him up."The survivors of your ...games" she spat venomously "have earned more than to be degraded&nbsp; by your stupidity. They have proven themselves worthy...as any Taraki slave who survives the pits. And I will not see the honor of our people fail to be extended to those who rise above, outlanders or not! So...you will treat them with respect.And you will see to the spoils of position they deserve" <br><br>"But Majesty, the one you are interested in will not even take care of it's self. It offends the other slaves greatly and they cannot convince it to eat or bathe" he replied a little beaten down. His perfectly tended coif having been rattled free by her shaking of him. The pale green locks of his hair fell into his slitted eyes as he kept his countenance contrite while in her grip. Sekath knew better than to anger the Empress further. Her hand alone would break him, let alone her bite.<br><br>Akiri was taken aback by this, so far all the outlanders had some level of decency.They were taken care of until they died or until they were sold back to their homeland for goods. Though generally they did not fare well in the desert climate, being so water dependent&nbsp; and death was assured for those working out in the mines and the fields. Rare was the hardy soul that could survive the sirk fields and the games, when Akiri had heard of this strange slave and it's unique survival tactic, she had it brought here to the palace. Which was odd in and of itself. Generally only Taraki native slaves were allowed to serve in this sacred place. Some of the more prominent slaves were put out by this outlander's lack of respect and thought that maybe their Empress was going a little mad. She had not mated in the last two cycles, which was unusual. Establishing your brood was a necessity once you took the throne, or you might usurped by someone not of the blood. <br><br><br>Releasing the Chamberlain, who fell to his knees once more, Akiri turned to her personal attendant "Teshan, have the lower pool prepared and bring the survivor to me there in an hour. I want fresh linens and food laid out ,as well as something to cover it appropriately. I want to understand this motivation before I am forced to kill it. Take two of Esher's guards with you." she turned on her heel as Esher, her personal body guard, followed the Empress to her inner chambers. The raven hair Teshan bowed deeply along with the other servants and made his way down to the slave quarters to collect the lone survivor of the Desert Games. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>03-05-2013, 15:29:36</strong>
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				The attendant curtseyed at the order and walked off with two armoured guards in tow. First she would do as her Empress had commanded and prepare water, linen and food. She figured rich meats and fresh fruits would be to the Empress' liking as Teshan thought the strange slave would not appreciate such great gifts. Little did she know of what Tanesha was doing in the slave quarters. That the Keshali woman had a plan in motion. <br><br>Tanesha had decided it was better to die in the desert in the midst of an escape attempt rather than to languish in some strange palace. In secret she had scraped and worn a bronze rod's tip until it was sharp enough to be used as a discreet weapon. Overpowering a guard and taking his weapon would be easy. Other slaves tried to wash her or at least convince her to keep her body clean for fear of offending anyone of great importance. Instead she snarled at them in Keshalin. Calling them whores and daughters of whores in a language that was more akin to growling until they left her alone. They brought her food which she refused to eat until they were asleep and then hurriedly stuffed her mouth full or store what was remaining away. She didn't want them to see her accepting any help.<br><br>She would not be broken. Not by these strange people and their slaves. She would be dead or she would be free. Tanesha would have it no other way and thus she hid the bronze weapon under a set of fresh linen that had sat at her bed untouched for days. The hour had passed quickly. It usually did when Tanesha plotted and planned. Soon Teshan came with the guards and Tanesha leered at them warily. Her eyes focused on the men' spears and swords with a look of want as if telling them she'd take them. <br><br>"You are to come with us." said Teshan quietly. <br><br>"To where?"<br><br>"You are to come with us." insisted the attendant a little more forcefully. Sensing she had no choice in the matter Tanesha sighed out and allowed herself to be escorted by the guards and the girl. Maybe they needed another fighter. Maybe they were going to kill her outside of the palace. Neither thought was welcome. Letting her go would have been a better result. Yet they didn't turn to the large palace gates. Instead Tanesha was led to a room with a pool, steam rising from the water. Beside the pool was a small table with food. Chicken, beef, fruits and some water in a bronze jug with a chalice beside it. So this is how seriously they took her health and control of it? By forcing her to eat and bathe at spear-point. <br><br>Tanesha was then left alone in the room. Not completely alone as the two guards eyed her as if expecting the Keshali to make a move. It was highly tempting but the bare minimum of food in her diet and made her weak and Tanesha didn't have the fear of death to feed her muscles and sword stroke. Instead she stood at the edge of the pool in her dirty rags, hair matted and eyes narrowed. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>06-05-2013, 16:01:46</strong>
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				Akiri was waiting behind sheers as the soldiers brought the slave into the bath. Wrinkling her sensitive nose in response to the scent, her forked tongue<div class="floatright">(http://pcdn.500px.net/2981666/85b7473a6de3bdc3476f67aa8eb1a99db50e5efe/3.jpg)</div> testing the air picking up the flavor of neglect and distrust. Both were distinct, one more metallic in taste than the other.Yet Akiri understood the reason for both. Merely watching this ..woman..from the sheers, the Empress could see that she was proud, even in her weakened state her body was taut as a bow string ready to release its energy onto whom ever happened to be in the way.<br><br><br>With a subtle motion of her hand, she bade the guards stand further back and more towards the door as she walked out from behind the sheers and towards the new slave. Her tutors who had been well traveled taught her the more refined, formal version of the common tongue in the land of Jillean. "I greet you.." Akiri said softly. Her skin glowed golden in the filtered light of the bathing room. The long silk sarong that simply knots in the front covering her from breast to ankle moves with her steps. Her tiny form would barely be shoulder high to Tanesha, but in the supple arms and tiny steps there is a regal otherness about her. Even the way her golden hair catches the light forms a crown of light around her head. <br><br><br>Folding her hand delicately in front of her body, Akiri approaches the slave very slowly. Her silver green eyes taking in every tiny detail of the bedraggled woman before her. There was something in this one, Akiri was certain. How would she feel? The Empress gave this a moments thought before extending her hand in welcome to the slave. "My name is Akiri, what is yours?" Tilting her head slightly, the open palm a sign of peace, while her long golden hair, braided intricately away from her face caught the light once more. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>06-05-2013, 16:58:51</strong>
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				A single sapphire eye watched the woman with a glow of mistrust. So much so that she stepped away from the extended hand as if expecting fire to leap from it and burn her. The absence of the guards, she figured, was a ruse. Trying to make a run for the exit or assaulting this somewhat important woman would yield nothing more than a spear in the back. So Tanesha decided to play along with the ruse of being the difficult slave until a moment of opportunity revealed itself like sun behind the clouds. Tanesha kept moving, walking around the pool-like bath as she looked around as if expecting to see an archer trying to keep his aim on her. Yet there was nothing. Just the two women. At least that was the appearance. <br><br>"Odd greeting." said Tanesha as she faced the woman with a defiant stance. "Where I'm from we aid those we find half dying in the wilds. We do not put them to forced work in fields. Nor do we force them to fight to the cheers and jeers of a crowd. We also do not salt the wound by attempting to damage their pride with this...façade of worth." Tanesha spoke in snarls and growls. Not because her people were so savage that it had leaked into her very speech but because she was angry. Rage at her treatment had boiled down within her blood so that the red mist she had relied upon to survive the arena was the filter in which her eyes looked through.&nbsp; <br><br>"But. You gave me your name, Akiri." mused the Keshali as she crossed her arms across the filthy rag which hid her breasts from view. "My name is Tanesha Jorin of the Keshali Province. You have stolen my freedom and I will get it back. By blood or by guile. It matters little to me which method I use or who's blood I must spill to acquire it."
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>06-05-2013, 17:47:36</strong>
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				The Empress merely inclined her head at the very eloquently put diatribe and nodded in agreement with some of the comments, but she appeared nonplussed at best. Offering a soft smile to the Keshali woman as she folded her hands once more. "I would apologize for your mistreatment, but you came to us as slave. You are an intruder upon our lands as is any person who is not Taraki, that is unless if you have a trade agreement with us. Which I highly doubt. From what I understand you were captured, put to work..as any slave would be, given food, water and shelter."<br><br>" Considering that Tarak men find your race unappealing as a whole, I highly doubt you were assaulted. But my people, who purchased you from ones like yourself, looked after you." the Empress' voice did not raise above a whisper but carried all the more weight."By which you repaid them with blood.You made murder upon my farmers, tainted the crops that feed thousands for what end? Because you were caught and captured and sold into slavery?By your own kind?" <br><br>The golden haired woman turned to the Keshali warrior , reaching for the pitcher of water picked it up and poured the pure clear water into a heavy crystal goblet. "When soldiers were sent to find out what was killing my farmers, they found you, subsequently you killed some of them too. And then you were sold to the Arena...where you killed further still. At this moment I have every right to end your life, according to the laws of Jillean and the Taraki. You took the life of innocent people because you were angry. That makes you murderer."<br><br>"Now you have survived the Arena, no small feat there, and with that comes a few important things. The first being a place among my staff. The second is that you are free to leave here with exactly what you showed up with. You may take the westerly road out of the city, no one will harm you. But you will also take nothing. As that is what you have given, and may the powers that be have mercy on your soul, because the wastes are kind to no creature."The Empress then untied the knot from her robe, the fabric cascading to the floor revealing her very hard little feminine body. There was a soft sheen of scales that covered every square inch of her. Against one leg was a curved bone knife attached to her inner thigh by a silken thong. She untied this and laid it on the table next to the food. Gathering her braid up and securing with a bone pin in her hair, she stepped down into the steaming bath. <br><br>"You could, on the other hand, take off your clothes and allow this healing water to restore you. Sit and dine with me and maybe between the two of us we can find a way to return you home." the little woman swam to the center of the pool "I am not asking for your body Tanesha of the Keshali. I am asking for your time and understanding, both of which I am willing to pay you handsomely for." 
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>06-05-2013, 19:01:27</strong>
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				"I didn't kill anyone working the fields." replied Tanesha indignantly. This was true for the most part. She hadn't killed those who had been slaves on the farms or those who owned the fields themselves. She killed the foremen. The beaters. Those that came around with heavy clubs and boots to inspire the slaves to work harder under the relentless sun. Such inspiration came from pain and fear. The slaves were used to maltreatment and thus their wills had been long broken. However Tanesha was still a free spirit. A warrior-scout for her people. Her will was as strong as the bones of the world itself so when it came to beating her they found only the hand sickle used for harvesting crops against their throat. She became pain and fear incarnate. <br><br>Soldiers came to find out why so many foremen were dying only to be picked off one by one. Tanesha had rubbed the dirt of the fields along her skin to mask herself as she stalked the Tarak soliders that hunted her. Using the fields themselves she became a lioness amongst gazelle. It was only because numbers were not in her favour that she was caught and placed within the Arena. Beneath the lashing sunlight she killed because it was in her abilities. She killed to survive for surrender or defaulting on a fight meant death anyway. Where weaker humans would have succumbed Tanesha's desire for freedom had kept her going long before her time to expire. She remained as strong and as quick as she was before being captured until collapsing into darkness after a great fight. A darkness which she woke from to find herself here. <br><br>Yet the beautiful scale-like skinned woman before her spoke the truth. Tanesha could leave and wander into the desert. Yet her fortune would fade when thirst, hunger and sunstroke had taken its toll on her body. Her one sapphire eye watched the woman enter the bath after freeing herself from her clothes. Tanesha had all the time in the world and she didn't want to engage in a back-and-forth argument about the events leading to her slavery. She was here. It had happened. Nothing could change that. All she could do was stack fortune in her favour. "But regardless...I will give you my time. My understanding will have to wait." replied the Keshali woman. <br><br>Tanesha removed her rags which didn't require much effort to do. Soon her own body was revealed and by human standards Tanesha was rather beautiful. Years of wandering had given her skin a dark hue and a toned form. Swinging a sword and drawing a bowstring required strength and muscles. Muscles which Tanesha had worked over and over until the pain was part of the strength they possessed. Scars and nicks from blades marked her belly, arms and legs but they were small marks rather than massively obscene scars. Tanesha stepped into the pool until the steaming water was licking at her hips. After days, probably weeks without a bath the water felt divine and a small content sigh left Tanesha's lips. <br><br>She moved backwards until she could lean against the side of the pool, her muscles relaxing beneath the tender care of the water. "You mentioned you could get me home. I'm only playing your game because of it. I'm not your pet."
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>14-05-2013, 16:19:14</strong>
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				<em>Her laugh was a lilting thing that echoed through the chamber itself. The guards shifted ever so slightly before settling back into place, completely aware that the Empress could take care of herself, yet they did not wish for her to sully her hands with this foreign blood. "I assure you that you are many things my dear, my pet is not one of them." Swimming to edge, she picked up a dish of soaping sand and brought it over to the Keshali woman. Not reaching to touch her in anyway, merely placing the dish withing reach before retiring back to another swirling point in the pool, where clean water was being fed in. </em><br><br><em>In the past Akiri had spent long days watching the reactions of people, to both kindness and cruelty. She found she preferred kindness in most respects but cruelty had its place, limited, yet it existed. The Empress had given this winner of the games a chance to prove her worth. But it would be important for Akiri to get to know the Keshali woman. From what she understood, they were a people bound by a different standard, not unlike the sand riders in the deeper parts of Tarak. Those nomadic tribes were well know for their tracking skills and survival tactics among the Tarakian people. To be a Sand Rider, meant to be one with the desert and forever on the move.</em><br><br><br><em>Akiri admired the Sands people, she had hoped to make better headway in negotiations with their leader, but he had long felt the battle for the throne to be an empty set of tests. It was when Akiriatih has shown up among his own when she was young and begged to be trained by their best warriors that his mind changed about the Process in the last ten years&nbsp; or so. Akiri work to show the world the value of ALL Tarakian people, not just the city dwellers. So while sitting in the bath, Akiri used a little of the sand to scrub her own toned limbs. "So tell me about your people Keshali, I wish to know if they are all as strong as you" </em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>14-05-2013, 17:01:40</strong>
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				For a moment Tanesha regarded the question carefully as she stared at the soap. Her reaction to its existence was like a child seeing something for the first time. Yet Tanesha knew it was a simple soap in a strange form and thus of no real harm. Tanesha scooped some of the sand into her right hand before rubbing her hands together and standing up. The Keshali then copied the Empress' motions and rubbed the soaping sand over her form, leaving no inch of flesh free from the cleansing sands. The little microbeads in the sand scrubbed away the collected dirt and grime while the strange soapy compound that lathered her form. Tanesha dipped her body underneath the water to rinse herself off, her hair sticking to her back.<br><br>Tanesha swept the hair away from where her right eye should have been. Instead there was a burn scar that obscured any socket or eye. "Most of us, yes." she said as she moved back to where she had been leaning against the pool's edge. "All of us take training in the blade and the bow but they aren't...warriors per se. Warriors in spirit but not in profession. Those like myself who take the path of the warrior-scout hone their skills in both combat and fieldcraft. Once we learn how a land works we can thrive anywhere. Given time I would be able to survive the sands beyond." There was no real arrogance in Tanesha's voice. Rather a tone of a matter-of-fact that was being said instead. <br><br>"Warrior-scouts are prized by Jilian lords for their armies. Unlike most men who fight in shield walls our men and women have skill with the bow and thus can kill more men in a volley than most do in a charge. We're not slowed down by shields or heavy armour which makes us more agile. In forests and rough terrain we dominate. Does this answer your question?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 06:11:15</strong>
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				The Empress listened with great attention to the warrior speak. Indeed she was very much like the Sand Riders and this pleased Akiri greatly. For that meant this woman might find some common ground with her people after all. 'Yes it does, very much so. It explains your tenacity and ability to survive our lands. Not many do. There are people who live here not unlike your Keshali. We call them Sand Riders. They live in the open desert and move with its strange tides" <br><br><br>She motioned with her fingers to the body slave standing silently behind the curtain, who immediately went to the table and brought forth a goblet of water for both Akiri and Tanesha. Taking a sip of her drink she smiled and motioned the light blue scaled woman away. Watching the Keshali woman the whole time for a reaction. "I am very much convinced that given time, you could most easily adapt. With that said, would you mind showing me your skills sometime? With the blade?" The Empress took another sip from the goblet.<br><br><br>"You see I am very much attempting to understand the ways of the Jilian people and their subsequent sub factions. If you might be able to enlighten me, I would consider it a great boon. Also..I am a student of the martial arts. I did not have the pleasure of seeing you fight in the ring, but a small demonstration would not hurt, would it?" the golden haired woman looked at Tanesha with a patient smile. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 14:05:09</strong>
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				If Tanesha's thoughts on slavery weren't clear before then they would be once she looked up sadly to the woman who brought their water. She mouthed 'I'm sorry' to the woman silently before turning her head to the goblet. The water inside was clear and no doubt cool. Tanesha watched the woman leave before turning her attention back to the contents of the goblet. She greedily gulped down the contents without a hint of manners or pacing. The water was refreshing and made her feel somewhat more relaxed at having something cool to drink. Even with the palace's design to keep those inside away from the merciless beating of the sun at comfort Tanesha had found herself always feeling as if she was being baked alive.<br><br>After finishing the water she placed the goblet at the side of the pool and gave Akiri a look of both curiosity and confusion. "You'd let me have a sword? Near you?" she asked. It seemed like an odd thing to do. To give someone who has shown not only a displeasure at being held captive but also demonstrating their ability to fight a weapon near someone of obvious high birth. "We have something...it's...a dance. When <em>telfani</em>, outsiders, visit our lands the best fighters with a sword provide a piece of visual entertainment as a welcome." she explained before Akiri's other point sunk in. <br><br>The only reason people wanted to know about people was for their own purposes. What Akiri's purposes were not in Tanesha's knowledge, yet. "I'll...consider it. If you ask questions I shall do my best I answer...I suppose." answered Tanesha with a half-hearted shrug. "As to the small demonstration would I be able to fight anyone I want? Like that ugly man in finery who keeps calling me 'it'? I'd like that." she said with a small, evil smile before she hid it beyond the veil of neutrality.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>02-06-2013, 13:35:47</strong>
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				The empress listened intently to the description the Keshali woman gave of her people, the best warriors dancing made Akiri grin with delight. These Keshali were very much like the Sand Riders. A soft but mischievous grin creased her face at Tanesha's query about having a weapon near a highborn. "I assure you, even if you attempted to kill me this very moment, you would not survive the minutes afterward." the golden woman said with some small amount of arrogance. "Not that you are not capable..of that I am certain. But you would never make it out of the room.So I am in no real danger from you. At least..not yet." The empress moved with a fluid grace through the water and up the steps. It was then that Tanesha might see the lace work of battle scars on finely scaled body. The body slave brought a robe towards the Empress and she stepped up turning into the cloth as it was lifted to cover her form, yet left open down the front.<br><br><br>"I am more than capable of winning a match with you. Let us say this afternoon, after you have had some rest." she motioned to the slave once more "This is Iniri, she will take you to your new quarters and assist you in whatever clothing you might need. As for the Chamberlain, I unfortunately cannot grant you that particular wish, as dispatching him is my job. But I will ensure that his attitude towards you is adjusted accordingly." with that the Empress Akiri nodded her head in a most regal manner and walked from the bathing chamber. Her body guard falling instep behind her as she walked away.<br><br><br>Iniri waited patiently for the Keshali woman to finish bathing. Ready with a towel and a robe as soon as Tanesha would ascend from the pool. Iniri herself was quite lovely and seemed very gentle in her demeanor. Brooking no ill will towards the warrior woman, the dark haired and pale scaled woman could easily be Akiraith's younger sister or even a cousin the looked so alike in features. The forked tongue of Iniri slid out into the air for but a moment, testing the scents upon it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 00:03:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a moment the Keshali girl looked from the bath towards the slave, Iniri. The girl looked beautiful. Her scales shimmering in the light which gave her a reason to smile. Tanesha waded up to the edge of the bath before pulling herself out. The water ran down her tanned skin as she wandered to the table that had the jug, goblets and a plate of succulent looking foodstuffs. She plucked a few grapes from the bowl since she had already bathed and watered herself in the presence of others. Her prideful streak had come to an end and suddenly the thought of appearing weak in front of Iniri seemed foolish. After she ate a few of the grapes she poured a goblet of water and a few grapes. <br><br>She moved over to where the slave stood and swapped the towel and robe for the goblet and grapes. "Here you go." she said with an attempting of warmth as she started to dry her hair. "Seems unfair to let it go to waste. Sit down, relax. I'm not going to order you." she said kindly as she used the towel to dispose of the excess water along her body. With one eye she looked at Iniri and smiled as she finished drying her body before slipping the robe on. The garment was light and flowing, made of a fine silk-like material. She tied the middle and did her best to appear less aggressive and belligerent than she had done in the past. Tanesha didn't remember the girl from her time spent already in the palace nor did she know if she had seen the Keshali in the arena.<br><br>The back of her hand ran along the scales of Iniri's arm, careful to move along the grain rather than against it. "I've never seen anyone like your people before." she said&nbsp; with a tilt of the head. "And that tongue looks funny. Can I see it again?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 15:42:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Iniri waited patiently, taking the goblet of water and grapes that were offered to her. It seemed this Keshali woman was under the impression she was a slave and Iniri wondered if that was a misconception she should correct immediately. Her sister, Akiri, had wanted the Keshali to feel comfortable. Having someone of similar station seemed most appropriate, it was the only reason Iniri agreed to do this at all. To further the progress of Akiri's desire to understand the Westerners. Sighing Iniri slipped the grapes in one at a time, swallowing them almost whole. <br><br><br>Watching this warrior woman move, Iniri could tell that she was battle honed and not to be trifled with. The offer to sit and relax was responded to with a slight shrug, walking over to one of the chairs and sitting down, the goblet in her hands. Funny how people reacted when they thought they were in like company. Iniri's blue eyes, much like her sister's followed the Keshali woman closely. When the creature touched her, Iniri had to still herself from reaching out and moving the hand. Personal space was very important to the Tarakians, they often found themselves living in close quarters to each other , so privacy and personal space were at a premium. One did not just reach out and touch in this manner. Iniri attempted to not flinch. <br><br><br>Tilting her head, Iniri flicked her forked tongue out again. "Is it customary in your country to touch people you are not familiar with?" Iniri asked very softly and timid manner. "Tarakians are very sensitive to touch and scent, so generally we do not get very close unless we invite such attentions."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 16:34:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A dark red colour seemed to take hold of Taneshia's face as she removed the hand from Iniri's arm. Letting it fall to her side Taneshia nodded to the question before giving a verbal answer. "Yes. Yes it is. Only within the Keshali Lowlands though, not amongst the greater Jilian nation. Lovers touch foreheads together. Friends embrace one another. The touch I gave you showed my curiosity towards you. Each touch has a meaning behind it. It is not for the mere sake of it." explained the woman as she smiled again.<br><br>"What I did was more or less say 'I do not understand you, so I shall discover you'. One must use all senses to understand the world around them; touch, taste, smell, by listening and by talking. Otherwise we fall to ignorance." said Taneshia who seemed to be able to spin off the information as if it had been ingrained and taught to her. Such lessons were part of not only the warrior-scouts code but Keshali life. They lived with their surroundings. Amongst rather than above. With rather than against.<br><br>"Did my touch hurt? I am not exactly one for grace."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 16:46:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Iniri shook her head, the long black braided hair swaying a little "No not at all. It is an unusual custom, at least to a Tarakian." she offered simply. "Here we value our space, as generally we tend to live rather close together so we do not have any shame in walking undressed among each other. But touching, is a violation of personal space. Since it and privacy is so highly valued. Usually only family members or those who are very close may touch each other freely. " the raven haired woman replied. Her pale scales catching the light and shining much like Akiri's did, her simple one shouldered shift covered her to mid thigh. If one looked closely, they would see similar lace work scars on Iniri's skin that resided on Akiri's. <br><br><br>"Please come with me, I would like to show you were you will be staying now. Your things were already moved there while you were bathing" Iniri slowly rose and made for the door, the guards seemed to melt out of walls and stepped out into the hallway. Two ahead and two behind as they were escorted from the lower level bathing area up the grand stair case and to the mid-level sleeping quarters. There were other 'slaves' moving about the place, scrubbing and cleaning. Their voices musical as they worked, low conversations in some areas and even a strange humming/sing coming from others. <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 18:04:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a moment Taneshia thought her hearing was going funny when she heard the words 'your things' which made the Keshali woman's face scrunch up in both curiosity and doubt. Before coming to this land Taneshia had acquired clothing suitable for the desert conditions; tan breeches and tall boots, a white tunic and a light leather shirt for armour. Of course being a warrior-scout meant that Taneshia never went far from her longbow, arrow quiver and short sword. Yet these items had been taken from her possession. Taneshia figured for extra gold or for use by those that had captured her. All in all she never expected to see the items again. She didn't even possess her knapsack or cloth underwear any more.<br><br>Another thing was how the slaves sung and spoke. Taneshia looked around for a foreman to come with his heavy baton to knock silence into them. Yet no one came and Taneshia's gaze lingered on the guards that escorted both her and Iniri. Well, her anyway. Her eyes moved from their spears to their sheathed swords and wondered if she would be quick enough to butcher them all. No, not yet. Bide time and find another way. Find supplies. Horde. Do not trust any of them but earn their trust in turn.<br><br>"They allowed to sing?" she asked the woman as she was led through the halls towards her room. "I thought slaves had to be silent?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 19:02:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Iniri looked over at Tanesha and laughed "Of course they are allowed to sing...they are not slaves. These people are tributes, that volunteer to come to the palace and work ,from all over the country. " Iniri explained. "The only true slaves here are the rare ones that are criminals and they are not allowed to work in the palace. You were brought here because of your unique situation. No one has lived through the Arena that long, plus you are a stranger to our land. It seems you have befallen some ill luck and your prowess with a blade curries you some favor with the Empress. "<br><br>The dark haired girl led Tanesha into a beautifully appointed chamber with a terrace that looked out over the city. "I volunteered to look after you while you are here." showing the Keshali woman the bedroom and sitting area as well as a private toilet area. "I have a room off of your chambers and will be escorting you everywhere you go. As your ....groom..as it were." Walking over to a large wicker like cabinet and opening it. Inside were pants and long shift style shirts that have toggles up the front, as well as off the shoulder shifts similar to the one Iniri was wearing, along with soft soled slippers and firm leather sandals. Laying out clothing options for the woman and turning to leave, but then pausing for a moment, Iniri faced the Keshali. <br><br>"Tanesha...it is not wise to be complicit while you are under the protection of the Empress. She may seem very gullible, but I assure you, she is no fool.It takes a strong warrior and an even stronger politician to survive the trials it takes to become the Empress of our people. If for any reason she should suspect that you might want to do her harm, she could easily kill you." not one word was spoken in harshness or anger. Just the opposite, more like a fair warning. "Please let me know if there is anything you need of me." the raven haired woman bowed low and backed out of the bedroom, leaving Tanesha to dress. After searching the space, she would find her crude weapon in the lower drawer of the wicker cabinet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>11-06-2013, 00:21:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Obviously Taneshia was in the Empress' good books and obviously those good books came with perks that included a room with a view. It had taken some time but it was obvious slaves who's origins lay beyond the Empress' dominion were to die in either the fields with the sun over her head and the lash against her back. Or in the Arena by claw or blade. Yet something had managed to give Akiri a reason to give Taneshia a look of favour. Perhaps it was the fact that she didn't stink like a cow's backside any more. If anything Taneshia was happy that her personal hygiene was back and that she had been restored to her natural beauty. When she wasn't scowling or snarling the one-eyed woman looked glorious despite her burnt-over eye. <br><br>Silently she let the words of Iniri sink in as she was guided around her new quarters which seemed more lavish than she was used to. Definitely more lavish than she was deserving off. Yet Taneshia allowed herself a small smile at the thought of the Chamberlain offering Akiri grievance for giving her something that the Keshali woman something that seemed to belong to nobility. There were clothes. Made for a woman yet breeches seemed to be part of the outfit. This pleased Taneshia as she feared that bare legs would drive a male's hunger and she didn't want to kill any guards just yet. Taking one of the shoulder-shift styled tops and the pants she dressed herself before slipping her feet into the sandals. For a moment she frowned since Taneshia was used to boots. <br><br>After dressing herself she moved to the terrace to look at the city below. It seemed to span out for miles along the banks of the river. The scents of bread being baked seemed to rise with the warm air and Taneshia found herself smiling as she could remember the baker in her village. How she loved to trade coins for loaves, chatting with the blacksmith's apprentice on the way. How he seemed to smile at her and allow his fingers to trail along her arm suggestively. Yet there was no blacksmith boy. No baker. Just a land of sand and an Empress' gift. <br><br>Taneshia wondered what else she would have to do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>24-06-2013, 12:17:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Iniri had excused herself from the presence of Keshali woman. Knowing the warrior might take the time to find the weapons she had hidden. Moving along the corridors with a quickness practiced by Tarakian warriors. Iniri made her way up the stairs and towards the counsel room of the Chamberlain Sekath, moving through the shadows before the man was aware of her presence. Adjusting his collar from where the Empress had tossed him around like an rag doll, the memory bothering him still. "<em>That bitch will pay for disrespecting me in front of the Jillien whore."</em>The malicious intent was more than evident on his face as each word dripped like venom from his lips. <br><br><br>Emerging from the shadows like a malevolent spirit, Iniri chuckled at his words. "<em>Careful Chamberlain..you are already on your way out, words like those might get your head separated from the rest of your body" </em>The raven haired woman smiled darkly as she moved towards him, helping him straighten his already pristine robes. <em>"You really should just learn to roll with Akiri, her time will come sooner than you think my lord..." </em>Iniri brushed the nonexistent dust from his shoulders. The Chamberlain smiled and turned around, quick as a snake and pulled Iniri in for a close kiss. "<em>And why do you run the risk of coming here and being seen, Princess Iniri" </em>he asked hotly. Their forms almost winding around each other before Iniri broke free and shook her head. <em>"To ensure you do not make my sister too angry before it is time to over throw her....your little conniption fit in there could have ruined everything. I need her faith in you, Sek. That scene cannot happen again. " </em>Iniri's blue eyes glitter as they stared into Sekath's <br><br><br><em>"No more mistakes...and find the Keshali woman's swords...it will be a better start to the war if we have the weapons in evidence when Akiri is murdered for her trusting nature. The borders will be resealed to outsiders and the Jillean will be returned to their proper status as slaves." </em>She smiled at her own reflection in the mirror, putting a stray inky strand back into place. <br><br><br><em>"And you will be Empress..." </em>the chamberlain breathed against Iniri's neck. She smiled darkly at him, their reflections in the mirror revealing two strong Tarakians. Yes...she would breed with him..as well as others of her choice once she is Empress and has slaughtered off most of Akiri's off spring. There will be no more Raith's to ascend to the Throne...ever again. Smoothing her own simple outfit, Iniri slipped back into the shadows and out the door. Up the next flight of stairs where Empress Akiri awaited her report on the Keshali woman. <br><br><br>It would be more than an hour later when Iniri returned to Tanesha's quarters "Her Imperial Majesty requests that you join her in the practice garden this afternoon. If you will follow me please". Guiding the Keshali woman through the corridors once more, Iniri showed Tanesha to a beautiful garden with a wide combed sand ring. There were practice weapons of some wood in a rack on either side of the ring. At the far end, Akiri was kneeling before a symbol of a five petaled flower, her head bowed as if in prayer. Guards were once more strategically placed, but no more than three that Tanesha might see. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>FallenRanger</strong> on <strong>25-06-2013, 13:00:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taneshia hadn't noticed the woman's disappearance until she had turned around and that had made her nervous. She had been able to usually hear people coming and going yet these Tarakians seemed to be hard to pinpoint their locations unless they decided to be seen or noticed. In that time Taneshia had managed to find her sharpened rod of metal which was more useful as a stealthy stabbing weapon. It was to slip between a guard's armoured plate so she could take their weapon and perhaps stand a better chance of escape. She had taken the improvised weapon and hidden it beneath her pillow for ease of access. Obviously they had discovered it and Taneshia was worried that perhaps her hash-dash escape plan had been ruined. <br><br>Most of the time she spent alone was looking out over the city in her new clothes. They felt too...womanly. Give her a tunic, hooded cloak, breeches and boots any day of the week and she'd feel normal. Not this...thing that left one of her shoulders bare and sandals that left her toes exposed. However at least it allowed Taneshia to keep both modesty and dignity. Finally Taneshia had torn herself away from view when Iniri arrived to lead her to something known as the practice gardens. Feeling she had no real choice in the matter she followed with her hands clasped behind her back. Soon the scent of pollen and nectar was over-powering her nose and soon her one eye was blinking. <br><br>It was paradise. They had taken her to paradise. <br><br>Taneshia used all of her strength not to jump in amidst the foliage for fear of causing offence. No doubt there would be a guard keeping a 'keep off the grass' law with a crossbow. She saw the sand circle and wooden weapons and nodded slightly. She had a rough guess what was about to happen. Then she saw Akiri kneeling before a flower symbol and wondered what she was doing. For a moment Taneshia nervously sauntered up beside her, kneeling down on the ground as she looked between the flower drawing and Akiri herself. <br><br>"You wanted to see me?" she asked softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Tame Fire (Rapt x FallenRanger)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>17-07-2013, 13:04:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Akiri knelt, eyes closed and breathing steady as she meditated on the ever shifting circumstances of her reign, feeling the Keshali woman kneel next to her, Akiri smiled. Her pale blond hair was pulled back in an intricate braid that left the shimmering scales of her neck exposed to Tanesha's blue gaze. "I did. I feel that as a warrior, one of the best ways for you to fully experience our culture is through our style of martial arts. So I will be demonstrating some of our techniques for you" the Empress replied, bowing low to the flower image and then rising turning towards the warrior woman. <br><br><br>"Of course you will be merly observing at first, once I think you have seen enough, we will walk through the first steps of the style together. Would that be something you might be interested in?" Akiri tilted her head and smiled, removing the long silk robe and revealing her own off the shoulder shirt and short, calf length pants. 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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