Harrishim considered the Roman's words, not wishing to be parted from the beautiful empress slave so soon, but not wishing to incur the wrath of the Emperor either. A wager did spark his interest. "I will discuss agreements we might come to on that regard tomorrow before the race." With that he took his leave.
Ryiah felt her stomach twist at Caesar's words, eyes widening and her gaze moving to Calico. "I..." a blush rose to her cheeks as she thought of such a thing even as she felt her head shake. How could she get out of it? They held Calico against her, and her very empire relied on her to keep the peace between the Roman's and herself. "Calico..." she murmered, at a loss as she watched the last of Harrishim's men and women clear out of the room, having cleaned up the feast area.
Instead of following Caesar, as she knew would probably be wisest, Ryiah found herself shrinking against Calico hoping somehow to avoid the night itself. She had never slept in the arms of another, not even her betrothed, and the thought was a daunting one indeed. Trying not to show her sudden fear she lifted her chin, trying to hide behind a veil of defiance.
Ryiah felt her stomach twist at Caesar's words, eyes widening and her gaze moving to Calico. "I..." a blush rose to her cheeks as she thought of such a thing even as she felt her head shake. How could she get out of it? They held Calico against her, and her very empire relied on her to keep the peace between the Roman's and herself. "Calico..." she murmered, at a loss as she watched the last of Harrishim's men and women clear out of the room, having cleaned up the feast area.
Instead of following Caesar, as she knew would probably be wisest, Ryiah found herself shrinking against Calico hoping somehow to avoid the night itself. She had never slept in the arms of another, not even her betrothed, and the thought was a daunting one indeed. Trying not to show her sudden fear she lifted her chin, trying to hide behind a veil of defiance.
"Harrishim... if you wish the empress, I will not deprive you of her warmth, company or services tonight. She is rightfully your slave after all and I have indulged in her company throughout the day, depriving you of her" mused Caesar on second thought waving for Ryiah to go back to her master.
"Enjoy her whilst you can, if I do win I shall surely claim her" smiled Caesar nodding amiccably, no hard feelings at having to let go of the woman
"Enjoy her whilst you can, if I do win I shall surely claim her" smiled Caesar nodding amiccably, no hard feelings at having to let go of the woman
Ryiah felt anger growing, her pride taking a blow at feeling bartered over as one of Harrishim's prized horses. She stood, back straight. "I'll save you both the trouble, and retire to my tent for the evening." She gave Calico a lingering glance then swiftly turned to leave the tent, not bothering to glance over her shoulder to see if the move would go uncontested.
Harrishim's face darkened a bit at Ryiah's refusal of both men, hoping Caesar had not been angered. "I am sorry your lordship, she is a new slave, obviously, and unaccustomed to following commands. She used to give them you know. But it is refreshing when they at least have spirit." He tried to assuage the situation. Finally he cleared his throat. "On the morrow then. Good luck to you. If you win, that fiery handful is yours."
Harrishim's face darkened a bit at Ryiah's refusal of both men, hoping Caesar had not been angered. "I am sorry your lordship, she is a new slave, obviously, and unaccustomed to following commands. She used to give them you know. But it is refreshing when they at least have spirit." He tried to assuage the situation. Finally he cleared his throat. "On the morrow then. Good luck to you. If you win, that fiery handful is yours."
Caesar nodded in understanding
"Yes of course, and with some fortune on my side, she will be giving orders, by my side, soon enough again" accepted Caesar, "We need her to remain in her commanding element, a worthy empress to the mightiest empire for sure" assured Caesar not at all offended at her stomping away
"Do inform her that if she fails to warm up my bed, his half a heart of a brigand will do a lover's duties for the night... on her behalf and in her absence." nodded Caesar patting Harrishim amiccably on the shoulder "Rest well... I certainly shall" nodded Caesar having spoken loudly enough for Ryiah to take heed of his warning.
"Whilst I do not mind sharing the slave for her enjoyment and happiness, I shall certainly partake of the same enjoyment and happiness given her unavailability..." mused Caesar causing Calico to freeze stiff and wide eyed, Ares already nudging him forward with a smirk across his face
"Yes of course, and with some fortune on my side, she will be giving orders, by my side, soon enough again" accepted Caesar, "We need her to remain in her commanding element, a worthy empress to the mightiest empire for sure" assured Caesar not at all offended at her stomping away
"Do inform her that if she fails to warm up my bed, his half a heart of a brigand will do a lover's duties for the night... on her behalf and in her absence." nodded Caesar patting Harrishim amiccably on the shoulder "Rest well... I certainly shall" nodded Caesar having spoken loudly enough for Ryiah to take heed of his warning.
"Whilst I do not mind sharing the slave for her enjoyment and happiness, I shall certainly partake of the same enjoyment and happiness given her unavailability..." mused Caesar causing Calico to freeze stiff and wide eyed, Ares already nudging him forward with a smirk across his face
Ryiah had indeed heard the warning, the seemingly benign words wrapping another clamp around her, tying her tighter though she remained free to take her own actions. She halted in the dark outside the tent, closing her eyes briefly as she fought the turmoil within, hearing Harrishim's responding quiet laughter and agreement. She couldn't leave Calico to Caesar's whim, not the pirate she knew and loved. It would perhaps change him, and she didn't want that. She could be strong instead.
Turning finally with a quiet exhalation she moved back toward the tent, Harrashim passing her on the way. "Good choice girl." He murmered, "enjoy your night." He said with a bit of a smirking smile and then was gone to his own tent.
Upon quietly slipping back into the tent, Ryiah moved to stand before Caesar before she could change her mind. "Please... leave him be. I will sleep in your arms as you wish." She flicked her gaze once to Calico, them dropped her gaze to the floor of the tent. "I am ready."
Turning finally with a quiet exhalation she moved back toward the tent, Harrashim passing her on the way. "Good choice girl." He murmered, "enjoy your night." He said with a bit of a smirking smile and then was gone to his own tent.
Upon quietly slipping back into the tent, Ryiah moved to stand before Caesar before she could change her mind. "Please... leave him be. I will sleep in your arms as you wish." She flicked her gaze once to Calico, them dropped her gaze to the floor of the tent. "I am ready."
"Well glad you reconsidered, welcome to our tent. Let's lay down and sleep I must be fresh for the morning challenge and race" nodded Caesar patting the space right by beside him where Calico laid down stiff and tense, curled up fearing the worst that didn't happen.
Caesar moved a bit further to make her space in between.
"In all honesty I prefer the dragroness form, it gives me a sense of safety for few dare approach such mighty beasts" noted Caesar looking at Ryiah to turn into Sendara, ready for bed time
Caesar moved a bit further to make her space in between.
"In all honesty I prefer the dragroness form, it gives me a sense of safety for few dare approach such mighty beasts" noted Caesar looking at Ryiah to turn into Sendara, ready for bed time
Ryiah blinked, then nodded without a word, moving gracefully to lay between Calico and Caesar, her shoulders, left bare with her bedouin attire, brushed both men, her skin warm indeed with her dragon's blood. She tried to control her breathing, fearful despite herself but forcing calm over her features, and keeping her body relaxed. The dim light, for there was none but a low flickering tent sconce, cast is glow over her as she stared upward. This adventure, was one she hadn't seen coming...
Caesar's next words made her glance at him. Her clear amber gaze surprised, her lips parting slightly as she lifted her head to watch Caesar a bit. "You want me to turn into a dragon... while in your bed?" She glanced down, biting her lower lip, simultaneously relieved and cautious. "I will do as you say.. but.. I will require a new set of clothing tomorrow." She finally finished.
Caesar's next words made her glance at him. Her clear amber gaze surprised, her lips parting slightly as she lifted her head to watch Caesar a bit. "You want me to turn into a dragon... while in your bed?" She glanced down, biting her lower lip, simultaneously relieved and cautious. "I will do as you say.. but.. I will require a new set of clothing tomorrow." She finally finished.
"Worry not, precious, you're beautiful enough to require no attire in my presence, futhermore, Rome is wealthy enough to buy its empress a new outfit every hour if it so pleases you" assured Caesar with a warm smile running his hand gently down her shoulder and over the purple scales too, placing a gentle kiss upon her neck
"Now then, be my mighty dragoness that I may sleep at ease..." prompted Caesar
"Now then, be my mighty dragoness that I may sleep at ease..." prompted Caesar
Closing her eyes a moment Ryiah calmed herself as much as she could given her situation, feeling Caesar's soft caress and kiss, then with a soft breath she became Sendara, moving briefly closer to Caesar so she wouldn't crush Calico during the change. Finally, scales glittering once more, and feeling a bit safer herself, she settled back down as well as she could in the space given her.
Turning her gaze toward the tent's entrance, her head up slightly, where she would remain mostly immobile until morning's light, as if she was standing watch for the sun itself. Every so often during the night, she would turn her head and watch her rider, her draconic expression unreadable, yet her tail curled protectively around him.
Up early the next morning Harrishim was already by the horse pens, organizing the race and answering any questions any of the riders might have, even though the race was set for later in the afternoon. He had been told by Ares, after all, the Romans wanted a good night sleep. This race wwould also cover much of the Island, which despite Calico's work the last time he was here, still had sand pits, and poisonous animals. The sand storms had very much lessened in ferocity however, and were not likely to come this time.
Turning her gaze toward the tent's entrance, her head up slightly, where she would remain mostly immobile until morning's light, as if she was standing watch for the sun itself. Every so often during the night, she would turn her head and watch her rider, her draconic expression unreadable, yet her tail curled protectively around him.
Up early the next morning Harrishim was already by the horse pens, organizing the race and answering any questions any of the riders might have, even though the race was set for later in the afternoon. He had been told by Ares, after all, the Romans wanted a good night sleep. This race wwould also cover much of the Island, which despite Calico's work the last time he was here, still had sand pits, and poisonous animals. The sand storms had very much lessened in ferocity however, and were not likely to come this time.
Caesar leaned against the dragon, quite pleased with the mighty beast, and dozed off asleep.
She could have easily crushed him to death but Caesar felt the creature could be commanded and trusted, more so with its rider left at his mercy.
At crack of dawn he woke up smiling satisfied to find the dragon still there.
"Ahh magnificent as can be" nodded Caesar pleased "You stay here and watch over that slave... we don't want him harmed or you for the matter... I have a race to win after all" smiled Caesar with confidence coming outside to greet Harrishim to ask for yet another dress, in fact a collection of them so she could choose her preferred colours
She could have easily crushed him to death but Caesar felt the creature could be commanded and trusted, more so with its rider left at his mercy.
At crack of dawn he woke up smiling satisfied to find the dragon still there.
"Ahh magnificent as can be" nodded Caesar pleased "You stay here and watch over that slave... we don't want him harmed or you for the matter... I have a race to win after all" smiled Caesar with confidence coming outside to greet Harrishim to ask for yet another dress, in fact a collection of them so she could choose her preferred colours
Sendara indeed could be commanded when her rider was threatened at every wrong move she made. Which is why, as Caesar left, she eyed the retreating figure for a long moment then turned to Calico, glad they had a moment alone. The chains you bear... she asked, her voice urgent amd questioning, held very quiet. Can we not find one who will remove them in my Empire? And there is Taff, he could no doubt remove them as well. Why do you stay here as their slave? I will carry you and Taff away, we need no ship.
She watched the the man, her clear amber gaze full of weight. If we cannot escape here, we will both be prisoners of Rome. I feel not the same honor as Taff to remain a slave of Harrishim's, or any other. My duty is to you, and my Empire.
Her voice was regal and serious, letting Calico know she would whisk him away at a moments notice should she think it would work.
Harrishim grinned broadly when Caesar approached to commision the clothing. "Had a good night eh? And are you well rested for the race?" He asked with a bit of a smirk. "My men are the best riders around, and we will not hold back merely because you may have been too preoccupied to sleep." Turning, the bedouin leader ordered a old woman forward. "Get the man whichever garb he wishes for his slave, hold no cloth in reserve. Only the best for our guests."
She watched the the man, her clear amber gaze full of weight. If we cannot escape here, we will both be prisoners of Rome. I feel not the same honor as Taff to remain a slave of Harrishim's, or any other. My duty is to you, and my Empire.
Her voice was regal and serious, letting Calico know she would whisk him away at a moments notice should she think it would work.
Harrishim grinned broadly when Caesar approached to commision the clothing. "Had a good night eh? And are you well rested for the race?" He asked with a bit of a smirk. "My men are the best riders around, and we will not hold back merely because you may have been too preoccupied to sleep." Turning, the bedouin leader ordered a old woman forward. "Get the man whichever garb he wishes for his slave, hold no cloth in reserve. Only the best for our guests."
"I am going to compete for your hand, Sendara.... if the Roman can win you over, so can I" decided Calico
"With or without chains, I trust my skill enough to win this race" mused Calico looking outside the tent as Ares brought to the tent the new outfits, weary of the dragon but knowing better than to upset Caesar's pet
"Still... now... beast... be still..." urged Ares cautiously giving Calico the clothing for him to deliver it to the dragoness unwilling to end up its breakfast
"With or without chains, I trust my skill enough to win this race" mused Calico looking outside the tent as Ares brought to the tent the new outfits, weary of the dragon but knowing better than to upset Caesar's pet
"Still... now... beast... be still..." urged Ares cautiously giving Calico the clothing for him to deliver it to the dragoness unwilling to end up its breakfast
Sendara nodded thoughtfully at Calico's words. Too bad they would not allow you to ride me in the race rather than one of those pathetic horses. She murmered with a hint of humor nuzzling Calico just before Ares showed up with the clothing. She eyed him, snorting hot vapor his way, noting his caution and unease. She was glad she intimidated him, her pride assuaged a bit.
Deciding she would not shift to human just yet, Ryiah bent her neck low and nudged Calico to slip onto her, wanting his presence as her rider again. She left the clothing in the the tent, and once Calico mounted she would move quickly outside, her gaze going longingly to the sky. She didn't want the Roman's to become fearful and shoot at Calico however, and so she remained on the ground, moving toward the race's beginning, toward where Caesar and Harrishim conversed. Once she arrived she said nothing, merely exhaled another steamy breath, and glanced up at Calico to make his announcement of his intentions to ride.
Deciding she would not shift to human just yet, Ryiah bent her neck low and nudged Calico to slip onto her, wanting his presence as her rider again. She left the clothing in the the tent, and once Calico mounted she would move quickly outside, her gaze going longingly to the sky. She didn't want the Roman's to become fearful and shoot at Calico however, and so she remained on the ground, moving toward the race's beginning, toward where Caesar and Harrishim conversed. Once she arrived she said nothing, merely exhaled another steamy breath, and glanced up at Calico to make his announcement of his intentions to ride.
"Harrishim... I wish to partake at the race, I trust my abilities and skills enough to ensure my victory" assured Calico sliding off Sendara "May I be allowed to join the race?" asked Calico dropping to his knees to make the humble petition
"A slave? Competing against Caesar? Are you out of your mind? I would sooner let her compete for your hand than grant a slave the privilege of racing like a free man" dismissed Caesar offended at the suggestion and shaking his head disgusted, not assuming the girl might take up the offer for women were never even considered for such quests in Rome.
Calico sighed and looked at Sendara, not at all liking to encourage her into danger but quite happy to take Caesar's words at face value and let Ryiah try.
"A slave? Competing against Caesar? Are you out of your mind? I would sooner let her compete for your hand than grant a slave the privilege of racing like a free man" dismissed Caesar offended at the suggestion and shaking his head disgusted, not assuming the girl might take up the offer for women were never even considered for such quests in Rome.
Calico sighed and looked at Sendara, not at all liking to encourage her into danger but quite happy to take Caesar's words at face value and let Ryiah try.
Very well... I accept. Sendara said, lowering her head to look at Caesar and Harrishim. For our freedom she added with a low growl. And our ship and men returned to us. Because, why not? Sendara figured she'd at least try.
Harrishim almost burst out laughing at the idea of a woman in his race, then he saw the look in Sendara's eyes and cleared his throat, his gaze going to Caesar. "You know... my Lord... er.. that she is also a slave now. My slave...but perhaps will allow it if you wish."
Harrishim almost burst out laughing at the idea of a woman in his race, then he saw the look in Sendara's eyes and cleared his throat, his gaze going to Caesar. "You know... my Lord... er.. that she is also a slave now. My slave...but perhaps will allow it if you wish."
Caesar frowned at Harrishim's statement that remarked Ryiah as being his slave and remained firm on his stance
"Yes, of course, in that case, my precious cannot compete. Free men shall never race against slaves" rejected Caesar outright, causing Calico to sigh disheartened.
"Yes, of course, in that case, my precious cannot compete. Free men shall never race against slaves" rejected Caesar outright, causing Calico to sigh disheartened.
Taff came over sheepishly looking at Harrishim.
"Sir, would you permit me to be your slave in her place? I offer you sureties that if she fails to return, you may retain me in her place" asked Taff meekly looking at Harrishim
"I will serve and obey you faithfully, for the duration of the race, on her behalf, whatever you would expect from her I will deliver the same service or better" promised Taff, taking a handful of pebbles and waving his hand over them to turn them into diamonds and gold to make the offer more tempting
"Sir, would you permit me to be your slave in her place? I offer you sureties that if she fails to return, you may retain me in her place" asked Taff meekly looking at Harrishim
"I will serve and obey you faithfully, for the duration of the race, on her behalf, whatever you would expect from her I will deliver the same service or better" promised Taff, taking a handful of pebbles and waving his hand over them to turn them into diamonds and gold to make the offer more tempting
Ryiah snorted in anger at Caesar's words lifting her head and allowing hot vapor to waft from her maw towards the leader. "I am a slave in name only. I am Empress of the Tellirin Empire, and a princess among dragons. You would do well to remember this. And your slave... he is my rider, worthy of honor." Her voice slid to the others with anger in its tones, and pride as well, hues glittering as she showed her fangs, before looking to Taff with displeasure. I do not wish you to take my place when I became a slave in part to free you...
Harrashim was stroking his beard in contemplation of Taff's offer. When Sendara turned a threatening eye he raised an eyebrow. "Now now m'dear... no need to go crushing heads. You are indeed mighty, and the best slave in my harem I assure you. But still a slave. We have no Empress here." He then turned back to Taff. "You are not nearly as beautiful as this jewel... yet you do offer amazing things.." his eyes glinted with greed as he seemed to weigh the choice. "Done." He said finally, "but if she does return, she returns to my service. "I'll not wager her freedom, but merely allow her to compete for her riders freedom as my Lord Caesar has said."
Harrashim was stroking his beard in contemplation of Taff's offer. When Sendara turned a threatening eye he raised an eyebrow. "Now now m'dear... no need to go crushing heads. You are indeed mighty, and the best slave in my harem I assure you. But still a slave. We have no Empress here." He then turned back to Taff. "You are not nearly as beautiful as this jewel... yet you do offer amazing things.." his eyes glinted with greed as he seemed to weigh the choice. "Done." He said finally, "but if she does return, she returns to my service. "I'll not wager her freedom, but merely allow her to compete for her riders freedom as my Lord Caesar has said."
Taff looked at Sendara patting it gently
"Your majesty... I know the hefty price you have paid for my freedom and I thank you for it, but if I do not take your place, you will miss the opportunity to compete, please... allow me to serve your master in your name until your return... I cannot offer you freedom, only the chance to earn it back or at least win back your rider " commented Taff looking at Sendara for consent and speaking in dragon language that the others may be none the wiser.
"Your majesty... I know the hefty price you have paid for my freedom and I thank you for it, but if I do not take your place, you will miss the opportunity to compete, please... allow me to serve your master in your name until your return... I cannot offer you freedom, only the chance to earn it back or at least win back your rider " commented Taff looking at Sendara for consent and speaking in dragon language that the others may be none the wiser.
Sendara growled low at Harrishim's dismissal of her power. She considered crushing the man, or at the very least boiling him a little with the scalding water within her. But, for the time being, she held her pride in check and ignored his words, finally turning to dip her head to Taff reluctantly. "Very well.I shall return, and you will once again be free. Calico will be free as well, and then you must take him back to the Empire where he will be safe. He must rule there in my absence. Promise me.... she too spoke in the draconic language, so that even Calico did not understand. If they do not hold Calico... they hold less sway over me."
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