Purity of Blood (Laeori & WMC)
<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: Wheresmycow on 04-12-2012, 03:40:07</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>04-12-2012, 03:40:07</strong>
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				~The land of Alteria is one in conflict between the humans and the beast clans&nbsp; For hundreds of years the two have clashed with each other, periods of border conflict escalating into full blown war.&nbsp; Neither side has ever gained an advantage for very long, and there is no end to the conflict in sight.<br><br>The humans have a great kingdom, ruled by a long line of monarchs. Successors are chosen by the eldest child, regardless of gender, and it has seen its fair share of male and female Kings.&nbsp; Below them are the High Nobles, who are tasked to oversee their lands and rally their banners for their King in times of war.&nbsp; Serving the High Nobles are the Knights, nobles themselves but with smaller lands to manage and smaller armies of troops as well.&nbsp; Making up the majority of the populace are the commoners, be they the merchant, the carpenter or the farmer.&nbsp; While they dream of climbing up the social ladder and obtaining a better life, few ever do.&nbsp; Humanity's reach extends far and wide, save for a ring of imposing mountains that surround a large forest: the Dragon's Maw, home of the beast clans.<br><br>The beasts clans are dynastic in nature, with the main family served by branch families.&nbsp; Organized around the various animals they share ties to, their bloodlines extend far back into history, more so than any given human King can trace their lineage to.&nbsp; Secluded in the Dragon's Maw, the beast clans are fairly unknown, save for that they are stronger, faster and tougher than an ordinary human, their mixture of animal and human appearance frightening to most people.&nbsp; Because of this, they are made off as barbaric and uncivilized, but this couldn't be further from the truth.<br><br>But all of this is history.&nbsp; The story starts with a meeting...~<br><br>It was night time, and his target was inside her room.&nbsp; Hanging onto the outside of a tower, above her window, he could hear her hum while she brushed her hair.&nbsp; It was her nightly ritual, a little piece of private time for her.&nbsp; Leto had studied his target carefully, observing her movements over the course of a few weeks, making sure he had her timing down, waiting to discover when she was the most vulnerable.&nbsp; This was the only opportunity he had, and though it had been dangerous to get to this point, it gave him the best chance to accomplish what he had came for.<br><br>Letting go for a moment, he caught the frame of the window as he fell, giving him enough support to swing into the room.&nbsp; Quickly rolling onto his feet, his short blades were out, his entire body poised to lash out and strike a killing blow at any moment.&nbsp; His target was undisturbed by all this, still humming while she brushed her golden hair, though he could see, thanks to the reflection in the mirror, her ruby red lips curl up into a smile.<br>Her ice blue eyes regarded him coolly as she spoke to him, “It certainly took you awhile to work up the courage to come here.&nbsp; I have brushed my hair well past a hundred times this evening and was afraid you would not show up today either.”<br><br>“What have you done with my family?”<br>“My my, is that how you should speak to me?” she chided him.&nbsp; “Sneaking into my bedchamber in the&nbsp; middle of the night, speaking to me in such a heated tone.&nbsp; I might feel threatened about my virtue.”<br>Leto growled, and he was about to pounce forward when he heard the sound of twenty swords being drawn out of their scabbards simultaneously.&nbsp; This was nothing compared to the sudden appearance of twenty knights, who had him surrounded, their blades a ring of steel keeping him boxed in.&nbsp; It took great and powerful magic to make it so that these knights would not be detected by him, which meant powerful wizards in his target's employ.&nbsp; Which was something he should have anticipated, since she was the King.<br><br>Turning around, the King clapped her hands together, an exaggerated expression of surprise on her face, “You seem a little startled, Burned King.&nbsp; Whatever could it be?”<br>Gritting his teeth together, he maintained stony silence for a moment, before slowly sheathing his weapons and standing upright, his hands held up.<br>“I expected something fancier than a wool night gown,” he answered.&nbsp; There was a light chuckle as she touched her white night gown, the cut chaste in the sense of covering her body well, but clung to her form to emphasize the shape of her body.<br>“Well, we are all full of surprises.&nbsp; What was it that you wanted to ask me?”<br><br>“My King, I humbly request to know what is it that you have done with my family?” Leto asked, each word carefully screened and pronounced to sound as respectful as possible.<br>“Much better,” she complimented.&nbsp; “I have taken your family, and am holding them hostage.&nbsp; Magically of course, since I doubt that ordinary cells would trouble you.”<br>Before he could ask why, the King was already well ahead of him, “You are a most elusive fellow to get a hold of.&nbsp; I have sent many missives and messengers to hire your services, yet they never seemed to reach you.&nbsp; One would think that you have been going out of your way to avoid being employed by the kingdom.&nbsp; So, in order to get your attention, I had your family found and captured.” <br>Leto's body tensed, his eyes blazing with fury, but he didn't dare move an inch.<br>“And what task it is that my King requires of me?”<br><br>From her vanity, she pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment sealed with wax, the imprint of the Royal signet clearly visible.&nbsp; With a light gesture, she tossed it to him, and he deftly caught it before peeling the wax away and reading through the text rapidly.&nbsp; His hand clenched when he finished, the parchment crumpled and mangled.<br>“This is impossible.”<br>“No,” the King corrected.&nbsp; “Getting your family back without my consent is impossible.&nbsp; The task I have assigned to you is merely incredibly difficult.&nbsp; As such, I require the finest assassin in the kingdom to take it up and carry my will out.&nbsp; Surely you can appreciate the significance of what you have just read, and why it needs to be done.”<br><br><br>Biting his lip, Leto slowly bent knee to his king, lowering his head in a bow.<br>“It will be done.” 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>05-12-2012, 19:59:00</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p152/alourin/60c87e31-e1f6-494e-9d8e-2e192289efd2_zpsd553a264.jpg)</div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Celestine?" Her father's voice called to her for what had to be the fifth time. "Cele dear, wake up.&nbsp; Did you hear me?&nbsp; The time has come for you to become a bride my girl." He came again.&nbsp; She nodded this time, still not finding a voice for the panicked words his had brought to the forefront of her mind. "Well child, say something!" He demanded eagerly. <br><br>Her father turned to one of his daughter's servants, she couldn't even tell to which of the young girl's he was speaking now, Maeva, or Naleise maybe?&nbsp; The stunned silence in her head stretched on and on seemingly forever.&nbsp; "You see that, she's so happy she speechless!" He exclaimed bouncing where he stood like a new puppy.&nbsp; "Such an honor for our family to be the first to forge ahead in these new times! His voice was overwrought with giddiness and joy, but it was so contrary to how she felt Celeste almost couldn't process his words, listening to him though she was trying too do.<br><br>"Yes, sir.&nbsp; I'm sure Lady Celeste is just a little surprised, that's all." The girl sounded steady. Naleise, She recognized her handmaiden's voice immediately.&nbsp; Only, Celeste could hear the underlying nervousness in the rapidity in which she spoke.&nbsp; "Happily, of course, M'Lord." the girl added almost too quickly.<br><br>"Yes." Her father dragged out the word, contemplating.&nbsp; His claws reached up to scratch and pull at the white tufts of fur on his chin as he continued, eyeing her now."Perhaps you're right.&nbsp; I suppose it is a bit of a shock all at once.&nbsp; Too much of a good thing and all that?"&nbsp; He stood up and walked over to his daughter.&nbsp; He scratched her behind the ear a moment like he used to do when she was little, then lifted her chin so he could see her eyes.&nbsp; "My daughter, a bride. The first of her kind in this most unique and advantageous union.&nbsp; When people talk about the peaceful times that fell upon our two great houses, it will be you my jewel they speak of. I could not be prouder if I was marrying the man myself!" He laughed jovially, kissed her forehead and headed for the door.&nbsp; "I'll give you some time to collect your thoughts. Come find me when you're ready to celebrate with me, my child."&nbsp; With that, he left.<br><br>A few moments passed as the three women listened to her father's heavy boots moving down the hall.&nbsp; Once they fell silent the two young servants rushed to her side, fanning ad petting at her face and head, patting her hands and cooing too her, trying desperately to calm her.&nbsp; "Cele, oh you poor thing.&nbsp; I"m so sorry.&nbsp; Cele, please come on, snap out of it.&nbsp; He'll be expecting you soon."&nbsp; Their voices had taken on an odd buzzing sound in her head all blending together like white noise.&nbsp; "You've got to at least pretend to be happy."&nbsp; Those words, clear, sharp, bit into her haze and she blinked as if waking up before zeroing in on Maeva's face before her. <br><br>&nbsp;"Pretend to be happy.&nbsp; That's what my life is going to be now.&nbsp; Pretending to be happy for someone else's sake."&nbsp; Her own voice sounded very far away Celeste thought idly as she listened to her own words.<br><br>"You don't know that, Miss.&nbsp; He could be a nice fellow.&nbsp; I mean he's wealthy, powerful, and he obviously has a good eye for beauty if he chose you." Naleise prattled on and Celeste wondered who it was she was trying to convince, Celeste, or herself.&nbsp; "He's from a good family after a-" but Celeste cut her off at that.<br><br>"A good family?!&nbsp; He is of the Narasingh. The Lions.&nbsp; Our culture, our heritage, 'Purity of Bloodlines and family lineage. There is nothing more important.' This is what we were all taught from day one. How now am I supposed to be glad, proud even, that I am being pawned off in some egomaniac's quest for power?&nbsp; He did not come seeking beauty or even a bride, he came seeking my father's allegiance and that of his people."&nbsp; The two servant had pressed themselves back to the wall when she'd jumped up and started pacing and yelling now on the verge of tears.. or violence.&nbsp; "And while on the topic of Family, what about me?&nbsp; Am I honestly supposed to bare his children?&nbsp; Could I? And if so what kind of abomination would I give birth to?&nbsp; First of their kind, who would want them when the time came for them to marry, or will their fates be as mine?&nbsp; Sold for power or worse?"&nbsp; Celeste collapsed on the floor, the thick white fur of her legs protecting it from the worst of the bite form the cold stone floor beneath her.<br><br>The tidal wave of emotion left as suddenly as it had come, leaving her broken on the floor now.&nbsp; Her maidens rushed to her once more tugging her up gently.&nbsp; "Come on, Miss. Maybe it won't be that bad.&nbsp; The least you can do is meet him.&nbsp; I hear he's quite handsome, for a, well.. you know."&nbsp; Your father instructed us to have you ready for dinner, an introduction.&nbsp; At least wait until then to pass judgment."<br><br>Celeste knew they were right, she should try, for her father's sake at least.&nbsp; He believed this alliance would bring peace to clans.&nbsp; She could t least meet him. After all. <em> How bad could it be, right?</em><br><br>A few hours later, she'd been bathed, polished, buffed, and brushed until her white and black fur coat almost glistened in the lamp light.&nbsp; Dressed in something flattering, yet conservative and sent down to dinner.&nbsp; The whole downstairs living area had been opened up for the feast it seemed. The usual furnishings had been removed to make room for the rows of long tables laden with food, Guests, both the striped black and white faces she knew, and the pale golden maned ones she didn't, sat on the floor talking to one another around the table.&nbsp; There were dancing ladies, acrobats, jugglers, and musicians strewn about entertaining them.&nbsp; She knew him Nachalnik Levov, Great Warlord of the Narasingh, the Lion peoples, as soon as she saw him. Large and foreboding at the head of the table. Her father sat on his right, an empty seat to his left.&nbsp; His thick dark mane wreathed his face and made him seem larger probably than he was, but his eyes.. his eyes were a sharp golden amber that glinted with thoughts of carnal delights as he watched the dancing girls. His thick pink tongue licked grotesquely at his maw and she wasn't sure if he was imaging them without clothes, or without skin.&nbsp; She shivered and moved towards her seat.&nbsp; At her entrance the room fell silent.<br><br>The rest of the meal passed in a blur for her. She sat and tried to eat with him leering at her... and every other woman who walked by.&nbsp; A time or two she'd sworn she'd seen him pinch the servants rears as they refilled drinks and took away empty dishes.&nbsp; The conversation was mostly politics between her father and Levov, though he did try to include her by throwing a few thinly veiled sexual innuendos at her now and then. He was a complete pig.&nbsp; He ate with his hands, and stained his clothes with wine as it dripped down his chin.&nbsp; She'd been told that men of war have little care for the niceties, but this was ridiculous.&nbsp; When all was said and done she fled as soon as she could back to her father's study to wait for him there.<br><br>When her father entered later that evening she threw herself at him, prostrate and groveling before him. "Please father.&nbsp; If you have any love for me, do not make me marry this man.&nbsp; He is disgusting, and vile and I will be miserable for all of my days."&nbsp; She clutched at his feet, begging, her hands gripping the hem of his pants in her claws.<br><br>He kicked her from his legs in disgust.&nbsp; "Get up you sniveling ungrateful child! Levov is wealthy and powerful.&nbsp; You and yours will never want for anything. You will never be unprotected, AND.." his voice rose with anger now. "This alliance is crucial for our people, for all the clans. Things can not remain as they have been for centuries, or we'll be over run by the kingdom of men.&nbsp; We must provide a united front." He sighed exasperated and tried again to be gentle with her walking towards her slowly.&nbsp; "This is an honor, dear one, not a punishment so choose not to think on it this way.&nbsp; Give him a chance. You know all men are pigs when they drink.&nbsp; Give him a few hours and then go, talk with him at his door.&nbsp; Perhaps then you will see the great leader, the chance in him that I can see."<br><br>"But Fath-" she began but was angrily interrupted. by her father once more.<br><br>"Celestine, I am your father and you'll do as I say.&nbsp; Is that clear? Now we will speak no more on this tonight!&nbsp; Leave me.&nbsp; In a few hours, you WILL go and speak with him!"&nbsp; The last was more of an order than a suggestion and she winced at the tone in his voice as he spat it at her.&nbsp; She ran from the room then, tears welling up and wetting her soft fur as they rolled down her cheeks.&nbsp; She went to pass the hours in her room until she had to carry out her father's demands.<br><br>The night had been horrible already, it couldn't possibly get worse, right? she thought sadly as she stood, poised to knock at Levov's door.&nbsp; She hesitated, thinking of the leer's he'd given her.&nbsp; Should she have perhaps brought a guard with her?&nbsp; One more person to overhear her embarrassment? No thank you.&nbsp; She raised her hand again to knock just as she heard a loud crash from the other side.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>06-12-2012, 04:54:19</strong>
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				Leto had been here five days already.&nbsp; The trip into the Dragon's Maw had been eye opening to say the least.&nbsp; Just seeing the mountains that acted as walls around the lands of the Narasingh were awe-inspiring to say the least.&nbsp; The peaks reached past the clouds, as if touching the sky and Heavens, the surface an incredible slope that only the hardy and determined would be able to climb with good equipment.&nbsp; Time and time again, there had been rulers who had tried to test their luck, sending scouting parties to scale the cliffs in order to find a way in,&nbsp; and time again the beasts had demonstrated their mastery of the mountains.&nbsp; The only entrance had been a corridor of stone, the only gap humans had managed to discover.&nbsp; Wide enough to fit a unit of soldiers through, though no soldier had ever made it to the other side.&nbsp; It was a wonder the ground wasn't permanently stained with the colour of blood.<br><br>Getting through the sentries stationed at the gap undetected would have been tricky for anyone that wasn't him.&nbsp; The King had done well to pick him for this mission.&nbsp; He had first observed the guards for two days, memorizing their movements, the rotation of the guards.&nbsp; And then, he had seamlessly put himself in the gaps in their schedule, slipping past them like a shadow.&nbsp; It helped of course that he could completely erase his scent, and that he could move without making a hint of noise.<br><br>And then he had gotten into the Dragon's Maw proper, and it took his breath away.&nbsp; No forest in the kingdom had been so vibrant, so lush with life.&nbsp; Everywhere he looked, there were strange flowers, their scent potent and unique, growing amongst trees so tall that it made him dizzy trying to think about how high the treetops were.&nbsp; The ground was littered with fallen logs, raised roots and other obstacles, making it incredibly difficult to traverse.&nbsp; For the first time in a long while, he had to walk along the established roads if he hoped of getting to where he needed to be on time.&nbsp; Which was a little disappointing.&nbsp; If he wasn't so pressed for time, he would have gladly taken his time to explore the alien wilderness around him.&nbsp; The air was so crisp and cool, each breath he took revitalizing.<br><br>Right up until he encountered some of the local wildlife.&nbsp; The insects were enormous.&nbsp; Buzzing insects as thick as thumb flew around him, and he had spotted a spider as big as his hand binding a bird that had been caught in its web.&nbsp; Before he even realized it, he had drew one of his swords and stabbed the spider, hurling the body aside and deftly cutting the bird free, only to watch the freed captive feast on the dead body.&nbsp; Shuddering, Leto moved on and watched his surroundings tensely, on constant alert.&nbsp; Apparently the beasts weren't the only things he had to worry about encountering.<br><br>And now, he was in the stronghold of one of the beast clans.&nbsp; Observing them, he realized why they had been humanity's fiercest foe for a such a long time.&nbsp; These ones resembled tigers, rich white fur marked with black stripes all over, and all of them seemed to have an intimidating build to them.&nbsp; Powerful, agile, and possessing keen senses, humanity had only managed to stand against the beast clans through sheer numbers and bloody minded determination.&nbsp; Certainly Leto wasn't about to engage with any one of them in a fair fight, even if he had certain advantages.<br><br>But his target wasn't one of the tigers.&nbsp; He scouted along the main buildings, partially trying to find out the most likely place they would be housing their main guest, and partially just examining their architecture.&nbsp; While humans preferred their castles and high walls of stone, these seemed more natural looking.&nbsp; They made good use of wood for one thing, slightly elevated off the ground with stone flooring, and their roofs were tiled.&nbsp; It was greatly different than what he was used to, and he had spent a careful amount of time making sure he knew that the layout was instead of simply assuming.&nbsp; Making careful use of his abilities, he overhead what conversations he could, gathering any useful gossip.<br><br>When his target arrived, it was with great fanfare.&nbsp; Despite their obvious differences, the beast clans and humans shared a certain love for pomposity, and it wasn't very hard to make out who he had to kill amongst the parade.&nbsp; Even amongst a group of upright lions, the target stood out in his embossed armour, decorated with all sorts of designs with gold gilding to highlight it all the further.&nbsp; Leto had no doubt that the armour was more than decorative though.&nbsp; At the target's side was a huge axe, heavily ornamented, but also possessing a wicked edge to it.&nbsp; Combined with the obviously well-muscled form, it wouldn't take more than one swing to end Leto's life in a very messy way.&nbsp; The Warlord was everything he had expected: imposing, regal, deadly.&nbsp; And he had been sent to kill him.<br><br>The optimal time of course was when the Warlord was alone.&nbsp; And given the festivities, he was likely to be a little inebriated as well.&nbsp; The Warlord seemed like the type who liked his drink.&nbsp; Leto camped outside his room, waiting patiently outside the window for his return.&nbsp; When he did, Leto didn't so much as spot him as smell him, the stench of wine wafting out of the window combined with whatever sweat or musk the beast had, making Leto want to gag a little.&nbsp; Hearing the thunk of armour, he pulled out a small mirror and angled it to give him a peak inside the room.&nbsp; Seeing the Warlord's back, it was a prime opportunity.&nbsp; Silently drawing his swords, he rose up and dove into the room, ready to strike his target down.<br><br>Something had given him away.&nbsp; Maybe it was a shifting tile, maybe it was the whistle of wind around his blades.&nbsp; It could have been any small thing that Leto hadn't accounted for.&nbsp; Or maybe everything had been perfect, but the Warlord just benefited from a sixth sense.&nbsp; Regardless, he was moving out of the way as Leto lashed out with his weapons, and instead of scoring a killing blow, gave the Warlord a deep cut instead.&nbsp; He quickly recovered though, rolling when he landed to spring back onto his feet and striking out again.&nbsp; This time he only nicked the Warlord's fur, and felt claws skirting against his hood as he ducked underneath a blow that looked like it could take his head off.&nbsp; Confined in a room like he was, it was too easy for him to be backed into a corner as he had to back away from the blows that came at him.&nbsp; For a drunk creature, the Warlord didn't seem to lack in fighting ability.&nbsp; Seeing an opening, Leto dived forward, rolling behind his opponent.&nbsp; Luckily for him, the Warlord hadn't picked up his axe, and Leto rushed towards it before tossing it out of the window.&nbsp; That one action had cost him though, and he was slammed from behind, the force propelling into the wall.&nbsp; He collided with a loud crash, barely holding onto his weapons as he slid to the floor, his vision swimming.&nbsp; While he tried to orient himself, he could feel himself being picked up, and his feeble struggles didn't help him at all as he was tossed at a door, the wood splintering under the force.<br><br>Rolling to the side, Leto shakily got onto his feet, weapons weaving as he tried to focus.&nbsp; It was clear he was going to die here, but at least he'd go down fighting.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>06-12-2012, 18:32:27</strong>
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				Celestine stood frozen listening to the fight inside.&nbsp; Could she be so lucky?&nbsp; Perhaps it was her Husband to be fighting with a guard, or better yet, some enemy of his come to kill him!&nbsp; She knew it wasn’t nice to wish for such things but right now she’d kill him herself if she had too. I will not be traded to this monster for any reason. She thought to herself just as the door exploded towards her in a shower of splinters and bolts, a large white blur coming with it, smacking into the wall and falling to the floor with a crunch.&nbsp; With no time to think on it, she grabbed up what she thought was a body and helped it up.<br><br>“Back away you stupid cunt!” Came the bellowing roar from inside the room where her groom to be stood framed in the doorway, terrible and freighting.&nbsp; She’d never been so afraid in her life.&nbsp; No, she most certainly could not marry this monster.<br><br>It was only then she looked down at her hands, the man she was holding.&nbsp; He was human; at least, she thought it was a he.&nbsp; He was wrapped in white, save his face.&nbsp; He held tight to two swords in his hands, even after his meeting with the wall.&nbsp; Brave, she thought, but terribly outmatched here, obviously.&nbsp; Her plan was formed in a fraction of a second.&nbsp; She could avoid this marriage and give her people and her father the peace they deserved. A slain noble woman, daughter of the Tiger Clan’s leader, and Bride to be of the Lion Clan’s great Warlord; honor alone would demand that they ban together to avenge her death.&nbsp; And, if she were assumed dead, she’d be free of all the politics and expectation of her father to live her own life as a stranger.&nbsp; She had to hide the intent in it though. While Levov seemed to think women were only for bedding, he wasn’t entirely stupid himself. If he guessed she’d tired to aid the human it would cause more problems.<br><br>So quickly that the belied actions seemed true she spun to face the human, holding tight to his wrist, claws digging in to flesh and drawing a few drops of his blood to keep him from pulling away.&nbsp; She jerked at his arm with her hold and reflexively he jerked back.&nbsp; “Let me go, you disgusting human!” She cried out as she threw herself against him with the momentum of his tug on her arm, almost knocking him back.&nbsp; Luckily, the wall was there to steady him or he may have collapsed again. She felt as if, no she was supporting both their weight, she was sure of it.&nbsp; His feet appeared to be on the ground but he clung to her back like a monkey. She laid her head back on his shoulder feigning dizziness at the stress and action.&nbsp; Levov was an idiot and probably got off on weak women, so he’d buy it for sure.&nbsp; Once close enough to his ear, Celestine whispered through clenched teeth without moving her lips, so low that only the human should hear. “Put the sword to my throat you idiot! Don’t you know how to take a hostage?”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>07-12-2012, 02:04:32</strong>
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				While Leto was standing, his vision was still swimming, and whatever fight he was going to provide was going to be pathetic.&nbsp; Even his brain was addled, as he felt someone help him up.&nbsp; There was an incoherent roar, and as he looked ahead, he could see the massive form of the Warlord fill the doorway, the light coming from the room making him seem even more enormous, filling his sight completely.&nbsp; Claws dug into his arm, making him hiss in pain, which only intensified when his arm was pulled.&nbsp; Out of reflex, he tried to jerk his arm away, only to have something push against him and press him against the wall behind him, a whoosh of breath escaping from him.&nbsp; Whatever the Warlord was doing to him, this was possibly the most gentle beating he had ever experienced in his life.&nbsp; His sense of smell was shot to, since he thought he smelled something vaguely pleasant.&nbsp; It wasn't until he actually properly heard the words spoken to him that his senses cleared and he was fully aware.<br><br>He had a hostage?&nbsp; Somehow in his stunned state, he had managed to latch onto a passerby somehow, and was hanging off of them.&nbsp; The passerby turned out to be a tigress, and it wasn't hard to figure out by the weakness in his legs that she was supporting his weight.&nbsp; It also explained the pleasant scent.&nbsp; For whatever reason, she was helping him, which made no sense to him at all.&nbsp; Maybe she was an informant for the King.&nbsp; All curiosity was blasted away when he saw the Warlord take a step forward.&nbsp; Immediately, his sword raised up to her throat, so fast that he accidentally nicked her skin, a faint droplet falling.&nbsp; He could feel her tense underneath him, and he murmured a quick “Sorry” before he realized how stupid that sounded under the circumstances.<br><br>It had the desired affect though.&nbsp; The Warlord seemed to take the threat against her seriously, and backed off, an angry growl rumbling out and making Leto shudder a little.<br>“Sshtay back,” Leto slurred out a little.&nbsp; “Or I sshlit her throat.”<br>Not sure if he could trust his 'hostage' at all, the dilemma didn't have much time to form when he heard the sound of approaching footsteps, lots of them, and all in a hurry.&nbsp; With no options left, he quickly murmured into the tigress's ear.<br>“Get to a window, I need some time to catch my breath and get my strength back.”<br>There was the faintest of nods, and she began to shuffle slowly towards an open window, Leto clinging on for dear life while giving the impression he could move under his own power.<br><br>As the two of them got close, he could see the house guards rushing towards them side-by-side the Warlord's own troops, drawing their weapons.&nbsp; Before they could get close though, the Warlord held up a hand and roared out to the guards.<br>“Hold, the cowardly human holds my bride-to-be hostage!”<br>Wait, his what?&nbsp; Leto's eyes widened and he looked down at the tigress in his arms.&nbsp; He suddenly realized why she smelled nice.&nbsp; Because she wasn't just a random passerby.&nbsp; Judging from her clothes, this was the tiger head's daughter herself.<br>“Oh damn.”<br>He had just botched the assassination in the most horrible way possible.<br><br>Suddenly, his tattoos started to feel like they were on fire, and every part of his body felt completely whole and filled with energy.&nbsp; Not caring why this was, or how it came to be, instinct took over.&nbsp; He needed to get out now.&nbsp; Sheathing his swords, he quickly swept the tigress over his shoulder and turned around to leap out of the window.&nbsp; Given their height, he should seriously injured himself when he landed.&nbsp; Instead, he practically flew out of the window, even while carrying someone, and latched onto a thick tree branch with one hand.&nbsp; Like a monkey, he swung from branch to branch, hurtling through the air, everything a blur.<br><br>When he regained his senses, Leto was on the ground, safely so.&nbsp; The tigress was still on his shoulder.&nbsp; And he had no clue where the hell he was.<br>“What just happened?” he demanded.&nbsp; “Who the hell are you?&nbsp; Why did I take you?”
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 00:17:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It had all happened so fast she’d barely had time to think.&nbsp; Now, here she was flung over the shoulder of some random stranger swinging through the trees like a Barbarian.&nbsp; She just lay limply as they flew through the jungle, thinking to herself wondering just how this day had gone so badly.&nbsp; Well, on the bright side, she no longer had to marry Mr. too tough for his britches.&nbsp; Her father couldn't be angry with her if he thought her kidnapped, and more importantly, she was free. She was free to start over, free to disappear and start her own life far from rules and political intrigue and obligation.&nbsp; Ok, she was <em>almost</em> free she amended as her mysterious savior? abductor? finally showed signs of slowing.&nbsp; He landed softly on the ground and began an immediate interrogation.<br><br>“What just happened?” he demanded.&nbsp; “Who the hell are you?&nbsp; Why did I take you?” <br><br>Celestine crossed her ankles and folded her arms, propping her chin on her fist on the back of his shoulder looking bored. "Let's do this in order so you don't get lost, shall we? One:&nbsp; You broke into my house, almost got yourself killed by my EX," she heavily emphasized the 'ex' "Fiance of 10 hours, practically destroyed my house, kidnapped me, and dragged me through the jungle like a savage.&nbsp; Two: I am the beautiful, and brilliant I might add, only child of the leader of the White Tiger clans, Celestine. Coincidentally, I am also the woman who saved your life, which by the way, you're welcome for that. And last but not least Three: You took me because I told you too.&nbsp; Besides, you had no choice, you'd have died otherwise.&nbsp; Let's see, does that about sum it up?" She sighed and added, though mostly to herself. "Gods I hope so, because as cute as it is, I'm really tired of talking to your butt." Louder she said.&nbsp; "Think you could put me down now there.. whoever you are?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 02:10:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Celestine's answer cut through the confusion that had taken hold of his mind, leaving him feeling a chill that started in the pit of his stomach and was beginning to run up his spine.&nbsp; Wordlessly, he set the tigress down on her feet, stepping back to take a better look at her.&nbsp; If he hadn't had his senses knocked out of him when he had collided against the wall, he would never have made the mistake of thinking she wasn't nobility amongst the beast clans.&nbsp; Even though her clothes were scratched from the hasty escape through the trees, he could tell that the material was exquisite, and the tailoring excellent.&nbsp; There was also a certain regal quality to her that reminded Leto of the King, the thought of which sent another chill up his spine, and made him sweat a little.<br><br>He was supposed to be a professional assassin, one of the very best.&nbsp; Being able to maintain one's composure even in the face of surprises or sudden changes was a key trait.&nbsp; Yet he had just completely lost his head, and somehow he had made off with probably the one person he shouldn't have in the entire damn stronghold of the Narasingh!&nbsp; Worst off was that Celestine right, he had done it because she had told him too, and on further consideration, he owed his life to her.<br><br>Running a hand through his hair, Leto grunted, “Thank you for your help.&nbsp; My name is...”<br>He hesitated for a moment.&nbsp; The only people who knew his name was his family, and was one of the more closely guarded secrets that he kept.<br>“I'm known as the Burned King,” he told her tersely.&nbsp; “I'm...”<br>What was he going to tell her?&nbsp; That he was a human assassin sent to kill her ex-fiance?&nbsp; She probably figured that out for herself already, and trying to tell her that he was famous was probably going to result in quite some humour given how spectacularly he had failed.&nbsp; And it wasn't like he could lie to her and say that it was his plan all along to kidnap her.<br>“In a lot of trouble,” he finished lamely.<br><br>What the hell was he going to do now?&nbsp; The warlord would be alert and surrounded by guards.&nbsp; There was no way Leto would be able to kill him and get away, especially since the warlord was physically his superior.&nbsp; He could kill the tigress, and his hands inched towards his blades, before falling away in resignation.&nbsp; Leto was a killer, a thorough criminal, but he wasn't going to repay her by sticking a sword through her heart.&nbsp; And there certainly was no way he could just return her.&nbsp; There was only one option available to him.<br><br>“You,” he pointed a finger at Celestine, “are coming with me.&nbsp; We're leaving the Dragon's Maw, and I'm going to present you to my King.&nbsp; She'll decide what to do with you.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 03:19:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celestine, cocked her head to the side and raise one eyebrow imperiously in silence for a few moments after his grand proclamation.&nbsp; Her face was implacable. In fact, the only sign of irritation was the slight twitching of her left ear as she fought the rising tide of anger back. She was angry with her father for what boiled down to selling her to that oaf in the first place Angry with her ‘fiancé’ for not being the prince charming she’d been brought up believing she’d have.&nbsp; Anger at herself for acting impulsively and getting into this situation and oh yes, anger at this bumbling fool who DARED tell her, Princess Celestine of the proud Narasingh, who had incidentally saved his life, where and to whom she was going to go.&nbsp; The tigress wrestled with her tongue to keep it from giving him the lashing he as so obviously gunning for.&nbsp; Soon however, she managed to swallow the rage and paste a courtly, also defined as completely fake, smile on her lips.&nbsp; She leaned back against a nearby tree and began in a cool, calm tone like that of someone approaching a wounded beast.<br><br>“Ok, listen to me very carefully, Bernie.&nbsp; I know you’re probably a big fella where you come from, and I know whatever happened back there, wasn’t what you planned, so now you’re a little out of sorts.&nbsp; However, I think we just need to find somewhere to hold up and think this thing through.&nbsp; My disgusting oaf of a fiancé is probably beating his chest and making a bunch of empty promises to my father about bringing me back.&nbsp; If you think you’re going to get out of the Dragon’s Maw before dark, and before they catch us, you’re obviously even more out of your element than you realize.”<br><br>She put a gentle hand on the human’s shoulder while looking around trying to get her bearings.&nbsp; She was surprised at how muscular and solid it felt.&nbsp; She’d always expected humans to be more weak and fragile creatures.&nbsp; Celestine was unsure how much time had passed while she looked around trying to think of a quick hiding place that could not be tracked, or, she swallowed audibly, how long she’d been squeezing and absent mindedly...&nbsp; was she?.. Yes, yes, she was… caressing his shoulder and upper arm.<br><br>“Sorry!” The tigress yelped and snatched her hand back as if he’d shocked her.&nbsp; “Obviously you’re not the only one who needs to rest and get a grip. Look, about two miles west of here across a wide stream and behind a waterfall is a cave. It’s small and cramped, but the water, mud and moss should mask our scents and we should be safe there for the night. Then, you can head out in the morning to fins your King.&nbsp; What do you say?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 07:17:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He anticipated her disagreeing with him.&nbsp; Even though she was Narasingh, he was confident that he would be able to take her in a fight if needed.&nbsp; After all, he had already carried her this far over his shoulder.&nbsp; If whatever had kicked in before did so again, he would probably be able to do so again.&nbsp; And though the sign of her irritation was subtle, his eyes were sharp and he always did pick up quickly when it came to bodily expressions.&nbsp; The shift to something more diplomatic stalled him however, and he found himself listening to her words.&nbsp; Teeth grinding against each other, he had to admit to himself that she was right.&nbsp; Taking the time to coolly evaluate the situation was better than blindly running away.<br><br>“Alright, you have a point.”<br>He watched her warily as she reached out to put a hand on his shoulder, tensing at the contact.&nbsp; His hand drifted over to one of his short swords, resting on the pommel.&nbsp; Her touch was gentle, as if she was trying to comfort him, but he wasn't fully sure he could trust her enough right now to let down her guard.&nbsp; His suspicion became confusion though when her hand started to squeeze, as if testing how firm his muscles were, and began to caress up and down.&nbsp; Was she trying to suss out how strong he was?&nbsp; Leto could understand.&nbsp; Ordinarily, he wouldn't have been strong enough to swing through the branches like he did, let alone carry someone while doing so.&nbsp; Though it was beginning to feel more like she was massaging his arm than trying to scope out his strength.<br><br>When she recoiled from him like he had just shocked her, his confusion only grew, but he put it aside as he listened to her idea.&nbsp; Weighing the merit of her idea, and having calmed down some more from his brush with death, he found himself nodding at her.<br>“It sounds like a good idea.&nbsp; That cave is in the general direction of the Maw's exit, but they'll be expecting me to head directly for it rather than find a hiding spot.&nbsp; While they're wasting time organizing a patrol and setting up a trap, we can head into this cave and hide out until morning.&nbsp; The cover of night isn't that much of an advantage to me anyways, because you cre- people tend to have a better night eye than most humans.&nbsp; Come on, let's go.”<br><br>As he headed in the direction she had pointed out, he turned to look at her, his eyes questioning, “Though I wouldn't normally expect a princess to know about hidden caves behind waterfalls, especially if one needed to wade through mud and moss to get to it.&nbsp; Most nobility I know tend to avoid getting dirty at all costs.”<br>No, nobles liked to order other people to dirty their own hands.<br>“I'm trying to understand just what kind of princess I've caught, and if you know of this hideout, will others as well.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>24-05-2013, 16:21:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				“Maybe not one of your silly pampered little human princesses.” She said bitingly.&nbsp; Our people know that both men and women have their strengths and their weaknesses. You humans relegate your females to breeding and housework why should your princesses know anything more?&nbsp; Our men have superior strength and skill in combat.&nbsp; Our women however, have superior speed, and heightened senses over that of our male counterparts.&nbsp; They’d be fools to dismiss our talents.&nbsp; Perhaps you humans would do well to reconsider what your females might bring to the table, besides your supper that is.&nbsp; We’re taught early in the ways of survival and hunting, all of us.<br><br>That being said, Celestine followed in silence the rest of the way, stopping now and hen and closing her eyes to take a deep breath, taking in the scents of the wood and checking for any signs of their pursuers.&nbsp; The war drums had begun as a feint sound well off in the distance, but in the last twenty minutes or so they’d become quite a bit louder, their constant steady rhythm both a comforting sound and a cause for panic.<br><br>“We need to hurry.”&nbsp; She said, diving passed him and into the river before they’d even fully reached it.&nbsp; The water was sharp pin pricks of cold, even through her thick fur coat. The clothing she’d been wearing for the engagement dinner hadn't really offered her any more protection.&nbsp; She made for the defining sound of the waterfall ahead.&nbsp; She remembered being a child picnicking on the banks a little further upstream and swimming in the cool water with some other children. <br><br>As one of the more adventurous girls, she had gone off on her own, chasing the sound of these falls.&nbsp; Celestine had thought it’d be fun to stand beneath them and let all that power rain down on her.&nbsp; It had been… until all that “power” had pushed her under.&nbsp; A small girl, but a strong swimmer, she had flopped and floundered until she’d ended up behind them, clinging to a rock for dear life.&nbsp; That is how she’d found the cave.&nbsp; &nbsp;Since then Celestine had kept it’s location a secret. It had been her refuge when she needed to escape and be alone.&nbsp; <br><br>As she climbed up onto the ledge, slick with the wet and moss Celestine had a moment to be glad she’d kept her secret all these years. Of course standing here now in her own private little hidey hole, she realized it really was little more than that and knowledge that a fully grown man was about to swim in behind her, made the small space seem, suddenly, even smaller.&nbsp; With that thought, she turned and tried to peer through the water to see if he was indeed following her.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 18:48:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The ferocity of Celestine's words was a bit surprising.<br>“Don't look at me, I didn't write the rules of human society,” Leto replied with a shrug.&nbsp; “Besides, I'm aware of a few highly skilled female assassins, and the King of my country is a woman, so women seem to be able to do well for themselves when they want to.&nbsp; Just that most nobles, men or women, tend to be soft.”<br>The assassin examined the tigress more thoroughly, his eyes roaming her body carefully, assessing her lithe form.&nbsp; If she was human, she would have been more fit than the average person, with an athletic build that wouldn't detract from her femininity.&nbsp; That last thought surprised Leto a little, and he hurriedly pushed the thought aside.<br>“Anyways, it's good to know that you know how to survive in the wilds.”<br><br>As he lead the way in silence, Leto focused his attention on his surroundings, his footsteps practically silent even without him having to devote any particular thought to it.&nbsp; His eyes scanned for motion and any signs that someone had recently passed by, while his ears tried to detect even the most subtle of sounds.&nbsp; While it was advantageous that Celestine seemed capable of walking through the woods without too much noise, it probably meant that dedicated hunters were even more skilled.&nbsp; In the distance, he could hear the war drums, slowly growing louder and drumming out the noise from the forest.<br><br>He didn't even argue when Celestine darted past him.&nbsp; Instead, he followed after quickly, watching her splash into the waters.&nbsp; There was no way he would be able to swim through that with the robes he wore, the drag would pull him under and drown him.&nbsp; Quickly he removed them, bundling it into a little ball and using the sleeves to tie around his waist before diving into the waters himself and following after Celestine.&nbsp; Sudden chill made him gasp and shiver, but he forced himself to continue on.<br><br>As he reached the waterfall, he could feel the pounding waters press down on his back, threatening to suck him down and drown him, but he felt his limbs beginning to burn and he somehow managed to bull through, dragging himself to the waters surface as a hand flailed out to grab onto a rocky ledge.&nbsp; Pulling his head out, he gasped as he sucked in much needed breaths, the exertion from the swim much more than he anticipated.&nbsp; Leto wasn't out of shape by any stretch of the means, but being knocked around early and his blind flight had apparently taken more out of him than he thought.<br><br>Feeling a little water logged, he pulled himself up out of the waters before standing up and untying the robe around his waist.&nbsp; As he began to twist the robe dry, water splashing all over the ground, he looked around at the cave.&nbsp; Celestine had been right: it was small and cramped.&nbsp; It seemed to be just big enough to hold the two of them, and there would be no room to fight in here.&nbsp; The thought of combat reminded him about his short swords, and he laid his robe spread out on a rocky incline to dry while he reached down to draw his swords and dry them before they rusted.<br><br>It was then that he noticed that thanks to the water, the white bandages he wrapped around his body had become clear.&nbsp; They clung to his body tightly, revealing the shape of his body so thoroughly that he might as well have been naked.&nbsp; Worst of all, the runes that ran along his body, sharp black lettering that looked like they were scratched in with a claw than painted with a brush, were absolutely visible.&nbsp; His hands rushed to cover them up, but there was too many.&nbsp; His eyes flashed to Celestine, raw fury and anger radiating from them.<br>“Never tell anyone what you've just seen.&nbsp; I've killed people that have seen glimpses of these, and the last person who knew about these, I made sure he died slowly and agonizingly.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 22:03:33</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Celestine watched the man drag himself up into the small cavern with her.&nbsp; The bandages that she’d first thought to be just some weird human form of concealment clung to his body, damp and all to clear in the moonlight filtered through the falls.&nbsp; His body was covered in small intricate black tattoos, or marking of some kind.&nbsp; She didn't have any idea what they were, only that there were beautiful in their exquisite detail as they trailed along the lean lines of his body, which blushing she realized was also completely visible through the dampness of the bandages.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her hand which had started to lift, reaching out to trace one of the inky black tendrils that wound itself artfully around his shoulder, froze an inch from his flesh when his eyes, burning hot coals of hate, suddenly turned on her, spearing her in place.<br><br>His words were cold, cruel, and a little out of place she thought given the fact that she had no idea what the markings were let alone who would be interested in them.&nbsp; His attitude however, just flat pissed her off and she smiled through the red haze as she felt herself go still like a predator. The light of wonder at his beauty faded from her eyes leaving the crystalline green depths empty and cold.<br><br>“You think I care about your stupid little human markings, or your pathetic threats?&nbsp; One scream from me and you’ll be mounted on my father’s trophy wall as a wedding gift from my bloodthirsty fiance. That is, if I let you live long enough to give him the pleasure.”<br><br>Celestine was aware that her threats were idle, but she was hoping he did not.&nbsp; No way would she risk her freedom now to be bound to that psychotic killer, and while the women of her kind had been trained to hunt and to track, they were not warriors, she least of all being guarded night and day all her life.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>13-06-2013, 01:36:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her reactions to his tattoos confused him.&nbsp; He had thought Celestine would have reacted with revulsion, or been intimidated, but instead she reached out to them with curiosity.&nbsp; Immediately, he realized he had said all the wrong things, but her response made his own ire flare up.&nbsp; His hands moved to the pommel of his short swords, gripping them tightly.&nbsp; The little cave was cramped, which meant that she wouldn't have much space to dodge around.&nbsp; He could take her down before she even take the breath necessary to let out her supposed scream.<br><br>And then his hands slipped away and he lowered his head, sighing.&nbsp; Just what the hell was he thinking of?&nbsp; Murdering a bystander out of a fit of pique?&nbsp; Leto wasn't a murderer, he was a professional killer.&nbsp; He dealt death on strictly business terms: killing for money or self-defence.&nbsp; Not only that, but there was still the fact that she had saved his life and had directed him towards this hidden cave hanging over his head.&nbsp; Merciless killer or not, he did have a sense of gratitude.&nbsp; Taking a hold of his short swords, he drew them slowly and laid them out on the stones before taking his hands away, making it clear he wasn't going to do anything hostile.<br><br>“Alright, there's no sense in fighting with you right now, physically or verbally,” Leto said, his tone somewhat conciliatory.&nbsp; “As it stands, the two of us can either help each other out, or we can get in each others way.&nbsp; I take it you aren't particularly infatuated with your fiance, but as much as I'd like to, it's pretty clear that there's no chance of me assassinating him like I was supposed to.”<br>He pointed a wet finger at the entrance to the Dragon's Maw.<br>“If you want to stay out of his hands, that right there is your best bet.&nbsp; Sure you're made of sterner stuff that most nobility I know, but something tells me you aren't the best of the best.&nbsp; They'll send scouts and hunters, and they'll eventually find you.&nbsp; Then it's back into the 'loving arms' of a beast man that smells like booze and blood.”<br><br>“If you've got another idea, I'll listen to it.&nbsp; Right now, I'm more focused on survival than playing a game of cat and mouse in a strange forest.&nbsp; But if you've got a plan, then let's hear it.”<br>Somewhat stiffly at first, Leto held out his hand to Celestine.<br>“And as a show of some trust, my real name is Leto.&nbsp; 'The Burned King' is more of a professional name than anything else.&nbsp; I'd... appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about the tattoos.&nbsp; It's good that they don't mean anything to you, and hopefully things stay that way.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>18-06-2013, 19:23:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her body tensed, ready to fight as his hands went to the blades at his sides.&nbsp; Then she let out a slow exhalation relief when he drew them suddenly and placed them to the cave floor.<br><br>His words about her intended struck hard and she winced in memory of his callous behavior at dinner what seemed like an eternity ago.&nbsp; <br><br>"Celestine." she said simply.&nbsp; Then thinking it might be best to ease the tension between them, she continued, though her dripping wet clothes clung to her body and made her shiver from the growing cold of the night air.&nbsp; "I have no desire to marry that monster.&nbsp; In fact, I did not find out about my engagement to Nachalnik until a few hours before our feast tonight. He was vulgar, offensive, disgusting, and revolting to me in every possible way.&nbsp; After dinner, I went to my father and begged him to reconsider the union, but he would not hear of it.&nbsp; He is blinded by the power his daughter's hand might buy him now.&nbsp; I am nothing more than another tool to him and nothing but a breed mare to Nachalnik.&nbsp; I have no desire to be either.<br><br>"As for ideas," she began again after taking a few moments to get her shivering under control.&nbsp; "That," she nodded towards the entrance, "may be our best bet, which is exactly why they will be heading there right now. They'll assume you're taking me to your lands and they'll be camping there overnight hoping to catch us at the bottleneck as we attempt to sneak through."<br><br>Teeth almost chattering now, Celestine extended her own trembling hand.&nbsp; It was small, dainty, and covered in a soft downy white fur, free of the jet markings that striped her face.&nbsp; She didn't take his, having been told most humans were both afraid and disgusted by anyone "other", anyone different from themselves.&nbsp; She let her own linger a fraction of an inch away from his, allowing him the courtesy of closing the distance himself, or withdrawing from the touch.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 01:46:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The vehemence in which Celestine talked about her fiance made Leto crack a small grin.&nbsp; Despite his initial feelings towards her, he felt a little sympathy for her.&nbsp; Being used as a tool was a feeling he knew all to well, and with more warmth that he had intended, the assassin took Celestine's hands in his own, holding it in a firm grip without it being crushing.&nbsp; It was a lot different than he was used to, but there was something entirely human in the exchange, and though her fur was wet, she felt softer than a normal human did.&nbsp; He looked into her eyes and inclined his head in small nod, showing her that he understood just a little bit of how she felt.<br><br>With the fire of his own anger died down now, the cold night air swept in to replace the sensation, and he found himself shivering as well.&nbsp; The wet bandages clinging to his body seemed to drain the heat quickly from him.&nbsp; There wasn't much of a chance of building a fire: any supplies he would have had on him would have been soaked, and the light would reveal their location.<br>“I thought nights in the Dragon's Maw would be much warmer, but I guess not,” he said, his teeth chattering a little.&nbsp; “The dip in the waters might have given us an opportunity to hide, but I think we're likely to freeze to death from being wet.”<br><br>Taking another look at her, seeing her wet clothes clinging to her body, Leto wondered if the fur was helping her at all, or if it acted like a second layer of wet clothing.&nbsp; Either way, it revealed that while she was Narasingh, she definitely had a feminine body that any human woman would have been proud to have.&nbsp; Not that he thought she was attractive, Leto thought quickly, but well...<br><br>Moving away from that train of thought, Leto began to unwind the bandages that covered his upper body, revealing the athletic body that had been poorly concealed by the wet cloth.&nbsp; He also undid the bandages covering most of his legs, leaving only the area between his thighs and waist covered.<br>“We're going to need to discard most of our clothes for now.&nbsp; They're wet and they'll kill us over the night if we aren't careful.&nbsp; Of course, I'm not saying remove everything, but,” Leto shrugged, “take off what you can.”<br><br>He looked around in the small cave, “We'll also need to find a way to keep warm.&nbsp; Honestly, I don't know how we're going to do that.&nbsp; I've never had to do anything like this before.&nbsp; Once we survive the night, we can figure out what our next steps will be.&nbsp; If the entrance is going to be guarded the entire time that you're missing, then the only other way to exit I can think of is through your fiance.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Laeori</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 19:22:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celestine stood there, holding Leto's hand in her own, marveling at the subtle differences for several long moments.&nbsp; She'd held hands with her ladies in waiting and with other children when she was young, but no male had ever dared touch her once she came of age.&nbsp; Everyone feared her father, and as such, always gave her respect, admiration, and she thought, a wide birth.&nbsp; When he pulled away beginning to speak of the cold she blushed, glad now for the cover of darkness.&nbsp; How long had she been standing there holding his hand, how strange and awkward she must seem to him.<br><br>Any other self-recriminations fell silent suddenly as he began unwrapping the bandages from his upper body.&nbsp; Her eyes watched him, simply curious at first, again she admired the differences. He was so different from the hulking warrior males she was used to seeing.&nbsp; The Narasingh&nbsp; men were huge, bulky, fierce things, rough, and she'd always thought, altogether unattractive. This man was beautiful. He was, lean, lithe, and graceful. Not in the same predatory way of her people, but in a way all his own.&nbsp; Also unlike the Narasingh, he had no fur to hide the cut, trim lines of his body from view.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her wet, pink tongue flicked out to lick suddenly dry lips. Forcing her eyes away from his body to look up into his face, she tried to focus instead on his words.<br><br>“We're going to need to discard most of our clothes for now.&nbsp; They're wet and they'll kill us over the night if we aren't careful.&nbsp; Of course, I'm not saying remove everything, but, take off what you can.”<br><br>Was he telling her to undress? she thought, confused for a moment until reality finally crashed through the dazed state she'd been in since he'd first taken her hand. Celestine shook her head quickly in an attempt to wake herself more fully.&nbsp; She was cold, wet, in a cave with a strange man, and they were being hunted, right. Snap out of it Celeste, she chided herself silently.&nbsp; She knew from her survival training that of course, the clothing had to go.&nbsp; Her fur would dry quickly on it's own, doing it's job and keeping her warm, but not if it was covered with soaking wet cloth. <br><br>Nodding, she turned her back to Leto, reached back to undo the long zipper at the back of her dress.&nbsp; Her fingers trembled and she hoped that he'd just assume it was from the cold.&nbsp; &nbsp; She'd never been naked in front of a man before and, despite the circumstances, she was still a little nervous.&nbsp; Pulling it down she let the deep blue of the fabric fall away from her back and shoulders, the thin black satin of her bra simply blending in with the dark on white stripes of her coat.&nbsp; Glad he couldn't see the flame in her cheeks, she paused, took a deep breath, and pulled her arms from the sleeves.&nbsp; The dress pooled around her waist, held only by the ample curve of her hips.&nbsp; Curling her fingers into the bunched cloth she rolled her hips out and pushed it down in one quick motion, leaving her standing there in front of him in nothing but the matching black undergarments and the gleaming shine of her fur.&nbsp; She continued to stare at the wall in front of her for a moment.&nbsp; Then, steadying herself, she chanced a glace over her shoulder at Leto.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Purity of Blood (Laeori &amp; WMC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wheresmycow</strong> on <strong>22-06-2013, 22:14:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Leto had been looking away when Celestine had started to undress, slightly distracted by his thoughts on what their plans for the future would be.&nbsp; Looking back at her, he found his eyes riveted on her as she let her dress settle on her waist, resting on her curved hips.&nbsp; Blinking in surprise, he tried to look away but found himself unable to as he watched her roll her hips, the motion slightly hypnotic.&nbsp; Once more, he was reminded that her form was rather feminine, and it seemed to him that while the Narasingh were quite different from humans, they weren't that different when it really came down to it.&nbsp; Celestine was looking less like an upright tiger and more like a human with tiger features.&nbsp; With her black undergarments matching the stripes on her body, it almost seemed like she was standing naked in front of him, back turned and well, vulnerable.&nbsp; Which was bringing its own kind of warmth to Leto, a faint stirring...<br><br>When he saw that she was glancing over her shoulder at him, Leto flushed and coughed before turning away, trying to hum a tune.&nbsp; Gods, what was he thinking?&nbsp; She was Narasingh, he was human.&nbsp; They were only here together because they had similar goals, otherwise they might as well be worlds apart.&nbsp; His mouth was dry and he was feeling warm because the cold was getting to him, and beginning to make him feverish.&nbsp; Yea, that was right, that's why all these strange thoughts were entering his head.&nbsp; Being knocked around, taking a cold swim, it was all because of that.<br><br>Rubbing his hands over his arms, he tried to warm up his body and shed some water off.&nbsp; As is, he had to do something to keep his body temperature up since they didn't have a fire or other clothes to rely on.<br>“Without any fur, I'm likely to freeze before you do,” Leto told Celestine plainly.&nbsp; “I know the cave is small, but I'm going to need to keep moving if I'll make it through the night.&nbsp; Maybe in a few hours, the people searching for us will hunker down and try to wait us out.&nbsp; We can try seeing if we can find something to keep us warm.&nbsp; Maybe sneak into a village and steal some blankets.&nbsp; In the mean time though, I'm going to exercise to keep the blood moving.”<br><br>With his body slightly protesting, Leto began to do stretches as best as he could in such a small space.&nbsp; The cold had locked up his muscles slightly, and he was now feeling his body beginning to loosen.&nbsp; Rolling his shoulders, he could feel knots being undone as lithe muscles flexed, and he bent over to touch his hands to floor.&nbsp; Being flexible had helped him a number of times in his career, and he never missed out on maintaining it.&nbsp; Spreading his legs apart, he slowly lowered himself down on the ground, until his legs were completely splayed apart as his butt touched the stone floor in a full split.&nbsp; He went over his full routine, concentrating on all of his joints and muscles, feeling just a little bit better, the cold a little more distant.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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