Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje & Mael)
<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: Kuje on 06-01-2016, 03:07:12</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>06-01-2016, 03:07:12</strong>
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				I haven't always been this way, I used to be human.<br><br>That was the mantra that I kept repeating to myself even after all these decades. Backed in the early 1800's, I was just one of the masses of humanity that struggled to survive as the States expanded and grew, turning into the modern country that it is in these modern times. So it's been about a century and some decades that that mantra has been running through my thoughts. How did I become a animal that drank blood to survive? It wasn't planned or anything, nor do I go seeking such a thing. Who would do something like that anyway? Only someone that is crazy would seek to change and become what I've become. It doesn't help that I've done so many things that would cause someone to run from me if they knew all that I've done. Of course some of those actions are only because I was ordered to do what I was told.<br><br>You don't tell your master or mistress that you won't do what they tell you to do. Not if you know what's good for you and don't want to be tortured for decades or longer.<br><br>Anyhow. My change wasn't something I was seeking, as I said.<br><br>Who knew that working as a miner during the mining rush would bring forth what I've become. It all started when some of us were digging a new tunnel in the cavern, we were told to find more silver, gold, or anything and so we did. Little did we know that tunnel had a secret even rarer then what we were mining for. I was in the back when the screams started as something burst from the darkness of the tunnel and tore into the workers that were in front of me. All I remember, really, is the sharp stab of being wounded and the feel of a heavy body slamming into me. One of the animal vampires that were in hiding at that time was what we found down in that dark tunnel. I'm not even sure if it was a raven/crow or some other animal. Does it really matter? The blood from it being wounded from the pick heads blended with my own and the mutation began.<br><br>I find the irony of being turned into a bird vampire very amusing. That writer that wrote that story about vampires seemed to know more than he let on when he included the animal shifting even if he got it wrong. We can't turn into animals. We mutate into them when the blood joins with ours. So yes, that's how he was wrong.<br><br>As for me, my name now is Corvus. Is it some arrogance on my part to take the Latin name of ravens? I don't think so. Maybe someday I'll tell someone what my name used to be but that will only happen if I trust that person. See, that's the problem. I don't trust anyone. As a Collector of my vampire Master, there isn't any trust left in me. As I've said, I've done so many things that would terrify anyone that found out who I am. For the most part all anyone knows is that they don't want to catch the eye of the Collector Corvus. If someone does catch my eye that usually means that human, those that remain, or another animal humanoid, since most of the world is now a blend of animal and human, will soon disappear and end up being part of my Master's clan since he rules this part of the States and over Chicago because that was where he moved his estate during the celebration of the dawning of the new millennium.<br><br>No one really knows how the blood managed to spread the way it did, turning humans into a blending of human and animal. All that is known is that it was something to do with the dawning of change to the 2000's. Maybe those Mayan's were onto something after all. The world changed, of course, as the Event spread among the population. Some humans, of course, turned in vampires at the same time as has happened for as long as anyone could remember. Others stayed alive but their bodies became the blending of the two. And then there were those that look human but have enhanced senses or more.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/e/e4/Undead_crow_by_max_dragon-d3juulr.jpg)</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>07-01-2016, 02:03:29</strong>
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				Wolves weren’t rare.<br><br>Wolf hybrids were among some of the more common types of mixtures that began to occur when the mutations arrived. There were varieties of wolves: humans with wolf appendages, those who had a mixture of human and wolf attributes, and those who were essentially bipedal wolves. Some figured it was the irony to go with the take-over of the vampiric species, but even those bloodlines tended to be tainted with the mingling of vampires and those mixed with the Animalia races. The predators seemed to reign supreme no matter what race they were: humans were vulnerable and weak, except for those with money and power. The Pure Vampires were, essentially, the closest to the humans, with the Humanoids following close behind – those with animal appendages, and nothing more. But those hybrids tended to be rare in their own right, with a majority of the Animalia population consisting of creatures that tended to harbor more animal traits than anything resembling humans. <br><br>Wolves were common, just like bears or felines. They were hunters, top-of-the-food-chain, you know. So the whole Animalia superiority complex seemed to follow the chain from predators down. Truthfully, the herbivorous species hardly existed anymore – the most common one still intact being the Deer Folk that lived amongst the mountains and forests on the east of what used to by the United States, and up in Canada. It was said that there were small herds of moose and reindeer further north, but those were just rumors and legends. No one had ever really traveled towards the chilly north to try and see if those legends held any truth. It seemed, anyway, that no one cared or no one bothered to try and travel that far from their homelands. People knew where they were safe; traveling was more of a luxury or a suicide mission than anything else.<br><br>Roaming animals and birds tended to be the only travelers now. Wolves were roaming animals, packs often far dispersed, and the population of loners was steadily climbing. Arksys was a loner, according to Pack guidelines, and he preferred to be that way. He had grown up the spawn of a human woman and the bastard child of some Alpha wolf of a Pack in the west. His sandy colored fur suggested southwestern lineage, but it didn’t matter much to him. He possessed the build of a nomad wolf: lean, sleek, meant for speed rather than bulk. He was a hunter, bounties filling his pockets most of the time, and also a gatherer of information. He considered himself a man of many trades, doing what he needed to get by. Except, recently, he had been hunting down a particularly elusive bird – Corvus. And he knew of Corvus, but he didn’t know much other than the man was often seen ‘collecting’. <br><br>Collecting was technically illegal. And it tended to be in the habit of a vampire, to collect for their feeding storages so they didn’t have to go out and hunt for themselves. And hybrids like Arksys’s poor sister were often the target for such illegal activity. He growled to himself at the thought and he followed the path he’d been trailing for quite some miles to only stop once he found a thick, glossy, black feather in his path. Lifting it, he sniffed for the scent and found it familiar, before he called out – in hopes that Corvus was close by. <br><br>“Corvus! I know you’re close, you raven.”<br><br>Was it stupid to call on a collector? Probably. But he didn’t care. He was desperate to try and unravel this bird’s nest… or whoever he was possibly collecting for. He just wanted to rescue his sister. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>07-01-2016, 04:00:08</strong>
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				Lincoln Park. It was the one place in the whole city that he loved to escape to and spend time hiding among the trees or perched on the top of buildings and look down at anyone that was below. Sometimes he wouldn't move for hours, making those below think he was a statue or one of the gargoyle statues that adorned some of the buildings in the city or elsewhere. That park was where he was again, sitting among a grove of trees and peering at anyone that was walking below. Being up high also gave him the advantage of spotting anyone that might be trying to harm him and it also gave him a chance to spot anyone that might interest his Master. <br><br>His beak clacked open a little at hearing the call that came. So the hunter found the black feather Corvus left as a way to draw the hunter into trying to find him and maybe fall into his trap. Having a round of combat or more in the park excited him. It had been some days since Corvus had gotten himself into a fight or more.<br><br>This could be fun, indeed.<br><br>"Arksys," Corvus replied, drawing out the hunters name from where he was perched among the leaves and branches.. "I know you, yes," he added, taunting the hunter some. "Of course I'm close, I let you find that feather. I'm not so stupid that I'd leave evidence like that laying around." He paused, looking through those same foliage to where the hunter was standing. "Why are you seeking me, anyhow? It isn't often that a hunter comes after me. My reputation keeps most of your kind from even trying to hunt me. Let me guess, I Collected someone that was close to you and now you're all pissed off and want revenge. Honestly, I probably don't even remember who I took from you." The last wasn't true, he did remember everyone he Collected for his master but no one needed to know that. Plus it tended to piss people off when they thought he didn't recall anyone that he's taken.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>07-01-2016, 04:30:25</strong>
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				Arksys cared little for the name of where he was. He knew he was in Chicago, but the names of the individual locations he entered while in Chicago and the suburbs held little interest to him. He rarely spent more than a few days in one place, after all, because it was just easier to work that way. He twitched the thick, black feather in his fingers and rotated it a little, spinning it as he stood there, casually waiting to hear from the bird he knew was nearby. They were both skilled at what they did, and while he’d suspected he was being baited, he didn’t want a fight. Not this time, anyway. He just wanted knowledge, and possibly an ally for something that needed to happen. Arksys glanced around, his sensitive ears twitching the moment that Corvus spoke, easily triangulating where he was located above him. He didn’t move like he knew, though. He wasn’t in the mood to play games at this point.<br><br>“Corvus. I’ve no desire to fight you. I’m not hunting you. I just- “ he was cut off, his face heating as Corvus pegged him exactly. His fists clenched and unclenched a few times at his side and he growled low in his chest before he let out a deep sigh. “You’d remember her. Everyone who meets her remembers her,” he said, a broken fondness in his voice. “My sister. You took my sister, collected her right off of the street. You’d know her Corvus; she’s a lamb.” Lambs were rare, ultimately so. Of course whoever he worked for would want a lamb. She’d be a high prize for her Master. He felt so incredibly distraught and angry that he couldn’t do anything. He was helpless without someone like Corvus’s help.<br><br>“I just want her back. She doesn’t deserve whatever life she’s living, Corvus. She didn’t deserve to be collected!” The words came out in a snarl. He ran a hand through the fur on his head and then tried to ease his anger, knowing that it wouldn’t do him any good. “I just want… help. I want her freed. I don’t care how dangerous it is. I just want to know where she is so I can try and get her back.” The thought of his innocent sister, that poor little lamb… He practically shuddered, but stiffened instead. <br><br>His sister was a lamb hybrid – she was a humanoid. She had the lamb ears, the delicate horns, and the fluffy little tail. Her nose was a little pink and she was rather skittish, but otherwise, she was human. And sweet, kind as you could find them. He couldn’t sleep at night, imaging her in all kinds of situations that would never suit her. Every day she was gone only made him sink deeper and deeper into the fact that he was failing her.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>07-01-2016, 23:39:00</strong>
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				Perching there in the tree he looked down still, keeping his beady black eyes on the figure that called out to him and whom he answered. Cocking his head around a little like birds tended to do, he cracked his beak open a bit because of what he was hearing and how the description of the hunter's sister brought forth the memories that Corvus claimed he didn't really remember. <br><br>"Deserved or not, she had been Collected. It's not my place to question my Master. You understand?" he answered at last, thinking that the silence of waiting for him to do that had existed for longer then he wanted, giving him away that he remembered who Arksys was speaking about after all.<br><br>Launching from where he was standing, Corvus dropped to the ground and stared across the space at Arksys. "I can't help you," he stated clearly. "As I said, I can't do anything against my Master. That said... all I can promise is to try to look after her. I can only do so much while doing that though or it'll lead to eyes and ears of the clan members reporting back about my actions. No one is ever safe in a clan except for the head." Even at times the head wasn't safe either. He could speak of many times when he has heard of a head of a clan being disposed when someone took it upon themselves to remove the head via killing or other ways once they grew tired of being under the yoke of the head of the clan.<br><br>"I'm not even sure I know where she is. My job was done once I Collected her and I've done that..."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>10-01-2016, 04:07:02</strong>
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				“Why? You’re owned by this Master?”<br><br>The words came out as a harsh statement, a snarl really, before he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed heavily. “I’m… sorry.” He was struggling with his wolf mentality, trying desperately to hold himself together. Every moment that passed he knew his sister could be enduring something horrible. What kind of person was this ‘Master’ of his, anyway? Probably someone awful. Probably a vampire – they tended to be the ones who referred to themselves as ‘Master’ when wanting someone to work for them. His stomach clenched uncomfortably at the thought of his lamb sister at the mercy of a vampire. He looked up at Corvus as he stood across from him, clenching his fists at his sides at the mention that Corvus couldn’t help him.<br><br>“If you can’t help me, could you at least give me information? I can pay you, or something. I just…” the desperation and helplessness passed over his expressive face. He swallowed up his pride and slumped a little, scrubbing his face with his fists. “I need to rescue her. It isn’t fair. You’ve no idea where she’s been taken? You have no idea where the clan might be?” He knew that it was a long shot, and a suicide mission, but that was how much he cared about his sister. He looked at Corvus, long and hard, and he clenched his jaw in frustration.<br><br>He’d gone all this way to find Corvus, and he wasn’t going to be any help. It was more than a disappointment. He had no other person to turn to, no other source that could possibly help him. He knew no one on that side of things. Hell, figuring out that Corvus was a Collector had been hard enough. And to find out that he’d collected his sister was like finding a needle in a haystack. He was completely fucked if Corvus couldn’t help him.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>12-01-2016, 00:41:17</strong>
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				"Everyone that is a resident of Chicago is owned by the Master," Corvus answered, staring his black beady eyes at the Hunter before him. "You should know that by now. The Master's, once they take over an area, insist on that rule."<br><br>Waving one of his wings and hands in a "don't worry about it" gesture, Corvus didn't have a comment about the apology. He was silent as he thought about the manor house, which is probably where Arksys's sister was being pampered and cared for even if it was the resident of the Master of Chicago. "Life isn't fair," he said at last to fill some of that silence. "Things happen that are very unfair but learning to live with those changes is part of being "alive."<br><br>Taking a chance to change the subject, he stared some more at Arksys. "You mentioned payment or something. Tell me what you would offer me to make it worth my time and betrayal to my Master. Then I may decide to help you or offer you what I could do within the ties that hold me to my Master. Whatever you offer me better be something that would make me want to become involved in a scheme that might get me tortured for who know how many years. You should be happy that I'm even willing to go this far and listen to what you have in mind and what you're willing to offer to me."<br><br>Clacking his beak a little more as he thought some more after hearing what was offered, Corvus dug the three talons on each of his feet into the soft soil of the park, leaving bird tracks in the grass. "I'll tell you what I can do. I'll try to find where you sister has been taken after being Collected by me. I'll also try to make sure that she hasn't been harmed. I'll also look out for her, making sure that she doesn't come to harm and is comfortable. Asking for me than that is beyond anything I could do. I can't be involved in trying to free her, nor will I put myself on the line to do something like that. I take people, I don't free them. To do so, as I said, would lead to me being tortured."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>14-01-2016, 16:27:54</strong>
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				“Yes, I’m aware of the ruling.”<br><br>Everyone had become aware of the ruling rather swiftly, since those who lay claim to the areas all seemed to have their own rules, but had agreed upon that single stipulation. This Master owned everyone who was considered a resident of Chicago – and even those who naturally weren’t, like his sister, because she now resided within his own walls. The thought made his fists clench. He clacked his teeth together as Corvus filled the silence with some bullshit he didn’t really want to hear. He rolled his eyes for a moment and then looked down, sighing heavily. “It wouldn’t be a life worth living,” he commented swiftly, before he looked up at Corvus, his eyes bright and sharp with intelligence. <br><br>“Yes, a payment of sorts. I am lacking in money, but I would have a way of making you disappear. You’d never have to be tied down to a Master again – never have to worry about him coming back. I plan on rescuing my sister and maybe even others, given the opportunity. But I have nowhere to begin without a knowledge of what happens inside. I can maybe give you something monetary for the information, but I have plenty of connections that could make Corvus the Collector disappear,” he countered, raising an eyebrow, completely serious. The bird wouldn’t have to worry about torture at all. Technically, Arksys didn’t exist. Most of the nomads and loners didn’t exist any longer. They all worked together against the systems that had been put in place since the changing of the tides. <br><br>Arksys grimaced at how selfish the bird was, but he knew that it was just a matter of adapting to what life had become in this world. He let out a small smile, seeming to be satisfied. “Well… you can certainly think on what I’ve said about making you disappear, but I would appreciate you looking out for her and updating me on her state there. I worry for her. She’s so rare, and I’ve heard so many stories about what goes on in places like that…” He shuddered and his tail bristled, but he took in a slow inhale in order to calm himself and his adrenaline. The last thing he needed was to get angry again. Shifting on his feet, he glanced back at Corvus and then chewed on his bottom lip. “I’m just happy you’re willing to do… something. I figured this might have been a completely hopeless journey.” <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>15-01-2016, 18:28:57</strong>
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				"Then you must know that my hands are tied on how far I'm willing to turn traitor against my Master." He turned his head and dug his bead into some of the feathers along his body, delving into them to find the itch that was bothering him. Or maybe he was cleaning the seam where his feathers came together, snagging some of the bugs or other things that infested his feathers. Corvus swung his head back to match the look that was directed his way, his defenses getting riled up since it sounded like Arksys was angry and the Hunter's gaze felt like he was trying to challenge the Collector. "Not really my problem, now is it? That life that you said wouldn't be worth living. As I said, sometimes things happen that are out of our control."<br><br>"Money wouldn't interest me anyway." He went silent again after that, thinking deeply about what it would be like to disappear and be free. It had been so long since he had freedom that he wasn't even sure if he knew what it meant to be free. He had been claimed almost from the moment that he was turned, so it's been over a century that he has been in bondage. "I don't know... I'd have to have the time to really think about that offer. Plus he wasn't sure if he could ever been free, he played a role in the clan that was important and getting away from his Master wasn't as easy as it might be for some of the vampires and others that didn't hold as an important position. Then there was the fear that he would be caught if he tried to leave his Master. There were spies every where and it was well known that they filled the Master with news of his land long before any plans could happen.<br><br>"I said I would do what I could. As I said, my hands are tied on what I might be able to do unless I wish to end up in the dungeons or being tortured. It still might be hopeless but I'm willing to stick my beak out to do what I said I would. I can't promise more than that until I learn more or make it seem like I'm not becoming to involved in the property that normally doesn't interest me. As I said, I collect people and that's all I do. So taking an interest in someone is out of character for me."<br><br>Turning to look off into the distance, he took a moment to think some more about something. At least he turned to look back at Arksys, clacked his beak and ruffled his feathers. "Let's not meet here again or anywhere in Chicago. It's safer to meet on one of the islands in the lake if we have to meet again due to them being uninhabited. If our discussion is at an end, I'll wait to leave until you're on your way. I don't trust you enough to turn my back on you." His beady black eyes stared across the space that was between them and he was on edge since he was ready to react in case this meeting turned out differently then he expected.<br><br>In the end, once he was ready to return to the skies or perching on the statues or among the trees, he did exactly that. Gliding among the thermals of the city, Corvus winged his way among the tall buildings and sky scrappers until he landed on the eave on one part of the roof of the Master's mansion. What was he doing? Getting involved with a Hunter and saying that he would try to protect the woman that he had taken from the street not that long ago. Stupid, stupid, stupid. At last he dropped down in front of the main door and stepped inside the rooms that were darkly paneled and furnished with dark stained wooden furniture. Those two things were everywhere in the estate. Artwork of all kinds helped add more to the estate though, showing off the Master's wealth. <br><br>A wave of silence spread behind him as he moved. Everyone knew who he was and they knew of his reputation.<br><br>At last he stepped through the doors that lead to the quarters of the harem. Of course that entrance was guarded, not because the guards stopped anyone from entering. They were posted there to stop any of the woman from leaving or going anywhere alone. Corvus ignored them as he pushed open the pair of dark stained doors and followed the hallway and rooms until he spotted the woman he was seeking. Leaning against the doorway, he watched her without saying anything, waiting to see what she would do once she became aware of his presence and how he was staring at her. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>16-01-2016, 16:59:25</strong>
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				Arksys thought that the meeting went better than he originally anticipated. He hadn’t even expected to <em>find</em> Corvus. So, that was an improvement, right? He blinked as he trudged off from the area they’d met. He had connections on the mainland that could help him get to one of the islands. He figured that he could set up camp there for a little while. It’d be nice to stay on one of the larger islands, by himself. He didn’t mind the lack of contact sometimes. He could do some reflecting on his thoughts and stay away from people who might trigger a violent reaction from him while he kept thinking about his poor sister. <br><br>Such a sweet little lamb. She didn’t deserve to be collected that way. She didn’t deserve to be the slave to a vampire harem. Arksys clenched his fists and then sighed heavily, disappearing into the woods to head towards the shores of the lake. He knew that he could find someone there with a rowboat and get to one of the islands after a few hours of rowing. He knew that it would take some time and effort, but it would be worth it to get some updates about his sister. He could spend the entire time hoping that she was okay. He really, really hoped that she was okay in that place. She was so innocent and naïve to the ways of the world. The last thing he needed to hear was that she was suffering. His mind was already starting to run wild with the possibilities. He needed to get to that rowboat stat.<br><br>Meanwhile, in the harem, women of all shapes and sizes and breeds were milling about. Still, none of them looked quite like her. In fact, a lot of them were almost completely animal – just bipedal and possessing the ability to speak. Like the crow that had found her and plucked her from the street. She was told it was called ‘being collected’ but she had never heard of the term before. She soon realized that it wasn’t a good thing. Now, she belonged to someone she was supposed to address as her ‘Master’ or ‘sir’ since she was still new. <br><br>She also realized that she owned nothing now.<br><br>She’d been living alone on the outskirts of the area that used to be Illinois, close to Wisconsin. She had a little cottage and a small farm, with some chickens and a garden and a milk cow. She’d been collected after traveling to the city for some more supplies and for some trading opportunities. She worried about what would happen to her little farm, her land, but she realized that she needed to be worried about much worse things. Like the Master – who was a harsh man and who liked to possess what he called ‘rare’ things. She was, apparently, a very rare thing. And that made him target her even more.<br><br>Sitting on a cushion in a corner, she was curled in on herself, sipping some lukewarm tea that another member of the harem – a feline of some kind – had fetched for her. She was aching pretty badly, still a little lightheaded from the Master feeding from her. A shiver passed over her pale skin, her little ears twitching from her grey hair. She was definitely a lamb hybrid (http://pre05.deviantart.net/2e3c/th/pre/i/2015/258/e/6/lamb_girl_by_lunaeluxlacrimosa-d99qzp5.jpg) in every sense of the word. Her little tail, her softly curved horns, her ears and the slight pink tint to her nose that was always there. Many women in the harem, those who liked being there, already despised her and picked on her because she had become a ‘favorite’ or something. She didn’t know how to tell them that she didn’t <em>want</em> to be a favorite. <br><br>Lifting her head when she felt eyes on her, those soft lamb ears perked up and then flattened as she tried to shrink a little more, noticing that the raven-man who’d taken her was back. Her body was naked, like almost everyone else’s in the harem, and she seemed to be one of the only ones who cared about it. She didn’t like to be naked, to be exposed. It was embarrassing, despite what her Master was trying to tell her. Trembling, she clung to the cup as if she was afraid he’d take it from her, and ducked her eyes. One was a little swollen from a bruise forming on her cheek, and it occasionally throbbed beneath some of her freckles. She sipped at her tea with shaking hands, trying desperately to ignore the heavy stare from the raven-man. <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>17-01-2016, 02:58:49</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				These hallways, rooms, and chambers were not places that Corvus usually came to visit, so he was feeling a bit out of depth at being in this part of the estate. Even the guards, who were more for making sure someone didn't leave, gave him quick gazes of interest as he ignore them and passed through the entrance that lead into the harem quarters. His reputation helped, making it clear who he was and that he didn't want to be bothered even if though he was in the part of the estate that he never really came.<br><br>Bodies, all of them women, filled the space. Their smell. Their discussions. Their everything. The whole part of the estate just reminded him of how women were living in this area. All of them were naked, of course. Master wanted them that way as a way to make them feel powerless and because the head of the city and the clan loved to look upon their bodies without the impediment of clothing. Corvus was sure there were more reasons on keeping them naked but it wasn't something he usually thought that deeply about. Another reason was probably so they couldn't hide weapons or more on their bodies. He knew he had one of his own black knifes resting on his hip but there were many more of those sharp blades hidden among his person. He knew how to use those blades to defend himself as well as his personal weapons that came from being a raven/crow. Beak, talons, and more.<br><br>Eyeing the lamb from where Corvus was standing against the side of the doorway without a care in the world, he chuckled a little at how he saw her gaze his way for a moment and then try to hide back into herself. Little woman still had some courage, being able to look around like that and take in her surroundings. That wasn't surprising though since he had only collected her recently and it usually took some beatings and more to cause the harem women to become used to being property. Their courage and more was usually beaten out of them the longer they were in these rooms. Either by the Master or by the women that have been here longer and who had higher positions in the hierarchy of harem slaves.<br><br>"You," he finally said as the silence seem to stretch to breaking. Others had noticed his presence and seemed to shy away from him even if they were giving him looks from the eyes that were held down towards the floor. "Come here. I was told to fetch you and so you will come and follow me." What was he doing? He wasn't sure! Corvus knew that what he was doing wasn't usual but for once he was letting his conscious dictate his actions. <br><br>After searching through a few of the rooms for one that offered the most privacy, he held the door open for her to enter before he stepped inside and pushed the door closed with a heavy thud. "Lamb," he started, moving further into room and towards her, "I made a choice to try to help you as much as I can. So tell me what I might be able to do for you while you're among the women of the harem." Berating himself some more about getting involved, Corvus kept thinking that he was stupid to do what he was doing but now he had committed to trying to help this lamb even though it was his doing that she ended up in her new home. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>20-01-2016, 15:42:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The little lamb was trembling as Corvus continued to stare at her. She didn’t like the way he was staring and she’d seen the guards do the same to some of the other harem women before. They’d stared and disappeared with permission from the Master with them, and returned to dumb them back into these chambers a few hours later. She knew that they were being whored out, but she didn’t want to think of that too much because it was a reminder of her new position here. She had been a virgin when the Master had her delivered… but she was sad to say that she wasn’t any longer. It had been one of the first ways the Master had tried to break her down. Now she felt used and dirty and hated her life for the first time in its entire duration.<br><br>She jumped as he spoke, her wide and warm eyes finding him, filled with panic. She trembled and tucked into herself as he explained why he was there. She set down her cup and rose slowly, before stepping with a bit of a limp off of the cushion she’d been sitting on. She walked slowly, her tail twitching nervously behind her and her ears pressed roughly against the sides of her head, as if trying to hide away behind the swirls of her beautiful horns. She looked a little confused, wringing her hands together, because the Master had just seen her the night before. What could he possibly want again? Hopefully not the same thing they’d been doing… the idea made her feel a little ill.<br><br>She followed obediently – though, that wasn’t necessarily any kind of training from the Master’s effort. She was a lamb and she was naturally submissive. It was simply in her nature to be kind, gentle. She looked around tentatively as he opened the door for her and she stepped inside. The moment he shut the heavy door behind them she jumped again, looking at him with a fearful gaze. She was shaking a she addressed her and she backed away from him as he moved towards her, already speaking in a soft babble and almost missing what he was saying: “Please, I don’t want this… I don’t even want the Master… I just want to go home…” <br><br>Her ears caught up to his words though and she froze, looking at him, stunned. Her ears perked a little and stuck out from her silvery hair, wide eyes looking at him with hope. “You… want to help me?” The idea was completely astounding for her, considering he’d been the one to put her there in the first place. Her tail wriggled excitedly and she stood there shyly, trying to cover up her naked frame as much as she could. An arm trailed across her perky breasts, the other moving down to cover the soft, almost invisible, silvery curls between her legs. <br><br>“Why?” She spoke dumbly for a moment before flushing a little. “I… I don’t know…” she frowned a bit, unsure of what he wanted to hear. “How are… you trying to help me? I don’t know what to tell you, how to help… but I want to!” She was unsure at first, but she wanted him to understand that she wanted to help. She wanted to do what it would take to get her out of this place. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>21-01-2016, 01:28:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Small puffs of incense of many different smells also filled the rooms of the harem quarter and he could feel the smoke of the burning sticks and cones of incense brush over his feathers as he stood in the entrance and kept his beady black eyes on the only one of the harem that he was taking an interest in. The smell of those burning scents also helped mask the smells of the woman, the smells of sex, and the smells of blood or more that sometimes came from the wounds and beatings that happened.<br><br>Corvus almost spoke up as he saw the cup being snatched up as soon as it was set on the floor but anything left alone was fair game. Sometimes that wasn't truth either when a woman would be ganged up on and her temporary possession was taken from her. It was a fight, almost every hour, to keep what you claimed unless you were a favorite or one of the members of the harem that's been in these chambers for a lot longer. Strength. That was the rule in here and anyone that was weaker tended to be one of the ones that were dominated and on the receiving end of being forced to give up anything they claimed as their own. It didn't matter if it was drink, food, or something else. If you couldn't hold onto it, it was taken from you.<br><br>Watching the skittish lamb, all those thoughts and more ran through his head. He wasn't the only one that was watching her though even if the others in the harem made it appear that they were disinterested in what was transpiring as he called her out to come to him. Again, his reputation made it easier for him to keep them at arms length and he was pretty sure that they breathed easier knowing that his attention was on the one he called to him. Seeing how she came when called, it was no wonder her brother wanted her out of here and out of the Master's eye. As someone that seemed to be naturally submissive, he was sure that she would receive her own share of nightmares and horrors the longer she was part of the harem.<br><br>Moving with her until he was before here and the wall was at her back, Corvus had his beak open slightly since he was chuckling even if it sounded like he was cawing. Hadn't she heard what he said? Ah there it was, she finally realized what he had said. "It's not like I want to help you but there's..." he shrugged, standing in front of her and staring at her still. Then came the question of why he was going to try to help her and that question wasn't something he really had an answer for. "Never you mind, you don't need to know what my motives are." Clacking his long beak some more, now in frustration, Corvus felt his taloned hands open and close because of that frustration and for what he was doing here. He should haven't listened to her brother! <br><br>"So what you're telling me," he said as he spun away from her before he shook her in frustration, he started to pace back and forth in a straight line. "You don't know what you need but you want my help. That's just great. So helpful that is. It's really not, if my sarcasm wasn't clear. I don't really know how to help you, this isn't something I normally do. That should have been clear since it was me that Collected you and brought you here. Just know that something happened and I've changed my mind about getting involved in the house of my Master. I don't really know what I'm doing, if you want me to be honest. All of this is probably a mistake and will come back to bite me in the ass." He hadn't stopped pacing as he talked, his tone pissed off and frustrated still. Her brother hadn't helped much either, only telling him to get her out or to help as much as Corvus was able.<br><br>"Your brother and you are two peas in a pod. Expecting me to know how I'm supposed to take care of things while keeping everything involving the two of you secret from my Master!" Then he clacked his beak closed, knowing that he had just said something he should have kept to himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>24-01-2016, 16:03:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;The little lamb’s warm, brown eyes were wide as he subconsciously coaxed her to press back against the wall. He was close to her, really close, and it was making her knees tremble. Was he going to have his way with her? Was he really going to force her like the Master had? Maybe. Maybe that was what he was asking for, in exchange for his services and help in whatever he was talking about. She quaked a little as he spoke again, chuckling in an odd way, and she pressed her ears back a little to try and muffle the sound. It was almost too much for her senses; it scared her quite a bit, and she was already scared of him since she realized he was the one who had grabbed her and brought her to this awful place. <br><br>As he seemed to grow more frustrated, tears lined her eyes. She had gotten extremely hopeful about getting out, and now, he seemed extremely frustrated with her. “I-I just…” she spoke in a frightened whisper, her tail trembling as she tucked into herself a little bit. “I… how… how are you try-trying to help me? I-I’m confused…” Was he trying to help her escape? Or just trying to help her survive this place better? Was he trying to protect her? “You never… never explained…” Her words tiered off into silence as she trembled, unsure if he was going to get violent. The Master had gotten violent with her for her insolence; hence the marks upon her flesh.<br><br>However, he mentioned something that caught her attention.<br><br>Her eyes widened and her little pink nostrils flared. “My brother?!” She straightened up and looked incredibly hopeful. “You know my brother?! Is that why you’re here?” Her words remained soft and quiet despite how excited she’d gotten. She stepped back from the wall a little, her tail wriggling happily. “I-I can tell you whatever you want to know, to help you. I’ll… give you information about the inner-workings. When the Master comes and goes, when he takes girls away, when the guards come and the servants with food…” She was offering up all she had. She was a slave to the harem. She didn’t have much else to give him other than information. <br><br>“I-I could pose distractions. I-I-I could… I want to help…”<br><br>She was clearly willing to put herself on the line to try and get out of this place. She’d not been there that long, but she was already dreading what further ‘training’ her Master had promised her. She knew she wasn’t going to enjoy it and she knew she’d probably leave with more marks than she currently had. She wanted to get out of this place so badly that it was almost palpable. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>26-01-2016, 02:31:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Corvus really did want to shake her just since he was feeling so out of place, frustrated with himself and what he had sort of agreed to do, and how he felt like he was going to regret what was going to happen once a decision was made to either free the lamb, or keep her safe until something could be done to free her, or whatever her brother had planned that Corvus would probably get roped into helping with. It had been years since he was feeling this way and even more years since the last time he felt like he was betraying his Master. The fear of being caught and ending up in the torture rooms also was always on his mind.<br><br>"I don't know!" he stated with some strength and force. "I'm making this up as I go along, okay? You think you're confused?! If anyone is confused, it's me!" He spun around, the wings that had folded along his back opening wide for a moment before snapping closed. "I can't explain because I don't know what to explain. As I said, making this plan up as I go along!"<br><br>He spun away again, knowing that he had made a huge mistake at mentioning her brother but his thoughts and words had gotten away from him. That was how he mentioned her brother. Plus his emotions were all over the place and so those also lead to his mistake. "Yes, you're pestering, annoying, and pain in my ass brother. I don't know your brother beyond a short meeting. But you're correct on the other half of what you asked even if I now regret that meeting." He paused, staring at the wall for a moment even as he continued to feel his beak open and close, showing off his anxiety and more.<br><br>Turning to face her, his beady black eyes were squinted a little as he gave her a long stare. "Fine. All that sounds good. Just don't get caught or cause anyone to be suspicious. If you get caught or someone catches on that you're acting like a spy, it would lead to more problems then even I care to deal with." He shook his head then, the idea of this timid lamb being able to be able to distract anyone? That seemed like a horrible laugh. "No, forget the idea of you trying to be someone that distracts anyone. I've sort of agreed to your brother that I'd keep you safe and so putting you in that position isn't something that I think is a good idea. The rest though, that could work since the harem slaves are hardly paid attention towards until they're with the Master or with anyone he gives them too, at times."<br><br>"At least until I get word back to your idiotic annoying brother. Just keep things simple and don't do anything out of the oridinary!"<br><br>Moving around the room again, he decided that they had been in here long enough and anyone that might have noticed the two of them had slipped into the room might be wondering what was happening in here. "We should leave, we've been in here long enough. Just be smart and keep under the rader until I know more about what I can do to help you or I know more about the plans that might be made."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>04-02-2016, 01:20:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The moment that Corvus spoke again, she seemed attuned to his frustrations.<br><br>As a natural submissive creature, she ducked her head and whimpered, shrinking away from the crow. He was frightening her, but she tried to stand her ground. It was hard, after all she’d gone through recently. She remained quiet as he seemed to stress out about his lack-of-plan, and her ears quivered on either side of her head, half-concealed by her curled horns. Her small tail trembled behind her and she curled her naked frame slightly, crossing her arms over her breasts to cover them up. She had been excited to hear about her brother, but now he was making her unsure about that meeting. He’d apparently been looking for her, but coming across Corvus could have been a bad idea. What if the crow betrayed them? What if the crow got her poor brother caught? <br><br>She looked down and winced a bit as he mentioned that he ‘regretted the meeting’ involving her wolf sibling. Lifting her head, she glanced towards the large bird and just tried to make herself look smaller as he gave her that long, hard stare. He was contemplating her words and she knew it, thinking them over to see if they would work for their little plan. She blinked a bit and then nodded slowly, agreeing with what he was saying. “Okay, okay,” she immediately agreed. She still had a bit of a spark in her eyes, hope that something would come of this meeting and this plan. It would kill her to have this knowledge and to know that nothing was going to come of it. What if nothing did and she was just stuck there? She wasn’t sure how long she was going to last before the Master completely broke her.<br><br>She nodded again as he reiterated that she needed to not do anything out of the ordinary. That shouldn’t be a problem – she was sure if she did, accidentally, it would be treated as such. She was still brand new and had a bit of leeway. Not a lot, but a little. She chewed on her bottom lip and then she looked down, only glancing back up when he moved back towards the door and spoke about leaving. She nodded slowly and moved towards him, only because that was close to where the door was and where she would leave to head back to the harem. Hopefully the Master hadn’t been looking for her. She certainly hoped not.<br><br>“Well… thank you, for attempting this, whether you can succeed or not,” she murmured softly, actually looking up at him and giving him a very faint smile. Nodding slowly, she trudged through the door to head back to the main harem room, her shoulders slumped as she tossed herself back into the fray of her new life. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>05-02-2016, 23:52:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He didn't feel like he deserved her thanks. What had he really done except to mention that he had a meeting with her brother. It wasn't like he made her stay in the harem or in the Master's estate any easier. Or that he managed to secure her some protection or anything that would help her or give her some comfort. He hadn't really done anything except now put her in maybe more danger since she insisted that she could help and they agreed on how that could happen. So yes, he didn't think he deserved to have her thanks. However he didn't say any of that and only gave her a prissy you're welcome before they separated. <br><br>It seemed like it was a good thing he was on the estate since before he could leave the grounds, he was called back to the Master's receiving room and given new orders to begin his stalking of another that the Master might be interested in Collecting. Not all those that Corvus took were headed for the harem, there were plenty of other positions and more that the Master wanted people for. Or others he just wanted removed so they would be imprisoned, tortured, or probably killed. Corvus, until the meeting with her brother, never gave any of these Collections any thought but now... his conscious was back and he couldn't help but think of his actions and how many had been terrified because he took them from their lives and handed them over to the Master or others that were part of the vampire clan.<br><br>Being dismissed at last, he was quickly out of the mansion and off the grounds. Taking to the air, he felt his freedom again and enjoyed being one of the few that could reach this height. It was one place he didn't have to share, for the most part. And being able to fly, it meant he wasn't bothered and he could be alone. <br><br>For about a week or longer he was busy with learning what he could about the woman he was assigned to Collect. Her habits, where she lived, where she worked, where she went, who she met regularly, and things like that. He hadn't taken her yet since that wasn't what he had received orders to do but he knew everything else about her. It was just a bit after morning and he had just woken up from the nest he made at one of the tops of the buildings when he decided it was time to finally make his way to that island he told her brother to wait at. The idiot probably was worried that Corvus wasn't going to show up or that he was going to turn on him. Plus Corvus supposed he had some news for the idiot wolf even if the news might not be well received since it put his sister in danger. It had been her own choice though!<br><br>Flying over the water of Superior, Corvus landed on the edge of dock and waited. He was sure the wolf would realize that Corvus was on the island, sooner or later.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>10-02-2016, 01:50:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The week passing had not been easy on Dahlia.<br><br>The Master had chosen her for more than one night and the girls were beginning to believe that she was becoming the favorite. That earned her quite the bullying whenever she was released back into the main harem area or when she was in the bathing area. She became rather isolated rather easily, as cliques were formed in the harem and kept the girls together like glue. Those who tended to be older and with more experience with the Master were leveled together. They seemed to leave her alone, not harming her while also not helping her. The middle group seemed to be the most helpful, but the youngest recruits that were brought in before her seemed to be the fighters. And Dahlia was often caught in the midst of it since the Master liked her ‘value’ and she didn’t seem to <em>appreciate</em> his attention in a proper way. <br><br>She had rope burns on her wrists and ankles more often than not, and some whip marks along her upper, backs of her thighs and her ass cheeks. It was hard to sit and hard to walk sometimes, but she’d gotten used to curling up on her side in the corner and sleeping with her back against the wall. The little lamb felt incredibly alone, though one of the middle-class harem women seemed to take a tolerance to her. She was a fox of some sort, and she treated most of Dahlia’s wounds if they were terribly aching. She also helped her bathe when she was too sore and couldn’t lift her arms or stretch. It was the only tolerable thing about her existence in the harem and even then, it wasn’t enough.<br><br>Arksys had remained on the island, living in a handmade hammock and harvesting to get his food. He didn’t mind living in a ‘rough’ way. He did check almost every day by the dock in order to see if Corvus had come back. He was disappointed a little more every day and was beginning to think that maybe he had trusted the wrong person. He frowned and made his way to the docks again, kicking some rocks as he moved, before he stopped and realized that the raven was there! He rushed forward, standing on the dock with his tail swishing.<br><br>“Corvus! You’ve returned… with news? Is Dahlia okay?”<br><br>Arksys looked at him hopefully,&nbsp; giving a wane little smile. He looked tired, but he didn’t seem to mind the exhaustion. That was pretty typical, given his traveling lifestyle.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>10-02-2016, 23:02:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dropping into a fighting stance as soon as he heard the sounds of someone coming towards him, Corvus had his wings tucked close to his body, his talons out in front of him and ready to tear into whomever was rushing his way. The talons of his feet pressed against the wood of the dock, leaving his tracks in the wood while his beak was open slightly, which would be another way he could tear into someone if it came to that.<br><br>When he realized who it was that was rushing towards him, Corvus let out a caw of surprise and more. Silly wolf almost brought on a fight between the two was one of the thoughts that repeated itself through Corvus's thoughts while he also reminded himself that it was also his fault for being so on edge. That was how he was used to living though since he was just one of many that lived or died by the whims of the Master that owned him and others.<br><br>"Yes I've met her and she was okay the last time I managed to meet with her. About a week ago. She's just as much of a pain in my ass as you are." He noticed right the way how Arksys appeared. "She wants to try to act as a spy for you and I suppose for me as well. She is part of the harem, which doesn't surprise me because of how rare she is. It was no wonder that my Master tasked me to collect her and that he added her to that part of his desires. Other then that, I'm not sure what more news I can give you. I haven't come up with a way of getting her away from the harem or how to get her away from the Master."<br><br>"Maybe if we could get you in the grounds.... we could do something to free her. Maybe making it so you appear to be a guard..." he was thinking more out loud then committing that the plan was a sound one. Corvus's beady eyes looked at Arksys as the crow stood in front of him. "Tell me... have you done anything that would warrant the Master putting a price on your head? Or even if it was just someone in the Master's house doing the same. It could be a way to get you inside, making it appear that you're my prisoner."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>13-02-2016, 15:21:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Arksys was a little confused.<br><br>Dahlia – his sister, the lamb, Dahlia – a pain in the ass? He wasn’t sure they were talking about the same gentle creature, but he knew that Corvus seemed to think differently than he did. He blinked slowly and then let himself relax, feeling a little better now that Corvus said he had at least met with her last week. He chewed on his bottom lip, hoping that his gentle-hearted sister was okay. His expression fell almost immediately and he laughed without humor – his sister <em>would</em> want to be a spy for Corvus and himself. But the next strain of news made his features twist into an expression of disappointment and disgust. She was part of the harem. His innocent little sister was part of that bastard’s harem!&nbsp; The anger welled up and he clenched his fists, taking a few deep breaths in order to try and calm himself.<br><br>Arksys focused back on what Corvus was saying, grimacing a bit. “I don’t even think he knows I exist, honestly.” He knew that plan wouldn’t work. The idea that he’d have to be disguised to get in was probably never going to happen. He frowned a little bit and then he chewed on his bottom lip. Glancing towards Corvus, he tilted his head and then blinked hard. “What about a distraction? I heard word that there was going to be a summer party to mark the beginning of the autumn season. We could use that as a distraction, to sneak in amongst the set-up or even during the party, to try and retrieve her?” <br><br>The idea seemed like a decent one. The party was often hosted by this ‘Master’ and was a large event for this entire area. There was a lot of traffic in and out of the area, with food staff and people traveling from all over to attend. There were performers and decorators, and now that he was imaging the idea, he could see it being more and more plausible. “Do you think that could work? I assume you’ll be at the party, but you could help to sneak me in…” He trailed off and looked at Corvus hopefully. He knew the party was coming up soon, within a week at least. They would have to move quickly, but he’d rather move quickly than wait and let that bastard get more and more out of his little sister. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>14-02-2016, 23:47:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				These two siblings were nothing more than pain in his ass, at least so far so Corvus felt justified in claiming that point to both of them so far. Both had made his life difficult lately and both had him thinking thoughts that he hasn't thought in decades. So yes, he truly did think both siblings were the pains he said they were. Corvus tightened his muscles some, going on the defensive when he saw how the werewolf started to react to the news that Corvus had delivered. Getting into a fight with the wolf could turn deadly for him since the predator has more weight, muscles, and strength the birdman even if Corvus had the advantage of getting into the air and trying to wound anyone with his talons.<br><br>"The celebration," he said at last, giving the idea some thought and thinking that his plans wouldn't work after all since the wolf wasn't known and trying to get Arksys into the grounds without a distraction or more would be more of a struggle. "I had forgotten about that up coming event. I do show up in the evenings usually when it's being hosted but for the most part it's not an event that I tend to stay at for long. Maybe this year that could be different. I doubt it would look out of place if I do stay longer since there is supposed to be others coming to Chicago for the celebration. It sounds like the best idea that we've had so far and many would be distracted with music, dancing, politics, and everything that would be going on when everyone was gathered together."<br><br>"What do you think? Would you like to be part of one of the groups that is taking care of the needs of those that are going to arrive? Maybe one of the servers or something? I don't know you that well to ask if you could play the part of being one of the performers..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>18-02-2016, 01:09:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;“I can probably find a way to sneak in, if you can get me close enough. I could pose as a servant. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d done such a thing.”<br><br>Arksys managed a wane smile towards Corvus, shrugging his shoulders for a moment. If it was the only possible chance that he’d be able to save his sister, he was willing to risk it. Who knew what she’d been subjected to in the time that they’d not seen her? He pondered the idea of being a performer but shook his head, explaining his reasoning. “I could perform, but I suspect that would draw too much attention to me. If I was a server or something like that, I would be able to disappear to retrieve things and be behind the scenes a little more than if I was a performer, don’t you think?” He was asking for Corvus’ honest opinion. There was no snark in his words. He knew that Corvus had a better understanding of how the mansion would work and how the party would work. He would know how to help Arksys get in, if this was a good idea in the long run.<br><br>“Do you believe we would have a chance? Would the harem be less monitored? Do you think there could be a way we could get Dahlia alone…?” He trailed off, frowning, wondering all of these things at once and not wanting to overwhelm – and possibly irritate – the crow. He canted his head, his tail swishing, feeling a bit of hope at the idea that they might have a shot to go and get his sister. He wanted to rescue her, get her back to her home, let her live in peace. Sure, he was a nomad, but Dahlia wasn’t. And he knew that she’d loved her life before, had been gentle and kind and wonderfully happy, even when she was alone. Now… he had no idea how much this experience would have changed her. He hoped it hadn’t changed her for the worst. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>18-02-2016, 23:27:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, no, and no again. Having you as a performer if you've never done something like that is a mistake. A server or lesser position makes more sense for the reasons you stated and they could go to places in the estate that other types could not." Corvus bobbed his head up and down a little while his beak opened and closed with a clacking sound since he was thinking some more about what they were planning. All of this was going against his nature but he was having so many thoughts on how to free the Dahlia even if it was Corvus's fault that she was were she had been taken. What was it about the sheep woman that had him acting this way? He wasn't sure exactly but there was something about the woman...<br><br>"We'll have a better chance during the celebration than if we tried something during the normal times. The harem might be not as defended or the guards migh be more lax depending on where the groups of visitors meet together." He paused, thinking about the last question. Could they get Dahlia alone? He wasn't sure and so he didn't know how to answer that question, at least he wasn't sure yet if that was possible. "Maybe we can," was all he commited too saying. "I'll look into some ideas on how to make that happen," he added next, giving the wolf a little more than a vague answer.<br><br>"We have a week to make better plans, so we should have plenty of time to prepare. I might be able to put together some other ideas, like a way to get the guards to sleep or pull Dahlia out of the harem. There is a spot on the grounds in one of the gardens that would be safe for us to meet for a few moments before we split up to head to our agreed upon ideas. Let's meet there an hour or two before the first visitors are due to arrive so we can make final plans if need be before you join the waiters and staff and I... find a place where it wouldn't be to odd for me to appear. I'm usually not found at the celebrations because I don't really care for them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>21-02-2016, 14:31:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“That’s what I was thinking, exactly. There will be so much focused on the celebration, that I figured the likelihood of us getting Dahlia away and out of there with a distraction would be easier than normal.” <br><br>Arksys seemed to think that this idea was something they could really pull off. He could rescue Dahlia with Corvus’ help and maybe get her back home. Then, he realized with a saddened heart that she could probably <em>never</em> go home. Especially if they knew where she lived, other than Corvus. She’d probably have to find herself someplace new, start over. Maybe that would be a good thing for Dahlia? She would finally get the chance to travel a little bit,&nbsp; see new places. It was something that Arksys had always tried to gently pressure his sister into doing. She’d settled so quickly and when she was still so young that he wondered if she’d ever regretted doing it. He never had the chance to ask, though – and now, he just hoped to God&nbsp; that he would get the chance to ask. <br><br>The wolf’s ears twitched on his head and then he nodded, agreeing with the plan on where they were supposed to meet up in the gardens before the start of the party. He was happy that their idea seemed to at least have some ground. “I’m sure you could think of a reason. Maybe mention it to a few people that you’ll be at the party, if you’re asked? That way, it wouldn’t be such a surprise when you show up because there would be, you know, people to back up that?” He looked at him, canting his head. He was just trying to check all of the bases. They didn’t need anything that would screw this up. It was already going to be hard enough, they would just need to try and get this to go as smoothly as possible. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kuje</strong> on <strong>22-02-2016, 23:47:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Corvus didn't mention some of what he was thinking, knowing that if the Dahlia was freed then that meant Corvus probably would also have to have plans in place for himself that would help him flee from the Master. It would be time for him to leave Chicago at least as well as the State but he was thinking that he would have to go further then that if he wanted to feel like he managed to escape what his life has turned into and break the leash that the Master had on all those that were part of the clan. Having a conscious kind of sucked but Corvus wasn't sure if he could continue to show that he's started to feel empathy and more for those that he had Collected over all these years that have passed and that he was rethinking what his life has turned into.<br><br>"There's a place in the city that I can make an appearance at. A club where some of those that are members of the clan go to drink, fuck, get wasted, and do more that you probably don't want to know about. It would be the perfect place for me to spread the news that one of the popular Collectors has decided to put in an appearance to the celebration this year." He nodded his bird head and the sound of his beak clacking together came again.<br><br>Having their own things to take care of during the week that was going to pass, Corvus was busy with a few things. As usual he managed to do what his job has been for all these years, taking people from the streets, their homes, and more to bring them to the estate since the Master wanted them for one reason or another. He also spent three or four nights at the tavern he mentioned, sitting at one of the tables in the back where it was more private and nursing a drink of blood that was mixed with other liquids while whispering to those that were wasted on drink, blood, drugs, and more about the gossip he wanted to spread about how he was going to arrive at the celebration this year.<br><br>It was only a day or two from the gathering when he stepped back into the estate and headed towards the harem. Someone had better let the sheep woman know what was happening and it wouldn't look to out of place for Corvus to visit again since he kept away from the rooms of the harem for the past few days after the first meeting. As usual, once he was standing in the entrance to the room, he stared at Dahlia for a bit before locking his dark black beady eyes on her. "You, come with me," he repeated like he did the last time and in the same aggressive tone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Collected - A World Changed. (Kuje &amp; Mael)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mael</strong> on <strong>24-02-2016, 03:05:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“That’s good. I’m sure that it will come in handy.”<br><br>Arksys was fairly confident that Corvus showing his face and making claims about going to the gathering. The party was going to be a good distraction and he just knew that it would probably be the one time they had a chance to get Dahlia out of there. They needed to make their efforts worth it and they needed to plan everything that they could. Nothing could go wrong or they could all end up dead. The idea didn’t terrify him nearly as much as the guilt he felt at the idea of getting Dahlia killed for a plan he’d concocted with the bird who’d kidnapped her in the first place. Could he even truly trust Corvus? He had no idea, but the bird was offering to help him. That had to be enough trust to risk his hide to rescue his sister. <br><br>Arksys spent his time hunting and gathering, thinking about the times he’d spent with Dahlia. Oh, what he wouldn’t give to just go and speak to her. He just wanted to tell her that everything was going to be okay. And he hoped that, should they get caught, that the Master of this place would think that she was too valuable to let her die. He’d gladly take her place. He felt like he was responsible for her, as much as he could be when he was a nomad. He’d always written, checked in on her when he could call. Now, he felt incredibly guilty that they were in this situation in the first place.<br><br>Dahlia had been having a rough couple of weeks. <br><br>Her start had been rough, of course, but it became worse when the other members of the harem began to discover that she was quickly becoming the Master’s ‘favorite’. She’d told them time and time again that she hadn’t wanted to be the favorite. She would have gladly given over the position. By the end of the week, she was completely worn out. Her holes were sore and she was tired, bruised up, and rather hungry. She just couldn’t eat when she was supposed to and they were kept on a rather strict schedule as it was. The fire was beginning to die in her eyes and by the time Corvus returned and set his eyes on her, she simply ducked her head and sat there, waiting for him to speak.<br><br>There was no eagerness, no fight. She merely stood at his request – her legs shaking with the effort, her feet welted on the bottom – and walked tenderly over to him. There was only a bit of a tremble to her at the aggression in his tone, but overall she merely looked meek and tired, and even more submissive than before.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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