RPG Reality of Dreams [M-LSV]

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1]''Dear me...'' as Jacob bowed his head in respect...standing above most of the other people in the crowd...''what a vile time we live in father.''

He had is arms crossed as he watched the brawl take place. A man was being dragged away by some of his fellow knights...being directed to the medical wing by Damion himself. Jacob looked up at him with a blank look on his face, showing no emotion. Damion couldn't see him in the crowd...but Jacob certainly saw him.

Turning his attention away from the King...Jacob looked back out onto the Central Court where the fighting was subsiding finally.

''There's no need for human loss such as this...you had picked a better world father...I pitty them.''[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel smiled wickedly at the sight of blood splattering over the court's beautiful white marble pavers. The sound of a single drop connecting with the marble was like music to her ears. Rion was certainly a master at his art. Ashrel ran her tongue over her lips slowly.

" He might have some interesting moves for later....."

Ashrel glided over to the knights that were escorting Rion to the hospital wing of her King's castle. She whispered something in their ears, they nodded and took Rion away to be attended too.

Whirling back around to see the entertainment continue, Ashrel glided effortlessly over to her King. She bowed low to him and his guests that he was conversing with.
" Excuse me my Lord, but I grow tired of standing around. May I give the nobles a show of power and precision?"
A wicked smile came to Damion's face. " You may certainly do so my dear Ashrel." Damion turned to the majority of his guests. " My friends, I have a special presentation for you. My dear Lady Ashrel wishes to dance for you all."

There was a stunned moment of silence before they started clapping and moved out of the centre of the courtyard. Ashrel instructed Ishizu, one of her maids, to gather her swords for her. Damion sat upon a seat of marble above the crowd's head as Ashrel stood in the middle of the circle the crowd made.

Suddenly, two men were dragged out into the circle. They looked like they had just been retrieved from the dungeon. Both of them had swords in their hands and were being dragged along by four soldiers, two with each prisoner. They threw the prisoners into the circle where Ashrel stood. Ishizu hurried towards her lady with a red cape drapped over one arm and two swords held in the other. The maid unfastened Ashrel's black cape and replaced it with the red one. She also handed her Lady her most prized weapons - two richly engraved silver swords. Backing away, Ishizu disappeared into the back of the crowd, knowing what was to happen next.

Ashrel whirled her swords in each hand masterfull as she stared at the two prisoners before her. They were shaking with fear, for they knew also what was about to happen to them. Damion smiled. He loved Ashrel's display of power and precision.

With both swords hanging by her side, Ashrel paced around in a circle around the two prisoners. They were bound to each other with a reasonable length of chain. The swords quivered in their hands. All in an instant, Ashrel raised her swords and attacked. The two prisoners held up their swords in defence, not knowing what to do.

CLANG!

In a flutter of red, Ashrel now knelt at the other side of the prisoners, who both had looks of horror upon their faces. Ashrel whirled around, her blood red cape following her movements behind her. She leapt up and swiped at the prisoner who had his back turned. The sound of metal ripping through flesh rang in the air. Ashrel held the attacked prisoner's head as his body fell to the ground. Blood poured from the now decapitated head which she dropped and kicked away into the crowd. Shrieks from women could be heard as the head rolled through the crowd and finally rested at Jacob's feet.

The remaining prisoner looked at his dead comrade, terrified. Ashrel turned to him. THe thirst of blood now coursed through her veins. He tried to back away from Ashrel but he tripped backwards over the legs of his dead comrade. Ashrel stalked towards him. He scrambled back to find himself pinned against one of the courtyard walls. Taking him by the throat, Ashrel brought him to his feet. She could see tears welling up in his eyes.

" How pathetic....you are supposed to be a man and face death willingly. Yet I am a woman....and I deal death more easily that you breathe."

Spinning around, Ashrel cut both his arms off. The man howled in pain as he dropped to his knees, blood flowing easily from his stumps of arms. The crowd was horrified but Damion looked on with eager anticipation. Ashrel stood before the weeping prisoner. With one final cut of the blade, the man's head rolled off his body and lay at Damion's feet.

Looking at the head and then at Ashrel who was wiping her blade with a white cloth, Damion stood and started clapping. The crowd followed suit, not as enthusiactically. Damion walked down to Ashrel and gave her a warm smile.

" Well done my dear Ashrel. Maybe some of the nobles here will think twice before taking sides against us."
Ashrel bowed low. " My pleasure my Lord. But I have something I must attend to eslewhere. I ask your leave."
" Certainly."
Again Ashrel bowed lowed and left the courtyard.

[center]******************************[/center]

Rion suddenly awoke from a pain that jolted through his body. He moaned softly in pain. He figured he must have tried to move when he was asleep. Opening his eyes, Rion looked around the room.

It was a very elabourately decorated room for a hospital wing. He sat up slowly, trying not to move. Then, Rion suddenly felt another presence in the room. A feminine figure approached him in the darkness. He could see the curvy contours of her body.

[i]Damion must have chosen a lady for me....I would have preferred my own choice...[/i]

The figure came closer and closer. Rion could feel the warmth of the naked body crawl up him as the female made her way slowly up his body. Moonlight suddenly hit the female's face. Rion gasped. He had come face-to-face with Ashrel. She smiled with a devilish presence around her.

" Weren't expecting to see Lady Ashrel naked in her own room I expect?" she cooed softly. Rion melted once again at the tone of her voice. Ashrel had spoken to the knights that took Rion to the hospital wing to be tended to. She must have ordered them to take Rion back to her private quarters after he was bandaged up.

Rion tried to move to get out of Ashrel's path but as soon as he did, pain flooded through his body. He was helpless to Ashrel's whims.

" Now don't move. I'm sure you're going to enjoy this."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Retribution]

He shuddered in pain. He couldn't move from his present location -- his back had been stabbed too badly. He willed himself not to be seduced, as he knew the penalty that would follow from Daimon. But it was no use...

She licked his cheek, and whispered in his ear a sweet nothing, and took of his shirt. All Rion could do was watch her, hoping that by some divine miracle she would stop. But some part of him wanted her to continue.

She rubbed her body against his chest, enjoying him squirm around underneath her, and proceeded to take off his pants.

"P...please d.don't do this... you know ... hiis... Majesty will k...kill mem...me..." he stuttered in pain. She payed him no attention.

"Relax... you worry too much..." she trailed off, as she rubbed his stomach more, and she started moving lower down his body. His chivalrous mind could only resist the tantalization, without response from his body. She definetly knew how to seduce a man.

"n..N..nO...no... please...oh..." he tried to get her to stop, but was overcome with a mix of pleasure and pain. He couldn't lift his head to see what she was doing to him, but he had a good idea. He moaned in pleasure, then in pain again. His mind was torn between stopping and letting her finish. Ultamitely,he had no control over her.

"Oh! Oh...." she moaned in pleasure as well. He gasped, trying to suppress his moans of agony and pleasure. She rocked the bed so hard, she tore open his cut on his back, with blood going onto the blankets...

[Aiyanna]

[COLOR=Indigo]Amaya slipped out into the quiet hallways, her skirts whispering softly with each move. She sighed and leaned back against the door, closing her emerald green eyes. The faint clash of metal on metal sounded behind her, and continued for a few minutes before fading away. Opening her eyes again, she moved off down the hallways, making a slow bee-line for King Damions chambers. There, she was told, awaited a girl named Sarah, whom she was supposed to tend to.
As she passed by Lady Ashrels chambers, she thought she heard a moan. She shook her head. Ashrel was up to her tricks...Amaya herself had done similar things to what Ashrel was doing now, but she knew that whoever was pleasing Ashrel was probably not doing it out of any sort of love. Ashrel was a hard woman, with a passion for cold things like death and blood. She would probably have forced whoever it was in there into doing what they were doing. Amaya would never force anyone into anything like that...
[I]Ahh well...none of my business...[/I] Amaya said to herself as she moved past Ashrels chambers and onwards towards her King's. Stopping outside the gilded doors to her Kings chambers, she paused, then rose her hand and knocked gently on the door. She would try to be polite to this new girl and notify her that she was coming in.
After hearing no response, she opened the door a crack and then slid through, reclosing it with a small click. She looked towards the bed, expecting to find this Sarah there, but instead found her laying next to the bed on the floor, apparently asleep. She smiled gently and glided over to where the woman lay. She appeared a few years older than Amaya herself, if looks could be trusted.
Bending down. Amaya lay a gentle hand on the womans shoulder and shook her awake.
"Hey, Sleepy head, get up!" She said, her voice smooth.
THe womans eyelids flickered, and then opened. Green eyes stared up at her.
Amaya smiled again, a reassuring kind smile. The woman had appeared tense even as she slept.
"Hello...I'm supposed to show you to your chambers." Amaya said, and Sarah sat up, blinking sleep out of her eyes.[/COLOR]

[...]

Sarah looked at the girl in front of her, but her eyes trailed over to the open door she had left for her. Sarah sprang up and made a run for it. She could hear the woman's voice holler after her as she made her way down the steps. She wouldn't stay... she wouldn't live like this. She slipped into the shadows of a wall and looked to the side, and realized the only thing she had on was that frock he had her wear and the nightgown over it.

"Doesn't matter... I'll be free, and then no one will take me again..." she said, making sure no one saw her. The girl came running down the steps, hollering after her... one of the guards took notice of her, and she told the guard of what happened. The guard then called two other guards and ordered them to search the perimeter.

She cursed. "Now this is going to be even harder..." she said. She looked out and saw the courtyard, many people were out there... dancing and having a good time. "How in the hell am I going to get past them?" she noticed the other women, serving the nobles... they wore little frocks too... not as revealing... but enough to gather the attention of the nobles. She cursed again and wrapped the night gown up and strode out, trying to go unseen... it worked perfectly as she slipped past the drunken ones and got out to the gate. Just then, she was approached from behind by someone, who wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Honey, do you mind keeping me company? My wife left because of this drunken stooper I'm in, and I'm in need of relief." he said, touching her in places, not meant to be touched.

She spun around and kneed him in the groin, which caused him to fall over in pain. He grabbed her leg and begged her to reconsider, but she kicked the man in the face. This caused enough comotion to gather the attention of the guards. They surrounded her and brought her to the king. They threw her at his feet and he gazed at her.

"This slave attacked a noble, my lord... what should we do with her?"

Damion stood up and kneeled to her level. "I thought you didn't want to join me tonight..." he said smugly. She spit on his boots, and the guard kicked her in the face.

"Put her in a chamber, and lock her door. No one is allowed to let her leave." He said staring at her. They brought her to her feet and she glared at him as he took in her figure.

"Tomorrow... I promise." he said winking at her. She cursed at him, and they dragged her away.

[Dragons_Bait15]

Nadi had slipped behind the door as it had opened and hidden there until Amaya and the other girl had disappeared. Holding her breath she waited patiently until the commotion had died down and the girl brought back to the room. As the door is closed and the lock sounds Nadi winces and waits for the girl to turn around.
Sarah looked back over her shoulder with rage in her eyes and noticed Nadi, another scantily clad maiden smirking slightly. ?How did you get in here?? Nadi shrugs her worry melting away, it?s just another poor girl brought into service. ?Maybe I walk through walls.? She said to Sarah quietly, ?But why do you wish to leave?? she looks around the room as Sarah stalks over to her raising her fist, ?Because if you don?t tell me I?ll call the guards and say there?s a traitor in the castle.? Nadi stops and looks at the girl for a second and crosses to the window, ?Maybe you?re right but you can?t leave now, there are too many people in the courtyard. Someone would see us.? She turns back to Sarah, Amaya wouldn?t have hurt you. She really quite nice and the only thing near a friend I have here.? Sarah watches her, ?If you are trying to get me to stay forget it.? Nadi smiles, ?Ok, but if you get out safely find my father and tell him that the Raven is a Glimmer. He?s Wreathen, on the east bank of the rive two miles out of town.? Looking back down into the courtyard she motions for Sarah to follow her. ?There is not very many people there now, mostly drunks.? She slides out of the window and onto the thin ledge again. Nadi moves quickly making room for Sarah if she had decided to follow her.

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel moaned loudly with pleasure as she climaxed and fell away from Rion. Her breathing was hard and deep. Rolling to her side, she licked Rion over the lips. He himself was gasping in both pleasure and pain.

" Mmmm....you do know how to pleasure a woman..." Ashrel said breathlessly. Rion's gasps became more of pain than pleasure when the natural painkillers from sex wore off. Ashrel lifted herself off the bed and draped a red satin robe around her. It displayed her feminine figure perfectly against the moonlight.

" MAROU!" Ashrel called. The shorter of her maids rushed in and covered her eyes in respect for Rion. " See to his wounds. I'm sure they have opened up again. And gather Ishizu and wash my sheets. I will not have blood in my bed."
" Yes ma'am."
Marou quickly gathered some medical instruments that lay in a drawer of Ashrel's dresser. Obviously Ashrel administered her own treatment when she became injured. Marou walked over to Rion and hastily fixed his wound in his back. Ashrel ordered the knights that stood outside of her door to take Rion to the hospital wing. As they came in and collected Rion, trying hard not to break his fresh stitching, Ashrel gave him a departing kiss.
" Be ready next time my dear Rion. For this time won't be the last."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Retribution]

OOC: Whoa. Good post there. But I don't know exactly where this is headed... maybe some guidance from the RPG overlord? xD

---

IC:

Rion woke up in a hospital bed again, with his knights by his bedside. They both stood up when they saw him wake up. It felt like nearly no time had elapsed. Maybe it was just a dream, he thought. After all, he [i]had[/i] fallen asleep here, and woken up again in the same bed. The knights were in the same spots too.

"My Lord, is there anything we can get you?" one of the knights asked in a worried tone.

"Un... just... a cup of tea. Hot. Thank you..." he trailed off again. He turned in the bed, and a lance of pain shot through his back. Agony pierced him, and he gasped and sighed in pain. He felt stiches there, and they were new. This changed his mind. [i]So it wasn't a dream after all?[/i] He went from tired and groggy to worried. [i]What if Daimon heard Lady Ashrel? I tried to contain myself... but she had no restraint whatsoever. Please don't let him know... please![/i]

He rolled back flat again, and he saw a red lip mark on the white sheets. He touched his lips, and looked at the fingers, which now had red lipstick on them. [i]Oh god. She might be serious about this.[/i] He called the other knight that wasn't getting him tea, and told him to wash his current sheet, and change it. He also asked for a wet rag to wash his face off. He didn't want to leave any lipstick on his face.

In due time, both of his knights had carried out their respective assignments. Finally, he sat in his hospital bed, lying in fresh white sheets, sipping a hot cup of tea. He felt more relaxed than worried now, and tried to think of what had happened during the party. Then it struck him that it must be extremely late.

"What bell has rung?" he asked his knights.

"The second rang not so long ago." Which meant it was two in the morning. [i]She must've had a field day with me in my submissive position...[/i] he thought to himself. "Extinguish the candles, if you will. Leave me and guard the door. I'm going to sleep." he told his bodyguards. They blew out the candles, and slept on the other side of the hospital-curtain that was around his bed. He needed to rest as much as possible to heal his wound.

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial]Damion snarled, nearly throwing the noble woman from his arm. He recovered his composure quickly as he bid fair well to his guests. They seemed to have been fairly discussed by Ashrel's display with his prisoners, but he found it amusing. Most of his guests had found great entertainment in his girls and the wine, and were heading back to their own mistresses and wives.

"May...I stay with you, my Lord?" The woman hanging on his arm inquired.

"Of course my lady." Damion smiled, leaning forward to lay a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"In your chamber, my Lord?" She smiled brightly at him, the wine starting to fall from her expression.

Damion stood up straight, a little taken-aback. He nodded his head to a couple as they made their way out into the cold to their carriages. "If so wish." He replied, not looking at her.

"Oh yes, very much my Lord." The woman nuzzled close to him, her attention completely focused on him.

"Then you shall have what you wish for, my Lady." Damion smiled at her finally, motioning for a few of his guards to come to him.

"Yes, your majesty?" The guards asked as they came up to Damion.

"Please escort miss Amadon to my quarters, providing her with something to sleep in and some warm tea." He nodded to two of the four guards. They bowed and left with the noble woman.

Damion waited until the last of the guests left before turning to the last two guards. He grabbed a hold of one of the men's collar and pulled him extremely close to his face.

"What the hell have you block-heads been doing?! Stuffing your fat faces!! I don't keep you alive to sit around screwin each other!" Damion screamed at the man, throwing him backwards.

"Sorry, my Lord." Both guards lowered themselves nearly to the floor.

"Now get a hold of all those girls, lock them in their rooms, place some one at every exit and window and make sure no one gets in and out of here!" Damion reached around, grabbing a vase, and threw it at the guards as they rushed to avoid the flying object.

"Some one find Ashrel and NOW!" Damion bellowed as he stormed back into the buidling.

OOC: Sorry so short guys. I'll write more later tonight.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype]Maaya had been witness to Lord Marquise's brawl and some of Lady Ashrel's dance. When she shut the door she had opened, Ashrel had killed the first man.

She ran down the hallway and then remembered that she didn't know where her chambers were anymore. "Damn." She cursed to herself as she continued wandering around the castle.

Later on, Maaya watched as some of the guards escorted a rather intoxicated noblewoman somewhere. As they left, she crept around the corner to the main door of the Central Court. It hadn't shut all the way, and she heard King Daimon's voice barking orders at some guards.

"Now get a hold of all those girls, lock them in their rooms, place someone at every exit and window and make sure no one gets in or out of here! Someone find Ashrel and NOW!" Damion bellowed as he stormed back into the building.

Maaya didn't want to be near this man when he was angry, and there was no way in hell that she was going to take a chance now. She tried to run behind a pillar that was close to the door. But before she could make it, she felt something clutch her wrist. She turned around to see the King himself. "Your highness..." She managed to breathe out.
"And where have [I]you[/I] been this entire time?" He sneered at her.
"Sir, I was just-" She began.
"Save it!" He growled as he dragged her by the arm back towards the corridor of the servant's chambers.

"Sire, please...loosen the grip on my arm." She pleaded as she realized that they were almost to her room. He let go and opened the door to her chambers, shoving her inside and walking in after.
"So...which one are you, servant?" He asked, forcing her chin up with his hand.
"Maaya...Maaya Joston, your highness..." She replied, shaking.
"I see." He nodded. "Well Maaya, don't try to leave or you will be killed."
He grinned and let go of her face, walking out silently and shutting the door behind him. A click was heard, and Maaya realized that she was now locked in.

Still shaking, she collapsed to the floor with fatigue. She crawled over to the bed and quickly fell asleep.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial]"You called for me, my Lord?" Ashrel approached Damion in the main entrance, still wrapped in her satin robe.

He turned sharply towards her and didn't even bother to take in her full sight. She knew then that her king was no happy. She smiled with a slight hint of pleasure, but tried to keep it at bay so not to receive his wrath.

"I want my secruity tighten!" he barked, frustration flickering across his face. "I want all those that attempt to escape thrown into the dungeon, and make sure every one knows this."

"Of course, my Lord."

Damion swirled around, trying to get his thoughts straight. There were too many things on his mind and he had company awaiting him back in his chamber. He placed his hands on his hips and lowered his head to try and think clearer.

"Who were the commoners in my center court?" He growled, bringing his head back up to look at Ashrel.

"A few of your higher peasants, loyalist I do believe Lord.There was one that I didn't recongize."

Damion's expression eased for a moment, filled with curiousity. "Describe him."

"He was toned, seemed to have been beaten before...long brown hair." She paused as she tried to remember more of what the man looked like. She had been far too concerned with seducing Sir Marquise to have paid attention to a mere peasant. Then it hint her, the one feature that stood out the most, "he had these stunning blue eyes. Nothing I had ever seen before."

"Jacob." Damion growled and stormed towards the guards quarters. "I want him in my grasp by the time I wake up tomorrow!" He threw the sentence over his shoulders as he stormed off.

[CENTER]************************[/CENTER]

"My Lord," a sweet, almost seductive voice radiated from his massive bed as he entered his chamber by candle light.

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting, my Lady. I had some business to attend to." Damion's voice was filled with deep rooted lust and annoyance all at the same time.

"It is all right, my Lord. Come, come join me in your glorious bed."

Damion approached the bed seeing the woman dressed in a thing piece of clothing barely covering her torso. She was pleasant to look at and arousing, but nothing compared to his slave girls. Their beauty was untouchable, but Damion could do with a change.

He smiled at her as he slide the candle onto the stand next to his bed. The noble woman laid perfectly posed on her side, staring up at him. He smiled brightly as he undid his sash and started to undo the buttoning on his fancy shirt. The woman watched intently, lust filling her eyes as he slide the material gracefully from his shoulders and allowed it to drop to the floor. The perfection of his body hidden slighly in the dim light. The woman moved anxiesiously on the bed.

Damion smiled as he began to undo his belt and pants, sliding them gracefully from his body and the woman saw how massive the man truly was, even under his thin trousers. The woman's eyes grew wide as Damion made his way onto the bed, and over to her.

"How would you like it, my Lady?" He said just above her lips, slidding a hand gracefully behind her head as she rolled over onto her back.

She trembled with anticipation and nervousness as he ran a firm hand up her side. She allowed a gasp to fall from her lips as he laid upon her, both still having clothing between them. She threw her head back, allowing Damion to caress her neck with his lips. She moaned as he ran his hands up her small night gown. Her skin slightly rougher than he preferred, but he was determine to give the castle a good chance to know he hadn't lost his touch.

She wrapped her arms around his back and dragged her fingertips along his skin. She was delicate with her touch, he was going to have to be careful with this one. He slid down the length of her body, running his lips across her exposed skin creating more gasps and moans as he brought himself back up, pulling the little clothing she had on off. He pulled his trousers from his body and laid there on top of her, just kissing her and playing with her back and sides with his hands. Slightly moving to more forbidden spots, her gasps and moans becoming louder.

He held her hips firmly as he slid within. She let out a loud moan, almost a scream as the passion rose in the room. Though he was tender with her, it was just another woman to try and satifisy his needs, but always failing to do so. As she climaxed her screams of pleasure could be heard nearly throughout the whole castle. He slide off her and laid onto his back, pulling the blankets up around him. The woman was breathing heavily as she rolled over to lay on his chest. Not caring at the moment and haven been relieved in some aspect, the both fell asleep. [/FONT] [/COLOR]

OOC: Hey ladies and gentlemen. We'll need to keep Lady Ashrel in the wing of things until amgoddess comes back to us. That should only be a week or so.

[Retribution]

OOC: I'm going to move to the next day... feel free to keep posting on the party night. It's just that I have nothing else to post there. And I tried to include Lady Ashrel.

---

[B]The Next Day[/B]
Rion woke slowly, and streched in his hospital bed. He felt much more rested and calm after the night's sleep. He sat up, feeling the slight tugging in his back, and remembered what had happened last night.

"I still can't believe it..." he said to himself as he stood up, stretching his limbs. The cut in his back didn't hurt unless someone touched the wound. He felt satisfied as he put back on his washed, dried, and ironed clothes from last night. He walked around for a bit, getting aquainted to the new feeling of his back when he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in..." he said. A servant entered, and bowed, then spoke to him in a decreeing tone.

"His majesty has ordered that you not leave the castle. If you do, you will be thrown into the dungeon. Please respect his wishes, thank you."

"Wait!" he called after the butler. He turned around, not really caring about what he was going to say, but listened anyway. "I wish to go home. This castle is not my home, as you know. The party was grand, but I desire to return to my own quarters."

"I'm sorry, Sir Marquise, but I must decline your request. The King explicitly said you were to remain in the castle. However, you are quite welcome to walk around." Rion attached his rapier to his side, and re-inserted his knife in his sleeve again. It had given him enough speed to stay alive last night.

"I will accompany you. Could you direct me to the dining hall once more? I wish to eat breakfast." he ordered the servant. He quickly complied, and led him there. It was completely deserted, save for a new nobles from the past night walking through it sleepily. One man was playing chess against his brother a few seats away.

"What will your order be?" asked the servant. Rion took a seat.

"I'll have toast and orange juice, thank you." He said, turning his attention to the brothers playing chess. The waiter left quickly, and returned with his food just as fast. He sipped on the orange juice while he watched the game.

"Poor move, chap. You should've moved your bishop to [i]that[/i] square," Rion remarked. The two teenagers turned and looked at him, both smiling politely. The boy let out a sigh of enlightenment as he saw that the bishop could indirectly support the knight's advance to a checkmate. The other brother quickly blocked the move from happening.

"Thank you, sir. That would've been a stunning move. Would you like to play the winner of this match?" he boy asked amiably.

"Yes, if you would, thanks." The game was finished quickly, and the boy who Rion had suggested the move to had lost. His older brother set back up the pieces, and the new game started. Rion was black, while his opponent was white.

Rion quickly pushed several pawns up to secure the center of the board, then supported his pieces with his knights. The boy, however was quite offensive, pushing up his bishops to flanking positions, slicing through his forces. The game was well played by both, but Rion's age and practice were too much for the young boy, and he overpowered him in the endgame.

"Checkmate. Wonderful game" Rion said happily, as he moved the checkmating piece to its square, then offered the boy a handshake. The boy shook his hand firmly, thanking him for the great game in chess.

"Yes, you were very good." he said, standing up and walking out of the hall, munching his toast as he made his way to the courtyard. He found his way there by himself, and smiled as he saw it come into view. The grass was a solid, fresh-green tone, and there were several fencers and archers in the green, practicing.

He walked out, and drew his rapier, practicing the motions that would traditionally be used in combat. Parries and killing thrusts were the ones he focused on in particular, as they were the most useful in his opinion.

Meanwhile, Lady Ashrel looked down into the courtyard from her window. She licked her lips in bloodlust.

"Yes... Sir Marquise... kill them. All." She said quietly, wickedly, to no one in particular. She enjoyed watching him practice his killing blows most of all. It was like watching a symphony playing, or a waltz. All very beautiful and methodical to her.

"Would you like to duel for practice, Sir Marquise?" A noble asked him. He was about his age, equal in stature.

"It would be an honor." They both put on the body-guards to prevent bodily harm to each other, bowed, then began the fight.

The man raised his rapier in a defensive position, obviously ready for Rion to attack. Rion lunged in, and stabbed, testing the man's reflexes, which turned out to be superb as he quickly parried the attack, then moved in for a counter attack. He thrusted towards his head, but Rion moved it in time, jumping backwards, then circling each other, looking for an open point. Both found the same point on each other's bodies, and lunged in with no reguard for defense. Both their rapiers rested on each other's necks, both placed there simulatenously.

"Draw" they both said together, and stepped backwards. The next point would not be the same, Rion thought.

They both raised their rapiers towards each other, and the man attacked first this time. Rion didn't parry the attack, but sidestepped it, ran in one step, and put the tip of the sword against the man's stomach.

"The duel is mine." He said, withdrawing his rapier. They both stepped backwards, and bowed.

"You are truly a formidable opponent. Were you the one fighting in the central court last night? Quite a show you and your knights put on."

"Yes, it was me. However, i'm afraid I was wounded by a scoundrel who didn't follow the rules of engagement. Thankfully he's no longer part of this Earth."

Lady Ashrel gave a condescending smile at Rion from her window, then stepped back inside her room.

"I will make you mine, Sir Marquise. And you will kill for me. Just wait..." he said, probably plotting some evil scheme while speaking.

Rion took off his gear, and sat down on the marble steps underneath the Roman-esque villa covering. The court yard was left open to the sun, and he sat in the shade on the steps next to the man-made marble stream going through the floor, down the steps, and through the training ground in a perfect line. He felt relaxed as he cooled off from the duel, listening to the water gurgle and rush down the chute.

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][B]***THE NIGHT BEFORE***[/B]

''HALT! In the name of our King Damion!'' yelled out one of the soldiers, barring Jacob's way as he attempted to exit the castle grounds. At that moment...four more officers surrounded him.

[I]Why the hell is this one man damn important to the king...[/I] one of the soldiers thought to himself. [I]He's not even armed...[/I]

''What would your lord want with me?'' Jacob said politely.

''You are under arrest by request of the King for that of trespassing upon castle grounds without his majesties permission...you are to be sent to the dungeon for further interigation.''

All five officers armor could be heard moving all around him as they approached him step by step.

''As you wish...'' as Jacob stuck out both of his wrists for the head of the pack to tie them together.

The soldier approached him...taking out a bundle of rope when Jacob lunged forward at him, grabbing him in a bear hug, lifting him off the ground. Plowing through the surrounding soldier like a battering ram, Jacob pressed the soldier hard into the closest stone wall. Taking his blade from his belt, Jacob thrust it into the soldiers stomach, and slash through his side, exposing his inner organs, intestines oozing from the opening as he collapsed to his feet.

The remaining seven were enraged, and surrounded Jacob; forcing him to press against the wall.

''Throw aside your weapon peasant...there's no escape for you!'' declared one of the other soldier...obviously the second in commander of the group.

Without saying anything...Jacob slowly bended over and showed that he was playing the sword on the ground. Instead, with a quick movement of his other hand, he grabbed a handfull of dirt and threw it to his left, causing two of the soldiers to go blind.

The second in command drew his sword, but before he could attack Jacob had already cut his throat as he rushed past him, persuing the other capable fighting soldier. He was too slow for Jacob with all the armor that he had on...Jacob was strong, and after swiping away the enemies blade with one swing, Jacob brought the blade back to his side, sending it straight into the officers chest, bursting through his armor, coming out through his back as well. Jacob withdrew the sword as the officer fell limp to the ground...dead.

The other two soldiers had finally brushed away the dirt from their eyes and yelled out to the archors on the walls to fire upon Jacob. Hearing their cries...Jacob took refuge behind one of the wooden storage shacks, trying to catch his breathe.

The two soldiers followed him and surrounded him on both sides. The archors began moving along the walls, trying to get a better position on Jacob as he hid behind the shack with the other two soldiers. More and more reinforcements could be heard coming through the gates.

Both officers charged him with swords drawn, determination in their eyes.

[I]Begone...[/I]

Charging at one of the officers, Jacob stopped the ones blade coming down upon him by grabbing the handle with one of his hands, and with the other, he slashed downwards at the soldiers knees...taking out both of his legs...decapitating the man with one swing.

Turning around the other, Jacob lifted his sword from its lowered position and swung downwards with such intensity that it shattered the others soldiers sword, coming down through his shoulder. The officer screamed in agony, as Jacob pulled the blade off and quickly lunged it quickly into the mans chest.

As he ran out from the protection of the shack, Jacob was shot in the right shoulder with an arrow, immidiately sending him to the ground from the impact. Several more soldiers surrounded him...but Jacob didn't give up, using the sword masterfully, he took out two more soldiers before one came up from behind him and smashed him in the back of his skull, knocking him dazed.

Everyone began kicking, punching, spitting all over him before Lady Ashrel came out from the castle itself.

''ENOUGH!'' she ordered; immidiately the soldier obeyed to her authority and backed away from the Jacob's body.

''Our king wishes for him to live for the moment...put him in the dungeon...Damion will be most pleased.''

Jacobs shoulders were grasped by two soldiers, leaving the arrow in his shoulder and began to drag him into the castle. He looked up and glared at Ashrel, not with eyes of hatred...but passion, full of life.

''Take him away.'' she roared again, as she accompanied them into the castle.

[B]***THAT MORNING***[/B]

When Jacob finally awoke...he was chained to the walls, his arms spread outwards, exposing his chest, like he was being crucified...the arrow still sticking into his shoulder as a rush of pain shot through his body now sensing the arrow within his flesh.

A glimmer of light shined through a hole in the stone prison, revieling Jacobs bloody white tunic, his hair mangled and dirty as he just stared at the ground with a blank expression upon his face. [/SIZE] [/COLOR]

[...]

Sarah watched as the girl climbed out the window. She refused to stay any longer. She was still in her frock, and she longed to find some decent clothing.

"Hey... is there any way I can get out of these things?"

"The King only supplies us with the clothing that fits our tasks... and none of that requires normal wear."

"This is disgusting." Sarah said.

"You could always change when you get out of here." she said smiling. Sarah smiled back.

"Thank you... why are you helping me? I don't even know your name.."

"It's Nadi... and I know you hate it hear, and well... I can really use the help in getting this message to my father..." she said. Sarah nodded and got out onto the ledge with her. She watched as Nadi climbed down the clinging vines and made her way to the bottom.

"Oh Damn..." Sarah said. She would be HUMILIATED if a man traveled under her as she climbed down in the outfit she was wearing. Nadi kept an eye out as Sarah climbed down as quickly as possible.

"Coast is clear." Nadi said, bringing her to the courtyard gate. All of a sudden, another noble came up to Nadi and smiled at her, asking if she was available for the night. Nadi tried to use this as a distraction for Sarah, but the noble was the same noble from before...

"Hey!! You're that bitch from before!!! The King aprehended you!! GUARDS!" he screamed. Nadi looked at Sarah, and Sarah smiled at her.

"Get out of here, Nadi... and thanks." Sarah said. She knew there was no reason Nadi had to be involved. She looked at Nadi, and she said sorry and backed away in the shadows.

"Bitch, we put you away! Damion has retired, but his orders ring clear!!" he said. Just then Lady Ashrael came out from behind them and stared at Sarah disaprovingly.

"Strip her and throw her in the dungeon. She shall have no blankets tonight." Ashrael said.

Sarah stared at her in anger, the humiliation was more than Sarah had wanted...

"Take this woman away!" she said, turning around briskly. Sarah fought against the guards, the entire way as they stripped her and stuck her in her cell. Some of the guards wanted to please themselves, but thought better of it, when Sarah showed them just how powerful her lungs were. The entire night, she hollered at them, not letting anyone sleep. She found a few sheets from her cot, and wrapped them around her as she screamed for someone to release her. But no one listend.

The next day, Sarah laid on her cot, with the sheet wrapped firmly around her. It was cold... and she hated Lady Ashrael.... and she occupied her mind with the many ways she would have her revenge.... smiling a bit in the shadows of her chamber.

[Aiyanna]

[COLOR=Indigo]Amaya didn't get much sleep during the night, but her looks did not reflect that at all. She slipped on her normal slave garb, a pair of loose trousers that sat low on her hips and a loose shirt that often slipped off her shoulders. Her authority from last night was gone. She had been her Kings companion last night, but now she was just a normal slave girl again.

But she could talk to other slaves. It wouldn't hurt her to do that. King Damion trusted her enough to let her visit with others, and help get them used to their new occupation. She had heard a woman screaming from the dungeons, and had known it was the girl who had slipped out when Amaya had gone to show her to her rooms...poor girl. She wasn't very intelligent. SHe should've just accepted what she had to do. Everything would go easier then.

Making her way through the hallways, she kept her eyes averted downwards. As she was a slave, she was lower than even the servants. It was considered rude to make eye contact with them.

After a while, she made it to the Dungeons, and requested permission inside. The guards looked at each other, and then nodded and let her pass. She could feel their eyes on her back, tracing her figure as she passed by them, and one of them had the nerve to actually reach out and run his hand down her hip. She clenched her teeth and ignored him. She couldn't do anything about it anyways.

"Sarah?" she called gently as she walked past the cells. There was no response, but she did find the girl. She was leaning against the wall of her cell, using a bed-sheet as a cover. "Sarah? Are you okay?"

She hated seeing anyone in the dungeons. She would have to talk to Damion later. It was no way to treat one of the slaves, even if they were the lowest people in the castle. She fixed Sarah with a kind gaze, and hoped it was comforting. [/color]

[...]

"No... I'm not..." Sarah said. She stared at the wall, ashamed of herself... she felt humiliated.

"I'm sorry...." she said.

"It's not your fault.. it's that damned Ashrael! Who in the HELL does she think she is???" Sarah said.

"You talk like a noble woman... don't you know you can get in more trouble for that?"

"What? Speaking my mind?"

"Yes... it's... dangerous... I don't want anything to happen to you..." she said.

Sarah looked at her and smiled. "Thank you... it means a lot..." she said. "But the fact is... I'm a living, breathing, human female, and a mind that doesn't need to be hindered. I gave no one permission to rule my life, why in the hell would I subject myself to their authority??"

"Don't... you fear for your life, Sarah?" Amaya said. Sarah knew this girl was strong... she too, hated the treatment in the castle. But... she had let herself be broken... this was evident.

"I fear to be hindered... to be broken, and weighed down into THINKING that this kind of life... is normal... and expected of me. I'm not about to roll over and let someone have their way with me, JUST because I'm [i]told[/i] to.... I never bargained for this life... and I'll be damned, if I allow myself to get used to it." she said. She wrapped the sheet around her and stared out of the cell. "Amaya?"

"Yes?" she said softly.

"Can you... get me some clothes?" Sarah said with a small smile.

"I'll see what I can do... in the mean time... try to get some rest..." Amaya said. Sarah nodded as Amaya left the cells.

[Retribution]

Rion woke from his light doze in the court yard, and stood up.

"I may as well take a walk around." He said, seeing people going to train in the court yard. He wanted to leave, before others challenged him.

He walked back into the main castle, and decided to go up a long, dim lit spiral stair case. He also took note that the hallways were now poorly lit and dingy. A definite change in scenery, Rion thought to himself as he walked down the hall. In the distance, he could hear two women speaking. He followed their voices, taking great care not to make any noise.

"...it's that damned Ashrael! Who in the HELL does she think she is?!" he caught the sentence amid the other chatting. It's tone was definetly angered, and rose above the rest of the conversation. He nodded in agreement, and was eager to see who had spoken such bold words against Lady Ashrel.

He put his back against the wall, and sooted closer to the door to get a better listen on what was happening. He picked out a phrase or two. It was broken...

"...some clothes?"

"I'll see what I can do... " the voices spoke back and forth to one another. He heard foot steps coming closer to the door, so he crouched, and prayed she wasn't going to walk in his direction. The woman didn't, who turned out to be Ayama. He sighed with relief, then stood up and knocked on the door softly when Ayama was out of sight.

"Oh. Ayama, that was fast. What is it?" the girl asked. She opened the door, and stepped back a few feet. Of course, she was in shock. She was expecting to see her friend who was a woman, but here Rion stood in the threshold.

"SHhh... Please be quiet. I'm Sir Marquise, but such titles are rubbish. You may call me Rion. What're you doing in such poor lodging?" he asked, trying to see what was happening.

"Oh! Um... I'm the king's slave girl. You might want to get away quickly if you don't want to be killed. If we try to escape, we'll be thrown in the dungeon. It's in your best interes---" she was cut off.

"No. Who would I be to leave you, now that I know what his majesty is actually doing to his servants. This is terrible, I mean, you do want to at leat try to escape?" He asked the question, hoping that she would say yes. He didn't want anyone being left to die in a dungeon, only being called upon to pleasure the king.

[...]

"Oh right." she said rolling her eyes. She walked away, keeping the sheet close to her. She sat on the cot and sighed.

"What's wrong?" he said.

"Oh nothing. Nothing at all. I'm sure you're a "kind hearted" snob, right?" she said.

"What are you talking about?"

"Look, I am not going to bed with you, and I refuse to be "forever in your debt." I'm not looking for a Hero, I'm looking for my salvation. And you, sir, are not my salvation." she said staring at him. She turned her head. "And I'm nobody's slave." she said, clutching the sheet around her.

"I never was asking for repayment, I simply wanted to help..." he said. He was being completely honest with her, but she couldn't risk it... she had no clothes, and she was safer behind those bars, then traveling out of the Castle with a man she didn't even know.

"Thank you for your charity, but I don't accept pity." she said.

"Alright." he said folding his arms. He knew she was just being careful. "I heard you cursing Lady Asrael."

"She's not the first on my hate list you know." Sarah said hanging her head down. Her hair fell over her shoulders, and it shined in the shadows.

"Who else then?" he asked.

"What? Are you trying to get information on my personal life now?"

"No... I'm confused... why does the king treat the women in this place like this?"

"Well duh, because he can. Whenever someone has any power, it's innevitable that they'd abuse it. It just happens. No one knows why. And worse yet, he has no one to keep him in check... a reason or a cause for a balance."

"They are people in this Kingdom who more than likely wish to stop him."

"Yeah? And what would come of that? We'd have a glimmer of hope for a few years, and then the cycle of power would corrupt whatever new power took hold of this kingdom." she spoke with wisdom... but it was a kind of wisdom that no one could see... or understand... it was one without a tainting from either side... a wisdom, not about the Kingdom they live in, but for all around the world.

"Power corrupts even the men with the best intentions..." she said. "Because mankind... is imperfect." she said. The guards opened the last doors, and she saw the panic on Rion's face. She walked over to him and took his arm.

"Leave... don't let them find you... people who so much have a traitorous thought to the king will be imprisoned." she said. He looked at her and saw the strength and conviction in her eyes.

"Are you going to be alright?" he asked.

Sarah laughed. "Believe it or not, I believe I'm doing pretty well for myself. Now GO." she said. He nodded and left as the guards came her way.

[Retribution]

Rion looked at her for a while, wondering what the purpose of her not escaping was. [I]Just to prove she can do it herself? To prove she doesn't need help? I can understand being prideful, but this is a little too much...[/I]

She shook his head, then ran off down the hall before the guards caught sight of him. It was definetly a shame he couldn't at least help her. He got down the spiral stair case, and then walked slower to look less suspicious. The guards passed by him in a slow, causal walk. Apparently, they weren't concerned with him... they had been talking about the King's latest plans. But he didn't pick up much, unfortunately.

He decided to go back to the hospital wing, to talk to his body guards whom he had foolishly deserted early in the day. Once he got there, he could not find them, but he did find a note nailed to the door at their post.

"Sir Marquise,

We could not locate you to inform you, but your knights have been banished from the castle for security issues. I hope you understand, and it is only with the best intentions I sent them away. Please don't take offense at this. Thank you.

Sincerely,

His Majesty"

He punched the door, and gritted his teeth, trying to think of a why they would post a "security hazard." He finally arrived at the conclusion that they were probably going to try to attack him or something while his guard was down. He could only guess it was Lady Ashrel forging the king's signature -- Daimon had more important matters to attend to. Frowning, he walked back out into the court yard, and sat back down underneath the overing-roof just outside of the training grounds, next to the marble stream. He felt relaxed again, and thought of a means of escape.

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Arial]Light flickered through the slightly drawn curtains and across Damion's face. He groaned momentarily before shoving the noble woman from him. She woke softly, but did not stir. She watched his naked body, seeing scars that she had not noticed before. She dared not ask him anything as he quickly put on his trousers, a loose tunic and a pair of boots, and started for the door.

Damion swung the door open and shut it forcefully behind him, the two guards on either side never flinching.

"Where is Lady Ashrel?" Damion growled.

"Down by the courtyard, my Lord." One replied.

"Get the woman something eat and send her home to her father. He'll be wondering what happened to her." Damion said nothing more as he made his way down the corridor.

As he turned the corner to walk into the open room just before the courtyard doors he found Amaya quickly making her way back to her room. He smiled and called her to his side. When she heard his voice she jumped slightly before doing as he had commanded.

"Yes, my Lord." She bowed softly, keeping her eyes from him.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Damion picked up her face by her chin, looking into her beautiful eyes.

"My quarter's, my Lord." Amaya answered politely.

"Why in such a hurry, trying to keep something from me?" His tone became edger and his grasp tighter.

"No, my Lord," she pleaded.

"My Lord?" Ashrel approached Damion, struting herself pleasantly with no care.

Damion turned his head towards Ashrel with a bitter distaste before turning back to Amaya. "Go to your quarter's my dear Amaya and if I catch you wondering about without my permission again, I will have to show you how to mind." Damion shoved her back, nearly knocking her over. She bowed quickly and made her way back to her quarter's.

Without turning to look, Damion back-handed Ashrel. The first in-command staggered backwards and grabbed her cheek.

"Never [I]again[/I] will you interrupt me." He snarled at her, turning bitter eyes towards her.

"Forgive me, my Lord. It shalt happen again." Ashrel bowed, trying to ease the pain in her face. "I have gathered not only this Jacob you seek, but an escaped slave-girl as well."

Damion flashed attentive eyes towards her. "Which?"

"The one that you found in the Center Court last night, my Lord." Ashrel allowed a playful smile run across her lips. "I had her stripped and thrown into the dungeons."

Damion squinted his eyes, things slowly falling together. "Keep an eye on Sir Marquise." Damion said lightly. "And make sure no one leaves this castle without my permission."

"Yes, my Lord."

Before Ashrel could say any more, Damion started towards Amaya's quarter's. The long corridor was walled with doors, each room belong to one of his slave-girls. Of course not all of them entertained him with sex. Some danced and singed, played music, bathed him or gave him massages. They all having different talents and needs to keep the satifisied in some manner and he saw to it that they were all put to good use.

Turning to his right and looking upon a plain wooden door, Damion knocked quickly before swinging the door opened. Amaya slid closer to the wall on her bed as Damion burst in.

"My Lord," she gasped and lowered her head towards the bed.

"Give me a pair of your trousers and a tunic," Damion demanded.

"Of course, my Lord." Amaya rushed from her bed and over to her dresser. She quickly drew what the king had wanted and handed it to him gingerly.

He grabbed her by the neck and pulled her face close to his. "Never lie to me again, Amaya, or you'll find yourself missing a few things." He shoved her back onto the bed and started towards the door. "I never thought you would betray me after what we've gone through," he growled, slamming the door behind him.

Without much notice to the others in the corridors, hallways or room he passed, he made his way straight to the dungeon. Poorly dressed, unshavened, or cleaned up by any means to visit his new guests.

He passed a few random slaves, peasants and servants without much mind. Jacob was probably in the far cells, chained to the wall from causing so much trouble in being caught. Damion sneered as he caught sight of Sarah, wrapped up in a blanket on her cot and against the cold dugeon wall.

A sudden and unexplainable feeling filled Damion's chest. It ached and his head swam from it. He caught himself and pulled himself back together as he unlocked the door.

"Not you again." Sarah growled at him.

He smiled at her as he threw the clothes onto the end of the bed. "Found Amaya running around, figured I would give them to you personally." As the last words left his lips, Damion realized that he had no desire to make her put them on now, in front of him. He even turned away from her as he thought about it. "I will send Amaya back down to show you to your room. If you so please."

"I'll do just fine here," Sarah spat at him.

"Suit yourself. You change your mind--." He began as he left the cell, locking the gate door behind him.

"I won't!"

Damion smiled and continued down the long path of cells before reaching a large box, like opening that led to more. These cells were stronger than the others and harder to get to. Usually six or seven of Damion's best guards were stationed down here to watch over the deadlest of "criminals".

"Hello, Jacob." Damion called as he walked in front of the peasants cell.

"Kind Damion." Jacob replied courtly.

"I'm going to make an example of you, tomorrow in the center of town. All eyes watching." Damion's tone was menacing and cruel as the massive man opened the cell door and walked across the dank, and wet floor.

Jacob rolled his head over, barely able to lift it. Damion strolled over to him swiftly and grabbed the man's face.

"What do you plan on doing to me this time, Damion." Jacob grumbled, staring up into the king's face.

"You will fight me," Damion smiled. "With no weapons, no armor. Just two men with their bare fists in front of all the villagers."

"Isn't that a little unfair being in my current state?"

"My servants will nurse you back to health before your fight. I'll even give you the chance to see your daughter if you mind your manners while in my castle."

Jacob's eyes widen. He thought his daughter had died alond side his wife.

"I'll leave you with that thought. When Amaya comes to check on Sarah, I will have her bring you to your daughter's room. That is if you agree to behave. You decide to escape or help set anything off, I will have your daughter's head."

Damion left the cell, locked it and walked back up to the surface.[/FONT][/COLOR]

OOC: Sorry it took me so long. Hopefully this will get things moving again.

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][I].......Rinoa....[/I]

Jacob could feel his heart breaking.......it had been years since he's heard news of his daughter...thinking that she was dead. And now, Damion had him by the balls. To fight him in the center square....or too deny his satisfaction, and go through the death of his daughter yet again.

[I]I wonder what she looks like now...[/I] he had missed her so much. He silky black hair, falling over her face and shoulders....*he started to cry for joy*

''She's alive...'' he muttered out from underneathe his breathe. His strength leaving him from the exileration of emotion coarsing through his veins. Suddenly, the pain simply left him; being wrapped in warmth, like a blanket in the winter nights.

[I]....but what do I do when I fight Damion. Even if I were to heal back to full strength...he will win. It will be close...he and I are much alike...but, I'm afraid that he will prevail, for he wishes to use my death as an example to the rest. [/I]

''I cannot allow that to happen....but what do I do....

Right then...an idea came to mind. His confidence came back to him, dwelling on the thought.

[I]We shall see...[/I] as Jacobs eyes drifted shut; having him go into a deep sleep. [/SIZE] [/COLOR]

[Aiyanna]

[COLOR=Indigo]Amaya was taken by total surprise by her King's actions, but with only a flutter of her eyelashes and a bow was how she reacted. She understood. But she had not meant to betray him.

As her king left the room, she frowned after him, rubbing her neck. Why would he ever think that she would betray him? She had never thought of it. She never would think of it. He was her king.
Dismissing those thoughts, she quietly got up again and walked to her door. His orders had been for her to not wander around without his permission again...but she wanted to check on Sarah. She had no doubt that the clothes had been for the woman.

She could feel bruises starting to form on her neck where Damion had grabbed her. It was not the first time she had been bruised, but she hoped he hadn't really meant to hurt her. After only once more hesitating, she took a breath and left her room. She was going to have to find Damion and ask him permission to go see Sarah.

After carefully walking the halls, keeping an eye out and occassionally rubbing the new bruise on her neck, Amaya found him on his way back to his chambers.
She cleared her throat and almost timidly walked to his side.

"My Lord..." Her emerald eyes found his cold hard ones and she had to stop for a moment. How she wished those eyes would show at least a little passion for her. But they didn't. They never did. sadness flickered across her own features before she modeled them into meekness once more.

"My King, I ask permission to check on the slave girl, Sarah, who is at the moment residing in the dungeons."[/COLOR]

[...]

Sarah sat on her cot. She laughed to herself "Right Sarah. You REALLY showed him who's boss." she said. She was... thankful he brought the clothes to her... surprised... but... thankful. SHe thought he, out of everyone would have dragged it out as long as possible... but... [i]he[/i] brought her clothes... she frowned... she was confused... he even gave her [i]PRIVACY[/i] .... something she didn't expect in the least...

"Sarah?" Amaya's voice was heard from beyond the door. Sarah stood up and smiled as she came down the dungeon steps. "King Damion allowed me to check on you..."

Sarah smiled. "Thanks... I take it you told him about the clothes..."

"Well not exactly, but he did see me hurry to my quarters... he got angry that I was walking around, and grounded me. Then he came for the clothes..."

"Hmm..." Sarah said walking away from the door.

"He asked if you would like a room... or you can stay the night..."

Sarah smiled. "A room would be great" she said. Amaya got her out and showed her to her room.

OOC: Sorry for it's shortness... have to go..

[lil kitsune boy]

Asher ducked behind a crate near the castle gate as a pair of guards passed by.

[I]This sneaking around thing's getting harder all the time.[/I] he thought as the guards disappeared from view. [I]One of these time's they might even catch me.[/I]

[I]Now to get in the castle, free the prisoners and send up that signal.[/I] He circled around to one of the rear gates onto the castle grounds. There was only one guard here, so this would have to be the best entrance. He managed to get past the guard before he woke. He thought he was home free until he felt the tip of a spear at his back.

'And who are you, sneaking into the castle at this time of night?' the guard asked, pressing the spear against Asher's back uncomfortably.

'I'm a bard,' Asher lied, 'Here to entertain the king's guests.'

'Really?' the guard asked, disbelievingly, 'With three swords on you? Turn around and let me get a look at you.'

[I]Damn.[/I] Asher thought, slowly turning. The guard nearly dropped his spear.

'You're Asher Ravenblood!' he practically screamed. Wasting no time, the guard thrust his spear at Asher's heart.

Asher grabbed the spear as he twirled to the side. To his surprise the guard didn't let go. Instead, he pulled the spear the opposite way, nearly out of Asher's grasp. Asher recovered quickly, using the spear's momentum to spin him further, until he was directly behind the guard.

'It'll take more than one pitiful guard to take me out.' he said, drawing a dagger from his belt. He stabbed the guard at the base of his skull, dropping him in an instant. He looked down at the corpse with a kind of disappointment before continuing on his way inside.

[Sinistra]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Palatino Linotype]Amongst the madness going around in the castle with a slave girl named Sarah and some of the guards disappearing, Maaya was walking around trying to find something to busy herself with.

This castle seemed like that kind of place, "You're not doing something, you're worthless. Worthless people die." She shuddered at the thought. King Daimon would personally ensure her execution if she proved that she wasn't pulling her weight.

She walked around watching others run around like chickens with their heads cut off. Maaya didn't realize it, but she turned a corner too sharply and ran into the Lady Ashrel. As she fell onto her backside, a sword was resting just beneath her chin. "Girl, I have every right to slit your throat." She said through clenched teeth.
"My lady, I'm so sorry, I was walking around looking for something to make myself useful with." She replied, trembling slightly.
"Oh don't you worry. You are one of the King's new slave girls, right?" Ashrel withdrew her sword and sheathed it.
"Yes, ma'am."
"He'll find you useful when he wants to. You shouldn't be so impatient, it draws him closer." Ashrel said as she walked on.

Later on, Maaya made her way out to the courtyard. There, she glanced at Sir Rion Marquise, staring intensely at the water of the stream. He was obviously in deep thought. She turned around to see Amaya leading Sarah from a corridor out of the dungeons.

[CENTER][I]"He'll find you useful when he wants to. You shouldn't be so impatient, it draws him closer."[/I][/CENTER]

The thought of what Lady Ashrel had said troubled Maaya to some extent. It made her feel...dirty...
" I need to bathe." She replied to herself and walked back into the maze of corridors in the castle.[/FONT][/COLOR]