Petal blushed and smiled happily as her mistress spoke nodding in response, looking as if she were trying to put things in proper order in her mind.The kiss on the forehead only deepened the shade of her blush to a shade not seen in public before.

"Yes Mistress. Of curse. I'd be happy to use them as you instruct." She let out a small yelp as she was yanked up, nodding rapidly as she listened to the whisper.  She dropped her head slightly in respect."Of course Mistress. I am, and always will be yours."

Her slim body shivered slightly, as she was roughly handled by the powerful woman not entirely out of fear, there was also excitement and arousal that mixed in with the fear to make the shiver more intense. Silently she prayed to any who listened to lowly slaves that her response to being roughly handled was noticed only by her Mistress.

In reply to Stardancer (msg # 110):

" I doubt our life of ease will be long lived." Rinaldo sighed as he walked. Enjoying the sights and the company." They don't often award titles and create an order for these they plan to allow to retire to their estates."

"I'm sure our feet will soon be wandering again." Rinaldo paused and looked up at the sky, and picked a flower offering it to Stardancer." Anytime you wish you can be on your way wherever you decide to travel. I would be very happy if spent some time with me first.. I am rather happy when you are about."

"To be honest, since we were interrupted back at the clearing I have had you on my mind, and I'd be lying if I said you hadn't found your way into my roguish heart."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:51, Tue 05 July 2016.

She blushed and let a hind hoof shift a bit "I would be lying to you and myself if I said I had no feelings for you.  Not just as a companion as the others, but something closer.  I worry for you when you are elsewhere." She took an almost hesitant step closer to him.  "Perhaps the Oracle meant for us to find each other at the gates that day.  I cannot help to wonder if their wisdom to show ..my old master... humility and learn kindness.  My life with him would have left me despondent.  Your humor and joy for life...it lifted and still lifts my soul.  I know I could somehow return to my herd, however I do not want to miss seeing your face and the sound of your voice." not one to be overly bashful she decided to take a brave chance after hearing his words and the outpouring of her own.  She leaned down and forward and kissed him.  Not quickly, but as one should kiss one they care about, with passion and gentleness.

 Rinaldo shifted a bit himself as she spoke, His ears becoming a bit war, and he had a hard time keeping the most boyish of smiled from coming to his face as she spoke. In truth, he was a bit of a magpie from birth raucous, and often irreverent, but the cocky self sure posture and to the hells with care expression vanished replaced by a man nervous and elated at hearing his first love speak.

The kiss took him by surprise but he  returned it  with equal passion and had no care for anything but the moment he was in. When they finally parted lips he blinked and looked as if he had taken a large gulp of potent liquor for a moment.

"It's said that since man first learned to kiss there have been five perfect kisses, Now there are six."Rinaldo Beamed as he spoke."Thank you for sharing it."

"The God  of doorways cursed me for arrogance and conceit," Rinaldo admitted with a smile." I shall thank him for that curse, and call it a gift. If I knew which god to thank for you I would build a shrine, to them and thank them daily."

As he spoke, and in the passion of the kiss, he had not realized the gift scroll from the astrologer had crumbled to ash and dust, it's purpose fulfilled."I will never regret having you at my side, or the path that led me to the place and time I needed to be at to meet you."

I have never loved anything or anyone. But I think you have won my heart. It's yours for the taking"

"No...No one can take what is freely given.  But I will accept your heart if you will accept mine that I offer" She smiled brightly.  In the sunshine of the flowers of the pristine garden she moved to kiss him again, The warm scented breeze making the moment nearly magical.

Having long finished her stick of shrimp, little kitty searched among the various dishes she saw.  Watching the others at the table.  She wanted something.  Thinking she licked a paw clean.  She wanted food from the tall, two legger table..that's what she wanted!  Coyly she sauntered from her companions there at the short table and began eyeing the big table.  Two leggers always have good food...the shwimpies was proof.  What they ate was always much better than what the others got, and now she was having to eat more.  Soon she'd have a few more mouths to feed besides her own.  She watched the flow of two leggers to figure the best way to get to the wonderful smells up on the tall tables.

It took Xi a long time to think of what would be most beneficial.  Finally when she managed to think of what that might be she approached the royal astrologer.  With a polite genuflection she quietly asked if what she wanted would be appropriate.  What she began to ask for was a warriors mount.  A steed of steel, fortitude, and grace.  One designed for battle.  A rare Romany elven horse...If they stll existed.  She hoped that they did.  A blend of grace and strength.

"accepted Gladly." Rinaldo replied with a soft smile.He accepted her kiss, and took her hand afterward."We must look a sight, both smiling ear to ear and trying not to trip over our own feet."

The Astrologer nods to Lady Xi.  "There are elven horses still in the world, though they are exceeding rare.  Perhaps one could be found and persuaded to consider you for a companion.  Such animals are extraordinarily intelligent, Lady Xi, and they accept only one person to ride them.  I will ask Lady Sadina to assist me in finding an elven steed, and then we shall see if you can persuade him, or her."

She knew such would be most difficult to have one just handed over.  They were intelligent she knew but, there could be a solution "Master Astronomer...I ...if I may be so bold here...I like the solution" She stated calmly "As you say, they are intelligent and noble, and loyal to it's rider.  For you to obtain one for me I believe would make such a remarkable creature loyal to another than I.  You say they do still exist.  Then if I may, my request stands ... Where would I begin that I might find such that I may see if I am worthy enough to obtain its friendship and loyalty" she asked, after all the most miraculous of things such as friendships, love, and loyalty would be worked at with great fortitude and effort.  It seemed the astrologer agreed to that as well

Crow's eyes immediately widened when Hieronymous offered not only to teach him, but have him one day take over as the Empress's chief advisor.  That was probably the last thing he ever expected.  He never once thought of obtaining a position of such... great responsibility and importance.  He didn't think much about his future any further than adventure and fun.

This... was a crossroads for him.  His immediate instinct was to accept the offer, but there was hesitation gripping his mind.  Grabbing hold of his jaw and keeping it closed.  Teeth clenched, he wondered if he really should accept.  What was wrong?  He normally dove headfirst into uncharted territories like this.  It was no different than when he accepted the position of bard not so long ago...

No... this was different.  Clearly.  He accepted the position of bard because the alternative... there was no real alternative.  Now... he was given a clear choice.  He was being entrusted.  For the longest time, as a wandering traveler, he became accustomed to being underestimated.  For the first time in a long time, someone of great importance was not underestimating him in the least... but was he instead being overestimated?

Maybe Hieronymous was right about taking time to consider and reach a deci-

"I accept."

Before Crow realized what he was doing, those words flew out of his mouth.  He was surprised, even though he was the one who said those words.  A small grin appeared on his face.  Wasn't this how he had always done things?  Spontaneously and without a care in the world?  No... not without a care.  Simply... resolute, completely sure, and confident in his own decisions.

A Cheshire grin etched across the aspiring arcane disciple's face.  "I am honoured, Master Hieronymous, for someone of your position and power to have such faith in my abilities.  I accept your offer and I promise, I will prove that your faith in me was not misplaced.  I will not let you down."

Crow lowered his head and bowed, humbled by the great challenges that no doubt awaited him in the near future.

Sparrow quietly moved away from the Royal Astrologer as he spoke to other, more important people, still rubbing her now pristine cheek in amazement. Unsure what her place might be now, she wandered briefly before reaching the table that had been laid out, apparently, for cats. She chuckled to herself and approached to coo at the cute kittens. One of them seemed disinterested in the food and was watching the people so she quietly approached that one and scratched her neck.

"Well hello there."

" It's good to see you without the mark." Azael Bowed his head slightly to Sparrow as he spoke. Then smiled as he too reached to stroke the kittens milling about." You have had quite an adventure since we first met. I am glad it as given you some relief from your plight.

I hope the Astrologer also released you from that bothersome curse. It seems to me that perhaps they could consider the price for past deeds paid in full."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 08:37, Wed 13 July 2016.

"Hello Azael. I am glad to see you well." The beautiful slave girl smiled at Azael and stroked the kitten's neck. "I did not ask the Astrologer to do more than remove the brand. It already seemed like a lot to ask, wouldn't you agree? How have you fared?"

" It seems the fallen prince has become a Noble once more." Azeal replied with a hint of wry humor." A man in good standing of the empire he once rebelled against."

"And the empress has kindly returned what was taken from me when I rebelled. A few reminders of glory long faded. " Azeal moved his arm the deep black of the cloak he wore shimmering into dark vapour around the edges cloaking him for a brief second in shadows, and smoke, sprinkling desert sand on the polished floor.


Sadly I can not yet return home, the sentence my own people imposed is not one the Empress can remove. I seem to be fated to stay here for a few more years.At least I have fair company for my stay."

Sparrow smiled brightly, lighting up her face. "That is fantastic news!" She gave the newfound prince a deeper curtsey. "A wealthy man once more. No more guarding little slave girls on sketchy caravans. And that is a most impressive cloak. You cut a suitably regal figure in it, I assure you. I hope you fill find the city to your liking. It is a vibrant place, from what I have seen of it."

I am sure it is a city worth seeing." Azael agreed and motioned toward the city beyond the wall."I have no doubt my skills will be needed and the city will see to it I am occupied.I am curious though. What do you plan to do in such a place?"

Sparrow hesitated, then looked down humbly. "Whatever my master wishes for me to do. Is that not the loyal slave's lot?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Mon 11 July 2016.

In reply to slave girl sparrow (msg # 131):

"that it is." Azeal seemed to approve of the reply. He looked about to the rest of the group. There are several very loyal, and devoted servants in our group. I doubt we would have succeeded so well if they hadn't lent their own expertise to our problems."

" trusted slave is more valuable than most possessions a man can acquire. They have no reason to lie, or to deceive, and will always answer truthfully.The empire retains an army of loyal janissaries for that reason. they answer to no one but her."

"Any who gains you may be the richer for it. I must admit I had my doubts that you would adjust when we first met. Arcane tricks can force obedience, but not devotion. But you seem to have adjusted well. No doubt you will serve well, until the gods or the empress or your master decides to give you back your freedom. I might even find myself envious if such an emotion was still within me."

Sparrow chuckled softly. "I have had little choice but to try to adapt, though that too is the slave's lot. Still, I feel I am not nearly as expert as you think me. Oft I wonder what is my place and how I should act. I have never been taught, after all." She shrugged."I know not what will befall me now, truth be told." She scratched the kitten behind its ears. "If you are envious, well, you are a man of wealth now; I am sure you can find a loyal and beautiful slave to serve you, should you wish."

In reply to slave girl sparrow (msg # 133):

" Well then your time is well spent by considering both how to adapt, and what your place in the world is."" Azael nodded and examined the kitten for a moment. No doubt I can have my pick a baron would be a customer sought after by many flesh merchants. truth be told,I detest those little toads I'm tempted to part their heads from their bodies all too often. and the markets are filthy places full of desperation and despair...a foul place to find anyone worth having."

"While I would be eager to acquire you for both beauty and charm, I am not certain of your ownership at this point. I do recall someone holding your leash a while back,although I haven't seen him in some time.."

None seemed to mind her.  With strong legs she leapt to the top of the table.  Oh a wonderous feast!!!  All the two legger foodies!!  Careful and delicately she sauntered around tall spires of foodies.  Of all things she spied a tall spire of what smelled like ...like liver!!  Bestus stuffs.  Strolling a bit, attracted by its spiced scent.  No one would miss a bite ..or two.  A gentle tasting she felt is smooth texture on her tongue.  It tasted soo wonderful.  In a few moments she made an indent on the side from eating it, thin wafers surrounding it fell to the table and a few to the floor.

 it slinks in through the open garden doors, hiding under tables and darting like a vague shadow until it comes to the pets feasting table. It hisses and swats then gulps food down like it was starving, which from the looks of it it was indeed skin and bones. After gorging for a bit it ran to hide under a chair where it washed it's natty black hair while keeping it's dark gold eyes alert for danger.

 "Of course I will be more than happy to try to find you an elven steed. They are quite rare, but with the shakeup in the aether lately perhaps there are some wandering around. I will do my best for you Lady Xi."
 She graciously offered her assistance as Hieronymous had suggested she might. She knew of one whom she might ask.

"I am not sure what happened to Judos, truth be told. I have been told I am property of the Empire now. I have not been told why; I suppose I have no need to know, do I?"

She chuckled at the kitten's antics. "Ferocious hunter, that one."

She turned back to Azael. "I am not sure what my fate will be. Back to the slave markets, perhaps.."