Taff with fine hearing had heard the wrestless footing of his master, and the knocking over of food and bowls, coming back to his tent to make good on the mess, discard the unwanted food, clean up the stained carpet and realigned the food to make it as appealing to his master as he could.
He was a servant of all houses, a dutiful slave to all masters.
When he heard Sendara's voice, and now that the tent was rearranged for his master, Taff brought a similar blue outfit to what Ryiah had been given in her last visit, in case she shifted form.
"Greetings... empress." saluted Taff with a warm simple smile hushing Pegasus to not even think of charging at Sendara, the war horse not one to shun danger.
"Master, the tent is ready and the food replenished, if you wish it..." explained Taff saluting Harrishim respectfully too.
"Where is Calico, Sendara? Where is your dragon rider?" quizzed Taff curious if alarmed
"Roman warriors and their many vessels are near this island, they are cruel masters, I don't want them to hurt you as a woman and I dont want them to hunt you as a dragon. It were better you accepted my master's hospitality on this occasion at least till your men arrive..." advised Taff holding the dress out to her.
He was a servant of all houses, a dutiful slave to all masters.
When he heard Sendara's voice, and now that the tent was rearranged for his master, Taff brought a similar blue outfit to what Ryiah had been given in her last visit, in case she shifted form.
"Greetings... empress." saluted Taff with a warm simple smile hushing Pegasus to not even think of charging at Sendara, the war horse not one to shun danger.
"Master, the tent is ready and the food replenished, if you wish it..." explained Taff saluting Harrishim respectfully too.
"Where is Calico, Sendara? Where is your dragon rider?" quizzed Taff curious if alarmed
"Roman warriors and their many vessels are near this island, they are cruel masters, I don't want them to hurt you as a woman and I dont want them to hunt you as a dragon. It were better you accepted my master's hospitality on this occasion at least till your men arrive..." advised Taff holding the dress out to her.
Sendara, glad to see Taff unharmed, picked up on his phrasing, calling Harrishim master. The warlock was obviously under some type of bondage, though as she looked she could see no cuffs, nor bonds of any kind. Why did he stay? Probably something to do with his honor... she mused, not faulting him for it, yet wishing he could have kept them from the trouble of a rescue nonetheless. Now... she considered Taff's words, knowing Calico would be restless if she did not return, yet he had asked her to fly ahead and keep an eye on Taff. She would stay, not for the reason's Taff thought, but to make sure the warlock stayed safe.
With a snort, and eyeing Harrashim she told those nearby to turn away. Making sure they did so, a snort of steam shooting their way, Ryiah finally shifted back into her human form, shaking off the light pain that came with the shift as she quickly donned the outfit Taff had brought. She was, for better or worse, becoming a bit used to the awkwardness of being without clothing momentarily after a shift.
Once clothed, small bells on her own outfit shifting as she moved, she offered Taff a soft thank you, grateful he'd brought the clothing. Then, she turned to Harrashim. "I demand you release Taff back into my service immediately." Her chin lifted, eyes glinting with nearly as much ferocity they carried when in dragon form.
Adressed by Ryiah once again, Harrashim turned honourably back to face her once more, bowing low as his gazed roamed her form. He grinned as he saw the blush rise to her cheeks, then shrugged after she spoke. "Your highness.. unfortunately your jurisdiction does not cast as far as these islands, we do not answer to you, as much as your beauty would make me wish I did." He paused. "This servant was a gift from a warband that is still upon the island. I would not wish to annoy them by releasing their gift so soon. Taff... as he is called, has not been harmed as you can see. But he has already been of great use." Harrashim patted Pegasus soothingly before looking to Taff. "Show her highness to a comfortable tent where she will be a guest of ours for as long as she wishes." He grinned again to Ryiah. "We are glad to have your presence among us once more "
With a snort, and eyeing Harrashim she told those nearby to turn away. Making sure they did so, a snort of steam shooting their way, Ryiah finally shifted back into her human form, shaking off the light pain that came with the shift as she quickly donned the outfit Taff had brought. She was, for better or worse, becoming a bit used to the awkwardness of being without clothing momentarily after a shift.
Once clothed, small bells on her own outfit shifting as she moved, she offered Taff a soft thank you, grateful he'd brought the clothing. Then, she turned to Harrashim. "I demand you release Taff back into my service immediately." Her chin lifted, eyes glinting with nearly as much ferocity they carried when in dragon form.
Adressed by Ryiah once again, Harrashim turned honourably back to face her once more, bowing low as his gazed roamed her form. He grinned as he saw the blush rise to her cheeks, then shrugged after she spoke. "Your highness.. unfortunately your jurisdiction does not cast as far as these islands, we do not answer to you, as much as your beauty would make me wish I did." He paused. "This servant was a gift from a warband that is still upon the island. I would not wish to annoy them by releasing their gift so soon. Taff... as he is called, has not been harmed as you can see. But he has already been of great use." Harrashim patted Pegasus soothingly before looking to Taff. "Show her highness to a comfortable tent where she will be a guest of ours for as long as she wishes." He grinned again to Ryiah. "We are glad to have your presence among us once more "
Taff kept staring at his toes his face more red than a juicy tomato ready for picking.
Sendara may have no qualms shifting form but he certainly had issues with the ladies.
"Of course.... of course, master" agreed Taff bringing her to the tent that had been prepared earlier
He allowed her to sit down on comfortable lavish cushions and went to get food bowls, humming away casually as he prepared the food and served it.
"Are you hurt in any way? did you have a good voyage so far?" asked Taff softly as he laid down the food
Sendara may have no qualms shifting form but he certainly had issues with the ladies.
"Of course.... of course, master" agreed Taff bringing her to the tent that had been prepared earlier
He allowed her to sit down on comfortable lavish cushions and went to get food bowls, humming away casually as he prepared the food and served it.
"Are you hurt in any way? did you have a good voyage so far?" asked Taff softly as he laid down the food
As Ryiah turned to follow Taff, Harrishim's eyes lingered on her a moment, he then turned to face Ares' men who had approached him bearing coffers of gold. His eyes gleamed at the sight and he ran a few coins through his fingers. "Yes I think this will be adequate enough to provide you with the choicest of breeding Arabians." He murmered to them.
"Now, make yourselves comfortable until the morrow when we will have us a race. My men will see to your comfort, just ask anything and I will try to accomodate you."
Ryiah's gaze moved over the Roman men which had gathered near Harrashim as she walked away, moving as gracefully in the sand as she did on a boat or anywhere else. Concern shadowed her gaze as she suddenly wondered who the men were and just how powerful. She didn't worry overmuch for herself, but for Calico who followed in the boat. He would no doubt arrive by early light tomorrow.
Finally, she sank onto a cushion provided by Taff, and ate a few small pieces of fruit and a few dates. "Thank you Taff." She murmered. "Who are those ... Romans, and why are they here?"
"Now, make yourselves comfortable until the morrow when we will have us a race. My men will see to your comfort, just ask anything and I will try to accomodate you."
Ryiah's gaze moved over the Roman men which had gathered near Harrashim as she walked away, moving as gracefully in the sand as she did on a boat or anywhere else. Concern shadowed her gaze as she suddenly wondered who the men were and just how powerful. She didn't worry overmuch for herself, but for Calico who followed in the boat. He would no doubt arrive by early light tomorrow.
Finally, she sank onto a cushion provided by Taff, and ate a few small pieces of fruit and a few dates. "Thank you Taff." She murmered. "Who are those ... Romans, and why are they here?"
Taff pursed his lips. "Romans hail from an empire far distant from yours it must have taken them more than two years to reach here. Their ruler, is an emperor they call Caesar, more brutish than Calico is and better skilled. They worship gods of great might that provide their ruler with unrivalled skill in return. They are fickle gods for sure but if persuaded to assist there's little anyone can do against them" explained Taff softly
"A battle between them and our pirates would fare worse for the latter, Oceania serves Poseidon, the god of the waters, whom these men worship too. The seas will play against our men, more so if I am not there to find peaceful terms with Poseidon" muttered Taff
"People expect you dragons to protect them from gods wrath and find ways to appease them... gods are vain, they love gold and treasures and more so worship from mortals. That is why you dragons keep such large hoards to convince annoyed deities to appease themselves a little" murmured Taff rubbing the back of his neck, keeping a bright blush on his red face, doing his best to keep his eyes averted at the too many women in her tent, all women besides himself and Ryiah's figure hugging dress left her as candy eye for sure making the matter worse.
"A battle between them and our pirates would fare worse for the latter, Oceania serves Poseidon, the god of the waters, whom these men worship too. The seas will play against our men, more so if I am not there to find peaceful terms with Poseidon" muttered Taff
"People expect you dragons to protect them from gods wrath and find ways to appease them... gods are vain, they love gold and treasures and more so worship from mortals. That is why you dragons keep such large hoards to convince annoyed deities to appease themselves a little" murmured Taff rubbing the back of his neck, keeping a bright blush on his red face, doing his best to keep his eyes averted at the too many women in her tent, all women besides himself and Ryiah's figure hugging dress left her as candy eye for sure making the matter worse.
"But why have they come... I wonder." Ryiah mused. "Surely this little island can't warrent a two year voyage. Are they targeting my empire?" Worry seeped into her face and she stood up to pace, thinking of the men Harrashim currently dealt with. One battle here was nothing in comparison to having to defend her empire from these Romans. But perhaps... if they only had one boats worth of men... if more were not on the way... perhaps conquest was not in their agenda.
Still, Ryiah worried for what she couldn't know. With a glance to Taff she took a deep breath. "Perhaps I shall go and speak with their leader. I have no gold, even as a dragoness. I need to find out what they want."
Still, Ryiah worried for what she couldn't know. With a glance to Taff she took a deep breath. "Perhaps I shall go and speak with their leader. I have no gold, even as a dragoness. I need to find out what they want."
Taff lowered the head and listened to her questionings
"Yes, they are mighty enough to take over your empire, yes, they could be attacking as we speak, as for why they are here is probably the same reason as everyone else... the finest horses..." muttered Taff
"Do not forget they are my master Harrishim's guests, you will need your host's permission to approach or question the men, your majesty...." reminded Taff seeing her unsettled.
"Yes, they are mighty enough to take over your empire, yes, they could be attacking as we speak, as for why they are here is probably the same reason as everyone else... the finest horses..." muttered Taff
"Do not forget they are my master Harrishim's guests, you will need your host's permission to approach or question the men, your majesty...." reminded Taff seeing her unsettled.
Ryiah paced at Taff's confirmation of her fears, seemingly unaware of her eye candy status, and ignoring the other women in the tent. She stopped at Taff's last words her gaze going cool. "I do not need his permission. I may not be his empress, but neither are these Romans his men. I will not give Harrashim the opportunity to demand some form of payment just for the opportunity.." she stopped pacing and sighed, wishing Calico were here already, yet fearful of what would happen when he arrived.
Turning back to Taff she asked softly. "Can I not just take you back to the ship with me? As a dragonness it would be easy. Then the Nonesuch needn't even come to the Isand."
Turning back to Taff she asked softly. "Can I not just take you back to the ship with me? As a dragonness it would be easy. Then the Nonesuch needn't even come to the Isand."
"I ... I promised ... to serve him. I cannot break my word, if he wishes to release me into your service then I would more than gladly come along but I cannot just break my oath.
See the Romans caught me at the port and they shackled me in stone chains... you know... stones burn us and drain all magic out of a druid to the point of death itself, I was so close to collapsing I was barely conscious when I came here. It is a miracle and a blessing that these men handed me over to Harrishim, he released the cuff, he has fed and clothed me and has overall treated me fairly, it wouldn't do to show disrespect and ungratefulness sneaking away" pointed out Taff pointing at the discarded shackles.
"They may look like iron but they are definitely made of stone" assured Taff horrified as he stared at them
"If I run away and these Romans were to capture us... they will certainly lock me up in stone again" shruddered Taff clearly horrified at the torture he had to endure
See the Romans caught me at the port and they shackled me in stone chains... you know... stones burn us and drain all magic out of a druid to the point of death itself, I was so close to collapsing I was barely conscious when I came here. It is a miracle and a blessing that these men handed me over to Harrishim, he released the cuff, he has fed and clothed me and has overall treated me fairly, it wouldn't do to show disrespect and ungratefulness sneaking away" pointed out Taff pointing at the discarded shackles.
"They may look like iron but they are definitely made of stone" assured Taff horrified as he stared at them
"If I run away and these Romans were to capture us... they will certainly lock me up in stone again" shruddered Taff clearly horrified at the torture he had to endure
Ryiah ran a hand over her brow. Blast this Harrashim and his greedy honor... still.. she was glad he had released Taff from the chains which caused such obvious pain. She sighed. ... "then... I shall have to barter something to Harrashim which will allow us to leave, get you to the boat, and avoid conflict with the Romans so that many will live. I know of at least one thing I can give him." Her eyes glittered a bit in frustration, then she turned to exit the tent to search for Harrashim.
Finding the man in his own tents, Pegasus well looked after at the stables, Ryiah awaited the men at the tents entrance to announce her. Rather than go in herself, she waited the man to exit and speak with her outside. Chin lifted she began in a soft voice, trying to remain civil.
"I wish to take Taff back with me to my ship. What can I offer in return this? I am willing to negotiate a fair price so that your sense of business and honor ramains intact."
Harrashim, who had indeed been settled, was only too happy to move out and speak with the empress. His eyes flicked over her before he centered his focus on her obviously frustrated face. "My dear, Taff is extremely valuable..." he began in answer, though his gaze spoke his willingness to barter. He may as well have been rubbing his hands together greedily.
"But... what did you have in mind?" His gaze flicked to her figure again, then back to her face. "I have to say, having a dragon empress for a .... longer stay would tempt nearly anyone."
Finding the man in his own tents, Pegasus well looked after at the stables, Ryiah awaited the men at the tents entrance to announce her. Rather than go in herself, she waited the man to exit and speak with her outside. Chin lifted she began in a soft voice, trying to remain civil.
"I wish to take Taff back with me to my ship. What can I offer in return this? I am willing to negotiate a fair price so that your sense of business and honor ramains intact."
Harrashim, who had indeed been settled, was only too happy to move out and speak with the empress. His eyes flicked over her before he centered his focus on her obviously frustrated face. "My dear, Taff is extremely valuable..." he began in answer, though his gaze spoke his willingness to barter. He may as well have been rubbing his hands together greedily.
"But... what did you have in mind?" His gaze flicked to her figure again, then back to her face. "I have to say, having a dragon empress for a .... longer stay would tempt nearly anyone."
Calico was sleeping in his quarters, with high fever and exhausted by the time the Roman ships came on sight. The crew was hungry and thirsty and almost mutinous for the matter, no less of a pleasant journey than when they went there in the first place to get the gem.
Upon approaching the Roman vessels, fights soon ensued. Rufus had tried to wake up the captain as their vessel was attacked for refusing to change course but by the time Calico managed to find strength to open his eyes he found himself with a sword to his throat demanding his surrender.
The Nonesuch was not too badly damaged in the assault, which ended quite quickly, fortunately.
All it needed was for Calico to crawl over on deck and surrender and the rest of the crew soon disarmed and followed suit, many concerned at the ill state of their captain and swearing that the man should have been permitted to remain laying down and resting and recovering, clearly in no condition to stand at all.
No sooner the crew were shackled, they were marched off their vessel onto the sands and made to walk over to Caesar who was resting in Harrishim's lavish tents.
Calico hardly aware of his surroundings and coughing badly, but dragged by the arms all the same, his limp legs leaving a trail across the sand
Upon approaching the Roman vessels, fights soon ensued. Rufus had tried to wake up the captain as their vessel was attacked for refusing to change course but by the time Calico managed to find strength to open his eyes he found himself with a sword to his throat demanding his surrender.
The Nonesuch was not too badly damaged in the assault, which ended quite quickly, fortunately.
All it needed was for Calico to crawl over on deck and surrender and the rest of the crew soon disarmed and followed suit, many concerned at the ill state of their captain and swearing that the man should have been permitted to remain laying down and resting and recovering, clearly in no condition to stand at all.
No sooner the crew were shackled, they were marched off their vessel onto the sands and made to walk over to Caesar who was resting in Harrishim's lavish tents.
Calico hardly aware of his surroundings and coughing badly, but dragged by the arms all the same, his limp legs leaving a trail across the sand
Ryiah, face pale and feeling weak for some odd reason, not knowing of Calico's sickness, had been about to respond to Harrashim, when word began to be spread through shouting and the leader's men ran up to Harrashim. "It's the pirate from before, sir, the one with her." He jerked is head toward Ryiah, "his ships been taken and he's being brought before Caesar. The man is very ill."
Ryiah gasped softly, her hand going to her mouth. Understanding dawned and worry blossomed within her. She was feeling the side effect of her heart withim the sickened Calico. Wavering a bit on her feet she felt rage begin to take her as well, despite the weakness. How dare that Roman pig? She was about to whirl and march to the man's tent when Harrashim caught her arm. "My lady, you look unwell indeed, shouldn't you retire to your tent?"
Glaring daggars at the bedouin leader she shook her arm free. "We would have been able to avoid this scenario but for your greed." She spat, then turned and moved towards Caesar's tent. Confronted by any guards outside it she demanded entrance, lips pursed and arms folded over her chest. Despite her bedouin finery, she looked about fit to kill, her eyes blazing.
Ryiah gasped softly, her hand going to her mouth. Understanding dawned and worry blossomed within her. She was feeling the side effect of her heart withim the sickened Calico. Wavering a bit on her feet she felt rage begin to take her as well, despite the weakness. How dare that Roman pig? She was about to whirl and march to the man's tent when Harrashim caught her arm. "My lady, you look unwell indeed, shouldn't you retire to your tent?"
Glaring daggars at the bedouin leader she shook her arm free. "We would have been able to avoid this scenario but for your greed." She spat, then turned and moved towards Caesar's tent. Confronted by any guards outside it she demanded entrance, lips pursed and arms folded over her chest. Despite her bedouin finery, she looked about fit to kill, her eyes blazing.
Ares doubled the guards by the tent, a neat wall of four rows of men, well armed and ready to attack, that did not even permit Harrishim 's men anywhere near it, except for the girls that Caesar had shown a preference for
"Harrishim... my friend... is she one of yours too? I might have an interest on her, myself... I quite like them fiery..." quizzed Ares moving the men briefly parted aside to let Calico be dragged into the tent and tossed upon the carpet at Caesar's feet, a trophy of war and conquest, for Caesar to deal with him as he saw fit.
He noticed her menacing looks but dressed as she was, clearly, this was a spicy eye candy at best. She did look a beauty of his harem after all.
"Harrishim... my friend... is she one of yours too? I might have an interest on her, myself... I quite like them fiery..." quizzed Ares moving the men briefly parted aside to let Calico be dragged into the tent and tossed upon the carpet at Caesar's feet, a trophy of war and conquest, for Caesar to deal with him as he saw fit.
He noticed her menacing looks but dressed as she was, clearly, this was a spicy eye candy at best. She did look a beauty of his harem after all.
Ryiah felt her cheeks flush at Ares' words and roaming eyes, yet her own gaze continued its flashing. As Calico was dragged by she wavered slightly, a small gasp escaping as she saw his condition. She felt ill herself and struggled to remain upright. Turning her gaze to Ares she lifted her chin. She very nearly demanded the men to turn Calico over to her because she was the Empress, yet her mind remained barely clear enough think perhaps it might not be good for Ares to know yet she was an Empress. Still...
"You can have nothing against that man." She pointed past Ares at Calico, "release him at once. He is with me, my rider... for the race tomorrow." She folded her arms back over her chest, trying to ignore the stares in her direction. "He is clearly sick, and in need of aid."
"My Lord.." Harrashim had followed Ryiah, looking distraught. "Forgive her, she is unwell, and... quite new here. A jewel from across the water. Currently my guest though, or else I would offer her to you, I'm sure you understand..." the bedouin leader tried to pull a bit at Ryiah's arm but she resisted, shaking her head.
"I wish him to be released." She said again, clearly used to her own orders being followed.
"You can have nothing against that man." She pointed past Ares at Calico, "release him at once. He is with me, my rider... for the race tomorrow." She folded her arms back over her chest, trying to ignore the stares in her direction. "He is clearly sick, and in need of aid."
"My Lord.." Harrashim had followed Ryiah, looking distraught. "Forgive her, she is unwell, and... quite new here. A jewel from across the water. Currently my guest though, or else I would offer her to you, I'm sure you understand..." the bedouin leader tried to pull a bit at Ryiah's arm but she resisted, shaking her head.
"I wish him to be released." She said again, clearly used to her own orders being followed.
"Any vessel which refuses to comply to Caesar's orders and demands and continues to advance forward menacingly are enemies of the empire, our emperor and our gods. Such foolish captains and leaders, when they fall into our hands, become trophies of war, slaves.
Some are put to torture and shame and others put to death instead. Why would I hand Caesar's prize of war over to a common wench from a harem? The slave is not mine to give, it belongs to Caesar" informed Ares raising a baffled eye brow
"Seems to me... given his illness and poor condition and, more importantly, the fact he's henceforth a Roman slave, you'll have to ride yourself at the competition tomorrow, if women are even allowed to participate, or you can bribe another rider to compete on your behalf... I'm sure with your looks and body you'll find many willing men in return for services...." smirked Ares.
"As for healing... food, clothes, drinks or even sleep... slaves get no more and no less than what their master, our mighty emperor Caesar, decides for them. Some are ill and get healing, others meet the end of a sword if they're too sick to serve" shrugged Ares not at all troubled.
"Now we shall not disrespect our gracious host Harrishim here, thus we will retire to our tents and you can retire to yours, madamme" informed Ares
"No one but our gracious host Harrishim and his appointed harem slaves shall disturb the emperor, so speaking to him, appears to me out of the question entirely" muttered Ares nodding the head respectfully at Harrishim
Some are put to torture and shame and others put to death instead. Why would I hand Caesar's prize of war over to a common wench from a harem? The slave is not mine to give, it belongs to Caesar" informed Ares raising a baffled eye brow
"Seems to me... given his illness and poor condition and, more importantly, the fact he's henceforth a Roman slave, you'll have to ride yourself at the competition tomorrow, if women are even allowed to participate, or you can bribe another rider to compete on your behalf... I'm sure with your looks and body you'll find many willing men in return for services...." smirked Ares.
"As for healing... food, clothes, drinks or even sleep... slaves get no more and no less than what their master, our mighty emperor Caesar, decides for them. Some are ill and get healing, others meet the end of a sword if they're too sick to serve" shrugged Ares not at all troubled.
"Now we shall not disrespect our gracious host Harrishim here, thus we will retire to our tents and you can retire to yours, madamme" informed Ares
"No one but our gracious host Harrishim and his appointed harem slaves shall disturb the emperor, so speaking to him, appears to me out of the question entirely" muttered Ares nodding the head respectfully at Harrishim
Ryiah found herself momentarily at a loss. She didn't want to have the entire camp against her due to creating problems with the Romans, but she wasn't about to leave Calico to go it alone with them. Worry for the man pulled at her. How had he gotten so sick so quickly? She had only been gone from his side for a day. Finally, mind made up, she took a quick step toward Ares, her lips curving upward in a soft smile. She fluttered her eyelashes a few times, and cocked her head.
"Look... maybe we got off on the wrong foot. I may be a guest here, but, I am willing to negotiate in return for at least a last chance at speaking with Calico, my captain." She reached out to gently touch Ares' arm, blinking demurely. If she could only get close to Calico... she might have a chance at healing him herself. "Please my lord..." she added, her striking amber hues opening wider in innocence. "Just a word..." she looked over her shoulder at Harrashim, who looked exasperated, yet he shrugged in acquiesce, an intrigued look on his face. He merely wanted to keep these Romans happy, so he could keep his gold and enjoy a good race.
"Look... maybe we got off on the wrong foot. I may be a guest here, but, I am willing to negotiate in return for at least a last chance at speaking with Calico, my captain." She reached out to gently touch Ares' arm, blinking demurely. If she could only get close to Calico... she might have a chance at healing him herself. "Please my lord..." she added, her striking amber hues opening wider in innocence. "Just a word..." she looked over her shoulder at Harrashim, who looked exasperated, yet he shrugged in acquiesce, an intrigued look on his face. He merely wanted to keep these Romans happy, so he could keep his gold and enjoy a good race.
"If you are not a slave of his harem then you are not entering the emperor's tent" informed Ares
"Those are my given orders and to defy them will cost me my own neck. No Roman ever defies orders. Honestly, my life is worth more than a moment of pleasure, no matter how beautiful you might be" pointed out Ares matter of fact
"Speak to our host, if you did happen to make arrangements and become a slave of his harem I am sure our host might like to present you to the emperor for his pleasures.. provided... you do not speak unless spoken to, you are subdued and have learned a slave's place in obeying orders no matter what these might be. One defiance, I will run you through with my sword, myself" informed Ares setting down the same strict terms he had told every chosen girl, not about to make exceptions for one of Harrishim's guests
"The owner of the harem and the horses and the tents is over there" indicated Ares sending Ryiah to negotiate with Harrishim one way or other
"Those are my given orders and to defy them will cost me my own neck. No Roman ever defies orders. Honestly, my life is worth more than a moment of pleasure, no matter how beautiful you might be" pointed out Ares matter of fact
"Speak to our host, if you did happen to make arrangements and become a slave of his harem I am sure our host might like to present you to the emperor for his pleasures.. provided... you do not speak unless spoken to, you are subdued and have learned a slave's place in obeying orders no matter what these might be. One defiance, I will run you through with my sword, myself" informed Ares setting down the same strict terms he had told every chosen girl, not about to make exceptions for one of Harrishim's guests
"The owner of the harem and the horses and the tents is over there" indicated Ares sending Ryiah to negotiate with Harrishim one way or other
It took all of Ryiah's composure not to show the disgust she felt at thought of becoming anyone's slave, much less Harrashim's, and at the whim of these cursed Romans. But.. she couldn't think of an alternative save for tearing the whole of the camp apart in her dragoness form. And even then, even as mighty dragon, she wasn't sure she would have victory over so many men.
Stomach churning, her gaze hard and back straight, Ryiah took a deep breath. Calico was worth it. And for that matter so was Taff.. who still needed freeing as well. Time to kill two birds with one stone.. she inwardly thought. Without another word to Ares, she flicked her cool gaze once to him, then turned to move away toward Harrashim. The man stood outside the horse pens, gazing fondly at Pegasus within, arms folded over his chest. "It's time we negotiate Harrashim." She said without preamble, halting before the man.
The turned to her with interest. "Didn't get far with our guest eh?" He mused, regarding her with sudden interest. "What are you suggesting?"
Ryiah frowned. "It seems not.." she murmered. Then, lifting her chin she spoke the words which caused her stomach to churn again. "I will place myself in your service," she couldn't bring herself to voice the word slave, "in return for Taff's freedom, and the chance to speak with Caesar." Her gaze was fiery, but her voice strangely subdued. This was, perhaps, only the beginning to what it would take to keep her empire, and those in it, safe.
Harrashim rubbed his hands together. "The Roman.. did express interest in you..." he thought a moment, wondering if he could get anything else out of the deal. Finally he nodded. "Done. You belong to me now my dear. I hope you enjoy your stay." The man turned and directed his men to inform Taff the boy was free. "Make sure he doesn't meddle in my affairs..." he added.
"As your first service to me, I shall grant you your wish.. but first.. perhaps a few more bangles." He ordered a few girls to add a circlet to Ryiah's head, and bangles to her ankles and wrists. Ryiah bore it without word, her sights set on speaking with Calico, and getting near him.
Finally, when Harrashim thought she was ready, he took her back to Caesars tent, along with a platter of delicous fruit and cheese. This he set in Ryiah's hand. Turning to speak with the guard, perhaps still Ares, he lifted his chin and gestured to Ryiah. "She finally came to 'er senses and saw the benefit of being in my service. I thought, perhaps, she would add to your stay here. Maybe I would lend her to you for its duration if you added... a bit more gold perhaps? She is no ordinary woman. She is a royal from across the water. An important one." He spoke the words before Ryiah had a chance to stop him, her mouth opening too late. Turning a glare up at him, she let her gaze speak for her. How dare he share her secret?
Stomach churning, her gaze hard and back straight, Ryiah took a deep breath. Calico was worth it. And for that matter so was Taff.. who still needed freeing as well. Time to kill two birds with one stone.. she inwardly thought. Without another word to Ares, she flicked her cool gaze once to him, then turned to move away toward Harrashim. The man stood outside the horse pens, gazing fondly at Pegasus within, arms folded over his chest. "It's time we negotiate Harrashim." She said without preamble, halting before the man.
The turned to her with interest. "Didn't get far with our guest eh?" He mused, regarding her with sudden interest. "What are you suggesting?"
Ryiah frowned. "It seems not.." she murmered. Then, lifting her chin she spoke the words which caused her stomach to churn again. "I will place myself in your service," she couldn't bring herself to voice the word slave, "in return for Taff's freedom, and the chance to speak with Caesar." Her gaze was fiery, but her voice strangely subdued. This was, perhaps, only the beginning to what it would take to keep her empire, and those in it, safe.
Harrashim rubbed his hands together. "The Roman.. did express interest in you..." he thought a moment, wondering if he could get anything else out of the deal. Finally he nodded. "Done. You belong to me now my dear. I hope you enjoy your stay." The man turned and directed his men to inform Taff the boy was free. "Make sure he doesn't meddle in my affairs..." he added.
"As your first service to me, I shall grant you your wish.. but first.. perhaps a few more bangles." He ordered a few girls to add a circlet to Ryiah's head, and bangles to her ankles and wrists. Ryiah bore it without word, her sights set on speaking with Calico, and getting near him.
Finally, when Harrashim thought she was ready, he took her back to Caesars tent, along with a platter of delicous fruit and cheese. This he set in Ryiah's hand. Turning to speak with the guard, perhaps still Ares, he lifted his chin and gestured to Ryiah. "She finally came to 'er senses and saw the benefit of being in my service. I thought, perhaps, she would add to your stay here. Maybe I would lend her to you for its duration if you added... a bit more gold perhaps? She is no ordinary woman. She is a royal from across the water. An important one." He spoke the words before Ryiah had a chance to stop him, her mouth opening too late. Turning a glare up at him, she let her gaze speak for her. How dare he share her secret?
Ares raised an interested eyebrow at Ryiah before giving Harrishim his attention again.
"Across the water there is only an empress that rules over dragons and a queen of the land of diamonds beyond that, but no matter, royals are no ordinary slaves indeed, you shall have more gold for her indeed. Our emperor deserves no less than princesses for sure" nodded Ares in agreement waving Malcum to bring another chest of gold, the heavy box carried by four men.
During the time they held Taff to ransom they had made the druid create more gold than a man could think possible and so they were well provisioned of wealth for their trading.
Ares gazed Ryiah and the food taking a piece and eating it, checking for poisons himself, waiting in case the poison was slow acting.
"You both may enter..." nodded Ares satisfied moving to one side and saluting Caesar by striking his chest with the folded fist.
"Ave Caesar, a royal from foreign lands placed at your service for your pleasures by our gracious host" repeated Ares watching the man glance at Ryiah with interest.
"Come then, sit by my feet, precious" nodded Caesar pleased enough with her beauty and composure. "You certainly are fit for a queen..." mused Caesar now desiring the woman for himself.
"Harrishim, I wish this slave of yours for my own... I will compete for her, tomorrow, if you will allow it" asked Caesar a curious interest if lustful desire building up within
"Across the water there is only an empress that rules over dragons and a queen of the land of diamonds beyond that, but no matter, royals are no ordinary slaves indeed, you shall have more gold for her indeed. Our emperor deserves no less than princesses for sure" nodded Ares in agreement waving Malcum to bring another chest of gold, the heavy box carried by four men.
During the time they held Taff to ransom they had made the druid create more gold than a man could think possible and so they were well provisioned of wealth for their trading.
Ares gazed Ryiah and the food taking a piece and eating it, checking for poisons himself, waiting in case the poison was slow acting.
"You both may enter..." nodded Ares satisfied moving to one side and saluting Caesar by striking his chest with the folded fist.
"Ave Caesar, a royal from foreign lands placed at your service for your pleasures by our gracious host" repeated Ares watching the man glance at Ryiah with interest.
"Come then, sit by my feet, precious" nodded Caesar pleased enough with her beauty and composure. "You certainly are fit for a queen..." mused Caesar now desiring the woman for himself.
"Harrishim, I wish this slave of yours for my own... I will compete for her, tomorrow, if you will allow it" asked Caesar a curious interest if lustful desire building up within
Ryiah swallowed her pride, though her eyes leaked her discomfort and anger at being in such a position, a blush upon her cheeks at being the target of desire. Biting her lower lip, until a small bead of blood welled, she moved with a straight back into the tent to sink onto a cushion near Caesar's feet at his bidding.
As the man spoke to Harrashim of competing for her, her head whipped back toward the bedouin leader, eyes wide. No... she could handle these bedouins, she wasn't so sure about the Romans. She shook her head, her fiery hair falling near her eyes, trying to dissuade the bedouin without saying anything, then cast a subtle glance toward Ares, considering speaking anyway.
She had felt a moment of hope, however, when Ares had not automatically assumed she was the Empress. Shifting slightly she reached a hand to her back shoulder blade, to make sure the cloth there covered the ebony and purple hued scales. Her gaze then shot around the room as she looked for Calico. She had seen him brought here...
Harrashim was enjoying the moment immensely. Bartering with two rulers in one day... well that wasn't something he had the chance to do often. Probably never again. But... there remained the fact that he knew all to well he couldn't afford to annoy these Romans. The Empress on the other hand... held no power other than dragonness form, which would be bad indeed, if she were to turn her ire on him and his. Such choices... he mused, seeing Ryiah's angry shake of her head, her flashing eyes as she tried to convince him not to agree.
Finally Harrashim nodded at Caesar. "Done, your lordship. If you win she is yours." He went with the threat he saw as worse for the time being. Ryiah had no fleet to command for the time being, the Romans did. "If I win... well... I would love to procure a ship of our own." His wealth waa growing, perhaps it was a good time to consider branching his horse trade out to other nearby Islands. These races would be known far and wide.
Ryiah moved to stand almost before she had thought to do so, her chin lifted as she turned to confront Harrashim. "How dare you barter me?" She hissed. Of course... she was reminded of the last time she'd been on the island, but that time she had somehow known Calico would rescue her. This is time... her glance went to Ares and Caesar, a note of fear finally creeping into her though she kept it firmly off her face.
She considered shifting right then, but... she had to make sure she could heal Calico when it happened, as quickly as possible.
As the man spoke to Harrashim of competing for her, her head whipped back toward the bedouin leader, eyes wide. No... she could handle these bedouins, she wasn't so sure about the Romans. She shook her head, her fiery hair falling near her eyes, trying to dissuade the bedouin without saying anything, then cast a subtle glance toward Ares, considering speaking anyway.
She had felt a moment of hope, however, when Ares had not automatically assumed she was the Empress. Shifting slightly she reached a hand to her back shoulder blade, to make sure the cloth there covered the ebony and purple hued scales. Her gaze then shot around the room as she looked for Calico. She had seen him brought here...
Harrashim was enjoying the moment immensely. Bartering with two rulers in one day... well that wasn't something he had the chance to do often. Probably never again. But... there remained the fact that he knew all to well he couldn't afford to annoy these Romans. The Empress on the other hand... held no power other than dragonness form, which would be bad indeed, if she were to turn her ire on him and his. Such choices... he mused, seeing Ryiah's angry shake of her head, her flashing eyes as she tried to convince him not to agree.
Finally Harrashim nodded at Caesar. "Done, your lordship. If you win she is yours." He went with the threat he saw as worse for the time being. Ryiah had no fleet to command for the time being, the Romans did. "If I win... well... I would love to procure a ship of our own." His wealth waa growing, perhaps it was a good time to consider branching his horse trade out to other nearby Islands. These races would be known far and wide.
Ryiah moved to stand almost before she had thought to do so, her chin lifted as she turned to confront Harrashim. "How dare you barter me?" She hissed. Of course... she was reminded of the last time she'd been on the island, but that time she had somehow known Calico would rescue her. This is time... her glance went to Ares and Caesar, a note of fear finally creeping into her though she kept it firmly off her face.
She considered shifting right then, but... she had to make sure she could heal Calico when it happened, as quickly as possible.
You are on: Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Across the Sea [closed]
Moderators: Mina, Keke, Cass, Claine, Sanne, Dragonfire, Ilmarinen, Darth_Angelus